There are good times and there are bad times. And then there are times when you wonder is it a good time or a bad time? Things could have been worse or things could have been better. What happened in the last 40 days or so?
Came back from a trip from New york. Visited Philadelphia, Washington DC. Showed Manhattan etc to my parents including empire state building, statue of liberty, natural history museum, times square, wall street. Quite impressed by Washington DC. Saw white house, capitol hill building, botanical garden, library of congress (from inside), memorials, washington memorial, natural history museum, hope diamond :). Good fun trip. Lots of places seen. Lots of distance traveled. Good weather, little cold. Good food. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Finished graphic novel - Persepolis while on my way to NY. Good fun read. Nice visualization. But didn't came out to be that great!
Finished watching the anime on netflix - Seirei no moribito (Guardian of the sacred spirit) Liked it a lot. Loved the story, screenplay, characters and the ending. Apparently it is a part of a manga series. Hoping that there are more too.
As a sidenote - i have watched a very few anime series but selectivity has paid a lot. So far, i have been impressed by all of them. My anime list includes Death node, full metal alchemist and now moribito.
Movies -
With camera cinema club : Rabbit hole . Again a very good movie. Camera cinema club is just awesome. A couple having lost their son is dealing with the grief and its their story. Played by Nicole kidman and Aaron Eckhart. Like it when mainstream actors do independent movies. Both of them are quite good.
Inside job - A closed look at what brought the global final meltdown. A very nicely made documentary.
Halloween was well celebrated at office. See previous posts. First time did pumpkin carving. Thanks to Christine!
Dentist appointments - One tooth extracted. More work in coming weeks. Need to take care of remaining. Random method to choose dentist has worked nicely.
Things not so good at workplace with people leaving and company divided etc etc. Gosh! i wonder how we managed to screw it all up. Tough times ahead.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Harry potter and Deathly Hallows Part 1
Saw Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows part 1 yesterday.
Overall mood after the movie - Not bad, infact i like it.
Every time I watch a harry potter movie, i am just in awe by such an awesome job done by writers/screenplay in LOTR. LOTR book was probably more complicated than Harry potter, more depth and characters but the movies are so nicely done, picking the ones that we care, changing timelines sometimes etc.
Harry Potter series in movies have taken the tone of being true to the book to as much as possible. There is a big dilemma - If you are not true to the book, book fans will kill you and that is a big loss. If you are true to the book, then you have to fit it in 2-3 hrs and that makes it a very big challenge.
The good decision taken for the last part was to split it into two parts. This way they can be true to the book and they have double the time now.
About this film -
The goods -
1. No matter what one says, most of the adults are actually going to see how the children have grown up with the series and how their acting has changed. And people like me who has also grown with them, it is a similar adventure. And it is very evident with every movie. Acting of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson ranges from mundane to very good. When its very good, you enjoy the movie a lot better. The dance scene which is not in book, is one of the best scenes in movie just because how it starts.
2. Good cinematography - Not very often but sometimes, the camera work is just awesome. I think camera work plays a very big role in these epic style movies, it can tell you the scale of system etc.
3. The film takes a more relaxed pace when they are wandering in jungle. I think the slowness of pace helps a lot in understanding whats happening. The fear, the uncertainties, challenges, all seem likely. When you gloss over one ting over another each in 5 minutes, its like reading the book in tweets :)
4. And yes, the animation in the story of three brothers - very very nicely done. Delighted to see that.
The bads -
1. Oh come on, you killed the intro scene. Harry potter escape from his house was such vividly described in the book. Those 100 pages were the best 100 start pages of any harry potter book and you killed it. And why only focus on harry potter, there were other characters as well.
2. The tension is lacking when they are in the cellar of Malfoys. That could have been done in a nice manner.I would have killed the nagini scene, the cemetery scene to buy time for the above.
3. Score, somehow through out the entire series, the score is something that has been lacking.
But overall, all prepped up for the finale. Looking forward for other movies from Daniel Radcliffe - lets see how he does.
Overall mood after the movie - Not bad, infact i like it.
Every time I watch a harry potter movie, i am just in awe by such an awesome job done by writers/screenplay in LOTR. LOTR book was probably more complicated than Harry potter, more depth and characters but the movies are so nicely done, picking the ones that we care, changing timelines sometimes etc.
Harry Potter series in movies have taken the tone of being true to the book to as much as possible. There is a big dilemma - If you are not true to the book, book fans will kill you and that is a big loss. If you are true to the book, then you have to fit it in 2-3 hrs and that makes it a very big challenge.
The good decision taken for the last part was to split it into two parts. This way they can be true to the book and they have double the time now.
About this film -
The goods -
1. No matter what one says, most of the adults are actually going to see how the children have grown up with the series and how their acting has changed. And people like me who has also grown with them, it is a similar adventure. And it is very evident with every movie. Acting of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson ranges from mundane to very good. When its very good, you enjoy the movie a lot better. The dance scene which is not in book, is one of the best scenes in movie just because how it starts.
2. Good cinematography - Not very often but sometimes, the camera work is just awesome. I think camera work plays a very big role in these epic style movies, it can tell you the scale of system etc.
3. The film takes a more relaxed pace when they are wandering in jungle. I think the slowness of pace helps a lot in understanding whats happening. The fear, the uncertainties, challenges, all seem likely. When you gloss over one ting over another each in 5 minutes, its like reading the book in tweets :)
4. And yes, the animation in the story of three brothers - very very nicely done. Delighted to see that.
The bads -
1. Oh come on, you killed the intro scene. Harry potter escape from his house was such vividly described in the book. Those 100 pages were the best 100 start pages of any harry potter book and you killed it. And why only focus on harry potter, there were other characters as well.
2. The tension is lacking when they are in the cellar of Malfoys. That could have been done in a nice manner.I would have killed the nagini scene, the cemetery scene to buy time for the above.
3. Score, somehow through out the entire series, the score is something that has been lacking.
But overall, all prepped up for the finale. Looking forward for other movies from Daniel Radcliffe - lets see how he does.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Haloween 2010
Haloween at my office is always a big fan faire. We take is very seriously, in my opinion, a little too seriously. The pics are always great. No captions this time as i am being lazy.
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| Halloween 2010 |
Pumpkin carving
Christine invited me to her home last weekend for pumkin carving. Thank you very nuch Christine! Also present there were Buck, John, Guy, Megan and Christine's other friends.
My first pumpkin carving ever it was a lot of fun. A very creative exercise done every year on haloween. I really had a great time making it. The pics are from Guy and so are the captions.
My first pumpkin carving ever it was a lot of fun. A very creative exercise done every year on haloween. I really had a great time making it. The pics are from Guy and so are the captions.
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| Pumpkin Carving 2010 |
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Great Hangover
Thanks to Saumil for recommending me this book.
A lot happened last year in the US financial industry and people say that is going to be very historical. There are references that we came very close to Great Depression. Yet beyond the main headlines, i had no idea what really happened, its causes, consequences etc.
The Great Hangover is a collection of about 21 articles covering the Financial meltdown by reporters at Vanity fair. The articles are quite detailed and very very interesting to read. My favorite ones are articles written by Bryan Burrough. Michael Lewis, the ones on Bernie Madoff, again, very interesting read.
Highly recommended - http://www.amazon.com/Great-Hangover-Tales-Recession-Vanity/dp/0061964425
So what is the take away from all this -
I think that the one lesson that clearly emerges is that "there is no such thing as free money". If you are seeing any lucrative offer, a scheme paying higher interest rates than others, or if you are earning money more than you think you deserve, it has to pay off through some means in the end. You may win in the start but later on, there is no free lunch and it is a risky game, gamble actually and you can also loose. And thats what happened.
But it is a gamble with a difference. In a gambling game, only players win or loose, spectators can merely watch and enjoy. But in financial world, this didn't happen. People who took risk failed and it was tax payers money needed to bail them out, so even those who were not directly playing had to pay. The explanation here is that you have paid the cost for seeing something wrong and not doing anything about it. The era of "consumption" of democracy is over, either be active or "be satisfied with what you get". This also sends a wrong signal to the people who took risk because they were able to get away with that, well not all of them but many did.
These people still earn more than what they deserve and are unashamed by the fact that they have their jobs right now because of this massive intervention by the govt. Their unabashed attitude is still a problem.
Oh come on, you take someone's money, claim 2% of the money as your fees and 20% of the margins that you earn on it, don't you think that it is too high. Every bubble has to burst sometime, the whole attitude is to make money before it comes and some succeed and some fail. Those who fail are the most vocal, but they forgot it when they were making money.
There is also a documentary - Inside job that explains this whole mess in a different perspective. It is narrated by Matt Damon and is quite a good watch. Although many people declined to be interviewed for the movie, but for the ones who did, they still do no see anything wrong with the system. Many believe that it was just a happenstance and economy will bounce back.The movie does a great job in interviewing economists and asking them the conflict of interest when these same economists are on the board of these different financial companies.
Manas and i were enjoying this movie, laughing , giggling, making fun etc. But the entire hall was shocked after watching the movie. There were many elders in the hall, many who could feel the pain and see that nothing has changed. For us, we watched the movie from a complete detached perspective, the meltdown had not affected me at all, i have a job and it pays me more than i deserve. One old man sitting one row back to us said "This is the scariest movie i have ever seen". People were shocked - and there was an emotion of helplessness, not knowing what to do - the same emotion that comes when you watch Peepli live, i guess.
I would also recommend this movie, to anyone who did not follow what epic event happened in 2009, anyone who wants to know what the future is in store for us.
Inside job : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645089/
A lot happened last year in the US financial industry and people say that is going to be very historical. There are references that we came very close to Great Depression. Yet beyond the main headlines, i had no idea what really happened, its causes, consequences etc.
The Great Hangover is a collection of about 21 articles covering the Financial meltdown by reporters at Vanity fair. The articles are quite detailed and very very interesting to read. My favorite ones are articles written by Bryan Burrough. Michael Lewis, the ones on Bernie Madoff, again, very interesting read.
Highly recommended - http://www.amazon.com/Great-Hangover-Tales-Recession-Vanity/dp/0061964425
So what is the take away from all this -
I think that the one lesson that clearly emerges is that "there is no such thing as free money". If you are seeing any lucrative offer, a scheme paying higher interest rates than others, or if you are earning money more than you think you deserve, it has to pay off through some means in the end. You may win in the start but later on, there is no free lunch and it is a risky game, gamble actually and you can also loose. And thats what happened.
But it is a gamble with a difference. In a gambling game, only players win or loose, spectators can merely watch and enjoy. But in financial world, this didn't happen. People who took risk failed and it was tax payers money needed to bail them out, so even those who were not directly playing had to pay. The explanation here is that you have paid the cost for seeing something wrong and not doing anything about it. The era of "consumption" of democracy is over, either be active or "be satisfied with what you get". This also sends a wrong signal to the people who took risk because they were able to get away with that, well not all of them but many did.
These people still earn more than what they deserve and are unashamed by the fact that they have their jobs right now because of this massive intervention by the govt. Their unabashed attitude is still a problem.
Oh come on, you take someone's money, claim 2% of the money as your fees and 20% of the margins that you earn on it, don't you think that it is too high. Every bubble has to burst sometime, the whole attitude is to make money before it comes and some succeed and some fail. Those who fail are the most vocal, but they forgot it when they were making money.
There is also a documentary - Inside job that explains this whole mess in a different perspective. It is narrated by Matt Damon and is quite a good watch. Although many people declined to be interviewed for the movie, but for the ones who did, they still do no see anything wrong with the system. Many believe that it was just a happenstance and economy will bounce back.The movie does a great job in interviewing economists and asking them the conflict of interest when these same economists are on the board of these different financial companies.
Manas and i were enjoying this movie, laughing , giggling, making fun etc. But the entire hall was shocked after watching the movie. There were many elders in the hall, many who could feel the pain and see that nothing has changed. For us, we watched the movie from a complete detached perspective, the meltdown had not affected me at all, i have a job and it pays me more than i deserve. One old man sitting one row back to us said "This is the scariest movie i have ever seen". People were shocked - and there was an emotion of helplessness, not knowing what to do - the same emotion that comes when you watch Peepli live, i guess.
I would also recommend this movie, to anyone who did not follow what epic event happened in 2009, anyone who wants to know what the future is in store for us.
Inside job : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645089/
Rally to restore Sanity.
Today Jon Stewart's rally to restore sanity was held in Washington. I got to see the last 80 mins of it. It was hilarious and touching - awesome! just like his show. Of particular importance to me was his last 10 minute monologue (transcript copied below), in that he gives the analogy of traffic merging from 6 lanes to 1 lane by showing a video and there he says that inspite of our differences, we still share and say - you go, then i will go, there is such simple human co-ordination at play and that comes just because we are human. I found this to be very nice, even more so because i too had thought about it sometime ago, in a slightly different context - mine was stop signs. At an intersection, there are stop signs, no stop lights and people are courteous to let the guy who came first leave first. No one tries to outsmart the others and everyone patiently waits even though the road in front of them is empty. This thing is not just a human courtesy but it is there in the law, basically the law expects this level of decency. This is just awesome! And Jon Stewart thinks too now.
Overall, the rally was amazing. Stephen Colbert and Stewart had some very nice jokes. But with a name like "rally to restore sanity", thats simply going to work.
Here is his transcript -
Overall, the rally was amazing. Stephen Colbert and Stewart had some very nice jokes. But with a name like "rally to restore sanity", thats simply going to work.
Here is his transcript -
“I can’t control what people think this was. I can only tell you my intentions. This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism or to look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear. They are and we do. But we live now in hard times, not end times. And we can have animus and not be enemies.
But unfortunately one of our main tools in delineating the two broke. The country’s 24 hour political pundit perpetual panic conflictinator did not cause our problems but its existence makes solving them that much harder. The press can hold its magnifying up to our problems bringing them into focus, illuminating issues heretofore unseen or they can use that magnifying glass to light ants on fire and then perhaps host a week of shows on the sudden, unexpected dangerous flaming ant epidemic.
If we amplify everything we hear nothing. There are terrorists and racists and Stalinists and theocrats but those are titles that must be earned. You must have the resume. Not being able to distinguish between real racists and Tea Partiers or real bigots and Juan Williams and Rick Sanchez is an insult, not only to those people but to the racists themselves who have put in the exhausting effort it takes to hate--just as the inability to distinguish terrorists from Muslims makes us less safe not more. The press is our immune system. If we overreact to everything we actually get sicker--and perhaps eczema.
And yet, with that being said, I feel good—strangely, calmly good. Because the image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. It is us through a fun house mirror, and not the good kind that makes you look slim in the waist and maybe taller, but the kind where you have a giant forehead and an ass shaped like a month old pumpkin and one eyeball.
So, why would we work together? Why would you reach across the aisle to a pumpkin assed forehead eyeball monster? If the picture of us were true, of course, our inability to solve problems would actually be quite sane and reasonable. Why would you work with Marxists actively subverting our Constitution or racists and homophobes who see no one’s humanity but their own? We hear every damn day about how fragile our country is—on the brink of catastrophe—torn by polarizing hate and how it’s a shame that we can’t work together to get things done, but the truth is we do. We work together to get things done every damn day!
The only place we don’t is here or on cable TV. But Americans don’t live here or on cable TV. Where we live our values and principles form the foundations that sustains us while we get things done, not the barriers that prevent us from getting things done. Most Americans don’t live their lives solely as Democrats, Republicans, liberals or conservatives. Americans live their lives more as people that are just a little bit late for something they have to do—often something that they do not want to do—but they do it--impossible things every day that are only made possible by the little reasonable compromises that we all make.
Look on the screen. This is where we are. This is who we are. (points to the Jumbotron screen which show traffic merging into a tunnel). These cars—that’s a schoolteacher who probably thinks his taxes are too high. He’s going to work. There’s another car-a woman with two small kids who can’t really think about anything else right now. There’s another car, swinging, I don’t even know if you can see it—the lady’s in the NRA and she loves Oprah. There’s another car—an investment banker, gay, also likes Oprah. Another car’s a Latino carpenter. Another car a fundamentalist vacuum salesman. Atheist obstetrician. Mormon Jay-Z fan. But this is us. Every one of the cars that you see is filled with individuals of strong belief and principles they hold dear—often principles and beliefs in direct opposition to their fellow travelers.
And yet these millions of cars must somehow find a way to squeeze one by one into a mile long 30 foot wide tunnel carved underneath a mighty river. Carved, by the way, by people who I’m sure had their differences. And they do it. Concession by conscession. You go. Then I’ll go. You go. Then I’ll go. You go then I’ll go. Oh my God, is that an NRA sticker on your car? Is that an Obama sticker on your car? Well, that’s okay—you go and then I’ll go.
And sure, at some point there will be a selfish jerk who zips up the shoulder and cuts in at the last minute, but that individual is rare and he is scorned and not hired as an analyst.
Because we know instinctively as a people that if we are to get through the darkness and back into the light we have to work together. And the truth is, there will always be darkness. And sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t the promised land. Sometimes it’s just New Jersey. But we do it anyway, together.
If you want to know why I’m here and want I want from you, I can only assure you this: you have already given it to me. Your presence was what I wanted.
Sanity will always be and has always been in the eye of the beholder. To see you here today and the kind of people that you are has restored mine. Thank you."
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Life in July 26 - Oct 23
Wow, that long! That long to write status updates on my life. And i had no idea what took it so long. I was not busy, well not busy at work but other things were happening. Lets see what all it was -
The best - Ran the San Jose Half marathon. Feels good, on to next target - full marathon.
Attended Indian Ocean's concert. Good concert, didn't like the fact that we had to sit and attend .... who listens to Indian Ocean while sitting still, no one. But they played Zindagi se darte ho. Jugalbandi was also quite good. They had to get two people to replace Rahul, i liked the new band members.
Went to a hike on Mission peak with Nikesh. Short two hrs hike but enough for me to say - Mission peak conquered.
Abhinav Shantaram stayed with me for a week. Good fun having him here. Went to Stanford with him once.
Nandini has decided to go back to India, atleast somebody amongst us still has some sense left. She came to visit. We went to Hearst castle and drove on highway 1. Drive was good, castle was ok. May not go again, but he (Mr. Heart) had loads of money.
Went to Atlanta for Achin's wedding. Had a great time there. Its always fun in family get togethers especially in wedding occasions.
Watched a play - Superior donuts at mvcpa. The play details can be found on wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_Donuts. Nice warm play with a sad happy ending.
Joined camera cinema club and attended the movie - Conviction. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1244754/ Really liked the movie, cried in the end. Great acting by Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell. Direction could have been better, the movie lacked polish but such a powerful story. And a true story as well. Thanks for making the movie. Watching movie at camera cinema club, where there is this anticipation, suspense and every time a different emotion so far. i love it.
Got promoted, and got more options. Life at work see-sawed. Currently, it is at the high end. It was tough when it was low. Good times, bad times - they all come and go.
Bought a new laptop. Currently writing from it. Ipad is working fine.
Finished my ipad cover - a beautiful felted cover with threads hanging to show its authenticity :) Working on flap at the moment as the cover shrunk more than i expected. Size 50 needles have arrived, next project - a big rug.
Started a course at Stanford - Its called - The future of energy - The effect of climate change, policy and markets. Website - https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/course.php?cid=20101_SCI%2035 5 week courses, one class every week. 2 hrs each class. Mainly to get more knowledge of energy and the world we live in.
Team Asha training has ended. Went to last weekday run, only Matt was there. Thanks Team Asha for your help and support.
Watched the movie The Town. Ok movie. Love Rebecaa Hall's performance. Would have been great had Casey Affleck been the protagonist.
Words with Friends on ipad was a fever with me last two months. Megan and Dhruv were regular opponents with others too.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Anatomy of Kerala tourism video
Thanks to Justin for sharing the video and his interesting post can be read here - http://the-quintessential-justin.blogspot.com/2010/10/kerala-tourism-video.html
I just cant seem to get over the visual imagery in the video. I think its time for me to watch another Kim Ki Duk's film, its been a long time.
A few thoughts before i begin my analysis -
Thanks to the video makers / kerala govt for making this. With the video so surreal, i am not sure how it got approved. This video has some elements that are non-trivial, and they are not visible immediately but they add to the experience. It is videos like these which are made for repeated viewing, mainly to understand how one's brain works. If we like the video, if it clicks to us, then what is it. This post is my attempt to understand this 3 min video.
Start scene - Man fishing. ( 0 to 26 sec)
Firstly, it is an animation but very well done, so my mind is always trying to fiigure out, is this real? This creates intense concentration. Next, the camera is fixed but it is the water that is moving which gives life to the scene (as opposed to a static postcard). The man is still for the first half of this clip, and during that time, the eyes are looking at the imagery which is too good to be true. And then at 11 second mark, the man moves, but just observe his style of movement, and when i see his posture with legs crossed, my facial microexpression says - "yeah! thats correct".
Woman on massage table scene - (27 sec - 57 sec)
Camera is upside down, but that should have been ok, but it is the lateral movement of the camera which keeps us engaged. Since it is handheld, it is not entirely linear, so it gives us a perception that we are looking by our own eyes. And ofcourse the model is very beautiful too! Next, the camera jumps to show her in full, but again the lateral camera motion is still there. The camera just becomes our eyes and we feel as if we are there. And look at the next clip, the camera cuts to her face but this time, the camera is static and the actress is the one who moves, still giving us the same feeling of being physically observing it. The next two scenes just gives us the visual beauty of the landscape and what speaks is the calm, serene, and beautiful backdrop.
Man practicing Kathakali at his home (58 seconds - 1min 18 seconds)
This one is the best as per me. Look at how the video starts - the camera is outside the man's boundary, just above the mud wall, as if it is sneakily peeking to someone's house. It looks like we are the ones who are sneakily peeking, this goes for 6 seconds (just enough time for the brain to register this feeling) and then camera goes to the closeup. In all kathakali / tourist promotion viodeos, we always see the final imagery, man with paintings making facial expressions, but very rarely we have witnessed a man practicing the art, without the makeup, in its pure raw form, and while sitting at his home. We can see what actually happens, beyond the makeup. And then the last part, the camera is now inside the house, just above the wall boundary and we see the lady walking outside. This completes the story here, it was she who was peeking. It took 20 seconds to narrate a complete story and people experiencing atleast 5 different emotions in this time period.
Lady in boat scene (1min 19 seconds - 1 min 39 seconds)
Again, a very deep 20 second clip. What should you do if you are in the most peaceful place in the world - you think, introspect and reflect upon yourself. The 20 second clip describes those three adjectives in that order. It starts with the lady deep in thought and her reflection approaching her. Again, kudos to the way it is done, same clothes, almost same expression. But notice carefully, they two ladies are looking i different directions, it is not entirely a mirror image. And as the boats cross, the lady directly stares in the camera. At this point the viewer is convinced that the two are looking into each other, the camera position just adds that effect so silently. "Reflect upon oneself" if you ever have to portray this idea, how will you do it? Just think about it, its very hard! But the way this scene captures it, :) . Also there is some effect by the fact that the boats are moving, it does give some subconscious signal of time, passing thoughts and the slowness of the boat, just registers the fact that time slows down in this world.
Lady with long hair ( 1min 40 to 1 min 59 seconds)
We start by looking at the lady through a tree's branch. And the camera is moving backwards. I am not sure about the significance of the scene, to me there are two possibilities - on one side, it tells about Kerals's traditional practices portraying the myth and the mysticism in it or the other possibility is that you can be as insane as you want to be here :) . But cut to the next clip, now we are looking in the opposite direction and instantly we see the big tree with its convoluted branches and children sitting on them. The camera, again from this angle, moves backwards. We see the lady coming out of herself and looking at the people.
Dance form scene ( 2min to 2min 13 seconds)
I believe those are different dance forms in Kerala and they are just shown in an artisitic manner. The scene where we see the man arbit lip faces and the lady relaxing enjoying it, its actually the lady looking at the dance and enjoying it. The lip movements are not directed towards her, it is a art trick to show both the player and viewer in the same frame. And there are many things that are beyond my art interpretation, like why there is a dog in the long shot scene in this clip?
Lady and the elephant ( 2min 14 seconds to 2 min 50 seconds)
What is the end feeling that the maker wants us to leave with ? This scene captures that in a very indirect manner. The final emotions are natural beauty, wildlife, peace and being one with yourself and nature. Notice how the camera moves laterally here, just showing that there is so much silence in the backdrop. In the closeup frame, the expression on her face is of peace And in the last part, the camera moves backwards, as if it is leaving the two together .... in inner bliss. In the moment.
Your moment is waiting.
Which moment is talking about? Justin Cherian in his blog writes that it could mean anything but i beg to differ. I believe that there is only one moment that is being referred and that moment is the moment of inner bliss. The same moment with which the camera signs of that visual imagery. Admire the articulation "Your moment is waiting" here - It is not you who is waiting, it is your moment that is waiting. You can achieve the moment, it is within your reach, infact it is waiting for you to come.
Wow! It will take some time to settle it. The application of the whole to Kerala tourism is just a brilliant idea. Kudos!
Lastly, if you liked the video, may i recommend the movie - The vertical ray of Sun
Monday, October 4, 2010
Techcrunch disrupt.
I attended Techcrunch disrupt second day as part of my company. Techcrunch disrupt is an annual conference where startups come and pitch their products, mainly focussed on some disrupting products.
Liked products such as qwiki (which even won the contest), cloudFair, Gunzoo, Lark ( great idea) , and some others. Some were quite bad which made me wonder - really ? :)
But overall, what i liked was the spirit of conference, great minds gathered under an expo and discussing the next generation of disruptive ideas. This to me was the highest point in technology so far, everyone sitting with their smart devices, sharing ideas on twitter/fb etc, companies demoing on ipad, judges evaluating on ipad, startups everywhere, cloud, social, all buzz words in the air. And everyone excited about it, everyone trying to add their contribution to this ecosystem. Everyone believing in their ideas and working towards it.
A nice experience, a good look into whats happening in Silicon valley. Seriously, if you look here, if you see some things that people are doing here, it is a totally different world. Ways to make information tractable, meaningful etc, these are problems that silicon valley is seeing and silicon valley is solving. Only once the solution is there, then the world will notice it and adopt it, till then we are on an island, trying to make sense of things.
Liked products such as qwiki (which even won the contest), cloudFair, Gunzoo, Lark ( great idea) , and some others. Some were quite bad which made me wonder - really ? :)
But overall, what i liked was the spirit of conference, great minds gathered under an expo and discussing the next generation of disruptive ideas. This to me was the highest point in technology so far, everyone sitting with their smart devices, sharing ideas on twitter/fb etc, companies demoing on ipad, judges evaluating on ipad, startups everywhere, cloud, social, all buzz words in the air. And everyone excited about it, everyone trying to add their contribution to this ecosystem. Everyone believing in their ideas and working towards it.
A nice experience, a good look into whats happening in Silicon valley. Seriously, if you look here, if you see some things that people are doing here, it is a totally different world. Ways to make information tractable, meaningful etc, these are problems that silicon valley is seeing and silicon valley is solving. Only once the solution is there, then the world will notice it and adopt it, till then we are on an island, trying to make sense of things.
Kishan vs Kanhaiya
I went to see a Paresh Rawal play - Kishan vs Kanhaiya. I liked it to an extent. It deals with the atheism vs believing God. The good part was that they chose this subject, still and always a favorite. The bad part was that in all such plays, believers always win.
The premise of the play is that Kishan lal's is an atheist whose work gets destroyed due to an earthquake. His insurance company refuses to pay the cost because it was an act of God. So Kishan decides to sue god (Kanhaiya, hence the name Kishan vs Kanhaiya) in court and then wins the case in end.
Paresh Rawal plays the protagonist, this is the kind of role in which he excels and its truly great to watch him. His dialogue delivery and sheer timing makes the play watchable. The supporting cast is quite disappointing as per me, even their direction is straight out of some Bollywood movie.
Some of the dialogues written about atheism, some about value of hard work are quite good. Overall an average play.
The premise of the play is that Kishan lal's is an atheist whose work gets destroyed due to an earthquake. His insurance company refuses to pay the cost because it was an act of God. So Kishan decides to sue god (Kanhaiya, hence the name Kishan vs Kanhaiya) in court and then wins the case in end.
Paresh Rawal plays the protagonist, this is the kind of role in which he excels and its truly great to watch him. His dialogue delivery and sheer timing makes the play watchable. The supporting cast is quite disappointing as per me, even their direction is straight out of some Bollywood movie.
Some of the dialogues written about atheism, some about value of hard work are quite good. Overall an average play.
Achin's wedding
Went to Achin's wedding last weekend, It was in Atlanta. Nicely organized ceremony. Among other things, the highlight was meeting Amit, my cousin. During ladies sangeet, we were finding it difficult to find sangeet songs. But Amit came with some awesome Punjabi boliyan.
The best was this punjabi song - billo ji. I have found a youtube video but even it does not do any justice to the way he sang it
The Hawan was done in an innovative style - Panditji was explaining the meaning of those sanskrit mantras in english so that others can follow what is happening during the ceremony. This was much appreciated by everyone.
Also learnt another cards game...... woh shaadi hi kya jismein patte na khele gaye hon :)
But like the last time, and like every other wedding, the best part was the thass that follows after the ceremonies. The never ending thass where we discuss anything and everything and all with good spirit. Another event that we will never forget is the dance of Pant Auntie. Her unique style of dance which was basically dance without emotions,, dance with a straight face was immensely discussed and laughed. But seriously, she must be 55+ and the way she was dancing was amazing, hats off to her. But what followed her dance was people trying to imitate her, people trying to visualize her...awesome!
The best was this punjabi song - billo ji. I have found a youtube video but even it does not do any justice to the way he sang it
The Hawan was done in an innovative style - Panditji was explaining the meaning of those sanskrit mantras in english so that others can follow what is happening during the ceremony. This was much appreciated by everyone.
Also learnt another cards game...... woh shaadi hi kya jismein patte na khele gaye hon :)
But like the last time, and like every other wedding, the best part was the thass that follows after the ceremonies. The never ending thass where we discuss anything and everything and all with good spirit. Another event that we will never forget is the dance of Pant Auntie. Her unique style of dance which was basically dance without emotions,, dance with a straight face was immensely discussed and laughed. But seriously, she must be 55+ and the way she was dancing was amazing, hats off to her. But what followed her dance was people trying to imitate her, people trying to visualize her...awesome!
First half marathon
Headlines on Oct 4, 2010.
Indian Express -
Arvind Batra finishes half marathon in 2 hrs 58 minutes, 36 seconds.
The Hindu -
Arvind Batra rocked and rolled in San jose Rock-n Roll half marathon.
Times of India
"Every body part hurts" -Arvind Batra
Hindustan Times
Team Asha, cheerleaders and random strangers help Arvind Batra cross the finish line.
Punjab Kesari -
अरविन्द बत्रा के छक्के छक्के छूट गए
NavBharat times
धूप में धमकते नज़र आये अरविन्द बत्रा
Tehelka news
Arvind Batra remembers every junk food eaten in his last mile run at San jose half marathon.
Random blogger
Arvind batra disappointed by fifty year olds finishing ahead of him gets some solace on seeing younger people finishing after him.
on arvindbatra,blogspot.com
Wow, it feels good to reach a milestone, and running a half marathon is. I think it will be one of the best things that i have done this year. Truly enjoyed the experience. I think the biggest highlight of the day to me (other than me finishing the race) was the whole spirit of volunteerism and selfless service. Countless people standing at the sidelines and cheering for you. The school kids who were so eager to give water, cheerleaders who never stopped for the entire three hrs, and random strangers. So many stories
A home at mile 2 mark decided to give bacon to runners to cheer them up.
A stranger ( a man of age 50+) at mile 11 told me - You are almost there and you are looking good, run easy and don't injure yourself.
People at mile 4.5 cheering the top 2 runners who are returning to base. No hard feelings :)
A school kid at a mile 6.6. water station - Please take my water, please take mine!
A local family sprinkling water through their garden hose on people.
Countless families sitting in front of their houses and yelling "Keep going"
A man came out and started playing his guitar to entertain us. A teenager was playing beautiful drums in a rhythm.
Completed marathoners running last two miles again with friends to give them support and help them complete.
The school kids had assembled in morning as early as 6:30 am. Water stops at every 2 miles were such a great help. It was a very humid day. What a validation of selfless service today. And Team Asha people cheering all the way. I could not have finished without you.
My mile chart
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11.5 12 12.25 12.50 12.75 12.9 13.0 13.1
Running to me is as much a physical effort as it is a mental one. It is very easy to walk 13 miles but to push yourself to run requires a lot of mental strength.
Watch out - next milestone - full marathon in 2011.
Indian Express -
Arvind Batra finishes half marathon in 2 hrs 58 minutes, 36 seconds.
The Hindu -
Arvind Batra rocked and rolled in San jose Rock-n Roll half marathon.
Times of India
"Every body part hurts" -Arvind Batra
Hindustan Times
Team Asha, cheerleaders and random strangers help Arvind Batra cross the finish line.
Punjab Kesari -
अरविन्द बत्रा के छक्के छक्के छूट गए
NavBharat times
धूप में धमकते नज़र आये अरविन्द बत्रा
Tehelka news
Arvind Batra remembers every junk food eaten in his last mile run at San jose half marathon.
Random blogger
Arvind batra disappointed by fifty year olds finishing ahead of him gets some solace on seeing younger people finishing after him.
on arvindbatra,blogspot.com
Wow, it feels good to reach a milestone, and running a half marathon is. I think it will be one of the best things that i have done this year. Truly enjoyed the experience. I think the biggest highlight of the day to me (other than me finishing the race) was the whole spirit of volunteerism and selfless service. Countless people standing at the sidelines and cheering for you. The school kids who were so eager to give water, cheerleaders who never stopped for the entire three hrs, and random strangers. So many stories
A home at mile 2 mark decided to give bacon to runners to cheer them up.
A stranger ( a man of age 50+) at mile 11 told me - You are almost there and you are looking good, run easy and don't injure yourself.
People at mile 4.5 cheering the top 2 runners who are returning to base. No hard feelings :)
A school kid at a mile 6.6. water station - Please take my water, please take mine!
A local family sprinkling water through their garden hose on people.
Countless families sitting in front of their houses and yelling "Keep going"
A man came out and started playing his guitar to entertain us. A teenager was playing beautiful drums in a rhythm.
Completed marathoners running last two miles again with friends to give them support and help them complete.
The school kids had assembled in morning as early as 6:30 am. Water stops at every 2 miles were such a great help. It was a very humid day. What a validation of selfless service today. And Team Asha people cheering all the way. I could not have finished without you.
My mile chart
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11.5 12 12.25 12.50 12.75 12.9 13.0 13.1
Running to me is as much a physical effort as it is a mental one. It is very easy to walk 13 miles but to push yourself to run requires a lot of mental strength.
Watch out - next milestone - full marathon in 2011.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
25.25
Hi
Sept 14, 2010
I turned 25.25 today :)
Celebrating 25 was old school, the new gen celebrates 25.25 :)
Quite an accomplishment!
So what should i blog about, i guess things that i would like to do before 30.
1. Go on a 1 - 3 month long hiking in mountains.
2. Run a marathon. (If all goes well, i will be running a half by Oct 3)
3. Weigh 160 p0unds.
4. Work for an NGO for 6 months.
5. Be jobless for 6 months. It may overlap with #4.
6. Be back in India.
7. Have a indian classical music library. (physical library)
8. Know how to make rasogulla and other indian sweets at home. Want to be an expert in that.
9. Have biked 2000 kms/miles.
10. Made more plans ;)
Sept 14, 2010
I turned 25.25 today :)
Celebrating 25 was old school, the new gen celebrates 25.25 :)
Quite an accomplishment!
So what should i blog about, i guess things that i would like to do before 30.
1. Go on a 1 - 3 month long hiking in mountains.
2. Run a marathon. (If all goes well, i will be running a half by Oct 3)
3. Weigh 160 p0unds.
4. Work for an NGO for 6 months.
5. Be jobless for 6 months. It may overlap with #4.
6. Be back in India.
7. Have a indian classical music library. (physical library)
8. Know how to make rasogulla and other indian sweets at home. Want to be an expert in that.
9. Have biked 2000 kms/miles.
10. Made more plans ;)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
PGDHRL results
Results for my PG diploma course in Human Rights law is out.And i have passed (not with flying colors). Here is my marks breakup -
Paper 1: History of Human Rights and Rule of law : 54
Paper 2: Civil and political rights: 70
Paper 3: Economic social and cultural rights: 55.5
Paper 4: Legal Aid and access to justice: 65.5
These results by themselves may not look that impressive but if look at the overall class marks, these are quite good. As usual , i am not the topper and not even in top 5 , probably in top 10 but if you look at the class overall, i am not that bad either.
oh well!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
peepli live
Peepli live
A film by Anusha Rizvi
Co-directed by Mahmood Farooqui
Highly recommended by me.
Why i loved it so much?
1. It had cast by Naya theater. I had met Natha :). Yes, he was in NSIT during my final year as part of Naya theater. I had seen him before during a play (ponga pandit) at Indian Habitat center. It is so great to see him on screen.
2. Raghubeer Yadav. And yes, he is a Yadav, makes sense eh? (caste reference)
3. I did not knew that Des mera had such powerful lyrics. So true song about India. i am in love with that song now. And also about Zindagi se darte ho, see previous post. The local songs were also very good.
The subject matter. There are many important issues in this country. So many documentaries are made about farmer suicides but the idiots like me will never watch them. We are the "bigde hui bachche" of this generation who want everything in an accessible form. Documentaries are too heavy for us, reality of life is too much for us to handle. We prefer our virtual worlds, our facebooks, our blogs, our so-called social network which runs over a network of wires now; How do you make dumb-wits like us to know about farmer suicides, to know what happens in majority of India, to those who are making our food. P.Sainath has written a book (Everybody loves a good drought) and it has got 13 awards, everyone is calling it an excellent achievement, but why should we read it. It is going to be another diatribe about poor villages. Dude, India is shining, duh!!! The truth is that we middle class Indians, in our lives have stopped looking at the those poor people as human beings. They are like a different species, a different race which is also sharing the planet with us and it just happens to be a co-incidence. If you do not agree, just watch this hulu video and if you are able to watch it till the end, my respects to you. Farmers suicide has no relation to my life and there is also no relation between what happens in Kashmir. My life is a struggle in itself, why should i think about others? We belong to that generation who believes that there is no caste system in India, we who never say no to gifts during marriages, who always pretend that we are religious by chanting some mantras, who are ok with salty water in our taps as long as we have levis jeans and reebok shoes; the question is how do you make this generation aware about fundamental problems such as farmer suicide.
The answer to last question is Peepli live. And i thank Anusha Rizvi for making this movie. This movie is a fictional satire on farmer suicide issue. There is so many punch lines, so many rhetorics that you will laugh, you can not escape it. But there is a lot that is happening on the screen that you just can not avoid and that is not laughable at all. Soon, you have to question yourself, what are you laughing at, the movie or the society or is it this the laugh of shame on yourself. This movie is like what Jon Stewart does every weekday, present complex issues, stories in a satirical fashion so that we can understand what's so wrong with the system. My point is that it has to be done through satire, it has to be done by making us laugh. As the saying goes, a great man is one who can laugh at himself. And so it applies to society as well. If only we can laugh on ourselves, then only we can be great. Because behind those laughs, there is a pinch which is internal and the laugh is just the instantaneous gratification of delight but the pinch is long term and it definitely bites. Or may be we have just become such high degree consumers that for us to understand deep concepts, they have to sold to us and the packaging matters. We need Munna bhai to tell us that we should always speak truth, we need Larry Wilmore to address race issues between us. Peepli live does just that.
Moreover it is not just the farmer suicide issue that is dealt here. I love the fact that whenever bollywood decides to make films about indian villages, they always show the wife as a mature, sensible and responsible person as opposed to someone who just sits at home. (Another example - Ishqiya). Bollywood's contribution to women independence is indeed commendable. The movie also shows mother-daughter-in-law relationship where the daughter in law is always abused. It also talks about the liquor problem, caste issues etc.
One interesting thing is that it is also a big satire on Indian media. It is more notably so because the director comes from NDTV. But i did not find it as funny as others here. (Disclosure: As blogged before, i am a fan of Indian media now). I sympathize with Indian media. We laugh about the rat race between news media channels. But i ask, if the rat race was not there, then only one channel would have covered it, shouted about it but no one would have listened. It is because of the rat race, everyone covers the same story and hence it gets such a big attention. Think about it! Yes, rat race brings competition and thus comes the selling points and thus story hunting turns into a scavenger hunt. I am able to accept it as side-effects, but it seems that people are too obsessed with the side effects that they overlook the main advantages.
And it brings two more days of guilt in my life. Two days later, i would have forgotten all about it, i will be in my world again, Natha will be somewhere else, a different planet, a different century. Two days, thats all it takes now a days for me to forget about all this. Sad!
A film by Anusha Rizvi
Co-directed by Mahmood Farooqui
Highly recommended by me.
Why i loved it so much?
1. It had cast by Naya theater. I had met Natha :). Yes, he was in NSIT during my final year as part of Naya theater. I had seen him before during a play (ponga pandit) at Indian Habitat center. It is so great to see him on screen.
2. Raghubeer Yadav. And yes, he is a Yadav, makes sense eh? (caste reference)
3. I did not knew that Des mera had such powerful lyrics. So true song about India. i am in love with that song now. And also about Zindagi se darte ho, see previous post. The local songs were also very good.
The subject matter. There are many important issues in this country. So many documentaries are made about farmer suicides but the idiots like me will never watch them. We are the "bigde hui bachche" of this generation who want everything in an accessible form. Documentaries are too heavy for us, reality of life is too much for us to handle. We prefer our virtual worlds, our facebooks, our blogs, our so-called social network which runs over a network of wires now; How do you make dumb-wits like us to know about farmer suicides, to know what happens in majority of India, to those who are making our food. P.Sainath has written a book (Everybody loves a good drought) and it has got 13 awards, everyone is calling it an excellent achievement, but why should we read it. It is going to be another diatribe about poor villages. Dude, India is shining, duh!!! The truth is that we middle class Indians, in our lives have stopped looking at the those poor people as human beings. They are like a different species, a different race which is also sharing the planet with us and it just happens to be a co-incidence. If you do not agree, just watch this hulu video and if you are able to watch it till the end, my respects to you. Farmers suicide has no relation to my life and there is also no relation between what happens in Kashmir. My life is a struggle in itself, why should i think about others? We belong to that generation who believes that there is no caste system in India, we who never say no to gifts during marriages, who always pretend that we are religious by chanting some mantras, who are ok with salty water in our taps as long as we have levis jeans and reebok shoes; the question is how do you make this generation aware about fundamental problems such as farmer suicide.
The answer to last question is Peepli live. And i thank Anusha Rizvi for making this movie. This movie is a fictional satire on farmer suicide issue. There is so many punch lines, so many rhetorics that you will laugh, you can not escape it. But there is a lot that is happening on the screen that you just can not avoid and that is not laughable at all. Soon, you have to question yourself, what are you laughing at, the movie or the society or is it this the laugh of shame on yourself. This movie is like what Jon Stewart does every weekday, present complex issues, stories in a satirical fashion so that we can understand what's so wrong with the system. My point is that it has to be done through satire, it has to be done by making us laugh. As the saying goes, a great man is one who can laugh at himself. And so it applies to society as well. If only we can laugh on ourselves, then only we can be great. Because behind those laughs, there is a pinch which is internal and the laugh is just the instantaneous gratification of delight but the pinch is long term and it definitely bites. Or may be we have just become such high degree consumers that for us to understand deep concepts, they have to sold to us and the packaging matters. We need Munna bhai to tell us that we should always speak truth, we need Larry Wilmore to address race issues between us. Peepli live does just that.
Moreover it is not just the farmer suicide issue that is dealt here. I love the fact that whenever bollywood decides to make films about indian villages, they always show the wife as a mature, sensible and responsible person as opposed to someone who just sits at home. (Another example - Ishqiya). Bollywood's contribution to women independence is indeed commendable. The movie also shows mother-daughter-in-law relationship where the daughter in law is always abused. It also talks about the liquor problem, caste issues etc.
One interesting thing is that it is also a big satire on Indian media. It is more notably so because the director comes from NDTV. But i did not find it as funny as others here. (Disclosure: As blogged before, i am a fan of Indian media now). I sympathize with Indian media. We laugh about the rat race between news media channels. But i ask, if the rat race was not there, then only one channel would have covered it, shouted about it but no one would have listened. It is because of the rat race, everyone covers the same story and hence it gets such a big attention. Think about it! Yes, rat race brings competition and thus comes the selling points and thus story hunting turns into a scavenger hunt. I am able to accept it as side-effects, but it seems that people are too obsessed with the side effects that they overlook the main advantages.
And it brings two more days of guilt in my life. Two days later, i would have forgotten all about it, i will be in my world again, Natha will be somewhere else, a different planet, a different century. Two days, thats all it takes now a days for me to forget about all this. Sad!
Zindagi se darte ho
Just came back after watching Peepli live (review in another post). But at the end of the movie, while the casting and other information comes, there is a song performed by Indian ocean - Zondagi se darte ho.
The movie was good but this song in the end. everyone in the theater had left except four people, all listening to this Indian ocean song. I think this is definitely one of the best songs of this year for me. And Indian Ocean is definitely my favorite band now. They are able to bring the raw energy, the passion into these songs, it just makes you stand up and run! Yes run!
The song is written by Noon Meem Rashid.
Wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noon_Meem_Rashid
I got the lyrics from this page http://dastangoi.blogspot.com/2010/07/zindagi-se-darte-ho.html
Zindagi se Darte ho
Zindagi se darte ho (4)
Zindagi to tum bhi ho (2)
Zindagi to hum bhi hain
Aadmi se darte ho (2)
Aadmi to tum bhi ho (2)
Aadmi to hum bhi hain
Tum abhi se darte ho
Aadmi zabaan bhi hai
Aadmi bayaan bhi hai (2)
Harf aur maani ke rishta haaye aahan se
Aadmi hai waabasta
Aadmi ke daaman se zindagi hai waabasta
Us se tum nahi darte ho (2)
Ankahi se darte ho
Jo abhi nahi aayi
Us gharri ki aamad ki
Aagahi se darte ho
Tum abhi se darte ho
Pehle bhi to guzre hain (2)
Daur na rassai ke
Be-riya khudaai ke
Phir bhi yeh samajhte ho (2)
Hech aarzumandi
Yeh shab e zubaan bandi
Hai rah e khudaawandi
Tum yehi samajhte ho
Tum mager yeh kya jaano
Lab agar nahi hilte
Haath jaag uthte hain
Haath bol uthte hain
Subh ki azaan ban kar
Roshni se darte ho
Roshni to tum bhi ho
Roshni to hum bhi hain
Tum abhi se darte ho
Raah- e- shauq mein jaise
rahru ka khoon lapke
Ek nayaa junoon lapke
Aadmi chhalak uthe
Aadmi hanse dekho
shaher phir base dekho
Tum abhi se darte ho (4)
ZINDAGI SE DARTE HO-THE SECOND COMING
Afraid of Life, are you
You too are life
We too are life
Afraid of Man, are you
You too are human
We too are human
Afraid already are you
Man is speech
Man is expression too
To the iron bond
Uniting utterance and meaning
Man is joined
Tied to his sleeves is Life
Not afraid of that
Afraid of the unsaid
Afraid of the moment
That has not yet arrived
Afraid of the awareness
Of the coming of that moment
Afraid already
We have seen the times
Before
Of inaccessibility
Of guileless divinity
And yet you believe
To desire is worthless
This night of silenced tongues
Is the path
To divinity
How will you know though
That if lips don’t move
Hands begin to stir
Hands begin to call
Like the Azan at dawn
Afraid of Light
You too are light
We too are light
Afraid of light
As in the journey of love
The traveler’s blood soars
A new passion leaps
Man boils over
Man laughs, look
The city is reborn
Afraid already
-Translated by Mahmood Farooqui with inputs from SR Faruqi
Now some videos
Indian ocean live performance : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0sxapniwqI&feature=related
Sung by Zia Mohi ud Din
And by Noon Meem himself
More research is needed about Noon Meem Rashid.
zindagi se darte ho, zindagi to tum bhi ho, zindagi to hum bhi hain.
kya baat hai! and in the end it says - tum abhi se darte ho!
You are afraid of now!
The movie was good but this song in the end. everyone in the theater had left except four people, all listening to this Indian ocean song. I think this is definitely one of the best songs of this year for me. And Indian Ocean is definitely my favorite band now. They are able to bring the raw energy, the passion into these songs, it just makes you stand up and run! Yes run!
The song is written by Noon Meem Rashid.
Wikipedia page - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noon_Meem_Rashid
I got the lyrics from this page http://dastangoi.blogspot.com/2010/07/zindagi-se-darte-ho.html
Zindagi se Darte ho
Zindagi se darte ho (4)
Zindagi to tum bhi ho (2)
Zindagi to hum bhi hain
Aadmi se darte ho (2)
Aadmi to tum bhi ho (2)
Aadmi to hum bhi hain
Tum abhi se darte ho
Aadmi zabaan bhi hai
Aadmi bayaan bhi hai (2)
Harf aur maani ke rishta haaye aahan se
Aadmi hai waabasta
Aadmi ke daaman se zindagi hai waabasta
Us se tum nahi darte ho (2)
Ankahi se darte ho
Jo abhi nahi aayi
Us gharri ki aamad ki
Aagahi se darte ho
Tum abhi se darte ho
Pehle bhi to guzre hain (2)
Daur na rassai ke
Be-riya khudaai ke
Phir bhi yeh samajhte ho (2)
Hech aarzumandi
Yeh shab e zubaan bandi
Hai rah e khudaawandi
Tum yehi samajhte ho
Tum mager yeh kya jaano
Lab agar nahi hilte
Haath jaag uthte hain
Haath bol uthte hain
Subh ki azaan ban kar
Roshni se darte ho
Roshni to tum bhi ho
Roshni to hum bhi hain
Tum abhi se darte ho
Raah- e- shauq mein jaise
rahru ka khoon lapke
Ek nayaa junoon lapke
Aadmi chhalak uthe
Aadmi hanse dekho
shaher phir base dekho
Tum abhi se darte ho (4)
ZINDAGI SE DARTE HO-THE SECOND COMING
Afraid of Life, are you
You too are life
We too are life
Afraid of Man, are you
You too are human
We too are human
Afraid already are you
Man is speech
Man is expression too
To the iron bond
Uniting utterance and meaning
Man is joined
Tied to his sleeves is Life
Not afraid of that
Afraid of the unsaid
Afraid of the moment
That has not yet arrived
Afraid of the awareness
Of the coming of that moment
Afraid already
We have seen the times
Before
Of inaccessibility
Of guileless divinity
And yet you believe
To desire is worthless
This night of silenced tongues
Is the path
To divinity
How will you know though
That if lips don’t move
Hands begin to stir
Hands begin to call
Like the Azan at dawn
Afraid of Light
You too are light
We too are light
Afraid of light
As in the journey of love
The traveler’s blood soars
A new passion leaps
Man boils over
Man laughs, look
The city is reborn
Afraid already
-Translated by Mahmood Farooqui with inputs from SR Faruqi
Now some videos
Indian ocean live performance : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0sxapniwqI&feature=related
Sung by Zia Mohi ud Din
And by Noon Meem himself
More research is needed about Noon Meem Rashid.
zindagi se darte ho, zindagi to tum bhi ho, zindagi to hum bhi hain.
kya baat hai! and in the end it says - tum abhi se darte ho!
You are afraid of now!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Hai pyar to musafir
Music! Yes, music was missing from this blog for a long time and what a way it has chosen to come back. Randomly, i started listening to Shubha mudgal and i came across this song - Hai Pyar to Musafir from the album ab ke saavan. And i was hooked. The lyrics, the way it is sung, the tempo increase. Kya baat hai! And the lyrics...... so many songs about love are there, yet this one finds a unique spot (well it is not ishtehaar level, ek kudi jiska naam muhabbat) but it is definitely at just one level down.
And Shubhaji ji awaaz....kya awaaz hai! FYI, she used to blog too. Her site is http://shubhamudgal.com/
Music can be downloaded from here - http://www.dishant.com/mailsong/8563.html
kab aaye kab jaaye kahan thehre kya khaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
naraaz hota hai, ukta jaata hai
kaun jaane kiski baaton mein aata hai
bas uthta hai chala jaata hai
kitna koi roke, kitna samjhaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
kab aaye kab jaaye kahan thehre kya khaaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
naraaz hota hai ukta jaata hai
kaun jaane kiski baaton mein aata hai
bas uthta hai chala jaata hai
kitna koi roke, kitna samjhaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
kabhi umar bhar intezaar karwaaye
kabhi darwaaze pe khada muskuraye
gali gali sheher sheher tehelta rehta hai
na kuch sunta hai, na kuch kehta hai
phir bhi baithe hain sab aas lagaye
kya pata kab kiski rah mein aa jaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
Na rupya na paisa jo koi kamaye
na sharbat na paani jo koi bahaye
na dhoop na batti jo koi jalaye
na rekha na kundali jo koi padhaye
na mandir na masjid jo koi banaye
man se hi nikle aur man mein hi samaye
Hain pyar toh musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
Hain pyar toh musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
कब आये कब जाए कहाँ ठहरे क्या खाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
नाराज़ होता है , उकता जाता है
कौन जाने किसकी बातों में आता है
बस उठता है चला जाता है
कितना कोई रोके , कितना समझाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
कब आये कब जाए कहाँ ठहरे क्या खाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
नाराज़ होता है उकता जाता है
कौन जाने किसकी बातों में आता है
बस उठता है चला जाता है
कितना कोई रोके , कितना समझाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
कभी उमर भर इंतज़ार करवाए
कभी दरवाज़े पे खड़ा मुस्कुराये
गली गली शहर शहर ठहलता रहता है
न कुछ सुनता है , न कुछ कहता है
फिर भी बैठे हैं सब आस लगाये
क्या पता कब किसकी रह में आ जाये
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
न रुपया न पैसा जो कोई कमाए
न शरबत न पानी जो कोई बहाए
न धुप न बत्ती जो कोई जलाये
न रेखा न कुंडली जो कोई पढाये
न मंदिर न मस्जिद जो कोई बनाये
मन से ही निकले और मन में ही समाये
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
And Shubhaji ji awaaz....kya awaaz hai! FYI, she used to blog too. Her site is http://shubhamudgal.com/
Music can be downloaded from here - http://www.dishant.com/mailsong/8563.html
kab aaye kab jaaye kahan thehre kya khaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
naraaz hota hai, ukta jaata hai
kaun jaane kiski baaton mein aata hai
bas uthta hai chala jaata hai
kitna koi roke, kitna samjhaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
kab aaye kab jaaye kahan thehre kya khaaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
naraaz hota hai ukta jaata hai
kaun jaane kiski baaton mein aata hai
bas uthta hai chala jaata hai
kitna koi roke, kitna samjhaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
kabhi umar bhar intezaar karwaaye
kabhi darwaaze pe khada muskuraye
gali gali sheher sheher tehelta rehta hai
na kuch sunta hai, na kuch kehta hai
phir bhi baithe hain sab aas lagaye
kya pata kab kiski rah mein aa jaye
Hai pyar to musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
Na rupya na paisa jo koi kamaye
na sharbat na paani jo koi bahaye
na dhoop na batti jo koi jalaye
na rekha na kundali jo koi padhaye
na mandir na masjid jo koi banaye
man se hi nikle aur man mein hi samaye
Hain pyar toh musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
Hain pyar toh musafir, marzi se aaye jaaye
कब आये कब जाए कहाँ ठहरे क्या खाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
नाराज़ होता है , उकता जाता है
कौन जाने किसकी बातों में आता है
बस उठता है चला जाता है
कितना कोई रोके , कितना समझाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
कब आये कब जाए कहाँ ठहरे क्या खाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
नाराज़ होता है उकता जाता है
कौन जाने किसकी बातों में आता है
बस उठता है चला जाता है
कितना कोई रोके , कितना समझाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
कभी उमर भर इंतज़ार करवाए
कभी दरवाज़े पे खड़ा मुस्कुराये
गली गली शहर शहर ठहलता रहता है
न कुछ सुनता है , न कुछ कहता है
फिर भी बैठे हैं सब आस लगाये
क्या पता कब किसकी रह में आ जाये
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
न रुपया न पैसा जो कोई कमाए
न शरबत न पानी जो कोई बहाए
न धुप न बत्ती जो कोई जलाये
न रेखा न कुंडली जो कोई पढाये
न मंदिर न मस्जिद जो कोई बनाये
मन से ही निकले और मन में ही समाये
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
है प्यार तो मुसाफिर , मर्ज़ी से आये जाए
Monday, July 26, 2010
India media
During this India trip, i found a new respect for Indian media. They are actually doing a good job in making the govt. accountable for its actions. It is doing the function of an opposition party.
For example, it brought out issues on Bhopal gas tragedy, honor killings, physical punishments in schools etc. I was very impressed with the local newspaper Prabhat khabar in ranchi which was doing a great job in exposing corruption in ranchi govt. offices. Incidentally its motto is Akhbhar nahin, Aandolan.
The American media, which is either leftist, or right or trying to be both. Often American media has failed to question the govt. decisions, it generally affirms the govt.'s point of view and after reading Manufacturing consent by Noam Chomsky, i agree with him that American media helps the govt. a lot in pushing forward its policies, justifying their actions. So much and so that Jon Stewart's satire show is the source of news for many people here.
Compared to the American media, India media atleast questions the govt. Ofcourse there is a lot more fool hardiness in Indian system but atleast the media is taking a stand. The journalists are risking something for such news. Along with Indian judiciary, i felt grateful for Indian media. Way to go.
But there are many areas for improvisation in Indian media. My main issues is that Indian media is largely driven my middle class issues. It can be understood as most of the journalists and reporters are middle class people and only identify to middle class issues. For example, honor killings is very prevalent in lower sections but it never made headlines until it happened to an industrial family in delhi. The lower class also needs representation at national level media. Ofcourse, the local media does bring up local issues which includes lower sections but it is not enough.
I no longer have any comments on Indian news's idea of sensationalizing every bit of news. Nor do i hate that idolatory attitudes towards celebrities. These are just part of the parcel and they also have to make money. I am sure time will pass and these things will be not a norm.
For example, it brought out issues on Bhopal gas tragedy, honor killings, physical punishments in schools etc. I was very impressed with the local newspaper Prabhat khabar in ranchi which was doing a great job in exposing corruption in ranchi govt. offices. Incidentally its motto is Akhbhar nahin, Aandolan.
The American media, which is either leftist, or right or trying to be both. Often American media has failed to question the govt. decisions, it generally affirms the govt.'s point of view and after reading Manufacturing consent by Noam Chomsky, i agree with him that American media helps the govt. a lot in pushing forward its policies, justifying their actions. So much and so that Jon Stewart's satire show is the source of news for many people here.
Compared to the American media, India media atleast questions the govt. Ofcourse there is a lot more fool hardiness in Indian system but atleast the media is taking a stand. The journalists are risking something for such news. Along with Indian judiciary, i felt grateful for Indian media. Way to go.
But there are many areas for improvisation in Indian media. My main issues is that Indian media is largely driven my middle class issues. It can be understood as most of the journalists and reporters are middle class people and only identify to middle class issues. For example, honor killings is very prevalent in lower sections but it never made headlines until it happened to an industrial family in delhi. The lower class also needs representation at national level media. Ofcourse, the local media does bring up local issues which includes lower sections but it is not enough.
I no longer have any comments on Indian news's idea of sensationalizing every bit of news. Nor do i hate that idolatory attitudes towards celebrities. These are just part of the parcel and they also have to make money. I am sure time will pass and these things will be not a norm.
Life in May 22 - July 25
2 months of my life in one post. Difficult to sum it all up especially if it includes a trip to India.
Starting with what was missed in last life in series.
I attended an American wedding of a colleague (Christine). I was late by 30 mins and i missed the actual ceremony. The event was at Sonomal golf course, a very well organized event. I was in time for the dinner and post-ceremony celebrations. The highlight was the cake which was based on some game theme which had a symbolism running under it. There were speeches, dances, toasts and good food. This happened on May 1st.
Ok, now about this installment's updates:
India trip - June 4 - July 5. Haha! 1 month. Multiple other posts update. Highlights - meeting parents, Aarti, other relatives and few friends; Studying and giving human rights law exam; traveling; books; movies; and ofcourse eating best food ever :)
Pre - India trip:
Went to a hike to Stanford dish with Nikesh, Pramod, Gurshi and Vamsi. Nice small 5 mile hike. It was also very closeby. The highlight of this hike was the company. I organized the group and hence i was responsible for maps and directions etc. Hehe, little they knew how bad i am at it. So, we went to a randomal hill first and then turned back because the grass touched our waists. It is then they described to me my GPS formula - Arvind aankh band kar ke haath ghoomata hai. Jahan haath jata hai wahin pe chalna shuru kar deta hai. Lots of PJs. But a nice morning hike.
India trip planning, H1 B visa status stamping documentation etc.
Post India trip -
Many things have happened post India trip. Life again became first different, then busy and then non-existent until i sat writing this post.
1. On my first knitting night after coming back, i finished my hat. I didn't knew it would be so soon. Pictures will be taken and posted soon.
2. Bought an ipad. This happened on July 10. Why did i buy it? I do not know. It costs freaking 700$. How did it happen? I went to buy an iphone 4 but they didn't had any in stock. So Gurshi said that now we are here, we have to buy something. And convinced me to buy it. A detailed ipad review post will be done soon. But for now, it suffices to say that it was not a bad decision.
3. Bought furniture. Continuing on my impulsive buying streak, i bought a 3 seater sofa and one lazy boy and one small center table. I am feeling good about this purchase. Apartment now feels like a home now. I can sit here and read book now (previously all book reading was done in coffee shops).
4. Some more shopping done - Bought jeans and jacket. Went to a mall second time after coming to US. First time was to buy the coat for a marriage.
5. Next knitting project started. It is to knit an ipad cover. Have bought the yarn and needles. The pattern is taken from here - http://community.knitpicks.com/profiles/blogs/pattern-for-felted-ipad-tote. But my knitting master, a colleague at office has decided to leave his job and join Google. But he is going to continue on knitting nights. So thats good. He was also a very good mentor to me. But overall mixed emotions from my side. Happy for him though.
5. Yash buaji passed away. Sad. Don't know how to react. A few times, whenever i met her, i always loved her. She was so lively all the time. Full of life. Always got a feeling of warmth and happiness from her, as someone who was internally happy. Very few people give that vibe, really very very few people. May she rest in peace!.
6. Pt. reach beach meetup - Over time, i have realized that i knoe very few other Indians in bay area. I joined a meetup group called Bay area india junction but never went to any one their meetups. Then, i came to know that they are organizing it on Drakes beach in point Reyes. Naturally i signed up because i love Pt. Reyes. I also really wanted Pramod to see the place. It is a very beautiful place. I also sogned up for carpool as a volunteer to take my car. Pavani and Anshul went with me and it was great to know them. At Pt. Reyes, first we went to see the lighthouse which was kinda cool. We climbed down and up about 320 stairs for it. At the beach, we played volleyball and antakshari. Made some good friends and overall it looked like a very good group. I made eqiuty waale paneer ke sandwiches. Overall a good fun saturday.
7. Have again started training with Asha as part of their season 2. Ran 3 miles yesterday. Targetting the half marathon in October.
8. Movies -
Inception - The much awaited movie by Christopher Nolan. Quite good, very innovative. Deserves at least one watching if not more.
Sorcerer's apprentice - Very disappointing. Do not even try.
Kisses - Went to this one as part of camera cinema club. I have signed for membership. Liked the movie. Kisses is an Irish indie movie based on the life of two eleven year olds who run from their home to the city and it shows how they survive in city there. Very good camera work and great performance by the young actors. Camera cinema club is awesome!
9. Desktop tower defense - the game on ipad is now my latest addiction.
Starting with what was missed in last life in series.
I attended an American wedding of a colleague (Christine). I was late by 30 mins and i missed the actual ceremony. The event was at Sonomal golf course, a very well organized event. I was in time for the dinner and post-ceremony celebrations. The highlight was the cake which was based on some game theme which had a symbolism running under it. There were speeches, dances, toasts and good food. This happened on May 1st.
Ok, now about this installment's updates:
India trip - June 4 - July 5. Haha! 1 month. Multiple other posts update. Highlights - meeting parents, Aarti, other relatives and few friends; Studying and giving human rights law exam; traveling; books; movies; and ofcourse eating best food ever :)
Pre - India trip:
Went to a hike to Stanford dish with Nikesh, Pramod, Gurshi and Vamsi. Nice small 5 mile hike. It was also very closeby. The highlight of this hike was the company. I organized the group and hence i was responsible for maps and directions etc. Hehe, little they knew how bad i am at it. So, we went to a randomal hill first and then turned back because the grass touched our waists. It is then they described to me my GPS formula - Arvind aankh band kar ke haath ghoomata hai. Jahan haath jata hai wahin pe chalna shuru kar deta hai. Lots of PJs. But a nice morning hike.
India trip planning, H1 B visa status stamping documentation etc.
Post India trip -
Many things have happened post India trip. Life again became first different, then busy and then non-existent until i sat writing this post.
1. On my first knitting night after coming back, i finished my hat. I didn't knew it would be so soon. Pictures will be taken and posted soon.
2. Bought an ipad. This happened on July 10. Why did i buy it? I do not know. It costs freaking 700$. How did it happen? I went to buy an iphone 4 but they didn't had any in stock. So Gurshi said that now we are here, we have to buy something. And convinced me to buy it. A detailed ipad review post will be done soon. But for now, it suffices to say that it was not a bad decision.
3. Bought furniture. Continuing on my impulsive buying streak, i bought a 3 seater sofa and one lazy boy and one small center table. I am feeling good about this purchase. Apartment now feels like a home now. I can sit here and read book now (previously all book reading was done in coffee shops).
4. Some more shopping done - Bought jeans and jacket. Went to a mall second time after coming to US. First time was to buy the coat for a marriage.
5. Next knitting project started. It is to knit an ipad cover. Have bought the yarn and needles. The pattern is taken from here - http://community.knitpicks.com/profiles/blogs/pattern-for-felted-ipad-tote. But my knitting master, a colleague at office has decided to leave his job and join Google. But he is going to continue on knitting nights. So thats good. He was also a very good mentor to me. But overall mixed emotions from my side. Happy for him though.
5. Yash buaji passed away. Sad. Don't know how to react. A few times, whenever i met her, i always loved her. She was so lively all the time. Full of life. Always got a feeling of warmth and happiness from her, as someone who was internally happy. Very few people give that vibe, really very very few people. May she rest in peace!.
6. Pt. reach beach meetup - Over time, i have realized that i knoe very few other Indians in bay area. I joined a meetup group called Bay area india junction but never went to any one their meetups. Then, i came to know that they are organizing it on Drakes beach in point Reyes. Naturally i signed up because i love Pt. Reyes. I also really wanted Pramod to see the place. It is a very beautiful place. I also sogned up for carpool as a volunteer to take my car. Pavani and Anshul went with me and it was great to know them. At Pt. Reyes, first we went to see the lighthouse which was kinda cool. We climbed down and up about 320 stairs for it. At the beach, we played volleyball and antakshari. Made some good friends and overall it looked like a very good group. I made eqiuty waale paneer ke sandwiches. Overall a good fun saturday.
7. Have again started training with Asha as part of their season 2. Ran 3 miles yesterday. Targetting the half marathon in October.
8. Movies -
Inception - The much awaited movie by Christopher Nolan. Quite good, very innovative. Deserves at least one watching if not more.
Sorcerer's apprentice - Very disappointing. Do not even try.
Kisses - Went to this one as part of camera cinema club. I have signed for membership. Liked the movie. Kisses is an Irish indie movie based on the life of two eleven year olds who run from their home to the city and it shows how they survive in city there. Very good camera work and great performance by the young actors. Camera cinema club is awesome!
9. Desktop tower defense - the game on ipad is now my latest addiction.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Indian constitution
Now that i have read the human right law, it makes me an expert on Indian Indian constitution. Doesn't it?
Here is what i think are some issues with Indian constitution -
1. Temporal factor. The only place where time is mentioned in IC is in the context of right to education where it says that GOI should aim to provide free and compulsory education within 10 yrs. It has been 6 decades and yet it remains elusive. My issues is that the IC fails to use temporal factor more often especially in case of preferential treatment. For example in case of reservations, (yes on some level i do understand and even agree on reservations); but i think it has to come with a time plan on when the preferential treatment will cease to exist. Reservation exists solely to promote the under privileged sections which is fine but assume in an ideal world (which is assumed when IC is written as it is an ideal document), if a backward section is given some privileges and assume that the execution is fool proof, because of the special privileges, after some time, the section will no longer be backward because it will get equal standings with other sections. Thus making the preferential treatment a discrimination. So, all preferential treatments must come with a time factor. Moreover, this time factor should also act as a deadline so that organizations strive to deliver before deadlines. Ofcourse for fair play there should be clauses for time extensions but with penalties as well.
So, i claim that it is reservation is okay as long as we say that it will get removed by 2020 by which we believe that it will no longer make sense.
2. Preventive detention - Many have written about it, the fact that in India, you can detain a person under preventive detention even in normal circumstances (meaning in non-emergency situations), this makes this law the most dangerous law. Here is what should happen here - Either this law should be there only in emergency situations, if not then atleast the powers to preventively detain a person should exist with a special body, instead of the normal police. Moreover, this law should come with clauses about Individual responsibility model when individuals responsible to detain others will face harsh punishments if they break the law. Preventive detention does not give anyone the right to torture. The rights of a detainee are sacrosanct and individuals who violate detainees' rights should be punishable. Furthermore, there should be an independent body (such as NHRC) with suo-moto powers and also powers to arrest and judge the perpetrator.
3. Remove Muslim law: India like western nations should bite the bullet and introduce uniform civil law for all religions without any preferential treatments. Special casing has no ends because of India's cultural diversity and moreover Muslim law is a very tricky business. They have chosen to include law as they seem to fit and some of the laws are opposed to the principles of HR.
4. Due process: Although the Supreme court has started to use "Due process" in lot many judgments, i believe that "due process" should be added to the law itself and hence should be formally defined. It will help a lot in future cases.
Overall, many people have many issues with IC and some are debatable. Above are the ones that i feel about quite strongly.
Here is what i think are some issues with Indian constitution -
1. Temporal factor. The only place where time is mentioned in IC is in the context of right to education where it says that GOI should aim to provide free and compulsory education within 10 yrs. It has been 6 decades and yet it remains elusive. My issues is that the IC fails to use temporal factor more often especially in case of preferential treatment. For example in case of reservations, (yes on some level i do understand and even agree on reservations); but i think it has to come with a time plan on when the preferential treatment will cease to exist. Reservation exists solely to promote the under privileged sections which is fine but assume in an ideal world (which is assumed when IC is written as it is an ideal document), if a backward section is given some privileges and assume that the execution is fool proof, because of the special privileges, after some time, the section will no longer be backward because it will get equal standings with other sections. Thus making the preferential treatment a discrimination. So, all preferential treatments must come with a time factor. Moreover, this time factor should also act as a deadline so that organizations strive to deliver before deadlines. Ofcourse for fair play there should be clauses for time extensions but with penalties as well.
So, i claim that it is reservation is okay as long as we say that it will get removed by 2020 by which we believe that it will no longer make sense.
2. Preventive detention - Many have written about it, the fact that in India, you can detain a person under preventive detention even in normal circumstances (meaning in non-emergency situations), this makes this law the most dangerous law. Here is what should happen here - Either this law should be there only in emergency situations, if not then atleast the powers to preventively detain a person should exist with a special body, instead of the normal police. Moreover, this law should come with clauses about Individual responsibility model when individuals responsible to detain others will face harsh punishments if they break the law. Preventive detention does not give anyone the right to torture. The rights of a detainee are sacrosanct and individuals who violate detainees' rights should be punishable. Furthermore, there should be an independent body (such as NHRC) with suo-moto powers and also powers to arrest and judge the perpetrator.
3. Remove Muslim law: India like western nations should bite the bullet and introduce uniform civil law for all religions without any preferential treatments. Special casing has no ends because of India's cultural diversity and moreover Muslim law is a very tricky business. They have chosen to include law as they seem to fit and some of the laws are opposed to the principles of HR.
4. Due process: Although the Supreme court has started to use "Due process" in lot many judgments, i believe that "due process" should be added to the law itself and hence should be formally defined. It will help a lot in future cases.
Overall, many people have many issues with IC and some are debatable. Above are the ones that i feel about quite strongly.
India trip movie review
Well this post was long pending. A trip to home is always accompanied with watching a lot of movies. Here is the list and 2 line reviews.
Raat gayi Baat Gayi - Written and directed by Saurabh Shukla, it starrs Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak in leads. A very well made small budget indie comedy where the humor is in the story and not in the act. Vinay Pathak is just too good. Movie starts in a morning where no one remembers what happened in the night before. Again these are movies which do not have a strong story but movies which should be made. These should be watched on a casual rainy day evening.
Siddarth the Prisoner - It has Rajat Kapoor in the lead who gives a great performance. An interesting story, again an indie movie made with an exciting idea and nice execution. An author comes out of a prison to write about his prison experience in a book and twists happen when the briefcase containing book manuscript is exchanged by a briefcase containing money.
Ishqiya: Naseeruddin shah and Arshad warsi in leads who fell in love with Vidya Balan. This movie comes from the camp of Vishal Bhardwaj. Good in parts and rest is average. Does not give the feel of an Indian village, has too many cliches. Liked the heist planning part. Decent performances. Average movie overall. One awesome song - Dil to bachha hai
Tera kya hoga Johnny: Directed by Sudhir Mishra. Ok, too much expectations going into the movie. A very strong cast. Story revolves around the life of a teenager named Johnny who dreams to go to Dubai. A disappointment. My main problem is that there are too many sub plots going on and hence become too much to digest. More depth and less variety was required here. Loved the concept of Corporate in underworld. And i have a bigger issue with Kay Kay Menon. Even though Kay Kay is a versatile actor, i think he is best suited for idealist, angry young man type roles (Black friday, HKA etc) But consistently he has played negative roles and even though he is good, he is now appearing to look monotonous in them.
Striker - Left halfway, cant comment.
In theatres -
Rajneeti: The good side: Ajay Devgan is not doing comedy, atleast he acts in this movie. Arjun Rampal looks good in pieces. Average plot. The bad: Bad acting by Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif has no idea how to portray and man the story sucks so bad. It is an intersection of Godfather and Mahabharath. But please take inspiration, not imitation. And that idiotic Karan concept was not needed at all. Overall the movie could have been very realistic but it fells into the ususal bollywood crap.
Raavan: Dir by Mani Ratnam. Starring Abhishek and Aish. So people were disappointed by this movie. I was not. I had no expectations and the movie turned out to be average. Santosh Sivan's cinematography is just brilliant and it stands out. Script is also quite good atleast has some thought provoking points in it on who is correct. But the acting is just bad. Both Ash and abhi are overacting, trying to do too much. Would have liked to see someone in place of Govinda. Dance and makeup is quite bad as per me.
The Karate Kid: Loved it. I have seen all previous 3 karate kids, the plot is known. Standard three structures - Cause, Karate training and karate execution with moral ending. But the execution is quite good. First, acting of that kid is very good. Jackie Chan gives a quite performance and its good to see him in such a role. Overall, a good movie to watch with family.
Raat gayi Baat Gayi - Written and directed by Saurabh Shukla, it starrs Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak in leads. A very well made small budget indie comedy where the humor is in the story and not in the act. Vinay Pathak is just too good. Movie starts in a morning where no one remembers what happened in the night before. Again these are movies which do not have a strong story but movies which should be made. These should be watched on a casual rainy day evening.
Siddarth the Prisoner - It has Rajat Kapoor in the lead who gives a great performance. An interesting story, again an indie movie made with an exciting idea and nice execution. An author comes out of a prison to write about his prison experience in a book and twists happen when the briefcase containing book manuscript is exchanged by a briefcase containing money.
Ishqiya: Naseeruddin shah and Arshad warsi in leads who fell in love with Vidya Balan. This movie comes from the camp of Vishal Bhardwaj. Good in parts and rest is average. Does not give the feel of an Indian village, has too many cliches. Liked the heist planning part. Decent performances. Average movie overall. One awesome song - Dil to bachha hai
Tera kya hoga Johnny: Directed by Sudhir Mishra. Ok, too much expectations going into the movie. A very strong cast. Story revolves around the life of a teenager named Johnny who dreams to go to Dubai. A disappointment. My main problem is that there are too many sub plots going on and hence become too much to digest. More depth and less variety was required here. Loved the concept of Corporate in underworld. And i have a bigger issue with Kay Kay Menon. Even though Kay Kay is a versatile actor, i think he is best suited for idealist, angry young man type roles (Black friday, HKA etc) But consistently he has played negative roles and even though he is good, he is now appearing to look monotonous in them.
Striker - Left halfway, cant comment.
In theatres -
Rajneeti: The good side: Ajay Devgan is not doing comedy, atleast he acts in this movie. Arjun Rampal looks good in pieces. Average plot. The bad: Bad acting by Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif has no idea how to portray and man the story sucks so bad. It is an intersection of Godfather and Mahabharath. But please take inspiration, not imitation. And that idiotic Karan concept was not needed at all. Overall the movie could have been very realistic but it fells into the ususal bollywood crap.
Raavan: Dir by Mani Ratnam. Starring Abhishek and Aish. So people were disappointed by this movie. I was not. I had no expectations and the movie turned out to be average. Santosh Sivan's cinematography is just brilliant and it stands out. Script is also quite good atleast has some thought provoking points in it on who is correct. But the acting is just bad. Both Ash and abhi are overacting, trying to do too much. Would have liked to see someone in place of Govinda. Dance and makeup is quite bad as per me.
The Karate Kid: Loved it. I have seen all previous 3 karate kids, the plot is known. Standard three structures - Cause, Karate training and karate execution with moral ending. But the execution is quite good. First, acting of that kid is very good. Jackie Chan gives a quite performance and its good to see him in such a role. Overall, a good movie to watch with family.
Millenium trilogy
Stieg Larsson has written a millenium trilogy - 3 novels all based on a girl called Lisbeth Salander. Novels are originally written in Swedish and translated to English by someone.
I saw the movie based on the first novel - Girl with the dragon tattoo. Liked the movie a lot. It was after a long time i had seen a fiction suspense drama movie and i think the movie is quite decent adaptation from the book. I particularly like the acting of Blomkvist (another protagonist) played by Michael Nyqvist. I was hooked. On my way to India i bought the second book - The girl who played with fire and read it in the plane. Loved reading the book. After reading non-fiction for a long time i had a craving to read bourne like fiction drama where there is a certain aura behind the main character (something like harry potter ). The second book is exactly that, it builds on the past and present of Lisbeth salander and it has many twists and turns. At the same time, the writing also does a good job in building characters, going into details etc and creates a very good mental picture while reading the book. I saw the movie based on this one two days ago and almost hated it. The movie makes a 24 like story out of the novel where you just see event A followed by event B and so on without going at all into the characters, the motifs, the environment and mainly there is no way to associate with the protagonist Lisbeth Salander.
On my way back to India i read the third of the trilogy - Girl who kicked Hornet's nest. The problem with trilogies or series that start off well is that there are too many expectations with the ending. And generally books which have gained cult status are all the ones which are able to match up to the expectations. I believe Steig Larsson's trilogy also falls in such a list. The last book is equally fascinating, villians from book 2 are quickly removed and new villians are created, while adding more depth. The pace is quite good and also the final climax is decent, could have been more dramatic though. I saw the movie on third part yesterday and even though it was a lot better than the second movie, it still had its shortcomings. One of things that one has to be careful while adapting a book into a movie is figuring out which details to throw and which ones to keep. Surely all details can not be kept. I think the third movie could have been a lot better had they chosen to focus more on Sapo and less on Niedderman. The movie did a good job by throwing away the SMP section and Berger. But i would have liked the Blomkvist Monica angle.
Overall, these novels are very good page turners. The kind that is addictive once you start reading. I think the first novel would have been a good read too but having seen the movie, i have lost the charm to read through it. I believe that there is a huge opportunity here to remake these movies, mainly in Hollywood style. Swedish cinema lacks the jazziness meaning the crisp editing, fast pace and raw fights (remember Bourne movies). Also, i think these books also make a strong case to make a tv series out of them. I think each book can be equivalent to a season and it would be a good watch.
I saw the movie based on the first novel - Girl with the dragon tattoo. Liked the movie a lot. It was after a long time i had seen a fiction suspense drama movie and i think the movie is quite decent adaptation from the book. I particularly like the acting of Blomkvist (another protagonist) played by Michael Nyqvist. I was hooked. On my way to India i bought the second book - The girl who played with fire and read it in the plane. Loved reading the book. After reading non-fiction for a long time i had a craving to read bourne like fiction drama where there is a certain aura behind the main character (something like harry potter ). The second book is exactly that, it builds on the past and present of Lisbeth salander and it has many twists and turns. At the same time, the writing also does a good job in building characters, going into details etc and creates a very good mental picture while reading the book. I saw the movie based on this one two days ago and almost hated it. The movie makes a 24 like story out of the novel where you just see event A followed by event B and so on without going at all into the characters, the motifs, the environment and mainly there is no way to associate with the protagonist Lisbeth Salander.
On my way back to India i read the third of the trilogy - Girl who kicked Hornet's nest. The problem with trilogies or series that start off well is that there are too many expectations with the ending. And generally books which have gained cult status are all the ones which are able to match up to the expectations. I believe Steig Larsson's trilogy also falls in such a list. The last book is equally fascinating, villians from book 2 are quickly removed and new villians are created, while adding more depth. The pace is quite good and also the final climax is decent, could have been more dramatic though. I saw the movie on third part yesterday and even though it was a lot better than the second movie, it still had its shortcomings. One of things that one has to be careful while adapting a book into a movie is figuring out which details to throw and which ones to keep. Surely all details can not be kept. I think the third movie could have been a lot better had they chosen to focus more on Sapo and less on Niedderman. The movie did a good job by throwing away the SMP section and Berger. But i would have liked the Blomkvist Monica angle.
Overall, these novels are very good page turners. The kind that is addictive once you start reading. I think the first novel would have been a good read too but having seen the movie, i have lost the charm to read through it. I believe that there is a huge opportunity here to remake these movies, mainly in Hollywood style. Swedish cinema lacks the jazziness meaning the crisp editing, fast pace and raw fights (remember Bourne movies). Also, i think these books also make a strong case to make a tv series out of them. I think each book can be equivalent to a season and it would be a good watch.
Human rights law
Back from India, time to blog.
I have now finished my human rights diploma course. I did a Post Graduate Diploma course in Human rights law from National Law school in Bangalore.
About the course:
A very good course. It had 4 subjects namely
(Paper I) History of human rights, and rule of law - It discussed origins, evolution, and philosophy behind human rights law. It also introduces to some key issues such as universalism vs cultural relativism, feminist perspectives etc.
(Paper II) Civil and political rights - What are civil and political rights, international law, indian law, some case studies, emergency, preventive detention etc.
(Paper III) Economic, social and cultural rights - What are these rights, how are they justiciable, indian implementation, judgements etc.
(Paper IV) Access to justice: Mainly focused in Indian context, PILs, Lok adalats, what is legal aid, free legal aid etc.
About the course structure:
Each paper had a book consisting of about 15-20 papers or articles. All articles were very good, it was a great joy to read them. Very carefully selected, these articles were comprehensive, fundamental and thought provoking. My only issues was that the course material was not updated with the developments in law in last decade. Things like RTI, Torture acts etc were missing.
Exams were like typical indian exams - write short notes, or write essays etc. But this can be understood given the nature of subject. But NLSIU had a very good system. Each exam was in afternoon from 2-5 and in morning they used to have a revision class from 10 - 1 where they used to go over the entire course material for that paper. I think it is a great idea. Since we had missed the contact classes, these sessions were a good opportunity to ask questions, clear doubts and a nice concise revision of the course material.
About NLS:
In the outskirts of Blore. Difficult to reach. I used to take a bus and auto. But good school. Decent canteen. I think the best part was the faculty who were giving lectures. They really knew their subject matter quite well. The admin at DED program was also quite helpful.
So overall, a very good experience. Clearly this course was one of the best things that i have done this year so far. Results are still awaited. 50% passing marks out of 100 required. Lets see!
I have now finished my human rights diploma course. I did a Post Graduate Diploma course in Human rights law from National Law school in Bangalore.
About the course:
A very good course. It had 4 subjects namely
(Paper I) History of human rights, and rule of law - It discussed origins, evolution, and philosophy behind human rights law. It also introduces to some key issues such as universalism vs cultural relativism, feminist perspectives etc.
(Paper II) Civil and political rights - What are civil and political rights, international law, indian law, some case studies, emergency, preventive detention etc.
(Paper III) Economic, social and cultural rights - What are these rights, how are they justiciable, indian implementation, judgements etc.
(Paper IV) Access to justice: Mainly focused in Indian context, PILs, Lok adalats, what is legal aid, free legal aid etc.
About the course structure:
Each paper had a book consisting of about 15-20 papers or articles. All articles were very good, it was a great joy to read them. Very carefully selected, these articles were comprehensive, fundamental and thought provoking. My only issues was that the course material was not updated with the developments in law in last decade. Things like RTI, Torture acts etc were missing.
Exams were like typical indian exams - write short notes, or write essays etc. But this can be understood given the nature of subject. But NLSIU had a very good system. Each exam was in afternoon from 2-5 and in morning they used to have a revision class from 10 - 1 where they used to go over the entire course material for that paper. I think it is a great idea. Since we had missed the contact classes, these sessions were a good opportunity to ask questions, clear doubts and a nice concise revision of the course material.
About NLS:
In the outskirts of Blore. Difficult to reach. I used to take a bus and auto. But good school. Decent canteen. I think the best part was the faculty who were giving lectures. They really knew their subject matter quite well. The admin at DED program was also quite helpful.
So overall, a very good experience. Clearly this course was one of the best things that i have done this year so far. Results are still awaited. 50% passing marks out of 100 required. Lets see!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Flight plan - SF to delhi
Total duration: 27 hrs
SF - Seoul - Singapore - Delhi.
In that 27 hrs, i slept for about 4 hrs, watched three movies and read 650 pages of "The girl who played with Fire" and read 10 pages of my law book. Here are more details -
Movies -
Ghost writer: Polanksi's much hyped movie was a decent viewing experience with good acting. There is one interesting twist at the end but it can be seen long before. Overall an okay movie.
: An italian movie based on the life of Gulio . I was pleasantly suprised by the movie and found it to be very interesting. A true political drama always captures my interest and this one was no different. It was a history lesson told in a cinematic style.
- Average movie. Kind of expected. I think hollywood was trying to cash on Taken style movie. Typical hollywood movie.
Books -
The girl who played with fire. I have finished the book now. It is the second book by Stieg Larrson in his millenium trilogy. Two weeks back, i watched the movie based on the first book and i liked it. It was a very good suspense fiction that i had seen after a long time. I had been meaning to read such masala fiction book for a long time but couldn't find out which one. At SF sirport, i just picked this one and boy! what a page turner this one was. It is similar in style to the first book and i am now waiting to see its movie adaptation. Nicely written with good plots. Its good to see the same characters coming back and adding another layer of the story
Law books - only 10 pages. Difficult to concentrate on the plane.
SF - Seoul - Singapore - Delhi.
In that 27 hrs, i slept for about 4 hrs, watched three movies and read 650 pages of "The girl who played with Fire" and read 10 pages of my law book. Here are more details -
Movies -
Ghost writer: Polanksi's much hyped movie was a decent viewing experience with good acting. There is one interesting twist at the end but it can be seen long before. Overall an okay movie.
: An italian movie based on the life of Gulio . I was pleasantly suprised by the movie and found it to be very interesting. A true political drama always captures my interest and this one was no different. It was a history lesson told in a cinematic style.
- Average movie. Kind of expected. I think hollywood was trying to cash on Taken style movie. Typical hollywood movie.
Books -
The girl who played with fire. I have finished the book now. It is the second book by Stieg Larrson in his millenium trilogy. Two weeks back, i watched the movie based on the first book and i liked it. It was a very good suspense fiction that i had seen after a long time. I had been meaning to read such masala fiction book for a long time but couldn't find out which one. At SF sirport, i just picked this one and boy! what a page turner this one was. It is similar in style to the first book and i am now waiting to see its movie adaptation. Nicely written with good plots. Its good to see the same characters coming back and adding another layer of the story
Law books - only 10 pages. Difficult to concentrate on the plane.
Haha - who is laughing at the end?
Life should be interesting. If it is not, it should be made interesting. I did that to myself. Here is the scoop -
I had booked via Singapore airlines to visit India. My itinerary was San Francisco to Seoul , Seoul to Singapore and Singapore to New Delhi. The arrival time at New Delhi was 5:20 am. It was a Friday. Since it would be a weekend after that, i also went and scheduled my visa appointment on the same day. US embassy does not allow you to choose a time, so they assigned 9:45 am to me. So, yes i had to make sure that i do not miss any flight and all flights are on time and then land at 5:20 and make sure that i am at visa office within 4 hrs with all documents needed.
If anything goes wrong, everyone would say - why did you do this? But if all goes right, then buhahaha, i will be laughing.
As i said life should be interesting and here i am .... laughing hahahaha :)
I had booked via Singapore airlines to visit India. My itinerary was San Francisco to Seoul , Seoul to Singapore and Singapore to New Delhi. The arrival time at New Delhi was 5:20 am. It was a Friday. Since it would be a weekend after that, i also went and scheduled my visa appointment on the same day. US embassy does not allow you to choose a time, so they assigned 9:45 am to me. So, yes i had to make sure that i do not miss any flight and all flights are on time and then land at 5:20 and make sure that i am at visa office within 4 hrs with all documents needed.
If anything goes wrong, everyone would say - why did you do this? But if all goes right, then buhahaha, i will be laughing.
As i said life should be interesting and here i am .... laughing hahahaha :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Mustache May 2010
May ain't over yet. And it will not be over until i submit my Mustache May pictures.
I participated in the category Grizzly Adams and won the competition this year at workplace. There were only 3 participants this year in my category. But it was lots of fun for me.
Archimedes said "Give me a place to stand and i will move the Earth"
I say - "Give me an opportunity to be a Jhalla and i will be a Jhalla that day and every other day until the next opportunity comes."
Enjoy!
May ain't over yet. And it will not be over until i submit my Mustache May pictures.
I participated in the category Grizzly Adams and won the competition this year at workplace. There were only 3 participants this year in my category. But it was lots of fun for me.
Archimedes said "Give me a place to stand and i will move the Earth"
I say - "Give me an opportunity to be a Jhalla and i will be a Jhalla that day and every other day until the next opportunity comes."
Enjoy!
May ain't over yet. And it will not be over until i submit my Mustache May pictures.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Maker Faire
May 22, Saturday. Went to maker faire with Vamsi.
Incredible experience. Maker faire is an annual event where people present what they have made so far. It is an event to showcase whats cooking in their garages, whats keeping them working late at night after office etc. It is one big giant science fair and science covers everything :)
I just went and tagged about 190 photos. Thanks a lot to Vamsi for clicking photos. It was great fun going with him. Enjoy the album.
More details about maker faire can be found here - http://www.makerfaire.com/
Incredible experience. Maker faire is an annual event where people present what they have made so far. It is an event to showcase whats cooking in their garages, whats keeping them working late at night after office etc. It is one big giant science fair and science covers everything :)
I just went and tagged about 190 photos. Thanks a lot to Vamsi for clicking photos. It was great fun going with him. Enjoy the album.
More details about maker faire can be found here - http://www.makerfaire.com/
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Blue Mug
The blue mug - http://www.thebluemugplay.com/
It is play directed by Atul Kumar based on Oliver Sacks book - The man who mistook his wife for a hat. It stars Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Konkona sen Sharma and one more person who is not famous enough now for me to remember his name but he is a great actor.
The book, which i have not read, is based on the author's experience of Schizophrenia patients. He is a psychologist with patients who have lost their memories either completely or partially. The play is an adaptation.
There are 5 characters, no one knows each other, each come and tell their stores, stories which are memories in their mind. Each story is a memory, the ones that they remember, often not the ones that they would like to remember. The blue mug is just one such story narrated by Rajat Kapoor and there is no reason why the play is titled such other than why not?
I loved the play! Like one of the best plays of my life. I watched it with Gurshi at India Community center at Milpitas with a ticket of 25$.
Why i loved it? There are many reasons.
First and foremost - it had excellent actors. I think that is the reason i went to watch it. As i reached the hall, standing outside is Rajat and Ranbir drinking Starbucks coffee like normal people. Their simplicity was amazing. But this is not the reason why i liked the play. This cast could only bring me to the play, not to like it (liar!) But the performance was amazing.
I liked the play because of its subject - which is memories. It is so important to preserve memories, it is so important to remember, to cherish good days, to learn from mistakes, nostalgia is such a blissful feeling. Good times, childhood memories, college days, trips to grandmother's house, etc etc stories depict different parts of life, some are cheerful, some are serious, some comic and some very sad too. And the actors portray them with such amazing skill, it is too awesome. And to top it all there is Ranvir Shorey who surprised me a lot with his acting, he plays a guy who is stuck in time 20 yrs ago. The best part was that almost all stories threw a very crucial light on the character, and had a very sad meaning with them but it was all covered under the jokes, the comedy in day to day lives and it was only in the end that the sadness was revealed, life is sad with a happy face, the play was showing that to us. We were laughing one second and in the next, with just one line, the entire meaning had changed.
I do not know who Atul kumar is, i have not seen his work before but hir direction was amazing. The play used so many different techniques to convey story, each scene was choreographed differently, some i understood, some i didn't. But overall it was a very good art and tangible art at the sweet spot where you could understand and appreciate some and some mystical or abstract. Konkona could not play her part but Sheeba who replaced her was amazing.
A lot of comments were made on memories and its significance in our lives. The play ends with Rajat saying that whenever we narrate our own memory, we always think in third person, with a total detachment saying that it was not me, it was him and i have changed now. How true! My thoughts on memories are the same.
As days go by, i am forgetting my past, it is getting blurry day by day. As i experience more, i loose something too of my past. I do believe that schizophrenia is one of the worst things to happen and if it happens to me, it will be very sad, I am also of the opinion that it is likely that it will happen to me but that is just my paranoia speaking. I think that is one of the main reason why i maintain this blog, why i document my life in Life in series, to remember as much as i can about my life. If not the tiny details but atleast the bigger ones, pointers to the head nodes :) . The play resonated this back to me and it was such a good joy to just listen to memories as you are listening to grandmother's stories.
Everyone sitting in that hall enjoyed the play, i think that is the beauty of the play. Many thought that it was a comedy play, i thought that it was a very sad play. I did laugh but the message said between the lines, the silences, some acts which no one understood conveyed something that was very serious. How precious memories are? I bet very few thought about that while watching the play. I have thought about it and memories are very precious.
I would like to read that book one day.
It is play directed by Atul Kumar based on Oliver Sacks book - The man who mistook his wife for a hat. It stars Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Konkona sen Sharma and one more person who is not famous enough now for me to remember his name but he is a great actor.
The book, which i have not read, is based on the author's experience of Schizophrenia patients. He is a psychologist with patients who have lost their memories either completely or partially. The play is an adaptation.
There are 5 characters, no one knows each other, each come and tell their stores, stories which are memories in their mind. Each story is a memory, the ones that they remember, often not the ones that they would like to remember. The blue mug is just one such story narrated by Rajat Kapoor and there is no reason why the play is titled such other than why not?
I loved the play! Like one of the best plays of my life. I watched it with Gurshi at India Community center at Milpitas with a ticket of 25$.
Why i loved it? There are many reasons.
First and foremost - it had excellent actors. I think that is the reason i went to watch it. As i reached the hall, standing outside is Rajat and Ranbir drinking Starbucks coffee like normal people. Their simplicity was amazing. But this is not the reason why i liked the play. This cast could only bring me to the play, not to like it (liar!) But the performance was amazing.
I liked the play because of its subject - which is memories. It is so important to preserve memories, it is so important to remember, to cherish good days, to learn from mistakes, nostalgia is such a blissful feeling. Good times, childhood memories, college days, trips to grandmother's house, etc etc stories depict different parts of life, some are cheerful, some are serious, some comic and some very sad too. And the actors portray them with such amazing skill, it is too awesome. And to top it all there is Ranvir Shorey who surprised me a lot with his acting, he plays a guy who is stuck in time 20 yrs ago. The best part was that almost all stories threw a very crucial light on the character, and had a very sad meaning with them but it was all covered under the jokes, the comedy in day to day lives and it was only in the end that the sadness was revealed, life is sad with a happy face, the play was showing that to us. We were laughing one second and in the next, with just one line, the entire meaning had changed.
I do not know who Atul kumar is, i have not seen his work before but hir direction was amazing. The play used so many different techniques to convey story, each scene was choreographed differently, some i understood, some i didn't. But overall it was a very good art and tangible art at the sweet spot where you could understand and appreciate some and some mystical or abstract. Konkona could not play her part but Sheeba who replaced her was amazing.
A lot of comments were made on memories and its significance in our lives. The play ends with Rajat saying that whenever we narrate our own memory, we always think in third person, with a total detachment saying that it was not me, it was him and i have changed now. How true! My thoughts on memories are the same.
As days go by, i am forgetting my past, it is getting blurry day by day. As i experience more, i loose something too of my past. I do believe that schizophrenia is one of the worst things to happen and if it happens to me, it will be very sad, I am also of the opinion that it is likely that it will happen to me but that is just my paranoia speaking. I think that is one of the main reason why i maintain this blog, why i document my life in Life in series, to remember as much as i can about my life. If not the tiny details but atleast the bigger ones, pointers to the head nodes :) . The play resonated this back to me and it was such a good joy to just listen to memories as you are listening to grandmother's stories.
Everyone sitting in that hall enjoyed the play, i think that is the beauty of the play. Many thought that it was a comedy play, i thought that it was a very sad play. I did laugh but the message said between the lines, the silences, some acts which no one understood conveyed something that was very serious. How precious memories are? I bet very few thought about that while watching the play. I have thought about it and memories are very precious.
I would like to read that book one day.
Life in April 5 - May 21
Today has been a very fortunate day. So i thought the best way to celebrate would be to write my blog posts. A lot has happened in the past month and half and a lot of that lot deserved a blog post. But i am what i am and i will be what i am. In other words if i could have changed i would have but i have not and this has to mean something if not nothing. Ok enough! lets get going.
Lets start with the today's string of fortunate events. All are related to my workplace. There is an awesome culture here where on every friday somebody from my company presents a lunch talk. On friday the entire company has lunch together and somebody presents something and that something usually has been very interesting. I started to organize these talks since Aug last year and it was fun. It used to be very difficult to find people to talk but ever since i got to organizing people started volunteering and it just became a regular habit. And i got to hear many interesting things in the process. As i am going on vacation in June, i took retirement and they gave me a gift to appreciate my work (isnt that cool! - others gave talk and i got the gift). It was a flip camcorder.
Then, on another front, there was a jobvite forwarding contest to spread the word that my company is recruiting. We got points for forwarding an email and later using that points, there was an auction system to buy stuff. In that i bought a mystery gift which resulted in 100$ and then i bought a bose speaker system which is awesome! So today was an awesome day in my life. Free gifts and all in one day.
But it was not only today, this has been happening in the entire week. On monday during the company meeting, i got an award - Just do it award, something that is given quite selectively to individuals for taking initiative. So this has been an awesome week so far!
And it is not only this week, i should say this whole month. I had been kept quite at office during this whole month and have kept on working a lot and due to this, i have been quite happy with myself and have done some good work both algos, systems and relevance. So overall a very good work in office too.
Since i spend most of my time in office, i think the above section tells what happens most of the time. But that is not what all i do. Here is what else happened in no particular order.
The blue mug. Went to watch this awesome play starring Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir shorey, konkona sen sharma with Gurshi. More details in a separate blog post.
Black mountain hike - I hiked 10 miles roundtip up to Black mountain with Nikesh, Very good hike. We left early in order to enjoy the morning and have the entire day free. Very good decision. Getting up at 6 am; listening to the chirping of birds in morning; the morning fresh air in mountains, all was very well. We were back from hike by 11 and as planned we had the whole day but once you have hiked for 4 hrs, all i did in that whole day was to sleep. :)
I moved. Yes within mountain view only but i moved to my new single bed apartment. Pramod Gupta (Modi) who is interning here at Mountain view is my roommate for three months. Bought a lot of house hold items such as microwave, blender, futon, plates etc. Realized that i do not have most of the stuff that is needed to live independently. Went to a lot of garage sale hunting, it is a lot of fun to buy cheap second hand stuff. I love it! Atleast thats what i did for 2 consecutive Saturdays.
India trip planning - Still going on but on vacation from June 2 to july 5th. A lot of time spent in buying tickets, visa appointment, documents, further trip etc.
Preparation of my law course - 20% complete but did something. Lots of stuff to cover.
There was a blog contest in office. Wrote two entries, those are the two previous blog posts. Wanted to write about those topics and it was a good opportunity.
Knitting - Progress on my hat is going on.
Cooking - I do not write much about my cooking experiments because they are true experiments and in the true spirit of innovation, they must be left undocumented. :) But it is good enough to note that i tried.
The new thing - Team Asha Marathon training - Yes! I joined it. I am training for half marathon. This is my newest boldest thing - aka in fashion for this month. So far i am able to run 3 miles without stopping and a marathon has 13 miles. But 2 weeks ago, i could not run even 2 miles. I am happy with my progress so far. It is a great thing to go in the morning to run. Team Asha has coaches and before run there are stretching exercises and after the run there are strengthening exercises. Its great to get tips from these people. I have learnt a lot. I am not shooting for any time, all i am focussed is to complete it. I have bought new shoes, new clothes, new accessories for it and it is very fun so far. As i make progress i will write a more detailed post. But i may miss the training as i will be gone. But lets see how it goes.
Movies -
Cinema club -
Touching home A true story made by two brothers Logan and Noah miller on their father. Their father died in jail and they promised that they will make a movie about him. With no direction/acting experience, but ssheer determination, this movie is their result and it is not a bad one. It is not that good but when you hear that it is a true story, when you realize how they made this movie, hoe they got financing, how they got Ed Harris to play it becomes an amazing thing! A heroic effort. They have written a book on the making of the movie - Either you are in or you are in my way which tells how they went about making the movie. I have that book signed by them, yet to read. The two brothers were there at the movie screening and it was great to see them, talk to them.
Winter's bone - This won the jury prize at Sundance film fetival. It is a story about a 17 year old girl with two small siblings aged 6 and 10 and a schizophrenic mother, in search of her meth addicted father who has put their house as bond for his bail. His court date is coming and if he doesn't show up, they will loose their house. Her performance was awesome and so was the direction. A lot of cast was new/unknown. The irish music was great. The new girl's performance is awesome.
New -
Iron Man2 - Slept in the movie.
The secret in their eyes - This year's foreign language oscar winner. Liked it! Not found it as impressive as some of the other foreign language winners that i had seen so far but the ending was indeed thought provoking, scary. Its an Argentinian movie and it gives a lot of look and feel of an Indian suburb. Would have loved to watch an Indian movie like that.
Old-
Night on Earth bu Jim Jarsmush. Very good movie. 5 different stories about 5 taxi drivers in 5 different cities. All during night. I love these kind of movies. And Jim Jarsmush is a great director. Need to watch it again.
Music -
Bought pandora's membership this month. It is just too good. Have been listening to classic rock. New artists that i got to know -
Natalie Macmaster - Came to know her through her song on a TED presentation. She is a Irish singer who also tap dances. Her videos are very good too..
Natalie Hall - Link : http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/823 Again via ted talk. She sings old poems and those poems are very good. TED talk explains everything.
Other interesting TED talks/video -
http://www.ted.com/talks/anil_gupta_india_s_hidden_hotbeds_of_invention.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2010-05-11&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email
Indian Classical music [Link via Nikesh] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXnV5HzS7nA
What motivates people [Link via Brian] - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
Lets start with the today's string of fortunate events. All are related to my workplace. There is an awesome culture here where on every friday somebody from my company presents a lunch talk. On friday the entire company has lunch together and somebody presents something and that something usually has been very interesting. I started to organize these talks since Aug last year and it was fun. It used to be very difficult to find people to talk but ever since i got to organizing people started volunteering and it just became a regular habit. And i got to hear many interesting things in the process. As i am going on vacation in June, i took retirement and they gave me a gift to appreciate my work (isnt that cool! - others gave talk and i got the gift). It was a flip camcorder.
Then, on another front, there was a jobvite forwarding contest to spread the word that my company is recruiting. We got points for forwarding an email and later using that points, there was an auction system to buy stuff. In that i bought a mystery gift which resulted in 100$ and then i bought a bose speaker system which is awesome! So today was an awesome day in my life. Free gifts and all in one day.
But it was not only today, this has been happening in the entire week. On monday during the company meeting, i got an award - Just do it award, something that is given quite selectively to individuals for taking initiative. So this has been an awesome week so far!
And it is not only this week, i should say this whole month. I had been kept quite at office during this whole month and have kept on working a lot and due to this, i have been quite happy with myself and have done some good work both algos, systems and relevance. So overall a very good work in office too.
Since i spend most of my time in office, i think the above section tells what happens most of the time. But that is not what all i do. Here is what else happened in no particular order.
The blue mug. Went to watch this awesome play starring Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir shorey, konkona sen sharma with Gurshi. More details in a separate blog post.
Black mountain hike - I hiked 10 miles roundtip up to Black mountain with Nikesh, Very good hike. We left early in order to enjoy the morning and have the entire day free. Very good decision. Getting up at 6 am; listening to the chirping of birds in morning; the morning fresh air in mountains, all was very well. We were back from hike by 11 and as planned we had the whole day but once you have hiked for 4 hrs, all i did in that whole day was to sleep. :)
I moved. Yes within mountain view only but i moved to my new single bed apartment. Pramod Gupta (Modi) who is interning here at Mountain view is my roommate for three months. Bought a lot of house hold items such as microwave, blender, futon, plates etc. Realized that i do not have most of the stuff that is needed to live independently. Went to a lot of garage sale hunting, it is a lot of fun to buy cheap second hand stuff. I love it! Atleast thats what i did for 2 consecutive Saturdays.
India trip planning - Still going on but on vacation from June 2 to july 5th. A lot of time spent in buying tickets, visa appointment, documents, further trip etc.
Preparation of my law course - 20% complete but did something. Lots of stuff to cover.
There was a blog contest in office. Wrote two entries, those are the two previous blog posts. Wanted to write about those topics and it was a good opportunity.
Knitting - Progress on my hat is going on.
Cooking - I do not write much about my cooking experiments because they are true experiments and in the true spirit of innovation, they must be left undocumented. :) But it is good enough to note that i tried.
The new thing - Team Asha Marathon training - Yes! I joined it. I am training for half marathon. This is my newest boldest thing - aka in fashion for this month. So far i am able to run 3 miles without stopping and a marathon has 13 miles. But 2 weeks ago, i could not run even 2 miles. I am happy with my progress so far. It is a great thing to go in the morning to run. Team Asha has coaches and before run there are stretching exercises and after the run there are strengthening exercises. Its great to get tips from these people. I have learnt a lot. I am not shooting for any time, all i am focussed is to complete it. I have bought new shoes, new clothes, new accessories for it and it is very fun so far. As i make progress i will write a more detailed post. But i may miss the training as i will be gone. But lets see how it goes.
Movies -
Cinema club -
Touching home A true story made by two brothers Logan and Noah miller on their father. Their father died in jail and they promised that they will make a movie about him. With no direction/acting experience, but ssheer determination, this movie is their result and it is not a bad one. It is not that good but when you hear that it is a true story, when you realize how they made this movie, hoe they got financing, how they got Ed Harris to play it becomes an amazing thing! A heroic effort. They have written a book on the making of the movie - Either you are in or you are in my way which tells how they went about making the movie. I have that book signed by them, yet to read. The two brothers were there at the movie screening and it was great to see them, talk to them.
Winter's bone - This won the jury prize at Sundance film fetival. It is a story about a 17 year old girl with two small siblings aged 6 and 10 and a schizophrenic mother, in search of her meth addicted father who has put their house as bond for his bail. His court date is coming and if he doesn't show up, they will loose their house. Her performance was awesome and so was the direction. A lot of cast was new/unknown. The irish music was great. The new girl's performance is awesome.
New -
Iron Man2 - Slept in the movie.
The secret in their eyes - This year's foreign language oscar winner. Liked it! Not found it as impressive as some of the other foreign language winners that i had seen so far but the ending was indeed thought provoking, scary. Its an Argentinian movie and it gives a lot of look and feel of an Indian suburb. Would have loved to watch an Indian movie like that.
Old-
Night on Earth bu Jim Jarsmush. Very good movie. 5 different stories about 5 taxi drivers in 5 different cities. All during night. I love these kind of movies. And Jim Jarsmush is a great director. Need to watch it again.
Music -
Bought pandora's membership this month. It is just too good. Have been listening to classic rock. New artists that i got to know -
Natalie Macmaster - Came to know her through her song on a TED presentation. She is a Irish singer who also tap dances. Her videos are very good too..
Natalie Hall - Link : http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/823 Again via ted talk. She sings old poems and those poems are very good. TED talk explains everything.
Other interesting TED talks/video -
http://www.ted.com/talks/anil_
Indian Classical music [Link via Nikesh] http://www.youtube.com/watch?
What motivates people [Link via Brian] - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tracking shot
In a film,a tracking shot is a continuous shot in which the camera tracks a subject (often an actor but filmmakers have been quite creative) without any cut. Films are generally made in short takes and then later these short takes are stitched together in the editing process making it look like a one big sequence. But even after a good edited movie, it still misses to capture the raw flow of motion with the flow of time; many things change between two cuts, even if you keep the camera at the same position, the subject's posture, his mood, time of day, and other small things that give a broken experience - a theater lover will definitely understand it! . Tracking shots are meant to provide an uninterrupted experience by keeping entire focus on the subject, but doing so in a film setting it is very hard. The complexity mainly comes in combining the flow of camera with the flow of subject . But filmmakers have taken this as a challenge and have made significant achievements. Below is my list of top tracking shots -
1. Atonement Dir Joe Wright. (5 min 30 seconds)
Almost everyone, who had no knowledge of what a tracking shot is, noticed something special about this long sequence at the seafront as British flee from Dunkirk Beach during World war 2. For 5 mins, 30 seconds camera follows James McAvoy as he makes his way through the chaos where defeated soldiers are waiting for ships to take them home. The trajectory of camera and the detailed set design makes it a treat to watch every time. Unfortunately, i couldn't find a decent video.
2. Week-end. Dir Jean Luc Godard (10 minutes)
Week-end is one of the most experimental movies of Godard and as if the content of sequence was not enough, Godard goes one step ahead to make a tracking shot out of it. With the constant honking noise in background and with Godard's reference to French bourgeois, the scene becomes more and more profound as it unfolds.
3. Children of Men. Dir of Alfonso Curan (4 minutes 8 seconds)
Yes! it is a tracking shot. Believe it! Dir Alfonso Curan breaks all bounds by tracking an action sequence involving a moving car. One has to watch its making to fully comprehend the challenges and scale involved. The camera is hoisted on top of the vehicle with its hood removed. Check it out -
4. Goodfellas. Dir Martin Scorsese. 3 minutes 3 seconds.
Martin Scorsese's ingenuity has no limits and this scene from Goodfellas proves it. The smooth movement of camera as it comes down the stairs, as it covers the alleys of nightclub, through the kitchen and finally into the main dining hall, it is simply a masterpiece shot.
5. A touch of evil. Dir Orson Wells (3 min 30 seconds)
Considered to be the father of all tracking shots, this opening shot was a fresh inspiration to many film makers around the world. The camera's movements is choreographed with precision and elegance.
There have been few other noteworthy tracking shots. Akira Kurosawa has one in Rashomon when he tries to follow the hunter. Quentin Tarantino used it in Kill Bill, vol I, and Johnny To's opening sequence in Breaking news are few which are a delight to watch. But the one that is truly above all tracking shots is the movie The Russian Ark(Directed by Aleksandr Sokurov) which was filmed entirely in one single shot that is 96 minutes long!
1. Atonement Dir Joe Wright. (5 min 30 seconds)
Almost everyone, who had no knowledge of what a tracking shot is, noticed something special about this long sequence at the seafront as British flee from Dunkirk Beach during World war 2. For 5 mins, 30 seconds camera follows James McAvoy as he makes his way through the chaos where defeated soldiers are waiting for ships to take them home. The trajectory of camera and the detailed set design makes it a treat to watch every time. Unfortunately, i couldn't find a decent video.
2. Week-end. Dir Jean Luc Godard (10 minutes)
Week-end is one of the most experimental movies of Godard and as if the content of sequence was not enough, Godard goes one step ahead to make a tracking shot out of it. With the constant honking noise in background and with Godard's reference to French bourgeois, the scene becomes more and more profound as it unfolds.
3. Children of Men. Dir of Alfonso Curan (4 minutes 8 seconds)
Yes! it is a tracking shot. Believe it! Dir Alfonso Curan breaks all bounds by tracking an action sequence involving a moving car. One has to watch its making to fully comprehend the challenges and scale involved. The camera is hoisted on top of the vehicle with its hood removed. Check it out -
4. Goodfellas. Dir Martin Scorsese. 3 minutes 3 seconds.
Martin Scorsese's ingenuity has no limits and this scene from Goodfellas proves it. The smooth movement of camera as it comes down the stairs, as it covers the alleys of nightclub, through the kitchen and finally into the main dining hall, it is simply a masterpiece shot.
5. A touch of evil. Dir Orson Wells (3 min 30 seconds)
Considered to be the father of all tracking shots, this opening shot was a fresh inspiration to many film makers around the world. The camera's movements is choreographed with precision and elegance.
There have been few other noteworthy tracking shots. Akira Kurosawa has one in Rashomon when he tries to follow the hunter. Quentin Tarantino used it in Kill Bill, vol I, and Johnny To's opening sequence in Breaking news are few which are a delight to watch. But the one that is truly above all tracking shots is the movie The Russian Ark(Directed by Aleksandr Sokurov) which was filmed entirely in one single shot that is 96 minutes long!
Monday, April 26, 2010
In computer science community, disambiguation refers to the problem of identifying the correct meaning (usage sense) of a word in a sentence. Recently, in search engines, it is studied in the context of understanding the correct meaning of a user query entered in a search box. E.g. if a query is "Avatar", what does the user mean? Is it the latest James Cameron movie - Avatar (hell ya!) or does he mean the hit Nickelodeon animation series Avatar: The Last Airbender or does he mean the deliberate descent of a human deity from heaven to earth as per the Hindu religion.
Disambiguation is a hard problem, mainly because (a) English is a crazy language (b) we have abused it. Here is a taste of it!
Blame English!
(a) English is a silly language - [Borrowed from a poem. Read its full text here ]
There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; Neither apple nor pine in pineapple. And while no one knows what is a hotdog, You can be pretty sure it isn't canine. English muffins were not invented in England Nor French-fries in France.
(b) Round and round - As per the Oxford dictionary, for the 500 words used most frequently, each word has an average of 23 different meanings. The word "round" has 70 distinct meanings and usage. Often it is the context that helps in figuring out the correct meaning of a word. Thus, in order to disambiguate a word, the entire context has to be clear.
(c) Paradoxes - Consider Liar's paradox which is a perfectly correct statement but logicallly impossible - "This sentence is false" . Or the classic Socrates' quote - "As for me, all i know is that i know nothing". Then, there are also oxymorons such as "silent scream" and "clearly misunderstood". Researchers have tried to apply natural language processing techniques to understand the context but these paradoxes make this approach extremely difficult.
(d) Other - There are many other such constructs in english language for example Amphibology, Double entendre, polysemy and the list goes on.
Language Abuse!
(a) Anarchy - There is complete anarchy when it comes to naming names and titles. There still does not exists any rule or regulation, not even a guideline on how to go about naming titles. Otherwise, who in the correct frame of mind would make a movie about Harvey Milk but would name it just Milk. Isn't there already enough confusion between different meanings of the word milk - Milk (food), soy milk, coconut milk, Milk(band), Milk magazine ....
(b) Timeliness / popularity - We are a very lazy species. For the search Harry Potter, the meaning of the query changes depending upon what's happening around the world. If J.K. Rowling publishes another book, we want that and if a new movie based on an earlier book comes out, we want the movie information. But never we would write beyond "Harry Potter". We expect the search engine to have learnt the magic of legilimency .
(c) Duh! isn't it obvious - For the 95% of the world, there is only one "San Francisco" in the world and it is in California, USA. But as per this wikipedia page, there are 27 different places on this planet, each named San Francisco. How to determine if you belong to the 95% bucket or which one of the other 26 meanings do you care about?
Such is the extent of our abuse that even the term disambiguation is ambiguous. There is a disambiguation page on wikipedia just to disambiguate disambiguation. Don't believe me? Check it out yourself- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disambiguation_(disambiguation)
Disambiguation is a hard problem, mainly because (a) English is a crazy language (b) we have abused it. Here is a taste of it!
Blame English!
(a) English is a silly language - [Borrowed from a poem. Read its full text here ]
There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; Neither apple nor pine in pineapple. And while no one knows what is a hotdog, You can be pretty sure it isn't canine. English muffins were not invented in England Nor French-fries in France.
(b) Round and round - As per the Oxford dictionary, for the 500 words used most frequently, each word has an average of 23 different meanings. The word "round" has 70 distinct meanings and usage. Often it is the context that helps in figuring out the correct meaning of a word. Thus, in order to disambiguate a word, the entire context has to be clear.
(c) Paradoxes - Consider Liar's paradox which is a perfectly correct statement but logicallly impossible - "This sentence is false" . Or the classic Socrates' quote - "As for me, all i know is that i know nothing". Then, there are also oxymorons such as "silent scream" and "clearly misunderstood". Researchers have tried to apply natural language processing techniques to understand the context but these paradoxes make this approach extremely difficult.
(d) Other - There are many other such constructs in english language for example Amphibology, Double entendre, polysemy and the list goes on.
Language Abuse!
(a) Anarchy - There is complete anarchy when it comes to naming names and titles. There still does not exists any rule or regulation, not even a guideline on how to go about naming titles. Otherwise, who in the correct frame of mind would make a movie about Harvey Milk but would name it just Milk. Isn't there already enough confusion between different meanings of the word milk - Milk (food), soy milk, coconut milk, Milk(band), Milk magazine ....
(b) Timeliness / popularity - We are a very lazy species. For the search Harry Potter, the meaning of the query changes depending upon what's happening around the world. If J.K. Rowling publishes another book, we want that and if a new movie based on an earlier book comes out, we want the movie information. But never we would write beyond "Harry Potter". We expect the search engine to have learnt the magic of legilimency .
(c) Duh! isn't it obvious - For the 95% of the world, there is only one "San Francisco" in the world and it is in California, USA. But as per this wikipedia page, there are 27 different places on this planet, each named San Francisco. How to determine if you belong to the 95% bucket or which one of the other 26 meanings do you care about?
Such is the extent of our abuse that even the term disambiguation is ambiguous. There is a disambiguation page on wikipedia just to disambiguate disambiguation. Don't believe me? Check it out yourself- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disambiguation_(disambiguation)
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