The evening is drawing to a close. You switch on the television. Your fingers automatically key in the necessary on the remote control, and you are tuned in to Sony Set Max. Only to find that you are facing on the screen one of those Hindi movies you'll keenly wish to avoid, or worse still, dubbed movies which you'll rather not take to in their original format!
Yes! It is that time again. Almost a week has passed since the second season of IPL got over and the void which it has left seems in no way diminished! Be it the cricket or the controversies, the stars or the show hosts, there was always something in it for everyone of us to wait for the next day.
And now, it is all over.
Only to keep us waiting for the next.
Perhaps the wait isn't going to be too long. What with a World Cup to defend in a weeks time, it is better we too start preparing ourselves.
As the new ad for the T20 World Cup goes "Aanay Dhay!!"
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gifts for thought!
It's been almost a year since my last entry. But still, it seems as if it was all bound to be this way. For what I write now, seems to sprout from where I'd left it last.....
Having just passed out of college, it seems as if I wake up each day after an extended farewell! Yes, it is one of those things that happened during those last days at college that I wish to write upon.
About a month ago, as early as five in the morning, a number of my precious juniors had been to our hostels to leave us our farewell gifts (Their intention being to leave the gifts while everyone was still fast asleep. Unluckily for them, I'd not gone to bed yet!). Pitying their plight, I gave them time enough to sneak into my room and leave what they'd brought. And so they did...
And now comes the reason why I believe this to continue from where I left...
They'd gifted me a Rubik's cube! Not just another cube, but one in which six of their faces were etched as caricatures. Having identified the moment I saw it what it was that they'd intended, I quickly tried to solve it and see the finished product. Overwhelmed by emotion, it took me longer than usual, and by the time I was done with it, I myself couldn't wait any longer!
And then I had it, the completed cube. Only to find that though the cube was solved, the problem wasn't, for the six caricatures were not rightly alligned.
And then, it set in! While in a normal cube, the orientation of the centre pieces in each face is irrelevant, the cube that I'd been gifted with had an added constraint. Not only had I had to solve the cube, but I also had to keep in mind the position of the centre pieces!
Unaware of it themselves, my juniors had bumped me into a problem, the solution for which had become one in a septillion rather than one in a quintillion!
It took me a couple of days to get working on it and solve it such that I could picture the six caricatures properly. But when I did it, it did give me a sense of satisfaction, more than ever I've felt at completing a cube!
So, next time, when someone gifts you something, don't be too happy! You might after all be pushed into a chain of thought you've never had before!
Having just passed out of college, it seems as if I wake up each day after an extended farewell! Yes, it is one of those things that happened during those last days at college that I wish to write upon.
About a month ago, as early as five in the morning, a number of my precious juniors had been to our hostels to leave us our farewell gifts (Their intention being to leave the gifts while everyone was still fast asleep. Unluckily for them, I'd not gone to bed yet!). Pitying their plight, I gave them time enough to sneak into my room and leave what they'd brought. And so they did...
And now comes the reason why I believe this to continue from where I left...
They'd gifted me a Rubik's cube! Not just another cube, but one in which six of their faces were etched as caricatures. Having identified the moment I saw it what it was that they'd intended, I quickly tried to solve it and see the finished product. Overwhelmed by emotion, it took me longer than usual, and by the time I was done with it, I myself couldn't wait any longer!
And then I had it, the completed cube. Only to find that though the cube was solved, the problem wasn't, for the six caricatures were not rightly alligned.
And then, it set in! While in a normal cube, the orientation of the centre pieces in each face is irrelevant, the cube that I'd been gifted with had an added constraint. Not only had I had to solve the cube, but I also had to keep in mind the position of the centre pieces!
Unaware of it themselves, my juniors had bumped me into a problem, the solution for which had become one in a septillion rather than one in a quintillion!
It took me a couple of days to get working on it and solve it such that I could picture the six caricatures properly. But when I did it, it did give me a sense of satisfaction, more than ever I've felt at completing a cube!
So, next time, when someone gifts you something, don't be too happy! You might after all be pushed into a chain of thought you've never had before!
Friday, July 18, 2008
And now its an obsession!
It was the last day of our sixth semester. With the exams already out of the way, the only real work that we had to do was to get packing to our homes. Amidst all this confusion, there was one of our seniors who had come to our hostel, Pearl, to see us off. And it was then that it all started...
There he was, sitting and talking to us while we were rummaging everything and stuffing them into our bags. It was now that he spotted a Rubik's cube, lying alone in the corner of one of our rooms, in memory of the Nittfest(our intra-collegiate cultural festival) that had gone by.
At first, no one took notice. But as he started solving the cube with ease, soon a group started forming around him! Believe me, almost every single person were in awe, and every one wanted to know the 'trick' immediately. It ain't that easy though...
I had made a mental note that when I return to college for the seventh semester, I should be able to solve the cube with ease.
It was as I guessed, difficult. Time passed before I actually got my hands on a Rubik's cube. And once this was done, I searched the net(the faithful servant who promises to be of help whenever needed) and after some work ended up with the right site for me, a beginner's guide!
Still, I was not through. The first time I did solve, with the algorithm in front of me in the computer screen, it took me almost four hours! Worth it, for I just didn't solve, but tried and understood the intricacies of the cube.
What started as a mere whim, was slowing becoming an obsession!
I was spending a lot of hours everyday on the cube, and slowly but steadily brought down the time that I needed to solve it. I was able to better the algorithms that I knew, to suit to my methods of solving. And with this done, next in line is speed solving, and solving it blindfolded!
What more, it gives you a satisfaction when you think of it in the following manner :
The solved Rubik's cube is one out of 43 quintillion (43,252,003,274,489,856,000) permutations that are possible on the cube!
Well, its not just another toy any more!
There he was, sitting and talking to us while we were rummaging everything and stuffing them into our bags. It was now that he spotted a Rubik's cube, lying alone in the corner of one of our rooms, in memory of the Nittfest(our intra-collegiate cultural festival) that had gone by.
At first, no one took notice. But as he started solving the cube with ease, soon a group started forming around him! Believe me, almost every single person were in awe, and every one wanted to know the 'trick' immediately. It ain't that easy though...
I had made a mental note that when I return to college for the seventh semester, I should be able to solve the cube with ease.
It was as I guessed, difficult. Time passed before I actually got my hands on a Rubik's cube. And once this was done, I searched the net(the faithful servant who promises to be of help whenever needed) and after some work ended up with the right site for me, a beginner's guide!
Still, I was not through. The first time I did solve, with the algorithm in front of me in the computer screen, it took me almost four hours! Worth it, for I just didn't solve, but tried and understood the intricacies of the cube.
What started as a mere whim, was slowing becoming an obsession!
I was spending a lot of hours everyday on the cube, and slowly but steadily brought down the time that I needed to solve it. I was able to better the algorithms that I knew, to suit to my methods of solving. And with this done, next in line is speed solving, and solving it blindfolded!
What more, it gives you a satisfaction when you think of it in the following manner :
The solved Rubik's cube is one out of 43 quintillion (43,252,003,274,489,856,000) permutations that are possible on the cube!
Well, its not just another toy any more!
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Prestige
The Prestige is a novel by Christopher Priest with the title derived from the novel's fictional practice of stage illusions having three parts: the setup, the performance, and the prestige (effect).
Having heard a lot about its movie adaptation during my third year at college, I automatically took the book from the shelves of the British Council Library when I came across it.
A month passed, and still I had not read the book.
This is all that I'd have had to report had I returned it then, but it was now that I finally mustered myself to take to it. And once I had taken to it, I couldn't drop it. It took the better of three days to finish the book, but it was certainly worth every minute of it.
The story is structured into five parts and takes place at the present with the actual story dating back to a few generations. The story revolves around two characters( or is it two?), Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier. Before they go on to become world class magicians, a meeting between the two ends up in a bitter rivalry which takes the better part of most of their lives. They constantly try to out do the other, and even sabotage the other's acts.
A trick which involves transporting oneself into a seemingly impossible new position in a matter of seconds, forms a pivotal role to the plot. Borden develops it first, calls it the The Transported Man, enhances it with better effects and calls it The New Transported Man. Angier, having always the difficulty of coping with a trick, in spite of being a magician himself, goes on a search to emulate his rival. Borden, who strongly believes that no one would ever find his secret, tries to mislead Angier. Angier, in his search, meets the physicist Nikola Tesla, who develops an apparatus, which helps Angier achieve what he is thriving for, with a bizarre effect.
Angier calls his version of the trick as In A Flash and with it becomes a great success. Borden, unable to comprehend this, tries to find Angier's secret, and what happens then and how it has come to haunt their families even after generations have passed, form the rest of the plot.
A bewitching read for anyone who has the slightest interest in legerdemain or the liking for stories with the protagonists lives running in a parallel fashion.
Next up, I'm looking to catch up with the movie!
Having heard a lot about its movie adaptation during my third year at college, I automatically took the book from the shelves of the British Council Library when I came across it.
A month passed, and still I had not read the book.
This is all that I'd have had to report had I returned it then, but it was now that I finally mustered myself to take to it. And once I had taken to it, I couldn't drop it. It took the better of three days to finish the book, but it was certainly worth every minute of it.
The story is structured into five parts and takes place at the present with the actual story dating back to a few generations. The story revolves around two characters( or is it two?), Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier. Before they go on to become world class magicians, a meeting between the two ends up in a bitter rivalry which takes the better part of most of their lives. They constantly try to out do the other, and even sabotage the other's acts.
A trick which involves transporting oneself into a seemingly impossible new position in a matter of seconds, forms a pivotal role to the plot. Borden develops it first, calls it the The Transported Man, enhances it with better effects and calls it The New Transported Man. Angier, having always the difficulty of coping with a trick, in spite of being a magician himself, goes on a search to emulate his rival. Borden, who strongly believes that no one would ever find his secret, tries to mislead Angier. Angier, in his search, meets the physicist Nikola Tesla, who develops an apparatus, which helps Angier achieve what he is thriving for, with a bizarre effect.
Angier calls his version of the trick as In A Flash and with it becomes a great success. Borden, unable to comprehend this, tries to find Angier's secret, and what happens then and how it has come to haunt their families even after generations have passed, form the rest of the plot.
A bewitching read for anyone who has the slightest interest in legerdemain or the liking for stories with the protagonists lives running in a parallel fashion.
Next up, I'm looking to catch up with the movie!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Strutting the roads!
It was Friday, the 13th of June. One of those days when things you least expect come out to be the truth. It was the day which marked the release of the much hyped movie, Dasavathaaram. It also marked the clash between France and the Netherlands at the Euro. But I end up remembering the day for something else...
Along with two of my friends, I was to watch Dasavathaaram(first day, night show!). As is my habit, I took to walking the distance to Inox, Citi Centre( being eco-friendly, I take it upon myself to walk and use public transport as much as is feasible!). I reached well in advance of our slated 10 p.m. show( 5 mins to state the truth!). With so many shows of the same film on a single day, ours was inevitably delayed, and we finally took to our seats at half past ten.
Torn between two of my friends, one who had already seen it, and the other who was hankering to see the football match rather than the movie, I managed to enjoy Kamal's presence on screen( since there isn't almost a single scene without him, I could have said I enjoyed the movie... this way better though!).
At 1.30, my friend offered to drop me home. En route, he informed me that he was running out of fuel. So I suggested he should rather go to his place directly, than come out of his way and drop me at my house. As agreed, he left me at the Nilgiris supermarket. This was about ten minutes from my house, and though I had no reason to be afraid, I was still dreading the lonely walk at this time of the night. It turned out to be quite the contrary...
I took to my mp3 player as I always do when I walk , and I started. It was one of those walks which will stay forever. At this point of time, there was not a single vehicle in the vicinity. I gradually took the liberty to walk in the middle of the roads! It was like a dream come true. The entire stretch of roads were at my disposal. I danced to the tunes of the song I was listening to, and was held up just once while crossing the roads. Two in a bike, probably returning from another night show, glanced at me in a queer fashion, thinking I must be out of my mind.
Who cares!! I continued on in much the same way and reached home in time to celebrate a Dutch victory. And what should I say...
It was neither the Dutch victory, nor Dasavathaaram which urged me to put that day into words, but the feeling of being the King of the roads that did!
Along with two of my friends, I was to watch Dasavathaaram(first day, night show!). As is my habit, I took to walking the distance to Inox, Citi Centre( being eco-friendly, I take it upon myself to walk and use public transport as much as is feasible!). I reached well in advance of our slated 10 p.m. show( 5 mins to state the truth!). With so many shows of the same film on a single day, ours was inevitably delayed, and we finally took to our seats at half past ten.
Torn between two of my friends, one who had already seen it, and the other who was hankering to see the football match rather than the movie, I managed to enjoy Kamal's presence on screen( since there isn't almost a single scene without him, I could have said I enjoyed the movie... this way better though!).
At 1.30, my friend offered to drop me home. En route, he informed me that he was running out of fuel. So I suggested he should rather go to his place directly, than come out of his way and drop me at my house. As agreed, he left me at the Nilgiris supermarket. This was about ten minutes from my house, and though I had no reason to be afraid, I was still dreading the lonely walk at this time of the night. It turned out to be quite the contrary...
I took to my mp3 player as I always do when I walk , and I started. It was one of those walks which will stay forever. At this point of time, there was not a single vehicle in the vicinity. I gradually took the liberty to walk in the middle of the roads! It was like a dream come true. The entire stretch of roads were at my disposal. I danced to the tunes of the song I was listening to, and was held up just once while crossing the roads. Two in a bike, probably returning from another night show, glanced at me in a queer fashion, thinking I must be out of my mind.
Who cares!! I continued on in much the same way and reached home in time to celebrate a Dutch victory. And what should I say...
It was neither the Dutch victory, nor Dasavathaaram which urged me to put that day into words, but the feeling of being the King of the roads that did!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A Way of Life
Live life the easy way - Be a l.y.e.r!
I believe that one's span of life can be broken down into 4 phases: The formative years, student years, the worker and then old age. If these stages of life can be spent in the manner it should be, then this world would surely be a better place to live in.
L - Learn to live.
Y - Yearn to live.
E - Earn to live.
R - Return while you live!
If only people realize that there is nothing to be taken, that there are so many craving for just the right to live, then surely the better times would dawn.
I believe that one's span of life can be broken down into 4 phases: The formative years, student years, the worker and then old age. If these stages of life can be spent in the manner it should be, then this world would surely be a better place to live in.
L - Learn to live.
Y - Yearn to live.
E - Earn to live.
R - Return while you live!
If only people realize that there is nothing to be taken, that there are so many craving for just the right to live, then surely the better times would dawn.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Up & Off --- To The MOON !!!
A lazy Thursday morning( oh well... Yes! Every day is a lazy day when you are having your holidays...). The newspaper comes as a bliss to all those whiling away time without knowing what to do. You can read through the articles, pour over it for a few minutes and then there is no need for you to put the facts into your heads. That was exactly what I was doing. It was then that I had encountered this relatively small piece of information, in a magazine that comes along with the newspaper, claiming to send your name to the moon!
It was in and out, or that was what I'd thought of it until it hit back at me when I was online that very afternoon. I got the magazine out again, typed the link and lo! There it was...
The page was relatively simple, just accounting that names were being collected by NASA to be placed on board the LRO(Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) spacecraft for its historic mission bringing NASA back to the moon.
The Asimov in me has always been of the opinion that earthmen would one day go on to establish what they've always wanted, life in another planet. As my thoughts started moving in these vague lines, I had decided. I myself may never end up being on the moon( as long as I'm alive, its gonna be affordable only to the elite few!). Why stop my name being there as well?? So I posted my name and, what next? I get a participation certificate from NASA!!!
All the names are to be loaded in a micro chip and sent to the moon. Send in your names before the 27th of June to join the band wagon. What are you waiting for ? It is just a click away!
http://lro.jhuapl.edu/NameToMoon/index.php
It was in and out, or that was what I'd thought of it until it hit back at me when I was online that very afternoon. I got the magazine out again, typed the link and lo! There it was...
The page was relatively simple, just accounting that names were being collected by NASA to be placed on board the LRO(Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) spacecraft for its historic mission bringing NASA back to the moon.
The Asimov in me has always been of the opinion that earthmen would one day go on to establish what they've always wanted, life in another planet. As my thoughts started moving in these vague lines, I had decided. I myself may never end up being on the moon( as long as I'm alive, its gonna be affordable only to the elite few!). Why stop my name being there as well?? So I posted my name and, what next? I get a participation certificate from NASA!!!
All the names are to be loaded in a micro chip and sent to the moon. Send in your names before the 27th of June to join the band wagon. What are you waiting for ? It is just a click away!
http://lro.jhuapl.edu/NameToMoon/index.php