Blogpur

The more you see, the less you really know

2008-07-16T13:07:00.002+10:00

The reason Kamal chose to make Dasavatharam (and indeed a plethora of multicharacter films) is very interesting. I believe there are 2 significant reasons.

1) He has no charisma by himself. I love his efforts as much as the next guy, but seriously the guy doesn’t have the on screen presence to carry a movie by himself. Could you imagine him in Sivaji? Even the Shankar movie he did, he had to hide in order to be stylish. The plain fact is not many like Kamal as Kamal.

You seem to be referencing Vettaiyadu where he played a “weary cop”. I don’t think he did this on purpose at all. He wanted the cash so he gave the performance of someone completely disinterested. Surya was more stylish in the precursor. To be outdone more by a newcomer is something Kamal would not like, so he did what he did best make everyone forget all about it.

We’ve all seen PKS and 5thanthiram. Funny in parts sure, but even in that Kamal had to change his facial appearance and so on, just to differentiate himself. Do you see Rajini doing that? Before you all accuse me of sacrilege, no I’m not saying Rajini is better or anything along those lines, but I am saying Rajini has much much much more on screen presence, and whenever Kamal tries to emulate that sort of presence he falls flat.

The director of Chachi 420, (before Kamal had a falling out and took over) expressed similar opinions. I will try to get the article, been out of all this stuff for ages you see.

The other aspect is that Kamal himself wants to play all sorts of roles, he knows he can’t do them all properly, so he appeases himself by doing this.

2) Ever since Michael Madana... and surely even more so since Indian and Avvai Shanmugi, people expect every once in a while to be treated to Kamal’s versatility. The multiple role Kamal movie has come to mean a sort of festival, a deepavali of sorts. It is this goldmine Kamal is mining in the hope of it leading to further riches.

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I also think it’s high time we cleared up some of the myths surrounding Kamal. For most of us Tamil film aficionados he represents one of the few director/actors willing to push the envelope, willing to experiment and who has a resume as varied as India itself. However I think the Kamal mythos has been propelled to heights unworthy of him by us as well.

Many in the Tamil film fraternity often relate to Kamal as someone who will bring them fame from outside the country. Kamal himself has expressed this sentiment on a few occasions. However the question needs to be asked in all sincerity, is this “title” justified? Just what has he done to declare himself the world hero? He may say he thinks little of the Oscar, but his songs (surely the most pitiable form of self flattery “Oscar duuram illai” – unless of course he meant his redoubtable producer who poured money at him like a priest would pour Milk on a lingam) and his constant egress towards that direction says otherwise.

In the Kamal canon, personally I find there to be maybe a dozen worthy films, surrounded by trash. There are many films in which his efforts have come to the fore (take Salangai Oli, sure he danced well and the film was above average) but is the film truly exceptional? Is it a masterpiece?

The Kamal snowball effect, which really has been propelled by NRIs who feel he is closest to Hollywood thanks to his loveable liberalism and his atheism. Kamal now stands for something better than he really is. Symptomatically, the expectations are sky high. Thanks to people like Philip Lutgendorf (and of course a search engine which shall not be named), Hey Ram has become a film worthy of study. To many this has translated into Kamal being a worthy academic figure. But is he really?

Hey Ram is a masterpiece no doubt. Aalavandan itself is good enough to escape being canonised as an experiment gone wrong. Anbe Sivam contains enough sappy red blooded (pun not intended) sentiment to work quite well to. Virumaandi contains astute direction but I just wonder if it would have been a real boon if someone besides Kamal had played the title character itself.

And that is the true indictment Kamal faces. There is no two ways about it. He is on a self funded ego trip here and has been for at least 15 years if not more. It is high time the Kamal of old returned. The one we saw in Nayagan who looked at that photograph of his daughter in Nasser’s room, moved his facial muscles ever so slightly and made us subliminally cry. Efforts like Vettayadu, while a step in the right direction, was for the wrong reason. Gautham Menon expressed (I think in your interview) that Kamal thought of them as a “group of boys”. What exactly does he think of himself then? A master auter who has scaled every pinnacle? A Kiarostami? A Kurosawa?

Lastly, Kamal has to learn to accept and use the art of suggestion. The love making scenes with Abhirami in Virumaandi were cringe worthy. Perhaps I’m alone, but they were not in the slightest bit romantic, they were revolting. This isn’t to say the ones in Hey Ram were, but he’s aged and he has to accept that. The less you see, the more you really know. The less you do, the more you really see. Maybe at this juncture of his life, Kamal (atheist and all), should start adopting this mantra.

The Atheism Question

2007-08-02T21:01:00.000+10:00

I don't think religion as portrayed by the media or certain fundamentalist groups has any relevance to what I believe in. Every politician when going to war instantly assumes the moral high ground by claiming that "God is on my side". No, God is on everyone's side. (Some would argue then that God is on no-one's side - not true; bit of Discrete Maths proves it ;) ).

Anyway I agree with your point about God being someone there to help us. I also believe that it isn't a one way street; if one wants God's help, one must also be deserving of it. How you wish to be deserving and what you feel to be deserving is a matter to you. I don't go out of my way to be a liberal thinker; I was raised as a Hindu, I am a Hindu. I don't need to be agnostic to feel superior or comfortable about anything. I want God's help and support, God wants my trust and loyalty. End of story. How you express it is up to you. Why should I give up the wonderful Hindu religion, all its culture and history, its humanity and diligence?

Sure there are drawbacks, as there are in any religion. Much of the problem tends to revolve around caste based prejudices. But tell me, in which country is there no casteism? Britain has it all too well (Peerage? Inherited Titles?), and so every other western country has it. I am all for the abolition of such prejudices; I am not for the abolition of culture, tradition and religious symbolism - whether they be physical, metaphysical or personal.

The most common beginning for atheism is when you question simple things like "where is God?" or "if God were really around maybe he should stop all the injustices", "there is no God because you can't prove his existence." This then leads onto critiqueing the different religions of the world and their different stances and viewpoints. This then leads to a subversive cycle of cynicism and rejection.

Personally I believe it is the height of arrogance to say God does not exist because one cannot prove it. Can one prove God doesn't exist? Good luck trying.

Then there is the old point about religion vs science. For years these two have been considered mutually exclusive. It does not take a man of Einstein's calibre to point out that this is a falsehood. The more one delves into the sciences, the more one sees God's hand at play and what a wonderful job God has done.

Religion also happens to be a point of interest for all war mongerers, politicians, terrorists, extremists, fundamentalists amongst others. Proclaiming God as the reason for the destruction of lives, culture, peace and prosperity is a great fallacy. Using God in such derogatory ways is not only symptomatic of the human condition, it ostensibly represents the least love in God of all the citizens in the world.

Using God as a vehicle to commit inhumane acts is not only against the law, it is against God. Those who condone it are not doing it for God or because they believe in God.

What Cup?

2007-04-11T08:57:00.000+10:00

It just shows how fickle minded most Indians are when it comes to the World Cup. As soon as India packs its bags and leaves, gigantic companies are talking of doom and gloom in the marketing department (and it's about time too I say, after having brainwashed mindless Indians for 10 years on the trot, now Sachin's Boost "Energy Food" doesn't make you that good does it?) most Indians now don't watch the world cup or follow it in certain manner.

When exactly did the World Cup become India v "The World"? As far as I know, never. It was always about the world playing each other, which is still precisely what is happening. It's high time people in India and around the globe realise that this is an event where everybody participates and everybody has an opportunity. But nonetheless I wouldn't blame this on Indians, I'd blame this on the companies of India whose sole duty is to brainwash the masses. Every time an ad comes on TV, why does it feature a couple of Indians, plus some white men in a yellow costume? Surely they must realise that drinking Pepsi is not going to help you win over these white men in yellow uniforms (they surely aren't Australians)?

Why is India playing 22 matches against Australia in the next year? Well that one's simple, it's so the marketers don't have to pretend that those white men in yellow clothes are Australians. Now they definitely will be Australians. It so ironic that in a world cup where India left in the early stages, matches even now have "Indian Oil" and "Hero Honda" signs all over the ground. The sad reality is no-one in India cares any more and they big corporations have one person to thank for that: themselves.

The Indian media, a great monster of an organisation does nothing more than fan the fires. When we see pictures of Indians burning effigies of Chappell and Tendulkar, who knows if that is an actual physicalisation of the hatred burning inside all Indians or whether it's a cheap shot at winning a few more points in the ratings war because surely terms like "LOC: Love of Cricket" and even more stupid terms like "Team India" don't help? (I just wonder whether in a state championship "Team Tamil Nadu" v "Team Maharashtra" will bring in the crowds?)

The BCCI have delivered a performance based pay system on top of a base retainer. That's called a pay based performance system, not the other way round. Restricting the number of ads you can do? Yep that's gonna help your batting and bowling! Bringing in Ravi Shastri and BKV Prasad as coaches? Perhaps the BCCI misunderstood, the Indian team needs a coach, not more players to coach.

But you sit down one day and wonder what's the point of it all, India will still lose more often than they win, India will still dissapoint when it counts most and Indians will still blindly believe a media so stuck up themselves that they need laptop but need a pen to write on it - oh and all this has to be on screen!

So what is the point? It's when you see performers and their traits like VVS Laxman's magical flourishes, Ganguly's sheer determination and guts, Tendulkar's genius, Dravid's relentless selflessness and Kumble's relentless enthusiasm. For the happiness they have brought to millions world over, they can be forgiven for not performing in the world cup.

Since India's no longer in it, perhaps the Indian media better rename it to something untactful like "WC: What Cup" or even better "WC: Who Cares?" Because most Indians certainly do not.

The Tale of a Warrior

2007-01-22T12:06:00.000+11:00

All that needs to be said. Let's see if he can keep it up. He will.

Another Series, Another Series Loss

2007-01-07T21:24:00.000+11:00

What is it with India and clutching loss from the jaws of victory? Other teams may lose matches and series but they either get slaughtered or are just plain unlucky, but India is a different case. They are just plain Indian. The attitude is just imbibed all over them. After a stunning and incandescent win in the first test (after being absolutely slaughtered in the ODI series, no less) India let it go as they are so capable of.

Still there are some positives which will stand India in good stead. Firstly, it wasn't a 3-0 whitewash. That in itself is something of a reprieve after going down exceptionally distastefully in the ODI series. Secondly, the resurrection of certain players. It is no secret that I am an unabashed fan of Sourav Ganguly. Whether his performances (which yielded him highest scoring Indian for the series) is just a single entity or will flow on from series to series is still yet to be seen. I believe at least 40% of Ganguly did what he did to prove himself to the world more than to save the team, although his last innings of 46 reminded all of us what a player he can be when he sets his mind to it. Staunch defence, gutsy batsmanship and incandescent strokes.

Zaheer Khan (another one of my favourites) has resurfaced for the better of all and sundry. He can now go on his way to becoming India's spearhead once again. Sreesanth had a good series, lets see how long it lasts. Kumble again proved his mettle and although some say he let India down in the final match, I say give the man a break, just because he does get 5 wickets an innings on average in the last 3years, you can't expect him to. He is after all human.

Sachin Tendulkar has now been promoted to VC (ODI series against WI). Now I realise that this maybe mainly due to the fact that if they give to Ganguly it will cause all sorts of repurcussions and we don't even know if Ganguly will play well. Still I felt Sachin should have gotten the axe along with Sehwag. For how long do we have to keep saying he is the best batsman in the world when Brett Lee outscored him last year. Frankly it's getting ridiculous and rather embarrasing.

Probably for the world cup Sehwag will be back (India has never been so liberetarian to ditch a conservative selection for such a big series) and I also believe he should be there. Sounds hypocritical considering I just launched a scathing assault at Tendulkar, but the difference lies in the fact that Sehwag is out of form for some time, not for 3yrs.

Lets see how it goes against WI. If India play to their ability, it should be a walkover. But then playing to their ability happens once every 10 or so years.

Coming Soon

2006-12-13T07:26:00.000+11:00

Finally saw Casino Royale so a critique of that should be around the corner and also I plan to do a reasonably lengthy critique of Hey Ram - one of my favourite films of all time.

Sourav Ganguly

2006-11-30T20:39:00.000+11:00

You need a lot of grit to get back like he did. Now he's back. He must perform. He will perform.

The Wonderful World of Politics

2006-11-29T07:51:00.000+11:00

So who are right? The Tories or Labour?

Never another like Sourav

2006-11-22T18:34:00.000+11:00

As a dedicated fan, this sends shivers down my spine and sends me back to another age when India was under the command of an Indian, not an Australian.

Photovoltaics: The Future

2006-11-02T18:43:00.000+11:00

Pic: Solar Sailor Ferry, an Australian built completely solar powered ship.

In today’s climate of high oil prices, dwindling deposits of fossil fuels and widespread global warming and drought, alternative fuels are no longer an option but rather a necessity. While fuel sources such as nuclear power is still in its infancy with heated debates raging regarding its viability, other sources such as Solar Cells and Wind Power are efficient and feasible. Wind Power requires great expanses of area and forms a clumsy and unreliable form of energy production that is reliant completely on the natural elements.

Solar Power on the other hand is largely unaffected by natural elements, is far smaller (and as such can be applied in a residential setting) and offers more power per unit time. It can be conclusively stated that Solar Cells have a very bright future.

Solar Cells are already actively used in countries in Asia as the direct power source for heating water. When considered the number of homes using hot water and thus the energy consumption as a result of this it can be seen the great advantages of Solar Cells. In the given case, it has alleviated the national grid in the respective countries approximately 20-30%.

Likewise Solar Cells are also being used in remote regions of countries where it is impractical to extend a dedicated power line. While it must be stated that Solar Cells may never be able to produce the energy required to electrify one complete city, they can be used as both backup devices and supplementary devices. This has the benefit of not being extremely expensive, saving reasonably large amounts of power from the national grid and also providing energy during “blackouts”. The last factor is an important one is developing countries as they experience an untoward number of such incidences.

Solar Cells by their nature are reliant on the sun to provide energy in order to operate and this resource has relatively untapped. However an average, commercially available Solar Cell of approximately 10cmx10cm, even in bright midday sunlight is only capable of producing 0.16A. Obviously this is not a sufficient amount for any practical purposes, as such bigger and more advanced Solar Cells are generally used in any situation. More advanced Solar Cells have the benefit of being able to absorb light at different ranges of intensity and as such produce not only greater current in the same area, but also absorb more areas of light, therefore produce an even greater amount.

In rural areas of Australia and other countries in the world, which receive generous sun exposure, “Solar Cell Farms” have been set-up in order to harness the naturally abundant energy there. Large expanses of area which would otherwise be barren are filled with Solar Cells with the idea that they can use the energy for local towns, and if needed pump to cities as well. Solar Cells have the advantage of being able to store or save the energy, which it has collected during daytime in sunlight.

The major drawbacks to Solar Cells are their inevitable high cost. The very fact that small cells generate very small, almost arbitrarily small amounts of current is the main reason for this. In order to generate electricity on a usable scale, one must invest in Solar Cells with the aim of getting good returns, which over time it will provide. Most investors, whether they be private citizens, companies or national energy providers are reluctant to invest in this otherwise rewarding enterprise. Importantly in countries where there is more rainfall and less sunshine (for example Great Britain) Solar Cells provide no real benefit in any sense, as such implementing them in such countries would be a complete waste of money.

Solar Cells also provide disadvantages in that it may cause complications in the national grid if connected. For example if a persons house has their own power generation along with the grid connected power, excess power will inevitably leak into the grid, causing spiking, irregular voltages, currents and other such drawbacks. Care must be taken to ensure that preventative measures are in place before implementing such a system. A standalone system of course does not have any such complications.

Regardless of the above small drawbacks with the Solar Cells, as one can appreciate, there are no major issues in regards to their usage. Unlike Nuclear Power which has pundits at loggerheads over its practicality, viability and environmental damage or Coal/Oil Power which is a dying breed of Power Generation, Solar Cells do not pose any threat to any organisations, the public or the environment. It is a clean, well thought out and well implemented system.

Technological advancements will only bring about better Solar Cells. Improvements in semiconductors have already heralded improvements in Solar Cell and Panels. The first generation of Solar Cells were simple semiconductor devices with the main emphasis on P-N Junctions Diodes. Typically they were constructed from Silicon (Si) wafer and still find a massive saturation in the market accounting for almost 85% of all Solar Cells sold.

However, Second Generation systems reduced the use of semiconductors and included glasses and ceramics in them. While making production and subsequently commercial price far cheaper, were far less efficient than the previously implemented system.

Third Generation systems have, however, bridged the gap between practicality, usability, efficiency and commercial aspects. Comprising of Photoelectrochemical Cells or Dye Sensitised Solar Cells, Polymer Solar Cells and Nanocrystal Solar Cells, these are the latest generation of Solar Cells, which are still relatively new and untried. Their basis is on new technology breaking ground in Science. Photelectrochemical Cells rely less of the Diode but more on the electrolytic process, which happens in the substance, they are immersed in. Soon these third generation cells will become freely and completely available on the market to be used. The promise to have an efficiency of 17% far greater than the previous 5-10%. With this, one can see that Solar Cells in both their technology and applications have an incredibly bright future.

They are being needed in most countries now both as a necessity and a way to the future.

Some Applications of Solar Cells:

Rural/Outback areas where dedicated power lines are not viable to be connected. They can be specially used to power farms, to provide a large output of energy.
Traffic Lights
Public Telephone Booths
Street Lights
Street Name Boards
Hot Water Systems
Computational Devices
Calculators
Air Conditioners
Vehicles
Ships
Railway Crossing Operators
Refrigeration in remote areas
Cars / Lorries
Solar panels can be used on spacecraft, particularly when they are in the inner part of the solar system.

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Considering this is my first science related post in quite a while I thought it would be nice to have something that wasn't necessary technical but rather technological. I could have gone into detail about p-n junctions, how it all works and various new technical improvements including Stage 3 Photovoltaics, but I restrained myself. When I feel like it doing again, which I should think is very soon, I will bring back the old old E = hf and other such delightful creations.

The Real Speedbird

2006-11-01T21:11:00.000+11:00

Let the first, greatest and most beautiful of all Speebirds take to the skies again. Come on British Airways, your company has never been the same since The Queen of the skies has been sitting on the ground. This is just a request from a humble lover.

Alive with Technology

2006-10-14T13:55:00.000+10:00

Ten Roles and Ten Liars

2006-10-10T18:27:00.000+10:00

Wonderful, another exercise in narcissism and promotion of atheism. Ok Kamal, we understand that your atheist but jeez do you have to shout it from the rooftops? I couldn't stand watching 1 Kamal and his face throughout Hey Ram (although I admit the film is a masterpiece) now he wants us to sit through ten.

Supposedly the story spans 500yrs, brilliant absolutely brilliant. Bravo Kamal, lets just blow another 50crore on some "comedy" which also "deals with the evils of society". I bet instead of spending 50crore on a movie that tells me things I already know, you could save people the hassle of sitting on their arses for 3hrs watching you and give the money to people who actually do something to get rid of "modern day evils".

Oh and what exactly is a modern day evil that didn't exist in the Dashavataram days?

Nice one Kamal, after copying Kurosawa, Scorsese and pretty much every other filmmaker, you've decided to copy the scriptures itself. It's a real shame they dont present you with new ways to "spectacularly" make movies. You know what would be spectacular, if Kamal copied "The Da Vinci Code". It's a shit book and a shit movie but put in the hands of a self lover could do wonders to Kamal. It's really a surprise that he hasn't actually copied it yet. It would be perfect for him. He could even call it "The Kamal Haasan Code" or perhaps "The Atheists Guide to God".

I've got nothing against atheists, but narcissists I do. Kamal seems to think of himself as some sort of intellectual because "doga thirrupi pota God" in Anbe Sivam seems to have literary merit written all over it. The last time I heard that joke was back in 4th standard.

Anbe Sivam, a Kamal Haasan acting masterpiece. It also happens to be a Kamal Haasan run lecture. I thought the man who was an idealist and atheist didn't believe in preaching, but he does bring out his love to make men sit through 3hrs of KamalHaasanism. I saw Anbe Sivam in order to watch a film, not a sermon.

Going by this interview in 2004 where Kamal said: What do you like and dislike about yourself?

What I like is what I exhibit. What I don't like, I edit so that you don't see it. It is like clothing. It is like how men wear tight T-shirts to show off their muscles. If they have a paunch, they wear loose shirts.

Kamal pretty much only likes himself and atheism, oh and women, but we don't want to go there now do we. You can dispute me all you like, but that's about the only thing he shows. And Kamal, please don't talk about tight clothing when you're starting to make Prabhu look thin.

Next question:Are you a narcissist?

No. You must appreciate what you are doing. Tell me, when do you become a respectable person in society? When you start respecting yourself. That is when you take care of yourself, that is when you comb your hair, groom yourself and cleanse your body. You do all this because you respect yourself. You won't wear a dress because you may not look good in that. My being a fan of Kamal Haasan is also like that.

You have to appreciate the finer points of your work; criticise too, if needed. I am also my own worst and most honest critic. I can say things which nobody will ever dare say. Even the best of friends will stop at a point, whereas I can go beyond.

Next Question...

Rediff: Kamal are you a liar?
Venkat (popping out of nowhere): Yes he is. And a thief of time. And a thief off pretty much every other filmmaker. Oh and he is also one of the best preachers out there. Imagine what he could do as the Pope!!

And yet, after all this, does one admire Kamal for his perfectionism? Yes.

Gandhi Jayanti

2006-10-02T09:02:00.000+10:00

Wish you all a very happy Gandhi Jayanti. Let us not forget who the father of our nation is and who we should be devoted to. In a recent poll, Bill Gates out ranked Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi as our country's biggest "hero" or "idol" amongst the younger generation (yes that includes people who are about 30). Something seriously going wrong here. Let's see if it can be fixed sooner rather than later, because as far as I know, no-one idolises businessmen in the States or anywhere else for that matter.

Kamal Haasan and his Paycheque

2006-10-01T14:11:00.000+10:00

The last time I wrote anything related to Indian movies was back in September of 2005. That is proof enough that for the given time period till writing this, Indian movies are, in general, crap and continue to be crap. I am yet to see Lage Raho Munnabhai which I have been promised is brilliant so I cannot comment on all movies.

Anyway, I saw Kamal's latest Vettaiyadu Villayadu. Mostly a pedestrian movie. Even the macho moments aren't really macho or even cool. Kamal is pathetic at playing a stylish police officer in plainly obvious commerical film. This was plainly obvious in Aalavandaan and it is the same over here. When he says "...chinna pasangala..." during one of the latter scenes to a villain I was sitting there thinking what a boon it would be to have Rajini here. Kamal should stick to what he does best: serious efforts which question humanity, religion, love and loss. Hey Ram or Kurudhipunal or Virumaandi or Guna or Mahanadhi are brilliant examples of this sort of Kamal.

I have noticed a few people on the net claiming Kamal's performance to be subdued, evocative and subtle. Wrong. It is disinterested and random. Like Coke (the drink!) which is hot and flat. It is still Coke but it lacks the fizz. Jyothika labours in a most stupid performance. What a waste of talent overall. The guy who acts as "Anderson" was also pathetic.

Gautham Menon seems to have been heavily influenced by American police procedurals. Influenced, yes. Inspired, no. This film just shouts out "wannabe" from the word go and with dialogue like "Back home we call it Raghavan instinct" it is most definitely more comical than Gautham Menon intended. Made me cringe. I don't quite know what made Kamal sign this film. If I was to take a wild guess, it would have to be the money. Along with Vasool Raja MBBS this forms two films that Kamal has blatently turned up on set to be paid. This isn't Kamal the actor working, it is Kamal the businessman.

As for the cinematogrpahy. It isn't brilliant either. I am not quite sure why it is being lauded as much as it is. Probably because every other movie being made in Kollywood is about as good as what most children manage when given a video camera. Anyway it is over the top, childish and lacks vision. I must say the songs look very nice, especially the one shot at night in New York. It captured the essence of the city that never sleeps.

Which brings me to my next point: music. I am not quite sure who did the background score. Could have been Harris Jeyaraj or someone else. Whoever it was, it was absolutely bemoaning. Same with "Anniyan". Well over the top and unneccessary. Most Tamil movies I have seen in the recent past have this problem. It detracts from the story, the acting and the direction. I would say that only two people are able to provide splending background music: Rahman and Illayaraja. Raja is in a league of his own in this regard.

The songs themselves are not that bad, could have been worse.

As you are reading this, you are probably thinking this is a very negative review. Well, the film isn't great or even good. It is mediocre at best and flat out bad at worst. Compared to the sleek and memorable effort Menon provided for us in Kaaka Kakka, this is most definitely a step backwards. You also probably noticed my usage of English wasn't exactly brilliant. That's because I reserve my better English for better things. Over and out: a highly dissapointed Kamal fan.

Clint Eastwood: A Reappraisal

2006-09-27T14:52:00.000+10:00

Since 2003 Clint Eastwood has been on the upswing. With his masterful Mystic River Eastwood delivered when it most mattered. A sober, contemplative and ultimately compelling saga of revenge, death and childhood Mystic River proved to be a watershed in Eastwood's illustrious career. I don't say this lightly, mainly because Eastwood is responsible for such classics as Unforgiven and The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Mystic River also came at a time when Eastwood's relevance in Hollywood was being questioned. At the ripe old age of 73, here was a director who just thought new and adapted the novel into something more than just an adaptation, an appropriation. Fuelled by sterling performances from all concerned, I consider Mystic River to be one of the greatest films this side of the century.

Of course, Eastwood followed this up with the Oscar winning Million Dollar Baby. While not quite as visceral, intense, somber or free flowing as Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby meant that Eastwood was now on par with Scorsese amongst others. Scorsese who has never won an Oscar (and rightfully so, his films are far better than what is necessary for Oscar consideration) had quite a good chance with the hap hazard film The Aviator. As time proved, Eastwood triumphed with both Best Director and Best Picture. Unfortunately Eastwood never got recognised for his great work and this is no different.

Eastwood's latest two films Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima look set to take him further up the ladder of masterful directors. If story and trailers are to be believed these two could be some sort of poetic masterpieces. Both forming a meditation on love, loss and war; they are shot two show both the American and Japanese perspectives of that fateful encounter 60 or so years ago. Eastwood's decision to opt for two films shows his daringness to extend himself and his American compatriots beyond the childish scope of narrow patriotism.

The splendidly bleached out cinematography along with the most beautiful (dare I say minimalist?) soundtrack I have heard in quite a while could, if Eastwood has done his job, elevate these two films into exospheric (hey come on, it is higher than the stratosphere) territory. The amount of effort Eastwood has put in while being 76 in appluadable and with Spielberg as his Producer, things could go right completely.

Eastwood specifically used unknown actors in this film and the lack of star appeal is one of the films biggest boons. We are not going to watch someone play the soldiers, we are going to watch the soldiers. Could this film have philosophical questions abound? Could it connect with Nietzsche or perhaps Freud? Time will tell. Of course, I could be completely wrong and find these two films to be a good waste of however million dollars it is. Somehow I doubt that.

Time for A Change

2006-09-24T11:16:00.000+10:00

As much as I loved K2 and the way it served me over about a year or so, it was beginning to look tired and old. It had lost its sheen and started to wilt. Perhaps this new look again from the same people that brought you K2 will liven up things a bit and make me more inclined to write consistently. As Dr. Johnson would say:

"Sir I have found you a definition, I am not obliged to find you an understanding."

What relevance that quote has to the rest of the text remains one of life's great mysteries.

An Ode to the 20th Century

2006-09-13T23:03:00.000+10:00

I've been listening to a bit of Billy Joel recently. Damn he is good! For pure energetic pop songs you just can't beat him. I would place him alongside The Beatles and Michael Jackson for sheer raw energy in his songs. In any case, one of his songs "We Didn't Start the Fire" seems a little off. It is a lightly politically tinged homage to the 20th Century. As usual there are references to pretty much everyone but any Indians. How typically American, and yet we suck up to them! Still, this song surges and soars. It never stops. It's lyrics are never poetic or brilliant yet for simple pop fun, I haven't seen much better. I felt they need to be showed to whoever sees this site! So here goes...

Harry Truman, Doris Day, Red China, Johnnie Ray
South Pacific, Walter Winchell, Joe DiMaggio

Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, Studebaker, television
North Korea, South Korea, Marilyn Monroe

Rosenbergs, H-bomb, Sugar Ray, Panmunjom
Brando, "The King and I" and "The Catcher in the Rye"

Eisenhower, vaccine, England's got a new queen
Marciano, Liberace, Santayana goodbye

CHORUS
We didn't start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world's been turning
We didn't start the fire
No we didn't light it
But we tried to fight it

Joseph Stalin, Malenkov, Nasser aand Prokofiev
Rockefeller, Campanella, Communist Bloc

Roy hn, Juan Peron, Toscanini, dacron
Dien Bien Phu falls, "Rock Around the Clock"

Einstein, James Dean, Brooklyn's got a winning team
Davy Crockett, Peter Pan, Elvis Presley, Disneyland

Bardot, Budapest, Alabama, Krushchev
Princess Grace, "Peyton Place", trouble in the Suez

CHORUS

Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Kerouac
Sputnik, Chou En-Lai, "Bridge on the River Kwai"

Lebanon, Charlse de Gaulle, California baseball
Starkweather, homicide, children of thalidomide

Buddy Holly, "Ben Hur", space monkey, Mafia
Hula hoops, Castro, Edsel is a no-go

U-2, Syngman Rhee, payola and Kennedy
Chubby Checker, "Psycho", Belgians in the Congo

CHORUS

Hemingway, Eichmann, "Stranger in a Strange Land"
Dylan, Berlin, Bay of Pigs invasion

"Lawrence of Arabia", British Beatlemania
Ole Miss, John Glenn, Liston beats Patterson

Pope Paul, Malcolm X, British politician sex
JFK, blown away, what else do I have to say

CHORUS

Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again
Moonshot, Woodsto/ck/, Watergate, punk rock
Begin, Reagan, Palestine, terror on the airline
Ayatollah's in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan

"Wheel of Fortune", Sally Ride, heavy metal, suicide
Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz
Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law
Rock and roller cola wars, I can't take it anymore

CHORUS

We didn't start the fire
But when we are gone
Will it still burn on, and on, and on, and on...

Recursion

2006-08-24T20:12:00.000+10:00

Saw this somewhere at my university. I thought it is quite brilliant!

To define recursion, we must first define recursion.

India

2006-08-15T18:04:00.000+10:00

Back in the 1980's and previously India had grown up in the strict mould of the British stronghold. Hamilton Bridge was still Hamilton Bridge, Victoria Terminus was not Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, Quilon... You get the point. India has changed. India has embraced its own culture. Each state has decided to rename things to its respective language. India became more Indian as a result.

The overriding trend however has been this adoption of American culture, language and ethos. In rejecting western society in the form of England, Indians have embraced America completely. Some of this is indeed good, the rest is again degrading the culture and language. The English taught us the benefit of polished English, the Americans have taught us how to adulterise this language. "Realisation" has become "Realization", 28/2/2006 has become 2/28/2006. This was plainly evident in the recent Bombay train attacks which was instantly dubbed "7-11". What is this people? Why do we Indians need to affirm our own system through some foreign piece of crap? Why do we need to suck up to the Americans now?

The TV channel's in India are becoming so "wannabe" American, it's no longer the exception but the rule. Fashion is dictated by the Levi Jeans, even the use of "lakh" is slowly fading into obscurity. Why is it that every second movie that Bollywood pushes out have to be set in the USA? Is this some sort of effort to win over the Americans? Is it a realisation that our country is in the dumps? Is it some other psychokinetic related disease?

One could ask me, why are you concerned? I am concerned because firstly the culture is slowly being degraded in our cities and villages. Who practises Yoga in India? Very few. However, it is plainly obvious that the white's are taking our valuable knowledge and using it themselves, while Indians, especially the young crowd, find it neccesary to demean their own background. In today's India the young must wear Jeans, dress like they are western. Does one see people wearing salwars and sarees in the states? No. Of course, one could turn around and say to me that does one speak Hindi or Tamil or Kannada or Bengali in the US It's a case of using the west to get your job done, not for personal gratification and customer satisfaction.

If India becomes any more Americanised, no NOT Americanized, I see a case of personal identity loss. There could even be a "stolen generation" within India although there has been no ethnic cleansing. It's time. Time to revert. Time to stop dreaming things we are not. So let's all stop using Z the next time we write "organise". Next time you are going to put those pants on, consider the pyjama kurta. Next time you are about to about to say 7-11, think of the actual event, don't just refer to something so incredibly affecting with a reference to a date, and that too an Americanised reference to a date. It's just plain wrong.

India is going down the wrong path. The best India can be is Indian, not American or any other pseudoculturual crossover. India has a rich history and culture, let's not lose it to the west.

So with that, I wish you all a very happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

Batman Begins

2006-08-13T16:40:00.000+10:00

Belated I know, Brilliant we all know. The Dark Knight is resurrected to a status he truly deserves. After the pathetic cinematic excursions in "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin" Christopher Nolan delivers the definitive Caped Crusader to the silver screen.

Going deep into the Batman ethos, Nolan chooses to explore the reasons Batman is why he is. What we receive is a stunning character sketch backed with extreme style from all concerned. None of this is campy, Nolan approaches the material with a deadly serious gravitas and restores Batman to the pantheon of great cinematic efforts. This is not only a great superhero film, not only a great summer action adventure film but also a stunning drama.

Christian Bale takes the role of both the tormented Bruce Wayne and Batman himself with utmost ease and displays a great attachment for bringing out the essence of one of the definitive superhero's of all time. Along with a splendid supporting cast which includes the likes of Michael Caine, Liam Neeson and Gary Oldman, Bale is able to play with the character but never taking him to the levels of camp. Injecting humour at the right moments and silence when required the actors make assured that this film has the right credentials when it comes to performance.

Nolan himself has had a wonderful time constructing Gotham city as almost a present Blade Runner-esque New York. The Dark Knight walks down the mean streets but in himself is never mean. Nolan's direction never wavers, with utmost dedication he seems to purposefully avoid each of the pratfalls of previous helmers and deliver a film that is both satisfying for its sheer entertainment value and mesmerising for its depiction of the protagonist. Nolan also averts heavy usage of CGI and instead brings out the best in live action sequences. The "tumbler" sequence for example was as inspired as it was stunning.

With Batman Begins, and more recently, Superman Returns the world's two most dignified and revered superheroes are back on firm cinematic ground. Judging from this effort, Batman has nowhere to go but up.

This is what we have all been waiting for, Batman is back.

Ode to C

2006-08-02T21:41:00.000+10:00

May your signals all trap 
    May your references be bounded 
All memory aligned 
    Floats to ints rounded 

Remember ...

Non-zero is true
  ++ adds one
Arrays start with zero
  and, NULL is for none

For octal, use zero
  0x means hex
= will set
  == means test

use -> for a pointer
  a dot if its not
? : is confusing
  use them a lot

a.out is your program 
 there's no U in foobar 
and, char (*(*x())[])() is 
 a function returning a pointer 
 to an array of pointers to 
 functions returning char

Making Sense of Big Numbers

2006-07-29T12:59:00.000+10:00


To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

  William Blake, from
   "Auguries of Innocence"


10¹⁵	Grains of sand on a beach
10¹⁵	Ants in the world
10¹⁷	Seconds since big bang
10²¹	Diameter of the galaxy (m)
10²²	Stars in the universe
10²⁶	Diameter of the Universe (m)
10⁴⁷	Seconds till all protons decay*
10⁵⁰	Atoms in the earth
10⁶⁶	Atoms in the galaxy
10⁷⁸	Atoms in the observable universe

Superman Returns

2006-07-05T15:05:00.000+10:00

Just as many other fans of the series, I waited for many a year until the time The Man of Steel would hit the screens again. After 2 reasonable TV series, Superman once again flies high in this, the latest movie of the American Icon. The film is a delicious feast for the senses.

Bryan Singer, the director, pays homage to the old 1970's Superman films and this aspect of the film was my favourite. With introductory credit sequences mimicking the old movies, and John William's absolutely stunning score in full flight, the film gets off to a fantastic start and never goes down.

Filled with some awesome action, this time The Man of Steel is more about being a man rather than the steel part of it. The film details Superman's complex relationship with his long time girlfriend Lois Lane. Lane, who is now engaged and has a child is initially skeptical of the Superman phenomenon, but by the concluding stages of the film Superman win's his girl back and of course saves the world from the sardonic, sadistic and rather hilarious villainy of Lex Luthor.

The film plays along spectacularly. Action is inserted at all the right places, the reason why he is Superman is shown clearly and viscerally, the film is absolutely beautiful to look at. This is perhaps the greatest superhero film ever made. It may not find the place in my memory after 10 years like the first films did, but Singer's work here is outstanding. He transports Superman into an epic about love, religion and loss.

Bringing in obvious Christian allegories (the use of Gregorian chants at certain scenes) Superman bears the burden of humanity and is reborn after a meeting with the Pontius Pilate (or in this case Lex Luthor). Brando also finds himself in the picture and is used sparingly but hautingly, whatever he does have to say very much reinforces the fact that is almost an appropriation of Christ for our times.

The obvious questions of course detail the nature of Brandon Routh's portrayal of Superman. Not for a second did I believe this was someone else, Brandon Routh is Superman, he lives it to the fullest extent possible. His turn as Clark Kent is also beguilingly smooth. Being an emotionally troubled hero this time round, Routh has some chances to display some histrionic talent and he does this with great subtlety. Christopher Reeve has now been backed up with a look a like, but Brandon makes this Superman his own.

"I'll always be around" Superman says to Lois in the very last piece of dialogue of the film, just as Lois hopes he does, so do we, the audience. This is the stuff of marvel, Superman is back, and boy what is return it is.

Maidan ki Badshah?

2006-06-13T07:29:00.000+10:00

I really do sometimes wonder what India will do after Dravid and especially Kumble retire. As of now, it stands as a somehow functional two man team. Tendulkar is long past his glory days. Ganguly, well he was dropped. Laxman is just not looking decisive and dangerous, maybe a series against Australia would do him some good!

Other than them, batting wise we have Sehwag who hits a 100 every few months to seal his position. Ditto for the rest of them.

Bowlers, well since when do we have any. Chappell turned Pathan into some sort of bowler who can't bowl and a batsman who can't bat. How wonderful. Harbhajan, less said the better. That leaves Kumble and Dravid. The only 2 professionals, the only 2 capable and the only 2 doing anything. Dedicated, reliable and resolute.

It's a real shame. Kumble doesn't get his credits as probably the finest bowler to ever come out of India and one of the world's greatest. In a nation filled with batting ideals, where has a bowler like Kumble going to find his place? More importantly, where is the next Kumble going to find his inspiration?

Bullet

2006-06-05T17:22:00.000+10:00

The King of Motorcycles is now available in Australia. I better start saving!

Exhausting the Options

2006-05-21T12:42:00.000+10:00

A study into hydrogen fuel-cell buses being conducted by UNSW's Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets could pave the way to cleaner, safer future by reducing emissions of the fumes that damage our health.

Diesel fuel is powering our buses but it’s also clogging our lungs and
costing billions of dollars in health expenses related to respiratory
problems, lung inflammations and cancer.

As a result, 10 European cities and Perth in Australia are each trialling
three identical fuel-cell buses powered by compressed hydrogen, which
do not release carbon dioxide or the carcinogenic particles that damage
our lungs.

Associate Professor Tony Owen, co-director of the Centre for Energy
and Environmental Markets (CEEM) at UNSW, has been studying the
viability of hydrogen fuel-cell technology based on the buses operating
in Perth. The study is funded by the Department for Planning and
Infrastructure in Western Australia as part of its Sustainable Transport
Energy for Perth (STEP) program.

“Hydrogen is an energy carrier, it’s not a fuel,” explains Professor
Owen. “Electricity is also an energy carrier, but the major problem with
electric cars and buses is they must carry batteries on board that need
recharging at regular intervals. This problem doesn’t exist for fuel-cell
buses, since the power is produced on board.

“Provided the hydrogen comes from a renewable source, fuel-cell
vehicles produce near-zero air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions,
and reduce reliance on oil, an increasing proportion of which must be
imported from the Middle East,” he says.

But with a price tag of $2 million per bus, the costs of using fuel-cell
buses must be offset by the benefits of the cleaner urban environment
they deliver. This is not the case in Perth, but in Europe, where pollution
levels are higher, the benefits of the buses are more likely to exceed their
additional costs, according to Professor Owen.

“I suspect more cities will join in the trials. Beijing is getting a large
number of the buses for the Olympic Games, and the Japanese are
doing a lot of research into fuel-cell buses and cars because they import
100 percent of their oil, mainly from the Middle East.

CEEM is a collaboration between the faculties of Commerce and
Economics, and Engineering. Professor Hugh Outhred, of the School of
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, is the other director of
the Centre, which opened in mid-2004 as a UNSW initiative in response
to a government review of local infrastructure industries such as the
electricity, gas and water markets.

In fact, Owen says research into energy and environmental markets
is a massive area of interest to governments looking to reduce the
damage pollution causes to public health, the environment and the
economy.

“A number of studies have actually quantified the damage to health
and mortality caused by air pollution. The combustion of diesel fuel
causes greenhouse gas emissions, but far more costly are the emissions
of particulate matter or black smoke and soot, which are very dangerous
to health,” he says.

CEEM is working with a range of institutions to assess alternative
energies, such as the Australian Greenhouse Office, which has invested
$660,000 in a three-year study into using wind energy in the Australian
national electricity market.

Another interesting study is being funded by the Australian Stock
Exchange, and conducted in conjunction with CSIRO Sustainable
Ecosystems, to develop experimental economic tools that demonstrate
how markets for environmental products work.
CEEM is sharing its research findings with universities and power
companies in Australia, Thailand, China, Ireland, Korea, Spain and
Taiwan, where it has hosted a series of workshops.

This article has been edited from the May 2006 Edition of Uniken, UNSW's monthly magazine.

Celebrations!

2006-05-07T09:23:00.000+10:00

54 posts and approximately 365 days later, this town is still alive and well. However the rest of the world is not so well off, so please give generously. MSF or BMG Foundation.

007 Royale

2006-05-02T07:13:00.000+10:00

Well, it seems Bond is back and from what this shows, he sure is looking superb. No-crap, no-unwanted stunts and a Bond who looks terrific. It may be too early to say anything, but it looks like Bond is back to his glory days! Oh and what a remix of the Bond tune!!

Converted

2006-04-28T11:13:00.000+10:00

Fellow bloggers such as Sudhish have already put this up on their site, but I just had to aswell. TN Elections at least have one party trying to do a good job. Check it out.

Bismillah Khan and his Shehnai

2006-04-26T12:59:00.000+10:00

Wow, I had an almost divine experience. I finally got around to listening to some of Ustad Bismillah Khan's music which I bought in India a few years back.

The first song (calling it a song seems so very low) was the utterly magnificent Raga Shivaranjani. What a performance. What scintillating tunes, magnificent pauses, what a raga (or collection of ragas). Just like it's south Indian cousin (Nadaswaram) the Shehnai belts out some absolutely rivetting melodies, such variation, such tonality. In the hands of a master, it was a truly enchanting experience.

Perhaps the best accolade that can be given to Bismillah Khan is that he was able to transcend the barriers of what a person can do with a Shehnai. Generally they are played in a wedding or perhaps some religious event but this guy, he took it out of there and pushed it into a category by itself.

The second song was the masterful Raga Mishra Ki Malhar, again the sounds were a symposium of ideas, of tunes, of melodies. It wasn't as much abstract as it was Carnatic. This was a song in Hindustani that reminded me of the Carnatic tradition. Was it fusion? Undoubtedly no. All it was, was showing me and indeed anyone who listens to it, the closeness of the two well known giants of Indian classical music.

Lastly there was Kajri, again a masterpiece in it's own tradition. All these songs were 15mins or more, not once in them did I feel a minute was wasted, not once did I feel that something was wrong, not once could I detect a mistake, an "abaswaram".

The supporting instruments in this recording were also upto the task, matching the master and proving to be reliable, relentless and resourceful. They included Basharat Hussain on the khurdak, Mumtaz Hussain and Nanne Hussain on other shehnai's and Nazim Hussain on the tabla.

What a recording, a brilliant symphony of music. Pleased the ear, and the mind, and the soul.

Logic

2006-04-11T19:55:00.000+10:00

Quite simply, read this book. Was refered to me by one of my lecturers. Something between a dictionary and a bible for all mathematicians and computer scientists. Discusses logic, artificial intelligence, the human mind and even classical music. Miss it at your own peril.

Physics - A Recap of 2005

2006-04-05T19:35:00.000+10:00

What happened in physics lately? This a recap of all the main stories of 2005 from the world of Physics. It is by no means comprehsive nor is it completely objective. It's just stuff that I've found interesting. I got many links from the American Institute of Physics.

At the Relativistic Heavy Iron Collider (RHIC) on Long Island, the four large detector groups agreed, for the first time, on a consensus interpretation of several year's worth of high enery ion collisions: the fireball made in these collisions --- a sort of stand in for the primoridial universe only a few microseconds after the big bang --- was not a gas of weakly interacting quarks and gluons as earlier expected, but something more like a liquid of strongly interacting quarks and gluons. Click Here

Top physics stories for 2005 include, in general chronological order of their appearance throughout the year, the following:

The arrival of the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn and the successful landing of the Huygens probe on the moon Titan. Click Here

The development of lasing in silicon (Nature, 17 February, 2005)

The biggest burst of light ever recorded from outside the solar system, from a soft gamma repeater. Click Here

Further evidence for superfluid behavior in a solid. Click Here

Detection of infrared radiation directly from an exoplanet. Click Here

Zeptogram mass sensitivity in a cantilever sensor. Click Here

Spashless impact of droplets at low pressures. Click Here

The demonstration of pyrofusion, fusion reactions created with a pyroelectric crystal. Click Here

The best yet prediction of hadron masses using lattice QCD. Click Here

The best measurement yet of the weak nuclear force. Click Here

Superfluidity directly observed in a sample of ultracold fermi atoms. Click Here

Extension of the "comb" technique for measuring frequency (a topic pertaining to the 2005 Nobel prize in physics) into the ultraviolet. Click Here

Geoneutrinos observed. Click Here

Hybrid atom-molecule dark states. Click Here

Using statistical mechanics to predict the effectiveness of flu vaccines. Click Here

Hydrophobic water. Click Here

2005 Nobel Prize. Click Here

Molecules that walk. Click Here

Phonon Hall effect. Click Here

Short gamma ray bursts identified as coming from in-spiraling neutron stars (Nature, 6 October, 2005)

Hyperentangled states. Click Here

Further progress in research concerning left-handed or negative-refraction materials, including perfect lensing (Science, 22 April, 2005), almost perfect lensing in the mid-infrared. Click Here

Extension of negative-index behavior into the near-infrared region. Click Here

Melbourne Grand Prix

2006-04-02T12:20:00.000+10:00

The old warrior returns, and as the coo of criticism mounts on his ageing shoulders, the man will fly around the circuit and prove that even after all events of the past, the fighter still remains.

Update: Or maybe not. 11 Crashes - that's crazy!

They're all Gone.

2006-04-01T13:57:00.000+11:00

Why, does someone at 58 take such a risk? Because he is a master, that's why. Scorsese, you've got competition.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

2006-03-25T10:50:00.000+11:00

I had a magical time playing this game which was entrusted upon me by a local friend. There is no market for games in India, it's a pity because Nintendo seems to be pumping out some brilliant games.

|*]-[012 73]-[ 10\/3 0|= 1337

2006-03-22T13:36:00.000+11:00

Well what can I say, UNSW has sunk to a new low. Writing a C program to convert english to 1337. For those of you who don't know what that is click here.

Something to Blog About

2006-03-15T13:08:00.000+11:00

Well, here comes the inevitable post in which I keep this site running and the visitors trickling in each day. I suppose thats the great things about blogs, you still visit the ones you like even if you know they aren't being maintained properly.

Blogs are unique type of beast. They are personalised, yet so many of the blogs I read and indeed most people read are written by people who often refuse to give out their photo or their residence. Even I do it. I wonder why? Is it really that personalised after all? Privacy is regarded as champion yet if we needed the privacy of our thoughts, our feelings and opinions, why blog at all?

Then, businesses are now taking to blogs to bring a "human face" to their corporations and their products/services. Well, it seems to me that blogs were, are and will be about the person and are definitely non profit websites (the reason why I don't use Google AD-Sense). I am worried that these corporations will ruin the trust created by genuine bloggers and use it to create a webspace that is again filled with fear. Blogs seem to be a solace amongst the popups and the constant net advertising, soon this solace may vanish forever. The blog will no longer be a place of personalities, lives and experiences, it will be all about marketing, marketing and more marketing.

Even people like Paul Thurott, whose site I visit regularly are somewhat blogging on the premise that there comments will be taken seriously by numerous readers who will in turn invest their money in certain products. While I respect Paul's opinion and find that he has a reasonably neutral point of view, influential people like him should really keep the blog as something to express themselves with, not to describe or review the latest software or hardware.

Ultimately I believe that only when you actually have something to say do you blog. Which is the reason why when I don't have something to say that is worthwhile, I don't blog. Many geeks (at least that ones I know) blog continuously just to say they are bloggers. It's not about that. It's about you and when you don't feel like talking, keep your mouth shut (or in this case, don't touch the keyboard).

Plogs, Vlogs, and even Podcasts all detract from the real nature of the blog. It's all about literature, expressing yourself. It's not a sounding board and it certainly is not a forum. Comments are great, but many sites thrive on typing something just to generating comments, it's not about that.

It's all about you, and it's all about what you have to say.

Syriana

2006-03-03T21:01:00.000+11:00

A wonderful film. Tackling issues generally beyond the scope of Hollywood. Call me stupid, but I will believe what it is portraying. Very realistic. Filled with top class acting. Food for thought. Clooney looks awesome in a beard. Awesome BG Score. Complicated but not complex. Demands attention. Rewards Handsomely. AUD$8 well spent.

Guess

2006-02-24T08:26:00.000+11:00

He should have quit long ago, when he wasn't being treated like a doormat.

MacTel Arrives!

2006-01-21T01:25:00.000+11:00

Finally, the long awaited Apple - Intel collaboration has come into fruition with the introduction of the rather cheesily named "MacBook Pro" and the latest iteration of the iMac.

Well I am drooling over the MacBook. Four times faster it says, well f its to be believed, the awesome has just become a little more awesome. But before jumping out with my wallet, I want to check it's compatibility, it's actual usability and effiency. Looks really good on paper, but then we have all seen what the Indian Cricket team is capable of!

The MacBook also contains Front Row (ie. a cheap copy of Windows MCE), but it does sport some other much better features including Apple's standard iLife suite, which is damn good in itself. It's also got PCI-X and a camera built in. The cost is still sky high. While many pundits and critics will be inspecting every positive and negative of Apple's latest products, one does have to be rather wary about three facts:

It is the funeral of the Powerbook line of Apple's notebooks which has served the company and countless users many many many times, me included.
It is also the funeral of the most stylish computer on the market - the 17inch Powerbook. Where the hell is its Intel counterpart??
Read Point 2.

Anyway, its time to bid farewell to the PowerPC processor in Apple's armoury because soon you are going to see all of them find themselves outdated.

On that point, Apple's cheeky line is pretty stupid in my opinion, if you go to the Apple homepage, you will know exactly what I mean, Intel processors have done more to advance PC technology over the past decades than the PowerPC has, so I really don't know what Apple is grinning about!

Anyway, MacBook is here. It seems some wishes do indeed come true.

World's Biggest Speed Bump

2006-01-19T15:00:00.000+11:00

No this isn't exactly about some road speed breaker. It's something a little more drastic. Click here to find out more. It's a real shame I can't make it to the lecture tonight, I would have devoured it!

Dr Joao Magueijo thinks Einstein, who did have second thoughts but never pursued them, got it wrong. He believes that not long after the Big Bang light hit a "speed bump" and is, in fact, slowing down.

Of Metres, Years and Light Years

2006-01-14T15:50:00.000+11:00

Everyone knows that a metre is indeed just that, a metre. That's not the full story, there is more to the metre than meets the eye!

The metre was defined in 1793 for the first time, when the French government decreed it to be one ten-millionth of the length of the Earth's quadrant passing through Paris. After this arc was surveyed (incorrectly), three platinum standards were made along with several iron copies.

When the Systeme Internationale (SI) of units was set up in 1875, the metre was defined to be the distance between two lines scribed on a single bar of platinum-iridium alloy.

The current definition of the metre is much more precise and accessible. One metre is defined as the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum during the time interval of 1/299 792 458 th of a second.

This modern definition takes advantage of the constancy of the speed of light, as well as the capability technology has given us to measure time and the speed of light with great precision.

The light-year is another length standard defined in terms of time and the speed of light. It is equal to 9.47 × 10¹² km.

Back to Blogging!

2006-01-11T21:02:00.000+11:00

Days, Weeks, Months of not Blogging have started to take their toll. Or maybe thats just the workload and the sickness. Anyway, I'm proud to announce that the Blog will be hereafter taken care of on a regular basis. The weeds that have grown up over the last period of time, will be plucked and a new grass be planted. Yes I know I am slipping into maudlin sentimentality...

Rang De Basanti.
In a total change of direction, the songs for Rang De Basanti are, in my opinion, particularly fascinating and quite brilliant. Barring the redundant title song, which sounds a lot like "Baba, Cinema Cinema", the rest of it is quite brilliant. My favourites include Khalbali and Paatshala among others. It really is the vibe of the youth bottled.

King Kong.
Brilliant. End of Story.

Can't wait to see Munich and the New World.

Finally, a hearty, albeit extremely belated New Year wish to all of you.

A Tribute to the Amby

2005-11-29T14:13:00.000+11:00

http://faculty.concord.edu/chrisz/HM/HM-d1s.jpg">
I fondly named the beast "amby" back in 1996 after travelling in it many many times. "Cargil" said the advertisement for it in 2001. That pretty much sums up the story of the Ambassador. It is a dutiful warrior. The shape in today's world is pathetic, the curves are better on an elephant, a common lawnmower has a better engine, yet the amby trudges along. It may splutter, it may scream but it never gives up.

In today's world of Honda, Hyundai etc, HM no longer has a market share. On the road it is a different matter, regardless of the state of Indian roads, regardless of the number of cows, goats and people on the road the Official Indian Government car still silently pushes by.

The Ambassador is well past its heyday when it comes to passenger comfort, yet there is one feature in it that is yet to be matched by any car. That feature is the small triangular window for front seat passengers. Sitting in other cars the front seat passengers dont get any wind or air from outside but with this little invention the Amby saves the day.

I've been (literally) from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in this little beast and not once has it given up. The thing is made of complete metal and parts don't fall off when the door closes. The Amby is one in a million, now if only they could get the damn styling right...

CFC's and the Atmosphere - An Analysis

2005-11-15T11:45:00.000+11:00

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are gases formed synthetically by replacing all hydrogen atoms in the methane [CH4(g)] or ethane [C2H6(g)] with chlorine and/or fluorine atoms. For example, CFC-12 [CF2Cl2 (g), dichlorodifluoromethane] is formed by replacing the four hydrogen atoms in methane with two chlorine atoms and two fluorine atoms.

Ozone reductions since the late 1970s correlate with increases in chlorine and bromine in the stratosphere. Molina and Rowland (1974) first recognised that chlorine compounds could destroy stratospheric ozone. Since then, scientists have strengthened the links among global ozone reduction, Antarctic ozone depletion, and the presence of chlorine and bromine containing compounds in the stratosphere.

Origins of CFCs and Halons
Thomas Midgley and his assistants in Ohio, USA, invented chlorofluorocarbons in 1928. Midgley and his assistants developed CFC-12 effectively on the same day that a representative of General Motor’ Frigidaire division asked Midgley to find a non-toxic, non-flammable substitute for an existing refrigerant, ammonia, a flammable and toxic gas. CFC-12 and subsequent CFCs were inexpensive, non-toxic, non-flammable, nonexplosive, insoluble, and chemically unreactive under tropospheric conditions; thus they became popular.

Midgley demonstrated the non-toxic and non-flammable properties of his invention to the American Chemical Society in April 1930 by inhaling CFC-12 then blowing it over a candle flame, extinguishing the flame. Along with the use as a refrigerant, CFCs and halogens were specifically used as propellants.

In 1943, Goodhue and Sullivan of the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed a method to use CFC-11 and CFC -12 as a propellant in spray cans. CFCs flowed out of the spray can’s nozzle, carrying with them a mist containing other ingredients. CFCs were used to propel hair spray, paints, deodorants, disinfectants, polishes and insecticides. They were also used marginally in air conditioners.

Through leakages in the spraying cans, refrigerants as well as general use, these CFC particles then escaped into the atmosphere and while they were, as stated, unreactive in tropospheric conditions, they however found their way into the stratosphere where they reacted violently with sunlight to destroy Ozone molecules.

Halons in the form of Bromofluorocarbons are also found in the atmosphere, they have been released from fire extinguishers where they were used extensively until the London Protocol of 1990. Halon 1211 (CClF2Br) as well as Halon 1301 (CF3Br) were extensively used in non-electrical related fires and were found to be extremely effective, however when they reacted under stratospheric conditions also formed free radicals and tended to cause disturbances to the ozone level, they have as such been limited in their usage.

Problems Associated with the use of CFCs

CFCl3 (g) UV CFCl2 (g)+ Cl(g)

CF2Cl2(g) UV CF2Cl(g) + Cl(g)

From the above equation it is seen that the unbonded Cl is a free radical, which then reacts with Ozone under UV light.

Cl (g)+ O3 (g) UV ClO (g)+ O2(g)

ClO(g) + O(g) UV Cl(g) + O2(g)

As can be seen this is a repetitive process. The Cl, which breaks the ozone in the first process, is then regenerated in the second process and the reaction keeps occurring. This is why just one molecule of Cl has the capacity to destruct over 1000 molecules of Ozone.

CFCs are extremely dangerous to the natural environment. This is because they have the tendency to break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere. This has direct consequences for living beings on earth.

In the absence of the stratospheric ozone layer, most UV-C radiation would penetrate to the surface of the earth, destroying bacteria, protozoa, algae, fungi, plants and animals in a short time. Fortunately, the ozone layer absorbs almost all UV- C radiation. Ozone also absorbs most UV-B radiation, but some of this radiation penetrates to the surface. UV-B radiation affects human and animal health, terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, air quality and materials.

Increases in UV-B radiation have potential to affect the skin, eyes and immune system of humans. They layers of skin affected by UV-B are the epidermis (the outer protective layer of skin) and often as a result cancerous cells form here, melanoma is a common problem.

To alleviate these problems the Montreal Convention of 1987 was set-up wherein all developed countries were banned from using CFCs. This is a good step however because CFC in the stratosphere has a cyclical process many of the CFCs released in the 1980’s and 1990’s are taking their effect now. The CFCs released by many countries even now do not have an immediate effect; it takes years before they react and then destruct the ozone.

Since then in the London, Copenhagen and again Montreal protocols more stringent measures have been taken to stop expulsion of CFCs as well as HCFCs. Research now indicates a lessening in the rate of depletion - which in effect accepts that much good work has gone into controlling and restricting the usage of CFCs. Buffer systems have also been set up but these tend to be very sporadic and not very effective, however they have caused an improvement in lessening the rate of Cl radicals available in the stratosphere.

In direct relation with humans, Sun Lotion is an accepted and necessary item that is used to block UV-B rays from affecting the skin and subsequently causing cancer; it has been extremely effective.

Changes in Atmospheric Ozone Concentrations
About 90% of all ozone molecules in the atmosphere reside in the stratosphere; most of the remaining molecules reside in the troposphere. Whereas ozone molecules near the surface harm humans, animals, plants and trees, and structures, the same ozone molecules, whether in the stratosphere or in polluted air, shield the Earth from harmful UV radiation.

A measure of the quantity of ozone in the air is the ozone column abundance, which is the sum of all ozone molecules above a square centimetre of surface between the ground and the top of the atmosphere. When this number is divided by a constant (2.7x1016), the result is the column abundance in Dobson Units (DU). Thus 1DU is equivalent to 2.7x1016 molecules of ozone per square centimetre of surface. Gordon Dobson also, in 1920, built the first instrument, now called the Dobson Spectrometer, to measure total ozone column abundance from the ground. In 2000, the globally averaged column abundance of ozone from 90S to 90N (in degrees) was 293.4DU.

The Dobson Spectrometer is an instrument, which determines the differences in atmospheric attenuation of solar UV radiation across spectral lines centred on 320nm. Satellite measurements are also being made of both total column ozone and vertical variation, using ultraviolet radiation back scattered from the atmosphere.

Ozone production is at a maximum in the tropical stratosphere. The Earth’s meridional circulation pattern then transports the ozone towards the Poles, with preference for the winter pole. Hence the latitudinal ozone distribution shows that total column amounts are higher towards the poles than in equatorial regions, and that the peak values are reached in March/April in the northern hemisphere and September/October in the southern hemisphere.

Between 1979 and 2000, the global stratospheric ozone column abundance decreased from 304DU to 293.4DU.

Between 1950 and 1980, no measurements from three ground stations in the Antarctica showed ozone levels less than 220 DU, a threshold for defining Antarctic ozone depletion. Every Southern Hemisphere spring since 1980, measurements of stratospheric ozone have shown depletion. In 1985 a 30% decrease was shown as compared to 1980 measurements. Since then, measurements over the South Pole have indicated depletions of up to 70% of the column ozone for a period of a week in early October. In September 2000, Antarctica recorded the largest depletion for the month with some 30.8% being wiped off in comparison to 1980’s figures. The large reduction of stratospheric ozone over the Antarctic in the Southern Hemisphere spring each year is Antarctic Ozone Hole. This area is now greater than the size of North America.

In effect, the greatening of these holes directly correlates with global warming (due to UV radiation) as well as health problems caused by UV-B rays which humans are now exposed to.

Alternatives to CFCs
As early as 1974 scientists were hypothesising that CFCs were destroying ozone and during late 1974 legislation was introduced to the US Congress to study the problem with greater depth and regulate usage of the CFCs. However the legislation was truncated without much thought. In 1975 a bill was passed to label all spray cans as to whether they contain CFCs or any other chemicals. With statistics coming in about the loss in stratospheric ozone, by about 1980, the US proposed limiting CFC use within its country but as a new president was coming in at the time this approach was also truncated.

In September 1987 a second international agreement (the first had been the Vienna conference) was signed by 27 countries limiting the use of CFCs and Halons in developed countries throughout the world. There have been modifications to allowances in 1990, 1992 and finally in 1997 once again at Montreal. The purposes were to wipe out use of CFCs.

Around 1980 scientists looked towards Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). These compounds are easily attacked by free radicals but since they contain a C -H bond they are limited as to how much they can destroy the ozone. The decomposition of HCFCs is very little compared to what a CFC is capable of. Although the ozone destroying capabilities of CFCs is far less compared to CFCs, they still contain Cl atoms and as such still pose a significant threat. In the 1990 London Convention HCFCs were chosen as the temporary substitute for CFCs.

It was noticed by scientists that HCFCs only reduce the problem but the problem still exists so in 1992 at the Copenhagen Convention HCFCs were also rejected in favour of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs do not contain any Cl molecules and as such do not contain any properties, which could cause destruction to the ozone layer. They contain C-H bonds but not C-Cl bonds. HFCs are used in all aspects where CFCs and HCFCs had previously been used. HFCs are generally more expensive than CFCs or HCFCs and as such have not had great success in developing countries. In Australia only HFCs are used conclusively as the next generation CFC. As such it is used as refrigerant, a propellant and even used in the production of some plastics.

HFCs are a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs. They present all the benefits and uses of CFCs and HCFCs without providing any drawbacks in terms of ozone destruction. They are priced similarly; if a little higher, than ordinary CFCs and as such do not have many financial or economic limitations on manufacturers and consumers.

References
1. Jacobson M (2002). Atmospheric Pollution. Cambridge, United Kingdom
2. Colls J (1997). Air Pollution. E&FN, Spain
3. Smith R (2001). Conquering Chemistry HSC Course. McGraw Hill, London
4. Bach W (1972). Atmospheric Pollution. McGraw Hill, London
5. http://www.ttgv.org.tr/tur/02_ttgv_hakkinda/cfc.gif
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloalkane
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_depletion
8. http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ USA Environmental Protection Agency (2002)

Garfield - 1

2005-11-12T08:10:00.000+11:00

Every Saturday from now on, I plan to upload some of my favourite Garfield comic strips. All pictures are taken from Garfield.com.

Murder

2005-11-05T11:49:00.000+11:00

"Do I dare disturb the universe? - T.S. Elliot"

"We interrupt this program for a police message. The Dullwich case robbery has been bungled and there are criminals on the loose."

A light smirk appeared across my face. Criminals and the corrupt was a way of life. Something that was now intrinsic to me. I lit a cigarette and sat there motionless, the spiralling wafts of smoke gently rose from my face. The rain was merciless outside, as was the night, the night never went away, it always came back with the criminals.

Out of the darkness the telephone rang. I was in no mood to pick it up. One sorry murder after another. The streets of Los Angeles were not that nice. Not like what they sold to you in the movies. There were no Orange groves here, there were murders and plenty of them.

"Yes, this is Renault speaking...what?...yes right away."

Sometimes it wasn't about the murder, sometimes it could be differnt. Today was different, tonight was different.

My rather large gut took its time to rise from the chair after a prolonged rest there. My longish face with plenty of wrinkles under the eyes and hair white around the temples struggled to cope with the job at hand. It was 2am. I took my coat, my cigarettes and armed myself with a revolver and went outside.

I hailed a cab. I told to the driver to proceed to 20th and Church.

"You're cut" the driver told me. "Well it's a pity you ain't a woman" I retorted.

He got me there dutifully in 20 minutes. There was a dead body near a woman about 10 metres from where Iwas. I walked over. I thought that this was going to be different. It turned out to be the same as any other day.

"Is this the man that called me m'am, is he Archie Leach?"

The woman was in a serious state of shock, she hadn't seen anything like his before. She was erratric and shivering profusely. She didn't respond. Yet at the same time, I sensed a real power within the woman, she wasn't spitting out fear, she was conjuring it.

"M'am I'm here to help. My name is Viktor Renault and I was called here. Is this man Archie Leach?"

She nodded but was quiet.

"Ok m'am we'll get you to a hospital."

It was the usual, man D.O.A. On the way to the hospital, I tried cajoling her although I wasn't much of shrink.

"M'am you can help me out here, what did you see, did you see the killer?"

"No, I didn't see anyone." She was really pushing it, her health wasn't all that good.

"Anything else m'am?"

"I heard two men run away into the distance after hearing a single shot fired. It sounded like it came from far away."

"Allright m'am, that was very useful, you take some care now."

We arrived at the hospital, I got her a placement. The doctor named Spade was a man who enthused with profiligate celebrity but he was professional nonetheless. He informed me that Miss Leach was in a state of shock and that she would take a couple of days to recover.

I left her after telling her that I will back the next day and went back to the office. I parked myself in the char. The rain was relentless. Some day a real rain would come and wash the scum off the street. That day wasn't this day, it would never be. I waited and waited and waited, waiting almost became a hobby.

I did some research on that man Leach. He was rich. Richer than I expected. Two estates, one here in Los Angeles, another in France. He had stocks in TWA and Pan-Am. Once again, the telephone rang.

"Just what is it do you think you're doing Renault? This is a police case and will be treated as such, you're going to lay off you understand?"

It was Dundy.

"Dundy, don't give me all that jurisdiction crap, the man called me, this is mine. And besides, it's been a long time since Iwas unhappy that a policeman didn't like me. I don't cry for that anymore you know?"

"..."

"You can tell that to Polhaus if you want, but this one's mine."

"You take chances Renault."

"I'm paid to."

He hung up. This was my one. Besides, the police needed me anyway. They liked to act as if they don't, but they do. They really do. I called Rachel. She was, for some reason, awake at this ungodly hour. I told her to run some more background checks on Archie Leach. I also told her to get me news on the Dullwich robberies. She did it all, even at 4am.

"You're an angel, angel"

I drove to St. Albert's only to find Mrs. Leach in a state of vile depression. Vile depression seemed the adequate description of her condition. I didn't know why she was like that. Only one way to find out.

"What's wrong?"

"My brother in law, he's dead - shot dead."

You start the ball rolling and it just doesn't stop.

"Look m'am, you can call me Viktor and I am here to help. I assure you that I will get to the bottom of this, all of it. I can feel your pain."

I really couldn't feel her pain, to me she was one of them, another person in society who lost some loved ones, big deal, happens all the time. I've seen too much for this type of melodramatic crap.

"Why would they hurt Archie, why would they hurt Randy?"

I assumed Randy was her brother in law.

"What were you doing at that time of night on that street when I found you?"

"We went ot the restaurant earlier in the evening and decided to take a cab home. The driver dropped us off there as he was busy or something. We didn't complain, just a short walk on a nice night. "

"Why did your husband call me? From your account so far I assume that he called from this restaurant. Which restaurant was it?"

"Tony's Italian one"

Nothing like the mob.

"So why did he call me?"

"I don't know."

"I do. He was getting worried. Do you know about the Dullwich case?"

She shook her head. How could anyone not know about the Dullwich case -- still I took her word for it.

I left after showing her some sympathy and a little empathy to match. I went back to the office. A queer man was out in the rain. He was looking at everything but my office. He was no more than a lad of 18 or 20. He wasn't nervous as such but he wasn't exactly smooth as butter either.

"Ok kid, you want to come in? Or do you want me to pull you in?"

"What? Is it a crime to look a the street?"

"Sure it is, when you've got a revolver in your hand."

He walked in, he knew I won. No two ways about it.

"So what's all this about?"

"Nothing"

"Don't waste my time kid, I've got work to do."

God, what an aweful cliche, I heard stuff like that in some of those Bogart and Cagney movies, I was losing my touch, for the moment anyway.

The kid stared at me.

"Who sent you?"

"Nobody?"

"Is that so... funny because your wallet says a man named Herbert is your benefactor. Any comments buddy boy?"

Ahh, thats better, I should really stop watching those movies, nearly lost my touch. Got it back though.

"Ok, Herbert did send me."

He tried to disarm me. I knocked him to the ground. He came to about half an hour later, by that time I knew more about him than his mother probably did. He asked for his wallet back. I obliged.

"You know Leach did it?"

"Ok you're going kid, you hear me?"

He left at that time, he was alarmed and shocked. I had something to go buy.

I took a trip down to the hospital again. Interrogation time.

"Do you know who William Herbert Shaw is?"

"What?"

"Do you?"

"He was an acquaintance..."

"...and a husband" I added.

"Listen here mister. If you think he has anything to do with this, you're sorely mistaken."

"I could be mistaken, I could also be right"

"Allright mister, I don't need you. I have friends"

"No no, I really want to help. I really do."

"Ok"

I left her. This was going in a different direction to where I thought it was going the first time around. Damsel in Distress didn't look much in distress to me anymore, though I couldn't rule anything out. My partner once said to me "Keep your ears open, your mouth shut and brain ticking", I'm still following that.

I went to the office and checked out about this Herbert character. Rachel had come in for the day and brought me a pile of papers on Leach and the Dullwich case. I took a glance at them. I lit the cigarette again. It had been a while since I did, running around here and there, my lungs gleefully accepted.

Sidney, the punk kid came to see me again.

"What are you doing with this pile? I told you it was Leach already."

"Stop disturbing me kid"

"Disturb you? What's the harm in that. Leach disturb the city, disturbed the universe"

"Quite a lot, because I'm coming after whoever did it."

"Coming after Leach, Gail Leach you mean?"

"I don't know"

"I do"

He kicked me to the ground. I woke up after some three hours. I was tied up. A gruff voice came from behind me. It wasn't the kid.

"He told you it was Leach right? Why did you go on?"

"..."

This case was far from solved.

What is she looking at?

2005-11-04T18:46:00.000+11:00

I chanced to find this photograph on the net. For some reason it interests me greatly. Any comments?

Deepavali/Diwali

2005-11-01T06:17:00.000+11:00

Regardless of what you want to call it (Diwali or Deepavali), my best wishes for the day and the function. Happy Diwali!

Two Things...

2005-10-25T10:11:00.000+10:00

OpenOffice has released OpenOffice 2. It's a must download. For those of you who do not know, it is an opensource Office package. Includes the equivalent of Word, Excel, Powerpoint plus a lot more including scientific calculation programs and the like.

It is fully compatible with Microsoft Office programs (ie. you can open .doc in it). It is completely free is better than Office in almost every respect. You have to give it a try. I did. It's the equivalent of Firefox in the Office world. Click here.

On that matter, Firefox Celebrates its 100 Millionth Download. If you havent already downloaded, do so NOW. It is so much better than IE in every respect. You are doing yourself a disservice if you are still with IE. Get Firefox.!

Btw, if you don't have GMAIL and need it, just give me a yell at (blogpur@gmail.com) and I'll send you an invite.

IMDB Makes Me Think

2005-10-18T13:45:00.000+10:00

Someone had to do it, and finally IMDB did it: they made me think. Jokes aside, IMDB is celebrating its 15th Birthday and they are listing their History as well as some of the best movies of this 15 year period. Underneath I have listed mine. [Indian movies excluded]

Commentary...

2005-10-14T16:40:00.000+10:00

Is it just me or is Sanjay Manjrekar extremely good at commentating? I've been listening to him for a while now and he has some brilliant humour, insightful comments, a pleasing voice, reasonable lack of bias and a good knowledge of the game.

He is definitely my favourite commentator now!

(Still love Ian Chappell though~)

Then Again...

2005-10-14T13:59:00.000+10:00

In my last post I vehemently defended Ganguly and made some rather big claims, however this post is from the head, not the heart.

Perhaps like any great warrior, there is a time when the old must be shunted away and the new given their chance. Ganguly hasn't been the greatest player in the team in a while, he has a lot of biases and this is perhaps the reason why a crappy player (Yuvraj Singh) still has a chance when a far better player (Kaif) doesn't get as many. Perhaps the reason why Tendulkar is shunted to patrolling the boundaries, why Kumble (by far India's finest bowler ever) has to duel with Harbhajan Singh to get a place in the team.

What Wright left dormant for his 4 years on the job, Chappell let erupt in 4 months. Perhaps its a good thing aswell. The system can be cleansed and India can go and play with a new vigour. Dravid has been deputy for a while now and his fleeting marriage with Captaincy (which usually ends in a quick painless divorce) has been uninspiring to say the least. While he is a great batsman, he isn't the best captain going around.

I still firmly believe that Sachin Tendulkar was the best captain India never had. He was put into captaincy at a period when it was the most difficult. He had no great players, had no support and his own batting was letting him down. There is still a chance that his batting may let him down if he is captain again, but he is far more inspired, hungry, clever and cunning than Dravid will ever be.

Amongst "The Big Three", there is one man who has been overlooked time and again, and perhaps he even more so than Tendulkar was the best captain India never had: Anil Kumble. A fierce competitor, a brilliant tactitian, a determined warrior and a talented individual. He is also experienced enough to lead the Indian team to great things - it will never happen due to IP (no not Internet Protocol, Indian Politics). He could have been the one - he should have been the one.

Perhaps now it is too late for Kumble, so instead of trying an ageing man like Dravid or Tendulkar, they could hand the reins over to someone like Laxman or perhaps if the BCCI was daring enough - to someone like Kaif. See what happened to South Africa when they handed the captaincy to a young guy - a bit unconventional yet successful tactics.

Ganguly may have to go (perhaps not yet in the Test side) but if India wants to do well at the 2007 World Cup, they need someone or something more than Rahul Dravid. Dravid is the backbone of the team, if his batting collapses (due to captaincy or otherwise), you can kiss our chances goodbye.

A wash out is needed, its happening, it's just that the detergent applied should be worth it. Why waste another man's batting potential when we already got Ganguly who isn't scoring all that well (although it's not THAT bad). Dravid, Tendulkar, Kumble, Laxman, Kaif, all good at what they can do, but thats not the point. Are they good enough to do what Ganguly has done?

It Just Isn't Cricket

2005-10-14T09:04:00.000+10:00

Well, as most of you would know, Rahul Dravid has been appointed captain of the Indian ODI Team for the next two series. I maybe alone on this one, but that is the worst decision ever. Ganguly is not having a good time with the bat but lets take a closer look at that. As of the 2003 World Cup, Ganguly's run count stood at 8432. As of the Lankan series in 2005 it stood at 10,000. In between those, India played against Australia(2x), Pakistan(2x), Lanka (2x), South Africa, England, AUS-IND-PAK tri series, Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and against New Zealand. Barring injuries, other problems and so on, Ganguly played exactly 34 matches in that time.

Now some simple maths --- (10000-8432)/34 = 46. His average in this duration was 46 runs per match. Some enlighten me here - but isn't that fit to be Captain of any side in the world? Ponting mustered an average of 38.44 and his credibility is not being questioned.

Okay, some may say he hit it against minnows, but where among the above teams is a minnow? Forget even that. The point is Rahul Dravid isn't as good as Ganguly when it comes to captaincy. Ganguly built the team we have from the depths of the 2000 Match Fixing Scandal and took us to the world cup final. Drew even with Australia in Australia, Beat Pakistan in Pakistan, chased down 326 in a final, took India to the brink of victory in England and more than all these statistical achievments - instilled pride, fire and passion into the Indian team.

If there is a reason why the Indian team is doing reasonably well - it's because of him. Dravid just doesn't have that X Factor (although he is a far better batsman). Let me enthuse all of you with some quotes:

"I wasn’t, am not, and won’t be bothered. My team doesn’t require a (good conduct) certificate from the Australians..." - Quoted as saying to The Telegraph on the criticism against him and the team in the Aussie media - 2001 Series in India

At a time when India was being attacked viciously by Australians, Ganguly stood up against the boorishness. Who can forget when Michael Slate swore at the umpire for giving him out? When Ganguly was harrased on field by the Aussies - but when he returned fire it was "against the spirit of the game".

We need a man of passion and flair, a man who led from the heart. A man who became India's most successful captain on his own and against everyone else. A man who was thrown out of the Indian team in 1992 only to come back in 1996 and hit a century on debut. A man who along with Sachin and Inzi is the only person to hit 10000 ODI runs. We need Dada.

I wrote an article which was published on Cricinfo. Click here.

If anything, Indian cricket has become stagnant, and it's because of this power struggle. If Indian cricket must move - Rahul Dravid can be the captain. If it must move forward - Sourav Ganguly must be the captain.

The Development of Quantum Mechanics

2005-10-05T07:57:00.000+10:00

(Niels Bohr)

Over the years, scientists and in particular, physicists have worked tirelessly in qualifying and understanding quantum theory. There have been heated arguments over theories and the like and these arguments continue to take place even today. Some of the contributors are mentioned in this outline.

Bohr's Explanation of the Periodic Table
In 1922, Niels Bohr developed an explanation of the atomic structure that underlies the regularities of the periodic table. He considered that atoms are built up of shells of orbiting electrons (part of his model of the atom, derived from Rutherford's work) with shells filled by, in the case of uranium, 2, 18, 32, 18 and 6 electrons. Uranium is the element with the highest naturally occuring atomic number. He couldn't, however, explain why these were the maximum numbers of electrons in the shells. No 72, Bohr predicted, when found would not have the properities of a rare earth element but have a valency of 4, something like zirconium. Scientists who worked on this found that Bohr was correct. In the same year (1922) Bohr was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Heisenberg and Bohr
Werner Heisenberg heard Bohr's lectures on the periodic table and although he was impressed, he wasn't convinced and thought he found some gaping holes in Bohr's theories. He objected to one of Bohr's statements. Bohr identified him as a "smart person" and admired his determination and courage to speak out against him. Bohr and Heisenberg went to Copenhagen to jointly work on quantum theory. Heisenberg rejected Bohr's electron orbits idea mechanically, but looked into it numerically.

Heisenberg Develops Quantum Mechanics
In May 1925 Heisenberg developed his mathematical theory of quantum mechanics. In the next few months he worked with Max Born and Pascual Jordon to develop what he called 'a coherent mathematical framework, one that promised to embrace all the multifarous aspects of atomic physics.'

(Bohr - Heisenberg - Pauli)

Pauli Applies Quantum Mechanics to Hydrogen
Wolfgang Pauli, with much difficulity successfully applied it to the Hydrogen atom. He derived Balmer's equation as well as Rydberg's constant using quantum mechanics instead of numerical manipulation. Bohr did the same thing in 1913, but he did it with incosistencies between Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics - he was very happy that his theories were supported by Quantum Mechanics alone.

Pauli's Exclusion Priniciple
From the Bohr model of the atom, the first quantum number specified was the principal quantum no , n, the second quantum number was the angular momentum number, l, and the third was the magnetic quantum number, m.

Pauli used these and came up with another quantum number. In 1925, Pauli's fourth quantum number - the spin number was introduced. This he felt could explain the maximum number of electrons in each shell. The maximum number of electrons coresponded to the number of different sets of quantum numbers available for each shell. Pauli's exclusion principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers.

The exclusion principle provided the reason for electrons in atoms being arranged in shells with the maximum number of electrons being 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 8 from the first to the sixth shell.

Schrodinger Thinks Different:
Einstein's involvement ensured that De Broglie's work on the wave nature of particles was understood and appreciated by many, having read this work, Erwin Schrodinger in 1925 read a comment of Einstein's about the De Broglie theory. Schrodinger was certain that the comment which Einstein made was much more than just an analogy of De Broglie's work. Schrodinger set to work upon restoring concepts of waves to quantum theory. He derived equations that were similar to equations which explained real waves. It seemed that Schrodinger's work had brought Quantum closer theory to a much more palatable area - Classical Mechanics.

However, it was not long until scientists, including themselves, discovered that Heisenberg's and Schrodinger's approaches were very much the same thing - only different versions. Schrodinger was very dissapointed that his "waves" were not waves at all, they were just theoretical analysis given to the electron orbits. Max Born found a way to interpret Schrodinger's waves; he related them to the probability of finding an electron at a particular location.

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle:
Heisenberg after seeing Born's work set out to continue the idea of an electron's location further. In 1926, Heisenberg showed that uncertainty was an inherent property of all quantum mechanics. He showed that if the velocity of an electron is accurately found, then the position of it cannot be and vice versa. This of course led to his famous equation:

Although he did not realise at the time, this breakthrough has laid the foundations for all quantum mechanics.

(Fermi - Dirac - Heisenberg)

The Dirac Equation:
Paul Dirac extended quantum mechanics further. He derived the equation which added relativity to quantum mechanics. It correctly predicted the spin of electrons (which is a relativistic effect). Dirac also predicted the existence a particle like the electron with a positive charge. This was then named the positron when Anderson observed it in 1932. Dirac also explained that the equations of quantum and classical mechanics are not that dissimilar. He explained that classical mechanics' equations can be derived from quantum mechanics when using large quantum numbers or using Planck's constant as zero instead of h (6.626 E -34).

Now that I have completed my most exhaustive post ever, I'll leave you all with a quote that is entirely applicable to the above:

I think it is safe to say that no one understands quantum mechanics.
- Richard Feynman

Heat - the Fire Rages On...

2005-10-01T10:13:00.000+10:00

Michael Mann's Heat is a seismic semaphore, a conjunction of the best available, a saga of crime involving the two greatest actors of the last 30 years. Indeed, epic is perhaps the most unlikely word for a film that runs some 2hrs and 40mins long. As much as it is about crime, Mann's masterpiece is about the consequences of crime and the repercussions on the families of those involved in crime, on both sides of the law.

As McCauley (De Niro) sets up his next major score, Hanna (Pacino) traces his footsteps with unrelenting passion “I've got three dead bodies on the street, I'm sorry if the damn chicken got overcooked” he says to his wife. Unlike many of the noirish thrillers both actors have been involved, Heat provides the viewer with a rather likeable depiction of Los Angeles. The sprawling metropolis is captured in its glory; the seedy underbelly is laid to rest. Mann's film thrives on the sonic and visual indulgence he creates.

Much has been said of the standoff between the two giants, Pacino and De Niro. Mann cleverly makes us wait and wait and wait. Half way into the film, the titans come head on, in the most unlikely of places – a coffee shop. Mann only did one take on this scene to get the full flavour of the Pacino vs De Niro effect and it comes off wonderfully. The scene buzzes with electricity on every level, from the dialogue to the finest of nuances on the faces of Pacino and De Niro, it is indeed a true testament to the acting calibre of the two.

As the investigation proceeds, both Hanna's and McCauley's worlds start falling apart. Hanna's third marriage comes to a precipice and topples. McCauley's new found love finds her self betrayed to and both the protagonists are torn between their profession and their personal lives. Indeed, the ultimate message of Mann's film is that robbers and cops are much the same. He wonderfully exemplifies this with the final stages of the film where Hanna and McCauley hunt shadows and almost end up shooting themselves – one is the shadow of the other, Mann seems to prophesise.

The operatic shooting in the streets of CBD Los Angeles has a deft touch to it. Nothing is solved and the denouement doesn’t occur straight after, Mann’s directorial vision comes to the fore and unlike so many he doesn’t slip into the tempting waters of mediocrity. Much of his character studies seem typical, yet they work so convincingly and are meticulously crafted that this is a forgivable flaw.

Pacino and De Niro only see each other twice, once in the coffee shop and once later on, both these meetings are on a placid note, yet both these meetings are extremely powerful. Needless to say, they both act with cold precision. Cops and robbers are bread and butter to these men, but they bring home another distinctive outing. De Niro, is chillingly wonderful as Neil McCauley and this is perhaps his last definitive role in the last 10 years. Seeing De Niro relegate himself to prankish comedies is an exercise in mediocrity for a man who along with Pacino defined a generation.

Pacino also shines in this film but the viewer will appreciate that this isn’t his best outing, he has done better work. Regardless, a slightly above average Pacino is still heads and shoulders above the rest of Hollywood with a few notable exceptions. Pacino, unlike De Niro, in the last 10 year (after Heat) has brought to his resume a deliciously exciting body of work and more is to come.

Mann’s film brings the best of opera, cinema, theatre and music into a mix that is socially alert as it is vigilant. This is among the best films of the 1990s.

Paheli - No Riddle

2005-09-27T14:15:00.000+10:00

It's really no riddle why Paheli got chosen as India's Oscar entry. From a list that included the likes of Sachin, Anniyan, Veer Zaara and so on, its damn obvious that a "good" movie is going off to the Oscars - not that it is going to win. The only other reasonably good movies mentioned were Swades and Black.

Most people will be wondering why Black didn't get the go ahead. As far as I'm concerned, Black is a lukewarm disaster that doesn't really have any weight to it. It's far too stereotypical, eccentric and unabashedly dogmatic for my liking. The story is also ripped straight from an American film: "The Miracle Worker" - not that that makes it a bad film - half of Kamal's films are "influenced" by other films whether they be American or Japanese or French.

I just didn't buy into Black. What the hell was that post modern Indian setting? It mixes fantasy and realism - that mixture just doesn't work too well for my liking. Granted the cinematography was good - but compared to Paheli?

Swades was a good effort from Gowariker, but like so many efforts, it had some sections which were totally unwarranted. The romantic angle (the cornerstone of any nutritious Indian film) was definitely out of place. The generator idea, had a good premise which became a damp squid. It became far too stereotypical. However there were some absolutely fantastic pieces of filmmaking in that movie here and there. The section where the train comes to a stop and the boy selling water comes out - sheer class. Swades should be congratulated for tackling a rather taboo subject and showing the world what real India is - not what is shown in Black or Dhoom or K3G or K4G or K5G etc etc etc...

Out of these 3 definitely I would recommend Paheli for sheer visual inventiveness, a story which (although thin) is something that I haven't seen and daringness to have a female centric story in a rather male dominated industry. The film is also very "Indian" in that it is rooted in culture and tradition which can't be said about the above. More than anything - Ravi K Chandran's camera weaves magic. The p(a)laces shown are beyond beauty and into another realm. Mysticism is brought out perfectly and the film succeeds admirably in what it aims to do. Call me a romantic - but this is one of my favourite Hindi movies of all time.

Rani is perfect - in fact she is better than Black, in more ways than one. SRK, well continuing on this infamous tradition after Swades, he decides to act aswell. Here and there, SRK the star, did turn up, but for the most part - he is both entertaining and engaging.

Paheli going to the Oscar's is a wonderful choice - however I strongly doubt the chances of it winning. But like Kamal says - how does it matter? We don't need foreign judges of our films and we must work to make the National Awards equally well known. With Saif winning this year - at least we can be assured that they are equally stupid.

The Birth of Electricity

2005-09-19T16:35:00.000+10:00

In 1780, Luigi Galvani, joined 2 different metallic wires to a freshly extracted muscle of a frog. Galvani saw twitching and thought that the muscle created electricity. This was wrong. But it was the birth of something special - something that would forever alter the way people live. In honour of his findings - the Galvanic Cell was named so.

However, Alessandro Volta wasn't quite happy with the findings of Galvani. Volta demonstrated that it was the wires which made the frog's legs twitch, not the muscles. He then sandwiched a brine soaked piece of cardboard in between Copper and Tin metallic plates. This was the first real Galvanic cell. He later achieved greater currents by making the cell bigger by stacking more and more of the above. Volta, incorrectly, thought the contact between the metals was creating electricity. In honour of his work the Galvanic Cell was also named the Voltaic Pile.

Humphrey Davy took Volta's idea and conducted experiments on it. In 1800 he electrolysed water. He correctly explained that the chemical reaction was the source of the electric current. He also stated (correctly) that these reactions were decompositions. Davy improved the Voltaic Pile and used it to decompose many substances. He prepared Potassium and Sodium metals by electrolysing fused Potassium and Sodium Hydroxides.

However, the biggest of all these men was the giant of Physics and Chemistry himself: Michael Faraday.

Responsible for Electromagnetic Induction with this Iron Ring experiment later in his career, Faraday in 1813 worked on relating the amount of electricity generated to the amount of substance used. This was particularly difficult as he had no Ammeters or Voltmeters. He developed an electrolytic device for measuring electrical charge - a cell in which Sulphuric Acid was electrolysed and the Oxygen emitted collected. The volume of this Oxygen gas was measured. This cell was connected to the cell he was initially working on. He said that the electric charge was proportional to the volume of gas formed in his Sulphuric Acid Coulometer.

And thus, the first working batteries, which our AA batteries still abide by, was created. It took 4 geniuses - masters of the genre...

Choices

2005-09-17T20:51:00.000+10:00

Would you rather be the best of the worst or the worst of the best?

Training the Laggard

2005-09-12T14:51:00.000+10:00

We Sydney-siders are used to a train system that is absolutely pathetic. The trains never come on time - that is if they do come at all. There are not enough trains and they take forever to get to us to Uni and Office. It indirectly resulted in the Transport Minister getting fired.

Well, as of Sept 4 a new timetable came in and since then (shock horror) the trains have been on time and they do appear. They are more frequent now. However this has one serious problem as eloquently stated by Mr. Richard Handa (Sydney Morning Herald 10/9/05):

I am fed up with this system, I am going to work late now because I can't count on the trains being late, I keep missing them and this is a serious flaw in the Rail System - someone better fix this up!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

2001: A Space Analysis

2005-09-05T18:03:00.000+10:00

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey will go down in cinematic history as one of the finest films ever made. In 1968, the film was released to mixed reviews, indeed after some 35 years the film has gained status as Kubrick's masterpiece and a film of such power and idealogy it is hard to dispute its cinematic license. Combining heavy philosophy, irony, superb visuals and a certain horror aspect, the film successfully demonstrates what a serious imaginative journey can mean in today’s world.

Perhaps proof that imaginative journey’s are indeed just as powerful as physical and realistic journeys comes in this film where no words are spoken for over the first half hour and even after that 75% of the film features no voice at all, yet the film has a profound impact – this has taught me that not everything has to be apparently stated, many of the images created for a person can set them on an imaginative journey far beyond the reaches of a realistic and physical journey.

HAL is an aloof, egoistical and “flawless” one eyed computer who pretty much runs the space shuttle on which is Dave, an astronaut. A situation arises where HAL’s integrity is questioned, in this instance Dave and his co astronaut say that the problem is with HAL and his “infallibility” is scrutinized. HAL notices this and turns against his crew killing one and nearly killing another. (Sound similar to Cyclops from Homer’s Odyssey?) Kubrick is perhaps trying to tell us that computers if used too much could cause our downfall. This has shaped my understanding of the imaginative journey as it has told me that the imaginative journey is a powerful and emotional way of teaching and warning an audience of events, effects and purposes. This point is also touched upon in the Coleridge poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

The Monolith figure which changes apes into more violent beings, nearly kills some human explorers and sends the humans on an intergalactic wild goose chase is perhaps Kubrick’s explanation of what is happening in the world

The final sequence in which Dave the astronaut sees himself ageing rapidly, coming face to face with the monolith and ultimately becoming a baby which is in the womb poses some interesting questions about where the ultimate reality is and who is the most advanced… the baby or the man? However Kubrick’s choice of the baby is quite disturbing as this is no ordinary baby; in the foetus of the mother (who or what we don’t know) this baby has its eyes open! Is Kubrick hinting that when we die we are ultimately and quintessentially enlightened beyond human comprehension? Certainly these grand concepts are explored and have shaped my understanding of imaginative journeys as being a universal medium that can highlight and gratify any possible theory or ideology.

At the end of Dave’s Experience:
The cyclical evolution from ape to man to spaceman to angel-starchild-superman is complete. Evolution has also been outwardly directed toward another level of existence - from isolated cave dwellings to the entire Earth to the Moon to the Solar System to the Universe. Humankind's unfathomed potential for the future is hopeful and optimistic, even though HAL had momentarily threatened the evolution of humanity. What is the next stage in man's cosmic evolution beyond this powerful, immense, immortal, space-journeying creature?

Now which physical journey can pose such serious and thought provoking questions?

(Further reading at 2001 Internet Resource, some information in this article has been influenced by this site.)

Nostalgia

2005-09-03T08:17:00.000+10:00

Thanks to Preethi my spirit of rekindling my past has been re-awoken. Not that it is some extremely big past or a past steeped in the record books. But it is a past nonetheless. I'd like it if some of you guys passed it on. Here it goes:

Do You Remember the Name of Your Very First School?

Model Farm LKG, Nashik, MH

How about the name of your first friend at school...

Phillip. I still know him and still see him regurlarly.

Who was your favourite teacher?

I forgot the name.

What subject did you dread the most?

Biology. Hands Down.

Did you participate in co-curricular activities?

Yes. Debating, Public Speaking, Chess, Music

Which was your favourite sport?

Jeez. I'm Indian, I'm male and I'm from the age of Tendulkar at his prime. What do you think?

Which places did you visit on a school trip?

Canberra, Snowy Moutains, and various other places in rural Australia. This all happened in my last 2 years of schooling; in Australia.

Now, there must a boy/girl whom you hated the most and never wanted to see again in your life, who was it?

A Lankan guy named Rudi.

You must have had a close friend, without whom you thought you could never live and then you both moved on, lost touch and now only wonder in which part of the word he/she must be in…who is it?

I have no-one like that. Thanks to the wonders of MSN Messenger.

This was quite an interesting questionarre. Thanks Preethi for putting me through it.

I am nominating for this tag:

Prabhu

Writetrack

Cipher

Gautham Menon: Hindu

2005-08-30T15:22:00.000+10:00

Gautham Menon has given an entertaining interview in today's Hindu. Click Here. He talks about Vettayadu... (much to my delight) and how he got into films. He also delves into why it was a reasonably big risk for him to do so.

As you know, it's a cop film, but more into investigation than encounters. There will be plenty of action and thrills in the film that's being shot in Chennai and New York. We hope to make it slick and technically superior.

He outlines his next projects and showers praises on Kamal (as if that wasn't expected).

A good read.

Einstein - Life, Politics and of course Science.

2005-08-25T19:34:00.000+10:00

I don't pretend to understand the universe— it's much bigger than I am.

2005 is the International Year in Physics, it is also known as the Year of Einstein, this is an article saluting the great master.

Albert Einstein: the name is synonymous with science - but just what exactly did the man do and how does his discoveries affect us?

I'm no person to talk about this when compared to the thousands of scholars who scour over his works day and night in universities across the globe, but I have a decent understanding of his findings and breakthroughs and I'm going to attempt to canvas his work and why it's so important us.

Put lightly, I believe Newton has been a bigger figure in Physics and Mathematics than Einstein ever will be. Newton with his laws of motion, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, in which he derived the Laws of Universational Gravitation all layed pretty much the base for the structure which was Classical Physics/Mechanics. Much of his work is still the cornerstone for nearly all our uses of Physics in day to day lives. From the car, to the train, to the lift in the office building and countless other things Newton is there.

Of course, Newton laid the bricks for the space race and also the first flights. It's is pretty much here that his work ends. Einstein takes over. Time Dilation, Mass Dilation, Length Contraction: all part of the Relativity of Simultaneity; without this there would be no space travel. Einstein is really genius for this one. Proving the Michelson-Morley debunked, he found that that the Speed of Light is very much a constant. This alone is a groundbreaking fact. With this he derived equations such as this one: (Dilation)

Doing all this was quintessential to working out various factors in travel. Not only did he do this, he of course linked Mass and Energy in the most popular equation of all time:

Suprisingly, Einstein never got the Nobel Prize for all this work. He rather got it for his work on the Photoelectric Effect. Where Newton brought about the Classical Physics, Einstein brought about the Quantum physics. Some of you are going to slam me saying that the true father of Quantum Physics was Max Planck, and your right he was. But Planck let his child run the streets, Einstein adopted him and brought him up for the world to see. Einstein's postulates as well as explanation of the Photoelectric Effect is nonetheless etched in Scientific fables. He said (from what I understand): The energy associated with the radiation from a black body is concentrated in packets of energy called photons. A photon is the smallest amount of radiation energy possible at a particular frequency. A photon cannot transfer part of its energy: it can only transfer all of its energy or none of it. The amount of energy carried by a photon is proportional to its frequency. The intensity of light is proportional to the number of photons. The energy possessed by a photon is proportional to its frequency, hence the observation, in relation to black body radiation, that the shorter the wavelength (thus the higher the frequency) the greater the total energy radiated (for a given temperature). While at this, Einstein also that wave and particle behaviour can coexist, a problem plaguing the likes of JJ Thomspon and his CRT.

But more than all this, Einstein was a great humanitarian. In an age with Fritz Haber, Max Planck and Heisenberg wanted to stay back and help the Nazi War Machine, Einstein had his priorities right. He never indulged in any politically inclined works. He was a pacifist and fled to the US due to his Jewish background. From there of course he worked on Atomic Theory and the Nuclear Bomb, a decision he would later regret.

From the American Institute of Physics:

The outbreak of the First World War brought Einstein's pacifist sympathies into public view. Ninety-three leading German intellectuals, including physicists such as Planck, signed a manifesto defending Germany's war conduct; Einstein and three others signed an anti-war counter manifesto. He helped form a non-partisan coalition that fought for a just peace and for a supranational organisation to prevent future wars. As a Swiss citizen, Einstein could feel free to spend his time on theoretical physics, but he kept looking for ways to reconcile the opposing sides. "My pacifism is an instinctive feeling," he said, "a feeling that possesses me because the murder of men is disgusting. My attitude is not derived from any intellectual theory but is based on my deepest antipathy to every kind of cruelty and hatred."

I know in this article I've missed a lot of his work, things such as the GUT theory, and much of Einstein's later work including his refridgerator. What I have written, is what I understand of him and what I religiously admire him for.

(Thanks to Prabhu for telling me it is the Year of Physics and Einstein Year. Information about photoelectric effect with thanks from Charles Sturt University.)

Cricket for Computer Geeks

2005-08-22T16:28:00.000+10:00

If you, like me, hardly find the time to go walking alone, let alone arrange to play cricket with friends, I wholeheartedly reccomend STICKCRICKET. It's a really enjoyable game that is run by the good folks at Cricinfo.

When you can get 36 in an over off a spinner - you will become my God, I can't time it that well.

Holy Cows! - What a Day!

2005-08-20T08:17:00.000+10:00

Rumours have been flying as to what will be Rajni's new movie. Rumours end. Shooting Begins. Rajni has signed a whopper deal! No ordinary Burger King whopper - this is the big one. Rajni has signed a film to be produced by AVM Studios and to be directed by the big daddy of all commercial films - Shankar. According to the Sify Report, this is going to be the biggest South Indian movie ever made. If Kamal was that stylish in Indian, I can't wait to see Rajni ripping up the screens! This is what I've been waiting for - Rajni the vigilante on a crusade for society.

Second Biggest News:
After Vettayadu Villayadu, Kamal is doing a movie called "Dashavataram". He is doing 10 roles from Winston Churchill, to G W Bush, Saddam, Osama Bin Laden and more that are being kept secret. Direction by K S Ravikumar. Read the Sify Report for more details.

It seems there is no stopping the Tamil Industry at the moment, thanks to Vasool Raja, Chandramukhi and Anniyan, it's become pretty powerful. With these 3 releases to come out (VV, Rajni, Dashavataram) I believe the Tamil Industry is going to come pretty close to knocking out Bollywood out of the top spot!

Bollywood's Hollywoodisation

2005-08-17T00:36:00.000+10:00

You probably guessed from the title of this post that I am not American: and you're right. However this post isn't about my origins, it's about Bollywood and the utter waste it is churning out. I personally believe Bollywood is hitting new lows, they are doing this through a superficial pursuit to become "Hollywood" standard. I have no objections in advocating better production values and so on, but I do have a problem when Indians start acting as though they are American. To everyone from Shah Rukh Khan to Priyanka Chopra - look at yourselves, regardless of your 1% market share outside the country, you are Indian: so act it.

Since about 2001 (pretty much since Dil Chahta Hai) every Bollywood film has had some reference the US orUK in one way or other. The film Black is a recent example: A POST MODERN INDIAN SETTING? What was Bhansali thinking? Is this supposed to be his vision of the future? Because it certainly isn't the present. Amitabh's english, what is going on? To attract an overseas audience he uses some 2bit Americanised english - I didn't know whether to laugh.... or.... laugh harder.

Bollywood can try as hard as it might to paint some Utopian vision of India in it's films. One in which girls ride water-skis, and cops come chasing crooks during street motorcycle races singing "Dhoom machale...". Fact - it doesn't happen. I don't mind accepting it if it was some ostensibly obvious scifi flick, but not an action adventure movie. 2 Fast 2 Furious just doesn't work on Indian streets which generally use NOS to do welding, not super turbo charging an autorickshaw or perhaps a cycle rickshaw. (Forgive me about the last sentence, I know very little about car modification).

Kal Ho Naa Ho, DCH, K3G, VeerZaara, Bride and Prejudice - all products of an industry so self absorbed and devoted to image, its a real pity because Bollywood has the talent to make some good films. Autocracy: it rules Bollywood. No one is given a chance unless they are somehow magically linked to Yash Chopra. He doesn't fund the movies, he owns the industry. Basically you want to be successfull in Bollywood, go and fall at his feet, do a few favours and hell you might even get a role. Get over image Bollywood, its high time you became called the "Hindi Film Industry" not Bombay Hollywood. As far as I'm concerned you are pretty much BSollywood.

This year all we have seen is skin shows in Bollywood. There have been very very few films of any quality available to the mainstream viewer (but what do they care, as long as it has Preity Zinta dancing around some tree its fine). The industry does have some good filmmakers using novel ideas or (gasp) relevant ideas. However, they are crushed under the weight of the Yash Chropra FACTORY. The Rising, another one of those crossover appeal movies - why is it funded 40crore, when the same movie could be made for under 15? Why- well because Mr Khan and Mr. Chopra, want to fatten their pockets.

Oh I just realised, I went off on some tangent. Well coming back to the issue at hand. Wearing 1inch of makeup and revealing some skin isn't going to change Bollywood into Hollywood. In fact it's going to do nothing but making Bollywood more of a laughing stock. Laughing stock - that reminds me of Aishwarya Rai. She hasn't had a hit in 3 years (and Devdas wasn't even exclusive to her) yet she thinks she can conquer Hollywood and in the process modernise Bollywood. FAT CHANCE. The perception is, B&P was a stuck up Bollywood actress trying to do a role. Most westerners automatically differentiate between their movies and ours. (I hate to call it ours but since I am Indian, I have no option).

Fact: - Bollywood pumps out close to 150films a year. Fact: - maybe 10 of them are watchable. Fact: - Bollywood isn't going to get an oscar by including homosexual jokes in their movies (though maybe a Hollywood movie could). Fact:- By showing slums which seem to be lifted out of a palace, it's not going to change the reality of India. People will still travel on a train supposed to carry 500 but carrying 5000, the probability that more than 50% of the population will go hungry tonight is 100%. The point is, Bollywood is trying to brainwash Indians into believing they live a completely devloped society. We don't.

I could go on and on, (I probably have), Bollywood needs to wake up to itself. It's not in the middle of New York or LA or London. It's in India. India means different parameters, values and styles to that of Hollywood. Thanks to various other film industries, some of our traditions are being kept alive. I will be scared if and when the day comes when India decides to change its name to Indiawood.

A Letter to Guru

2005-08-09T18:40:00.000+10:00

Guru,
While I agree on some of the issues you raise, I think you are missing the point. A review his a person's personal opinion. It arises from his context and is intended for a purpose. The review which is published in a newspaper or magazine will differ from one that is published on a blog (etc). Form, Context, Audience and Purpose. If a reviewer wants to bring casteism, athiesm, polygamy, monogamy, taxonomy, generalisation etc, its their point of view. It doesn't neccesarily have to parallel your view. (By your I mean the reader, not just you Guru).

Everyone is going to have different views on a film, I've disagreed with you many times. Sometimes I think your reviews are imperfect, sometimes I think mine are imperfect sometimes I think even a proffesional reviewer's structure, message, grammar, use of clauses, phrases, hell even iambic pentameter - sometimes is suitable, sometimes it is wrong.

There is no write or wrong formula to a write a review. Some maybe better trained in literacy than others, some maybe better trained in appreciating film than others but ultimately its a perception of a film and their reasoning behind liking/disliking, appreciating/ not appreciating it. Little touches are always in films (regardless of whether it is a Periyar statue). Shakespeare in Love is perhaps the best example of all this. Those who know Tom Stoppard's style of comedy as well as Shakespeare will find his little homages and nuances peppered all over the film. Those who don't will find it a sappy romantic comedy. I am in the former.

You said some bloggers write "horrendous" reviews. What makes it horrendous? The fact you don't agree with it, or because its gramatically incorrect? I don't know. I don't like every review out there. I don't read most of them. I wouldn't call any review horrendous. Some lack sophistication in the use of English (plenty of NRI blogs) others have abstract ideas, but ultimately this isn't an English exam, it's expression of one's views. I think every review does that in one way or other.

Most reviews don't criticise, they review. I have attempted to criticise your criticism of criticisers!

Rajni and Acting

2005-08-06T08:30:00.000+10:00

Most cinema chauvinists will hate to have "Rajni" and "acting" in the same sentence and while I acknowledge that there are far better actors than Rajni (including Kamal Haasan), Rajni isn't that bad, in fact he is damn good. Rajni through the ages has done similar roles (esp during the 1990's) but that doesn't detract from his performances in them. No one is going to discredit Al Pacino for doing similar roles with such gravitas, so why discredit Rajni?

Sure Rajni can't match Pacino in most aspects but Rajni isn't a pushover. In fact in his younger days Rajni was able to do comedy very very successfully (something Pacino can't boast about). Thillu Mullu remains one of my favourite comedies of all time thanks in part to Thengai Srinivasan, but without Rajni it would have been pathetic. Even Kamal and his "comic timing" I doubt could match what Rajni came up with in that movie. He was absolutely brilliant.

Rajni's standard is the rags to riches type character (very much like himself) but then who can forget the sheer intensity he displayed in Annamalai. I doubt Kamal could pull off the stern warning Rajni gave to his enemy in that movie. He captures the audience and keeps them in a trance. Even during scenes when he has to emote to a level, he doesn't dissapoint, indeed Rajni seems to be better than what the media paints him as.

I'm not crazy enough to say Rajni could match Kamal in say Anbe Sivam, Hey Ram, Indian, Nayagan or countless other movies in which Kamal showed that he is the best actor going around in India, but then I doubt Kamal could say "Naa oru thadava sonnna...". If Kamal can change his look, his acting, his accent or his role and keep the audience interested (and indeed the National Award committee) Rajni with his sheer presence and dialogue delivery can keep the audience. It takes someone special to have a continual and universal fan following considering he does pretty much the same role over and over again (at least recently).

Darma Durai, Mullum Malaram, Arulirnthu Aruvathuvarai and Johnny proved that Rajni is immensly talented at acting. Then Dalapathi came and proved he is up there with the best of them. Mani Ratnam pulls every little bit of acting juice out of Rajni and Rajni delivered one of the most layered and powerful performances seen in Indian cinema. It was no Velu Naicker, but it was close.

Ultimately, the public is responsible for Rajni's situation in the 1990's, the Superstar was so promoted that everyone forgot that there was a guy called Rajnikanth under all that mess. Rajni has finally corrected some of his mistakes with the Chandramukhi. The story did not rely on silly Rajni antics, hell it didn't even have a cigarette in sight. Rajni also delivered a better performance than what Kamal did in Mumbai Xpress. I'm no Kamal hater, in fact I love him, and I believe that Rajni has a long long long way to go before he can come close to the sheer versatility and overall credentials Kamal has built up. I don't see Rajni singing, directing, scriptwriting, penning poems, writing novels, writing dialogues and producing. Kamal does each of them and well.

But this article is about Rajni, not Kamal. So in concluding I ask Rajni to do more story oriented roles where he can show his capacity as an actor. He may not be Kamal, but he is streets ahead of his nearest competitor, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan.

Rahman Rises

2005-07-24T17:34:00.000+10:00

WOW! Rahman is absolutely terrific in the period epic The Rising - Ballad of Mangal Pandey, throwing aside all cliches, stereotypes he creates an absolutely wonderful album that isn't commercialised at all. This is definitely one of Rahman's most serious efforts. The ensemble which he uses, the tunes, the rhythms and the abundant rustic flavour just oozes out of the CD.

Starting out with "Mangal Mangal" Rahman makes his intents clear: this is no Lagaan, this is far more serious, powerful and affecting as the album progresses, this fact becomes ostensibly clear. "Mangal Mangal" is comprised of three versions, normal, "Aatma" and "Agni"; each one conveys a different mood and likewise each one has different lyrics and even different style of singing. This song seems to be heavily influenced by south Indian flavour - a wonderful culmination. These 3 songs are lively, rustic and make you think of the Azaadi they were fighting for

Next up is "Rasiya", undoubtedly the track of the album, track of the season, track of the year. The song hovers like a bee and deals with pride, prejudice, pleasure and providence. The love/hate relationship which the singer seems to be expressing is wonderful; sentimental without being sappy, enigmatic without being indulgent. Rahman at his absolute best in this one.

"Al Maddath Maula" is a devotional song based on Muslim practises. The song reminds you of "Zikr" in Bose: The Forgotten Hero, but has a number of major differences. The song is powerful, more uplifting and ultimately more rounded than the former. Rahman's high pitched cries are joyous to listen to; he possesses great versatility in singing.

"Takey Takey" is the closest your going to get to pop infused rap in the 19th Century and moves along at a lively pace - it seems to have a lot of Punjabi influences. It's a good song but is hardly a masterpiece. There is a mandatory "Holi" song and it is rather redudant. Nothing wrong with the song - just heard 1 too many.

The other absolutely scintillating song in the album comes in the form of "Main Vari Vari". It cleverly is awash with emotions. It deals with us at a philosophical level and along with "Rasiya" represents the best 2005 has to offer. There is a certain curiousity the song will make you feel; I don't know what it is, but it something.

Rahman has stated that this film is his last "period epic" for a while, he needs the change but one can't help but wonder what else he could achieve if he did something like Kamal Haasan's stalled Marudanayagam. As it stands, The Rising is THE album of 2005.

Return of the King

2005-07-24T17:29:00.000+10:00

A R Rahman has returned is good form to Tamil films in the form of "Ah Aah" - a new S J Suryah picture. The standout song is "Anbe Aariyure" - a ripper rock song with plenty of techno beats - listend to it! "Thazavadu" showcases SPB's versatility and is a nice song to listen to aswell...

Saif Ali Khant

2005-07-17T12:35:00.000+10:00

National Awards got announced the other day. Quite stunning really. On one hand we have Surya in Ayutha Ezhuthu, we have Shah Rukh in Swades then on the other hand we have Saif Ali Khan in Hum Tum. Now don't get me wrong - Saif is an enjoyable actor and often brightens up the screen BUT a national award for that?

Hum Tum in enjoyable yet has none of the gravitas of either Swades or Ayutha Ezhuthu - in fact its probably the best masala flick to come in 2004. When Surya became Michael Vasant the student revolutionare and SRK wonderfully portrayed the returning Mohan Bhargava we see two stand out perfomances - 2 movies that are also incredibly well made. Hum Tum deals with no moral issues, has a generic story and half the movie is about Saif parading around with his "Tom Cruise look". A dubious decision - totally ignorant of Surya in Ayutha Ezhuthu who literally slammed the competition this year.

Page 3 - yeh its a good movie - but NOT a great one. Deals with some taboo issues so they gave it an award. Ayutha Ezhuthu dealt with taboo issues, dealt with important issues and didn't commercialise itself heavily - definitely a better film. Swades is another challenging the NRI mentality - how many movies do that?

Tara - I don't know anything about her so I won't comment.

Veer Zaara and Autograph both won it for best enjoyable movie... Justifiable choices I guess but this is where Hum Tum should have won. Veer Zaara was mediocre at best and Autograph is not really enjoyable its more a serious movie taken with a serious angle - what the adjudicators were thinking when they awarded these prizes God only knows.

At least next year 0ne can hope for rational choices. As of today the National Awards have a new name: The Irrational Awards!

Anniyan - Psychotic Frenzy

2005-07-15T16:00:00.000+10:00

Media with thanks from Nowrunning.com

S. Shankar's career as a director has been one of profiligate interchangability. The trend continues in his new film Anniyan. Playing on the sentimentalities of the audience Shankar has always carved up interesting stories about a vigilante alone on the "mean streets" through his movies Mudhalvan and Indian. Boys was a change for the director but sensing the commercial failure has come back to terrority he firmly knows. Anniyan in many ways is a reflection of both Indian and Mudhalvan but it simply can't stand up to the towering presence of the septuagenarian in the Kamal Haasan starrer.

More or less, Anniyan is a high tech extravaganza on the lines of Aalavandan (Abhay in Hindi) but it fails to form a piece of hallucinogenic art either, in trying to blend the best of the both worlds Anniyan turns out to be an enjoyable, entertaining film that has flashes of brilliance but lacks the heart of Indian.

Known for his lavishness in directing a film it can now be said that Anniyan (disregarding the god awful graphics for the website) is the single most technically advanced film produced in India - yes Aalavandan has finally been overshadowed in this respect. Shankar pulls out all the stops including Time Slicing mechanism, Matrix style stunts (indeed some seem to be heavily influenced) and some rather georgeous camera ramping. However no film can work just on technical merits alone - it needs a strong screenplay backed with powerful acting from all concerned. It is in the last two criteri that Anniyan stumbles.

The story is very similar to Indian or any of Shankar's other patriotic films but the screenplay goes haywire this time around. 3 Characters to compliment the Anniyan name yet there are only 2 real characters, poignant moments are there in plentiful - yet none of them are poignant. A denoumont is present yet it solves nothing. An example of a sentimental yet ultimately powerless scene is the Nehru stadium sequences where Anniyan lashes out at the country - this is scene is so similar to Kamal shouting "lanjam" 5000 times in the QTV station yet has none of the effect. Loopholes are in abundance - how does Ambi contact with Anniyan so many times without the presence of a computer?

Ultimately it seems, we have no compelling reason to support Anniyan, who is just a killing machine. He has no pathos, no ethos and no qualitative compulsion to be on his side - he seems like a mad man hell bent upon destruction and nothing else. Garudapuram style punishments lend a mythological side to the film and just as it seems its going to get interesting the screenplay again shifts focus - no explanation of these purana's are given and no plausible reason as to why they are being used. Childhood trauma (another Aalavandan parallel) is blamed for Ambi's MPD - so how does that explain the Remo character? Too many loose ends and no logical conclusions.

Acting wise Vikram pulls in another memorable outing. After his undertaker role he fits snuggly into the role of another undertaker! As Ambi Vikram really shines bringing out the timid yet steadfast nature of his character, keeping his voice ostensibly higher and looking spic and span - Ambi is terrific to watch. At age 45, Vikram must be commended for his role as Remo which he pulls off with panache. He must also be commended for his wonderful turn during the stunt sequences as Anniyan. Hard work has gone into the physical manifestations he goes through. Vikram however isn't good enough to make us support him as Anniyan - he displays his vengeful nature with perfect poise but doesn't back it up with reasons. Just moving his eyes around and wearing plenty of facial make up isnt enough for me to support him. He displays no plausibility in his actions - just that - action.

The supporting cast bar Vivek is absolutely pathetic. Sada as the heroine is glamorous but cannot act. In such a film she lends a great deal of artificiality and ultimately these touches discredit the film. Prakash Raj turns out to be good in his role - its just his role is so cliched, so irritating and ultimately undermining that its impossible to like his performance. As the psychiatric doctor, Nasser does an adequate job. Vivek, however takes the crown he rightfull owns for best comedian straight back from Vadivelu. He brings a wonderful charm in the comical sections and displays genuine seriousness in the latter stages of the movie.

Dialogues by Sujatha fit the film very well - especially the comparisons to the Indian cricket team and the "anju paise" lines. Music by Harris Jeyaraj is pitiful. Barring the Kadhal Yannai song, his music is irritating and his background music even more so. Every cliche from the timpani role to the shreiking violins is in position and one can wonder what a great job A R Rahman would have done to elevate this movie.

Ultimately Anniyan is a generally mediocre film which has shades of brilliance and conversely shades of amateurism in the mix. Its message is strong and fitting the social climate of India at the present stage, by the success of the film its timing is impeccable - unfortunately the film is not.

A Symphonic Epic

2005-07-10T12:02:00.000+10:00

For all of you who don't know, Maestro Illayaraja has released Thiruvaasagam in Symphony on June 30. It's a chance to hear the well known religious songs in a totally different light - an Illayaraja doesn't dissapoint. He has assembled a major orchestral group, including Oscar winning composers, the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra as well as his own prowess. I know there are plenty of sites offering downloads - please don't. Its a mutli crore project which is also going to charity - so do the right thing and buy the CD which is less that Rs.100.

The music is fantastic - a real epic.

Ayutha Ezhuthu - A Retrospective (no pun intended)

2005-06-14T14:13:00.000+10:00

To much surprise I am uploading a review for Ayutha Ezhuthu some 1.5yrs after its debut on the screens. Not to anyones suprise, Mani Ratnam serves up a brilliant film.

Many reviewers have hammered Ayutha Ezhuthu and its Hindi counterpart, Yuva. They have stated that it has patchy editing, superflous music and that it doesn't have great storytelling. This to me indicates a clear lack of understanding on their part. The film does not have patchy editing, it on the other hand is ostensibly unconventional and from the outset this is evident. Shaky cameras, undiffused lighting, wild camera angles are all part of the larger ensemble. The film tells us about unrest in today's society and specifically the youth of today, to accompany this rather taboo subject, Mani Ratnam uses a varied style of camera work. This is also evident in the way it attacks the subject and the repetition of the climactic sequence.

A R Rahman, along with Illayaraja, are India's only credibility when it comes to music has created a rather shallow at first but after repeated listening, a deep and meaningful score. Each sound accompanies each of the characters and these sounds are so in tune with the characters that it would be impossible to think of any other music. The film isn't meant to have brilliant melodic pieces. It is meant to have stacato and ostinato (these facets of music are brilliantly exemplified in Dol Dol Dol) so as to go along with the theme of unrest.

Finally - storytelling. AE and Yuva are NOT films dependant on their story, in fact if we look deeply into the film there is a serious lack of a story. The film is not a story, the film is an observance of a modern India which is being held back due to various factors: poverty, corruption and politics to name a few. Mani Ratnam has no intention of creating an epic along the lines of Nayagan or does he have any intention craft a delectable story such as Roja or Bombay. AE and Yuva are powerful examinations of today's society and what one must do to correct the mistakes of the past.

Unrest, while I have touched on before is the central theme. From the casting (somewhat different - esp in the Hindi version) to the unique approach to the subject, Mani Ratnam creates an extremely active world (heightened by stunningly wavering camera work). Perhaps the greatest thing about AE is its characterisations. Each one seems to be so perfectly carved that its impossible to salute the master. While most audiences will immediatelly think of Madhavan as the "villain", Ratnam subtley shows us that he isn't the villain but rather the product of a society at unrest. Again Unrest is showcases in all the characters - one wavers in and out of jail and can't decide whether to go peaceful with his wife or to thirst for power. The other can't keep track of the number of girls he's entertained and the final one isn't satisfied until the country in his eyes gains respectability and corruption is defeated.

Indeed, change seems to be the underlying theme in AE and Yuva. By the end of the film the only person who hasn't changed finds himself in personal hell (Madhavan, Abhishek) while those who have, have prospered from this change. The final scenes are a clear indication of where Mani Ratnam is heading - construction of a highway and a highly stylised entrance for students in a politics - both signs of immediacy and change.

Ratnam clearly shows us this is not an impossible reality and for the most part, the film sticks to reality and the laws of physics (something Rajni can't boast to have done). The characters all seem to be plucked off the street and the acting lends credibility to their roles.

Ayutha Ezhuthu and Yuva are clearly the least commercial of Mani Ratnam's ventures yet they seems to be the most complete. Order is returned to the world and hope and positivity (two things India sorely needs) is showcased in a powerful ending scene. Ayutha Ezhuthu has very little in the form of entertainment, even the climax is repeated so many times it is not a usual denounement scene, it is rather the groundwork for the whole film.

Ayutha Ezhuthu could well be Mani Ratnam's finest film - coming from a guy who created Nayagan, Roja, Bombay and even Mouna Ragaam it may be a tough call, but to my eyes there is very little wrong with Ayuthu Ezhuthu. It does not indulge in melodrama (which can't be said of the others), it has a fantastic screenplay, stunning characterisations and some superb acting. Even its use of music and background score is exemplary.

A film this good should not be missed///

Nayagan Scores!

2005-06-13T14:48:00.000+10:00

neenga nallavara? kettavara?

Almost as famous a line as "I'll make him an offer..." Nayagan stunned India when it got released, it seems Kamal and Mani are saying the lines to other film makers through that quote!

The Kamal Haasan - Mani Ratnam combination that worked magic back in 1987 has found new praise and status. I have watched Nayagan so many times now its nearly embedded in me, and to this date I still can't believe that its such a wonderful film. Every aspect of it, acting, dialogue, direction, camerawork, music comes together to fashion perhaps the greatest film in Indian cinema ever! Now in credit Nayagan has been listed as one of the Top 100 Films Ever made by Time Magazine. A worthy honour indeed. Click here to go to the Time Magazine site.

Black - A Review

2005-06-06T20:07:00.000+10:00

After much hesitation and deliberation I finally decided to watch the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Black. Subject to much Bollywood hype, it was supposed to herald a new age of Bollywood and while Black has its moments, its a highly cliched, woefully shallow affair. It is good nonetheless.

For Bollywood, the story is unique and different for those with some experience its nothing more than an underdog story which aims to tug the heart. I may sound cynical, even narcisistic, but Black is NOT the be all end all of films - it is rather a good effort from a director now used to infinite hype and ultimately over recognition.

Yes, Amitabh's and Rani's acting are very good, yes the sets and choreography are also excellent, but the film has so many loopholes in its story, the film is marred by indecision on the directors part, the film is NOT powerful - it is preachy. And to sink further Black prophesises so much yet performs so little. Every little cliche in the book can be found in the film. There is an illtreating father who is not evil, the prejudiced and envious sister, a careful and loving mother and ofcourse there is the unconventional yet ultimately successful teacher - what of this hasn't been done before?

But Black does succeeds on some level - taking a rather simplistic and nonchalant plot in their stride Amitabh and Rani carve out deservedly powerful perfomances. Rani, especially is at home in the shoes of a deaf and blind girl. Amitabh while powerful and dominant does tend to overact. The girl (I don't know her name) who acted as the young Michelle is probably the best of the lot.

Black takes a sporadic approach to filming, every so often Bhansali attacks the subject. For every 10mins devoted to the story, 20 are wasted in superfluous candy floss. Sure enough the film boasts georgeous eye candy. Every shot can be put on your wall and hung as a beautfiul nature scape. Dare I say it, this film nearly matches 2001: A Space Odyssey in that regard.

Ultimately Black is a good effort gone awry (why Amitabh resorts to Americanised english is beyond me as is why the use of a postermodernistic Indian setting - such a thing does not exist!). Bhansali, while not the level of Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam or Shyam Benegal is a beacon of hope in the endless trash churned out by Indian filmmakers - fails to a reasonable degree with this lukewarm venture.

Whats with the Ganguly Bashing?

2005-05-08T11:34:00.000+10:00

As of late Sourav Ganguly must be the most hated person in India! But what has he done to deserve this? Perhaps he became India's winningest captain, maybe he ushered a new era in Indian cricket, or was it because he injected self suffiency and leader with fearless prado. I think India is the reason 'dada' is in the state he is in. One minute in 1996 he was made to be the next Bradman, then in 1997-1999 he was supposed to be better than Bradman, then in 2001 he was supposed to be worse than Courtney Walsh with the bat. In 2002, he was respected (albeit grudingly), in 2003 he was made out to be the greatest God of Indian cricket after the World Cup, he scaled even greater heights after the 144 in Brisbane and the Australia series. In 2004 he was made God of God's after Pakistan, in mid 2004 he came crashing down to that of a beggar-status. (WTF). Since then hes been crushed into the ground (of course his pitiful batting isnt helping) and now its culminated into bagging him over Maggi noodles and suspending him.

I mean, what the hell is that. Only in India do we get such people who clap players when they get out and also kick out the captain when he was one of the most consistent scorers over the past year - why? 1 BAD SERIES. GIVE ME A BREAK . What the hell is the meaning of that? Ponting goes a bad year with the trust of the public, team mates and selectors, but Ganguly is demonised in one series.

For a man who built Indian cricket from its depths in 2000, Ganguly doesnt deserve this

Chandramukhi - Rajini the Phoenix

2005-05-08T11:31:00.000+10:00

Na sollitu pannamataen, athu panumbothuthaan theriyum

So begins Rajini's famed recovery from the self imposed exile on the film industry with the enjoyable Chandramukhi. In years gone by I was an avid Rajini fan and to this day have a soft spot for him, although I now appreciate Kamal Haasan a heck of a lot more.

Chandramukhi is a 'different' Rajini film for a number of reasons:

It has no villain as such
No Punch Lines
No smoking
No political dialogues

These all add up to a movie that is more reminiscent of the superstar back in the late 80's rather than the Superstar of the 90's. In spite of the above facts, Rajini has lost none of his style and charisma and in doing so has effectively proved that 'beedi' and 'punch lines' are not necessary to craft a extremely suave character. In acting in Chandramukhi, Rajini has hands down thrown the gauntlet to his competitors (including the stone-like Shah Rukh Khan) proving he is a class apart when it comes to acting with style. There wasn't and won't ever be an actor to touch Rajini in terms of panache.

The film centres around a haunted mansion where the curious Jyothika invokes a curse due to her opening of Chandramukhi's room. Chandramukhi was a dancer many years ago and her spirit starts to haunt her. It is now upto Saravanan (Rajinikanth), a psychiatrist, to save her from this dreaded curse.

The first half of the film is a joy ride with an incredibly stylish introduction for Rajini, a lot of comedy and some songs. It is also a pleasant surpise to see Rajini dancing using methods previously untouched and definitely more in tune with his age. Vadivelu and Rajini go on about creating comic situations which work sometimes and other times seem out of the place and crude.

Prabhu looks trim, young and vibrant as does Rajini. The Baba makeup (or lack thereof) is long gone replaced by a Good - Looking albeit a slightly aged Rajini. Nayantara has nothing much to do and her romance with Rajini (to the anger of his fans) could have been avoided.

The second half of the film goes into the meat of the story and though the comic situations continue they are heavily overshadowed by the storyline. Rajini delights with some suave acting and some well picturised songs (including the delectable Athinthom and Konja Nerum, Annanoda Pattu has been given a lavish finish reminscent of Hindi films). On this matter, Vasu has let down the film a little as he has not given proper time to handle the story in a meaningful way, inevitably falling off from the tightrope of Rajini and story combined.

Jyothika controls the second half with her great performance in the female lead, she has revelled in a female orientated subject and should be given kudos. The ending may have worked 10 years ago but now, this method of finishing off a story is showing its age, however it is satisfying if a little contrived. Prabhu's emotional outburst seems a little over the top aswell. The film also definitely needs a boost in the 'scariness' department and a more coherent screenplay would of helped.

Asking for a Rajini movie with a perfect script backed with astute screenplay and direction is liking asking God to show his face, the fact holds true for Chandramukhi as well, God doesn't show his face. The movie is meant to be enjoyed with the whole family and represents the rising of Rajini from the so called ashes (Baba wasn't that bad). It seems he has given up political ambitions and can return to what he does best - creating entertaining and stylish movies. On that count Chandramukhi succeeds handsomely.

Welcome to Blogpur

2005-05-07T14:41:00.000+10:00

Blogpur is located in and is the capital of Internet Pradesh. Stay tuned for complete IP coverage!