Starting Python

Python can be considered as the same kind of programming environment as MATLAB and R. This is FREE tool and it provide MATLAB-like matrix computation. The following step shows how to install this software.

[1] Install Python
Download the latest python from http://www.python.org/ and install it. You'll see

IDLE (Python GUI) is the same as the MATLAB and R interface. By default, the interface is only shell mode and the editor (functionality to create, edit, save the program) doesn't appear. You need to change a setting: Option > Configure IDLE > General > Startup Preferences --- "Open Edit Window". Click "ok" and restart the IDLE, then you'll see the plain editor.



[2] Install scientific modules (SciPy, NymPy, PyLab)
This is optional but necessary for mathematical use of python. Each module can be downloaded and installed from official site. Many sites are saying that you need to compile after downloading it but now this seems not necessary. The building part is done automatically.
Note that this step can be done automatically by installing python with scientific modules in [1] step.

In addition to these 3 modules, I downloaded "learn" from Scikit (http://scikits.appspot.com/learn) to run the example code. Then, to run this 　http://pypi.python.org/pypi/setuptools#downloads

[3] Install editor
The built-in editor seems to be too simple. There seems to be no official better editor, but several editors can be found on the internet. Emcas will be the best but the first setting can be complicated. I chose PyScripter. I don't compare all the script editors available, but this is already good and seems enough.

[4] Run run the example code.
em, a python package for Gaussian mixture models (PDF)
This is the same as this blog http://www.ar.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/david/softwares/em/

This has not been working yet....

Thanks - reference.
(Python) http://www16.plala.or.jp/hiyokogumi/8/801.html
(Science modules) http://d.hatena.ne.jp/r_e10/20100514/1273853687
(pkg_reseources) http://packages.python.org/distribute/pkg_resources.html

Shale gas potential

http://business.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/topics/20120614/233332/?P=2&ST=nbmag

Leak of technology

Leak of technology - Dilemma without magic bullets
http://business.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/topics/20120518/232279/?P=2

Leak of technology is one of the most critical problem in the industry.
There are 5 cases where technology can leak.
1. Mistake (non-intentional)/ Leak (intentional) of employees.
2. Job changes of employees.
3. Incomplete agreements between companies and employees.
4. Mistake (non-intentional)/ Leak (intentional) from the company that had offered technical service.
5. From the information of the manufacturing machines.

Insurance Card - Carte Vitale

Life Card:
http://www.lifecard.co.jp/card/service/kaigai/lifedesk/4_03.html#kyoten


List of ATM of insurance in Paris
http://www.evous.fr/Assurance-maladie-de-Paris-toutes,1111713.html

Boston info.

Discount store in US
http://www.rossstores.com/
http://www.marshallsonline.com/
http://www.target.com/


Visiting guide from hub.
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/
http://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attractions-g60745-Activities-Boston_Massachusetts.html
http://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attractions-g60890-Activities-Cambridge_Massachusetts.html

Fixed-term deposit in France

As my credit card was in my stolen wallet, I had to freeze the card and reorder one. The new one has arrived recently at my closest bank office, so I went to pick it up this morning.

THEN, as there are certain amount of deposits in my ordinary deposit account (Compte depôt), I was advised to put some money to their fixed-term deposit and I followed the advise (I have been receiving a call from the bank for this even before).

There are several deposit types, but what I used to be using was only the ordinary deposit.

• Compte depôt - ZERO interest

The banker advised me to mix of the following two types besides the ordinary one.

• Livret developpement durable (LDD) - 2.25% / year interest, ceiling 6000 euros
• Plan d'Epargne logement (PEL) - 2.5%  / year interest, minimum desposit 225 euros, minimum monthly deposit 45 euros. Ceiling 61200 euros.

There is no "freezing" for taking them back, this can be done even online. The interest is added at every beginning of the year. Having several accounts would also be good from security point of view.


PEL: offers mortgage (loan when buying the main residence) with fixed rate (this seems to be the advantage, because http://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/10548/), after a minimum of 3 years. The rate is fixed at the moment of the subscription. The more money you save, the more the possibility of the amount of the loan is.


----------------------------------------------
(info available from LCL site after log in)

■ QU’EST-CE QUE C’EST ?
Le Plan Épargne Logement (PEL) est un placement à versements réguliers bénéficiant d’un taux d’intérêt garanti. Il permet, après une phase d’épargne, d’obtenir un prêt épargne logement à un taux prédéfini, en vue de financer votre résidence principale (acquisition, construction, travaux). 

■ POURQUOI SOUSCRIRE ?
•Le PEL cumule à la fois les avantages d’un produit d’épargne garanti et les avantages d’un prêt épargne logement dont le taux est connu à l’avance.
•Plus vous épargnez, plus vous augmentez votre possibilité d’emprunt.

Pour la phase d’épargne :
•Votre capital et le taux de rémunération à la souscription sont garantis pendant toute la durée de votre contrat.
•Le PEL offre une capacité d’épargne jusqu’à 61 200 €, hors intérêts cumulés.
•Vous pouvez modifier le montant et la périodicité de vos versements réguliers. Vous pouvez aussi effectuer des versements exceptionnels.
•Vous pouvez disposer de votre épargne en cas de besoin. Le retrait des capitaux épargnés est gratuit. Il entraîne néanmoins la fermeture du PEL. Avant 4 ans, la rémunération et les droits à prêt sont réduits.
•Les intérêts sont exonérés de l’impôt sur le revenu pendant les 12 premières années. Ils sont soumis chaque année aux prélèvements sociaux.

Pour la phase d’emprunt :
•Après une phase d’épargne d’au minimum 3 ans, vous pouvez effectuer une demande de prêt épargne logement (1). Le recours au prêt suppose alors l’étude préalable et l’acceptation de votre dossier par LCL. 
•Le taux du prêt est fixé au moment de la souscription du PEL. Un crédit vous engage et doit être remboursé. Vérifiez vos capacités de remboursement avant de vous engager.

Father's recommendation

「都市の論理」羽仁 五郎
「愛するということ」(The art of love) Erich Fromm