Brain Drain: The Times ran an article yesterday saying that some Indians find they can go home again.

Exurbs: Whilst searching for the Times article to link against last, week I chose “exurb” as my keyword. That led to an interesting collection of articles in addition to the one I wanted. Some interesting titles include:

  • 4 Debutantes Will Be Presented Tonight at Tuxedo Autumn Ball – By CHARLOTTE CURTIS (Oct 17, 1964; pg. 33, 1)
  • How to Live in Suburbs and Not Be ‘a Suburban Housewife’ – By MARYLIN BENDER (Aug 15, 1967; pg. 28, 1)
  • Suburban Women at Work – By MARYLIN BENDER (Aug 22, 1971; pg. F3, 1)
  • Energy Crisis Inducing Return To City Stores and Attractions – By FRANK J. PRIAL (Feb 21, 1974; pg. 1, 2)
  • Conflicting Court Actions Perplex Towns Seeking to Curb Growth – By GLADWIN HILL (Jul 29, 1974; pg. 20, 1)
  • Suburbs Face More of Ills Already Troubling Cities – By ROBERT REINHOLD (Nov 16, 1978; pg. B4, 1)

While Wikipedia says the term originated in the 1950s, the Times used it in an article in 1890, in the article “No More Roads on Stilts.” Apparently it didn’t stick, and with the drowsy prose from the extract it’s easy to see why:

The reported Gould-Platt alliance for the purpose of controlling rapid transit by means of such legislation at Albany as will incorporate in the Fassett bill amendments to the Rapid-Transit act of 1875, and to the amendments thereto known as the Cantor act, while recognized by those who are interested in this subject as a very convenient and clever thing for the elevated railroad, and perhaps …

Indian Airports: India is liberalizing its airlines, but it has a long way to go before air travel is easy, efficient, and capable of meeting demand. That was my sense while waiting for one late flight after another on each of the three major domestic airlines in India (Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Deccan). Everybody expects the airlines to grow, but even the experts aren’t sure India’s infrastructure can keep up.

Black and White Printing: Lots of photographers have trouble making their own B&W inkjet prints that match their vision. And we find it a bit frustrating. I know it’s possible to get great prints—not only because the marketers tell us so—but because I’ve seen beautiful prints made outside the wet darkroom. Practice, practice, practice . . .