Flashcards in iPhone!!!

I stumbled across a rather useful app for iPhone - gFlash+. It is very handy for someone preparing for SAT, GRE or GMAT to keep track of word lists/math formula. And it doesn't stop at that. The best part is, this app can be linked to your Google Docs (Spreadsheets with two columns) and you can use the material in this spreadsheet for your flash cards. Furthermore, you can populate columns C-F and use data in these fields as multiple choices. gFlash+ also has its own template to create flashcards, but I'd strongly prefer syncing stuff with Google Docs. There are already some flashcards in gFlash's library (known as catalog), though it is not that helpful. I think gFlash+ can be used in an optimal way if you upload personalized spreadsheets through Google Docs and in that way you can refer to them on the go.

There is a limitation on the size of the file that you can upload to your iPhone via Google Docs. gFlash's documentation has the cap at 400 cells (200 rows with two columns). I already uploaded a couple of 400 cell datasets to my iPhone and it works great.

You can get gFlash+ from iTunes or alternatively through Appshopper.

Above all, this app is for free!!

Brainteaser!!

I was flummoxed by a certain word in English, a very tricky one. Here it is...

Question: There is a common English word that is nine letters long. Each time you remove a letter from it, it still remains an English word - from nine letters right down to a single letter. What is the original word, and what are the words that it becomes after removing one letter at a time?

Try to figure it out. Check the solution here.

Day out in Boston.

Boston has always been one of my favorite cities in the US and with my trip yesterday, my appreciation and bonding with this city grew further. I cannot pinpoint to what really makes me love this city. Some impressions have no reasons. The presence of Harvard and MIT contribute a lot to my impression. And yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit the revered Harvard University and have a glance at the marvellous MIT.

Firstly, the public transit was extraordinary. I did not have to rent a car. There was absolutely no necessity. Moreover, I read online that the parking rates are exorbitant and almost match the cost of taking a cab to your destination. Anyways, I did my research and carried the route map of MBTA's (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) subway routes. It was very helpful and of course, the fares were very cheap. I used MBTA subway to go to Harvard, downtown Boston and to City Point (Pleasure Bay).

Secondly, the climate was exhilarating. For someone coming from Phoenix, 65 F odd temperature is really cool. And the best part is, it was drizzling throughout. It has been ages since I spent nearly 5-6 hours in rain sporting an umbrella. It was a refreshing experience.

Thirdly, I loved the culture of the city. People with whom I've interacted were warm, friendly and courteous without any exceptions. Especially at Harvard University, I was very comfortable in navigating my way.

These three factors helped make my trip more comfortable. The reason I loved this trip though is because I got to visit Harvard. Harvard, Wharton, MIT and Stanford (in no particular order) are revered schools to me. I've been to Stanford last year as it is near to my place. But, I always wanted to visit Harvard Law and Harvard Business Schools. I made it yesterday. And I was mightily impressed with the ambience at HBS. It was serene, pristine and exquisite. It is a class act and truly represented its rank among B-Schools.

By the end of day, we were totally exhausted as we walked over 10 miles :). We mellowed down by evening and caught the flight back to hot hot Phoenix. I am guessing my next trip will be to Philadelphia. I'm eager to see how Wharton looks like.