GSOC 2008- ZOPE 2

We a team of five from the S4 CSE GEC Trichur is now working on a GSOC project - Zope. Out of the three proposals we submitted it's the only one accepted. Our work is to port Zope 2 to Python 2.5.


The most important Python changes concerning this project are the C API change, changes in compiler module and Python library changes. Apart from this the work also includes Restricted Python implementation in Python2.5.


Zope 3 has already been ported to Python 2.5 by our seniors, Nikhil Chettan and team as a part of the GSOC 2007. They helped us a lot to start the project. And mainly Pramode Sir is our motivator.




And about Zope. Zope is a web application server coded in PYTHON. ZOPE is an abbreviation for Z Object Publishing Environment. Images, documents and page templates are available for users to create and manage web.



There is a thriving community of small businesses creating custom web applications as Zope products. And we are really happy to be a part of that community.



Our Mentor is Sidnei da Silva, Brazilian. Hope to finish the project in time. The final pen down date is August 7th.


We have got three more GSOC projects in our college:-

1) Full Text Search Implementation for the content management system, Bricolage

2)All Indic Language Themes and Improvements in Tuxtype

3)Additional Features to Tuxtype

In addition to this we have three GSOC mentors.

CIAO

Bristow

For You...

Here is a short story. I don't know whether this make you think the same way I did. Anyway the moral of this story seems wright for me...

Once there lived a farmer and his son in a beautiful village. His mother got expired when he was born. Father was everything for him.

There was his friend's family as their neighbor. Father, mother and a beautiful girl made up that small happy family. They were good friends. The boy and girl were in love.

But after his school days his father send him abroad for studies. At first he send letters to that girl, but as time passed it came to an end. There was no contact between them. He was fed up with his own enjoyments there. The girl send him many letters but he didn't replied. Years passed...

After completing his studies he returned back to home. He was in a bad mood. And after knowing that his girl is now a wife, made him in extra agony.
His father noticed all this things.

One day he went to his father and asked,

"WHAT IS LOVE?"

Father thought for a while and replied,

"In order to answer your question, go to the wheat
field and choose the biggest wheat and come back.
But one thing: you can go through them only once and cannot
turn back to pick."

He went to the field, went through first row, he saw one big wheat,
but he wonders....may be there is a bigger one later.

Then he saw another bigger one... but may be there is an even bigger
one waiting for him.

Later, when he finished more than half of the wheat field, he starts to
realize that the wheat is not as big as the previous one he saw, he
knew he has missed the biggest one, and he regretted.

So, he ended up went back to his father with empty hand. His father
told him,
"...this is love... you keep looking for better ones, but
when later you realize, you have already missed the person."

here ends the story...



SO DON'T MISS A PERSON WHO LOVES YOU AND WHOM YOU FEEL FOR...

CIAO

Bristow

WINLIBRE-EMBEDDED

Google summer of code(GSOC) 2008 is on. The program is alive with hundreds of projects for students under different mentoring organizations. We heard about the program last year, when two of our seniors got GSOC projects. Zope and SMC were their mentoring organizations. They successfully completed it and they got a reward of 5000$ and more over they got the FOSS India awards 2008. Here are the HEROS.




This year unfortunately the last date for submission of proposals was march 31st. We were busy with our third semester university exams, though we managed to prepare the abstract for three projects under three different organisations-Winlibre, Zope, and Rockbox. It was in between the DCS exam we prepared the abstracts with the help of Pramode Sir and Mobin Chettan. The abstract for Zope was prepared with the help of Nikhil Chettan and submitted under Renjith's name. Pramode Sir gave me new idea to propose under WINLIBRE and it is WINLIBRE-EMBEDDED, an open source tool for programming micro controllers with an IDE and a compiler. And the third one, Rockbox was submitted under Deepak's name. It is a project to add real media support to APPLE i-Pod.


As a next step we got into IRC to communicate with our mentors. We were really thrilled by their quick response. I was a little worried to talk to a mentor as the subject is more technical rather than a friendly chat that we usually do in chat rooms. But as we expressed our ideas they became more interested.


And about Winlibre, it is an open source package which contains multimedia, browsing, editing and some educational tools. It works on both windows and mac-os platforms. Our idea is to create a new tool for embedded system programming, particularly for programming the ATMEL AVR atmega8 microcontrollers. We are planning to make a tool similar to PARALLAX which is a proprietary tool basically meant for programming stamp family microcontrollers. It is famous as an educational tool. Our aim is to give an open source tool to replace parallax. The project details are as follows.


Our tool contains a user friendly IDE instead of the difficult command line.‭ ‬The only open source tool available now is the GNU C compiler.‭ ‬But programming a microcontroller‭ (‬for beginners‭) ‬is a tedious task with command line GCC.‭ ‬Our project has mainly three parts:-

1‭)‬Utility library-‭ ‬which contains functions for controlling hardware units of the micro controller (an AVR Atmega8).

2‭)‬BASIC compiler-‭ ‬which generates the corresponding assembly code for the micro controller.

3‭)‬IDE-‭ ‬in which user can code in simple BASIC language, get it
compiled and transferred to the microcontroller (using a program
like avrdude or uisp).

We hope the mentors are convinced and will approve our projects. And we plan to spend the summer vacations on the project if we get one.

Thanking Pramode Sir, Mobin Chettan and Nikhil chettan.

CIAO

Bristow

Valentine's Day-Express 'The Most Beautiful Feeling -LOVE'

First of all let me wish you all in beforehand HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. Feb-14, the valentines day, is dedicated to all those who keeps love in life and mind irrespective of culture, religion, sex and age. Love is one of the most wonderful gift given by god. There are only very few human beings who has not felt the feeling of love to anyone or anything. Every human being is blessed with this gift.

The feeling of love makes you happy, it makes our life worthy, without love our life is meaningless. Love has no age, no religion, no caste etc, it just blooms in our mind.


Though we cannot give a clear cut definition to love, it's a game of of our mind. The word love has got a range of meanings from 'something that gives a little pleasure to something one would die for. It can describe an intense feeling of affection or an emotional state. Let me tell about a love story, based on which the valentines day is celebrated.



The origin of Valentine's Day is from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to 'love'-the most beautiful feeling given to humans. St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at a temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending messages and simple gifts like flowers.

Years ago in Rome, the lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on pieces of paper and put into a box. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the box and then, they would be partners for the duration of the festival. Sometimes the pairing lasted for an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their lovers or families. As a result, Claudius canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married, and for this kind deed, Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off.

He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honor of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance direct

ed.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavored to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for th e celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way...

It's our second valentines day celebration in our college. The first one was really wonderful. And our Sami got a wonderful gift:) Three more valentines day (sadly)in our college life, and let it be more wonderful.:)

As a cessation-'There is nothing in this world that is more wonderful than love'.

ciao-

Bristow

TATA NANO- THE PEOPLE'S CAR

Ratan Tata announced about the project to launch a people's car, a car with an affordable price for the common people, a decade ago and it was launched on January 2008 in Delhi Auto Expo, with an interesting price 1 lakh(2500$).

In our country it's very common to see scooter families, Dad in the driver seat,Mum holding a child sitting in the back seat,another child in between them and one in front of Dad, going through the " best roads " in our country(in rainy season too). TATA NANO is dedicated to all such families. The engineers at TATA motors, by their determination and dedication gave birth to the cute looking NANO.

It's beautiful aerodynamic design and good finish distinguishes it from MARUTI SUZUKI's "people's car" MARUTI 800. Though our little beauty has comparatively less engine power than 800, it has got many other advantages.

TATA NANO------------MARUTI 800

Engine 623 cc ----------------796 cc

Power 33 ps ------------------ 37 ps

Mileage 20 km/l---------------18km/l

Spacing more -----------------comparatively less

Design best-------------------- good

Finish best ---------------------bad

Overall styling best ----------not stylish

Price 1 lakh*--------------------1.87 lakh*










So before deciding to buy a MARUTI 800, test drive the TATA NANO. More technical description is given below:-

With a length of 3.1 meters, width of 1.5 meters and height of 1.6 meters and with adequate ground clearance, it can be effortlessly driven in busy roads and cities.

The car is powered by an all, 624cc fuel injected petrol engine in the rear of the car. The car produces 33 bhp and this could give it similar performance to the heavier but more powerful MARUTI 800 that makes 37 bhp. The engine is mated to a four speed manual transmission and Tata are in the process of developing a CVT automatic transmission.

TATA offers a price of 1lakh(ex showroom) for it's magic wand NANO, though the on road price may be 1.25 lakhs or more.


Not only families but also the dashing teens and youths may also try this four wheeler instead of buying a 200cc or above bikes.
The features can be summed up as follows:-

. All sheet-metal body, strong passenger compartment

. intrusion-resistant doors

. seat belts

. strong seats and anchorages

. tailgate glass bonded to the body

. tubeless tyres

. lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India

. rear-wheel drive

. all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine

. performance controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system

. length: 3.1 meters

. width: 1.5 meters

. height: 1.6 meters

. 4 seats

. 4 doors

Your's

Bristow

A FULLFILLED DREAM-EXTREME BIKING

Setting off for the journey
My maternal home is in the 'Kashmir of the south' - the mystic, exotic land of Munnar. It was one of my dreams to go on a trip to Munnar on my bike. Fortunately I got such an opportunity during the Onam vacations. Me, with my sweet brother, passionate of biking, started off to Munnar, early in the morning.

My home is at Thodupuzha, a beautiful village-town of Idukki district. Munnar is approximately 120 km away from there.

After filling the fuel, we started from Thodupuzha. The odometer-needle strictly adhering to 50- 60km/h. We had a pit stop at Oonnukal ,where from the scenic beauty starts ,to check the air pressure. Then onwards I maintained a speed of 40-50 km/h so as to enjoy the nature's magic. The speed was even more reduced as we entered the forest. Took many halts in the forest.
Our journey through the thick, dark green forest- Neryamangalam, was really thrilling. Small streams by the side of the road can be seen through out the forest. Each drop of cold water put on our face gave us great refreshment. We could clearly understand the sharp climatic change as we entered the high range,especially through the forest.




Deviating into a narrow ,muddy road from the main track lead us to a cute stream ,a place amazingly blessed with natural beauty.The road, at one time, used to be splendid river, but now devoid of its richness. Big stones ,sharp curves, and potholes all made me feel my bike better. It felt like riding a 'horse'. We stayed there for an hour or so and had our food which Mom had packed. On the way, me and my bro stopped at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls- the places gifted lavishly with fantabulous scenic beauty. By evening we reached Mom's house at Rajakkadu, a remote village near Munnar. My Grandmother scolded me for taking off on such an 'risky journey'. Not only me but my parents as well got scoldings from my sweet old GM.

Rajakkadu is a place which I like the most because I love "natural beauties" of villages. Me and Brintow spent a day there playing and exploring the village with my cousin. Very next day we started from there to Munnar, early in the morning. I was emotional seeing my GM's sad face(as we were leaving). But as we reached Munnar, nature wiped off my tears with her magical hand.

Each and every spot was crowded with foreigners and other tourists. We searched for a lonely place, and so directly went to the Anayirangal dam that isn't built using cement, not even a single molecule of cement!! It is 30km away from Munnar town. The two of us spent 2-3 hours sharing our ideas and thoughts and talked a lot about our future life, sharing our ambitions and i just thought about the beautiful feeling- 'LOVE', may be my brother too. Our mind was clear and our thoughts were fresh.

The last half an hour was spent on advices! I gave advices to my brother as if I were a mature person!!.

We started back to Munnar through the "Gap road". It was nerve-chilling cold there. We were shivering. At a beautiful spot in the gap road we halted. Then mist came down and we touched the clouds, and it was an amazing experience!! We bought roasted cashew nuts and made a call home. They were happy hearing that we were enjoying the trip.

After lunch we bid farewell to Munnar. Our journey back home was disturbed by rain as well as an hour halt in the midst of the forest due to an accident.

The two of us reached home by twilight. Gave Mom and Dad home-made chocolates and cashew nuts which we bought from Munnar.

That night, we narrated the wonderful trip to our parents. Me and my brother couldn't sleep, unable to contain our excitement, so just laid down dreaming about the next trip...
Final word:

MUNNAR IS SIMPLY SUPERB AND MY BIKE, THE BEST. I got a mileage of 65km/l throughout the journey. Its OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE made me feel proud for choosing such an amazing machine- DISCOVER 125- the best in it's segment. THANKS TO BAJAJ MOTORS FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL 'DISCOVERy'.

Yours

Bristow

UC college welcomes a Legend

Richard M Stallman,the founder of free software movement,hacker,philosopher and software developer. He started GNU project to make a UNIX like operating system. He was at UC college to deliver a speech on FREE SOFTWARE IN ETHICS AND PRACTICE. Ten of us got the rarest of the rarest chance to listen to his speech and to talk with him. The plan was made in an hour and we took off. Though we missed fifteen minutes of the talk, the rest two and a half hours talk raised all of us to a better level.
The information about his arrival was given by Pramode sir. It was really an amazing speech. He deliberately talked about the draw backs of proprietary softwares and more about the advantages of free software. He pointed out the usage of LINUX by we people and told us to use GNU/LINUX because, the idea and the first layout was proposed by them and Linus came to the field years after that.(I felt like a little bit of ego probs) He too mentioned the wrong usage as open source for free software.
He fired Microsoft Corporation for its copyright against piracy. He said that helping your neighbor or friend by just giving him a copy of a software which you've in your hand cannot be named as piracy-a word used for robbery in the deep sea. I too felt it's not fare to give the name of pirate for just copying a software. The speech helped me to understand more about the philosophy of free software(I think).
He beautifully placed bits of humor through out his speech. In the midst of his speech he dressed like a priest just wearing a gown and a hat and imitated like a god. "I'm saint Ignusious, the proposer of Emacs, i bless your computer".Though it was funny, that made us think...I felt like a mono act.


I was surprised to hear that such a world famous personality has no personal belongings including his laptop!. He was so simple in dressing. He just had a plastic bag and cover with him for such a long journey!
After his speech we got a chance to go near him and talk to him. We invited him to our college, but he politely refused and offered us a video conferencing with pleasure. He gave Devidas his visiting card!! I were as if in a dream, a world famous man is sitting in front of us!!
We reached back here at seven in the evening. Myself and Devidas went to meet Pramode sir, to thank him and we were eagerly waiting to tell him about our experience. Sir too was happy and we 'd a discussion for half an hour. And I swear I wont miss any opportunities like this.
your's Bristow