Halo 3

TV on the Radio

Dear Science

This is the title of the album from the a band that I recently discovered. "Dear Science" was named the best album of 2008 by Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Spin Magazine, Consequence of Sound, MTV and Entertainment Weekly. Though, I knew about this album from Metacritic. This week they performed at Colbert Report, and then I finally got this album and I have been blown away.


Leave every important thing that you are doing and listen to this album first !

Sincerely,
Anshu

Watchmen !!

Rorschach : My Favorite Character

A scene from the graphic novel and it's movie adaptation "Watchmen". Boy, the pirate story that the sitting guy (Bernard) is reading, is something.

I just finished reading the graphic novel "Watchmen". I have to say, this was one of the best "Novels" and not only "Graphic Novels" that I have read. If you thought , The Dark Knight was dark and had depth, wait till you see this one.

But, I also read this disappointing news that Fox is suing Warner Bros. over some crappy copyright thing and is trying to block this movie from releasing. I guess, they know the potential of it's storyline. The real reason seems to be gaining a mileage for it's own comic book adaptations of 2009, like a new X men movie that Fox is producing. Have I mentioned that Fox Sucks !

Fox trying to block the release of Watchmen

10,000 unique visitors.

This is one of those self-congratulatory things.

So, a certain landmark was achieved by my blog yesterday. 10,000 unique visitors and over 16,000 page views. With an average of 30 visits on an average per day, I will say my blog is doing pretty well on the blogosphere :)

The Picture above shows the density of last 100 visitors to my blog. It's basically spread onto the English speaking nations of the world.

I feel like the status of my PhD work is the same as this athlete on the pole. Enough of stored energy waiting to release itself.

What is up with Russia ?

In all the turmoil over Middle east. Iraq and currently Iran. Are we missing something huge happening in the background of world politics ? 

Russia - formerly USSR - for no apparent reason is 'threatened' and is militarizing again. I just read this news on CNN that Russia announced that it is sending warships to patrol Arctic waters for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union -- the latest move to increase the country's global military presence.

30% of Russian army personnel were contract servicemen at the end of 2005. And, they are planning  for volunteer servicemen to compose 70% of armed forces by 2010 with the remaining servicemen consisting of conscripts. Defense expenditure for Russia has quadrupled over the past six years. Currently, the military is undergoing a major equipment upgrade with about $200 billion on procurement of military equipment between 2006 and 2015.

For the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union, heavy military hardware was featured in the Victory Day parade (9th of May, 2008) in Moscow. 

Have we forgotten these old giants ?  Are these signs of something big that is about to happen ? 

Viva la Vida/ In Rainbows

                                     Coldplay                                     

Radiohead

These are better works from both these british artists in a long time. Radiohead has definitely made it's best album after OK computer. And  Coldplay, has been inspired by Radiohead in Viva la Vida. 

Konica - Juba - Carl Zeiss

I just thought I will scribble something random here. Konica, the photographic materials supply company is now defunct.  I remember seeing it's multi-colored logo as a child in every local studio.  Yashica,  a famous film-camera company (that I remember as a child) also no longer exists. Both attribute their demise to digital photography. I guess, old technology has to make room for new ones. 

Did you know that there is a deadly sniper on loose in Baghdad. Well, there must be many - I mean, Iraq is a war Zone. This specific sniper called 'Juba' is hitting US troops at will, and more importantly filming it on video. Google search his name to see the video, if you have the heart. It's pretty gruesome, according to me. In one of his videos he claims to have killed 37 US troops. It's sickening to say the least. 

Carl Zeiss was a german lens maker.Germany was the first country to use snipers in warfare in world war I. Apparently, Zeiss lenses used in german riflescopes,  were also used in the Yashica cameras :) 

Females under 18

This is a category of voters on IMDb.My question is : What is wrong with this group ? Males under 18 are mighty more sensible. If you pick any good movie on this site and see the distribution of votes -This can be done by clicking the number of votes for any movie- (more often than not) you will see the ratings of this movie watching category is just ludicrous.


For example :

Memento (8.6 overall) is rated 7.2 by this elite group.
The Matrix (8.6 overall) is 7.6.
Se7en(8.6 overall) is 7.6 again.

Whereas Pirates of Carribean(8.0 overall) is rated 9.2 by this group.Also, Step up 2(4.9 overall) is rated 8.7.How ridiculous is this ?

Doing an in-depth research, I have come to the conclusion this may also be an indicator of whether a movie is good or not.See the votes of this category and decide the opposite.

The Parable of Black Belt (or PhD)

Picture a martial artist kneeling before the master sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the sensei.

"I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring.

"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all the blood and sweat that I shed over the years."

The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the sensei speaks. "You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.

"What is the true meaning of the black belt?" asks the sensei.

"A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the student.

The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. "You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. And again the sensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The black belt represents the beginning -- the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student.

"Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."

Quarter Life Crisis

It's an oldie, But I am posting it because it just makes good sense and puts things in perspective.

BEING IN TWENTIES - SOMETHING

It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.

Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure.

You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting Further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you're doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that every one reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Welcome , We call it the 'Quarter-life Crisis.'

So this is Democracy !

This happened at UF yesterday :


Toward the conclusion of Kerry's UF forum,Andrew Meyer, a UF student in the College of Journalism and Communications ,approached an open microphone at the University Auditorium and demanded Kerry answer his questions. The student claimed that University Police Department officers had already threatened to arrest him, and then proceeded to question Kerry about why he didn't contest the 2004 presidential election and why there had been no moves to impeach President Bush.

A minute or so into what became a combative diatribe, Meyer's microphone was turned off and officers began trying to physically remove him from the auditorium. Meyer flailed his arms, yelling as police tried to restrain him.

He was then pushed to the ground by six officers, at which point Meyer yelled, "What have I done? What I have I done? Get away from me. Get off of me! What did I do? ... Help me! Help."

Police threatened to user a Taser on Meyer if he did not "comply," but he continued to resist being handcuffed. He was then Tased, which prompted him to scream and writhe in pain on the floor of the auditorium.

---

It is shocking - And UFPD should apologize for it's unnecessary use of force !

Apple making the right attempts atleast.

2 months of Cool usage + 100 dollars +Apology from Steve Jobs = I am happy with APPLE again :)

Click here to learn more :

Apple CEO Jobs offers early iPhone buyers a $100 credit

Bill Hicks on Marketing ...I find it so relevant at this moment

I always knew what he was talking about 15 years ago-two years before he died in 1994. Now, I understand it.

iPhone Rocks and APPLE sucks BIGTIME !!

As an owner of an iPhone for nearly 2 months now, I can say without a doubt that it's one of the coolest gadget ever made.Apple has filed 200 patents on this single product.Largest for any gadget ever released in the market.But, I just got the news that APPLE has made a 200 dollar price cut on it.This so sucks.I am outraged.I wanna sue Steve Jobs !!

Some Comments from other early adopters of iPhone :

"I am on DAY 15!!!" lamented a commenter on the Engadget tech blog. "I might shoot myself in the face ... it was nice knowing you all."

"Suck it up — you wanted to be the coolest kid on the block and you were for a few weeks," gloated one poster to the Gizmodo tech blog. "Isn't that worth at least $200?"
----
I kind of see the point in the second comment. I am glad I am 2 months old.But, I am still outraged.

The Stupidity of it all

Fireworks

A video of firework display in Groton-New London over the River Thames taken by me.

Better than imagination.

I was there with 20,000 people @ Tweeter center,which was packed to it's full extent.I had never seen so many people at the same time and place in my life.But, Anyways - TOOL came out on the stage after dark with the crowd cheering frantically.And, without any introduction or anything started playing 'Jambi'.The brilliant laser show and lightings came on which synched with the music flawlessly. My roomies were enthralled by that alone :)

And,Yes - they played 'Schism' with almost a minute long added section of drum solo just before "Cold Silence has a tendency to atrophy any sense of compassion" part.Danny carey is really a GOD on drums.Another song that I HAVE to mention is 'Lateralus'.Instead of the regular 9 minutes ,they added a 6 minute long drum session with another drummer(I don't know who he was -But, he was good) making the song as long as 15 minutes.Those 6 minutes(Maynard left the stage during this period) was like a "Jugalbandi" from Indian classical music,with both drummers filling in notes for each other.Sometimes playing together,sometimes following each other and sometimes clashing with each other.It was like a lightening had struck the whole crowd of people and they just watched in sheer awe.

At the End of the 2 hour show maynard broke his silence saying just these few lines:

" Hi - All you drunken bastards.Hope you had fun tonight.Drive safely and take care of the people driving beside you. We will see you again soon"

And that's it !

This band is so freaking awesome.No talks and chit chats.No publicity. No MTV.No Interviews.No appearance in their own music videos.No Cameras or Press allowed in their concerts.

And still just through "Word of mouth" -There is no place for you to keep your foot in one of the largest venues in US. The reason being MUSIC for them comes first.The difference between French fashion --and-- True passion.

No words can describe what I witnessed -You have to see it for yourself.

A Dream come true

Time: 3 Years Ago
Place: Room 145,Hostel 5,IIT Bombay

I am browsing through the infinite collections of Music on IITB LAN.
I come across this song called Schism by a band called TOOL.I never really appreciated Heavy Metal so to say(At that time - I was heavily into Grunge) and this band was put into that category.Now,I can appreciate the foolishness in putting TOOL into any genre.Anyways, Three thoughts struck me as I heard Schism,my first TOOL song.

1. The drummer is really talented and the band is not trying too hard to impress as is the case with most of the heavy metal bands.
2. Unusual arrangement of guitars and drums with chaotic beat and rhythm changes.
3. This song would sound better LIVE.
   

and from there the wish to see TOOL live emerged.3 years later
I can still listen to this song and it has the ability to surprise me.
It's almost as fresh as my first time listen ---This is the magic of TOOL.

It never gets old.

For two years the only question I have hated is:
"So,did you go to a rock concert yet ?"
I have always said that I am waiting for the right band to come along,
I am NOT gonna go to a freaking Godsmack concert and
finally - I am gonna get my TOOL !

Time: 12 July,2007
Place: Tweeter Center,Mansfield,Massachusetts

Here is Schism for you to listen :

I know the pieces fit cause I watched them fall away

Mildewed and smoldering - Fundamental differing,
Pure intention juxtaposed will set two lovers souls in motion
Disintegrating as it goes - Testing our communication
The light that fueled our fire then has burned a hole between us so
We cannot see to reach an end - Crippling our communication

I know the pieces fit cause I watched them tumble down
No fault, None to blame, It doesn't mean I don't desire to
Point the finger, Blame the other, Watch the temple topple over.
To bring the pieces back together - Rediscover communication.

The poetry that comes from the squaring off between,
And the circling is worth it.
Finding beauty in the dissonance.

There was a time that the pieces fit, but I watched them fall away.
Mildewed and smoldering, strangled by our coveting
I've done the math enough to know the dangers of a second guessing
Doomed to crumble unless we grow, and strengthen our communication

Cold silence has a tendency to atrophy any sense of compassion

-between supposed lovers
-between supposed brothers.

And I know the pieces fit.

Absolute Classic

Whimsical Gibberish

The Whimsical Gibberish

Weekend is here !!

Friday Night: Hard Rock Cafe,Foxwoods(More pictures)

Saturday : Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration(More Pictures)

Sunday : Six Flags,Springfield,New England(More Pictures)

Party is still on ...!!

Having Fun in the Sun - Weekends (Groton -New London-New York-Boston - ?)

Now ,We are talking.The Weekends are the real deal.Explore and Party is the Focus.Groton is a very quiet suburb, with beautiful evenings and sunsets.Shores of River Thames are just 2 mins of walk away from my home.Check out the pics from Groton/New London here

Groton-New London Pics

This place is quite close to both New York and Boston.The second weekend here (Memorial Day Weekend) I went to New York.It was quite an interesting trip.The focus was to cover the areas I had not covered last time. That is - Downtown New York.Check out the pics here:

New-York Pics

The last weekend me and my roomies decided to drive to Boston.Check out the pics here :

Boston Pics

The Next Weekend where will I be ...Who Knows ?

The Pfizer Experience

People have been pushing me for this post. So, here I am at Pfizer Global R & D.Doing my internship for three months.It's a very welcome change from the graduate life.Here is how I spend a week day.

I get up as early as 6 in the morning.Get ready for the office in a slightly more professional way -No more Rock band Tshirts for me or T-Shirts with messages/Torn and Faded jeans.I think I should get a trophy for this.I walk to my office in about half an hour.The work I am doing is mostly experimental work,again a change from my PhD work which is mostly simulation.So, I spend my time mostly away from my computer.And,I like it ! The work is going better than I or my supervisor had anticipated -Full Marks to me :) I leave office at around 5 in the evening. My roomies are two mechanical engineers from purdue university.One of them has an Indian food fetish so he cooks it everyday for me :) (I also cook sometimes :D) We eat and then talk about random stuff and the day is over.

Overall,My randomness in life has decreased. I hope to carry some of it back to Gainesville,Florida(I so miss it !)

La Haine (Hate)

Must see movie.

Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper? On his way down past each floor, he kept saying to reassure himself: So far so good... so far so good... so far so good. How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land!

Virginia Tech Massacre.

Another example of a crazy guy with a gun. A technological campus is assumed to be generally one of the safest place,but apparently it's not.33 people have been reported killed in this tragedy till now.Not much is known about the identity of the shooter or the victims.The only confirmed death that I know till now, is of a professor of indian descent.Professor G V Loganathan.May he rest in peace.

Raises a lot of questions in my mind,but for now, I am just sad.

Why Tool Rocks and Limp Bizkit Sucks !

Fred Durst(Limp Bizkit) : Tool is one of my favorite bands in the world. Their new record is blowing my mind. They're not really metal, metal...

Fred Durst(Limp Bizkit) : Maynard is the greatest singer of all time.
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James Maynard Keenan(Tool) : I don't really see the connection. Because there is some intensity in some of our songs, I think these bands pick up the surface noise, and that's their influence. ... When I hear these loud, goofy posturing idiots jumping up and down, more concerned about their hairdos than their music, it's just we don't do that, what am I missing? There's nothing to the music that moves me, or compels me to want to sit down and listen to it, which is unfortunate. Maybe I'm just a cynical old bastard

James Maynard Keenan(Tool-Oklahoma Concert): Good evening.You're all planning on having fun tonight... right ? We probably should make some kind of distinction of the kind of fun we are gonna have tonight.Not Like WWF or Monster truck ralley fun.NOT Limp Bizkit - Kidrock kind of fun.The difference being that we don't underestimate your intelligence.
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By the way, TOOL picked up another Grammy for their album 10,000 days while I was in India.Not that it matters.

South Park vs. Family Guy

Family Guy-Stewie Griffin

South Park-Butters

It's an oft debated subject on internet underground message boards and for that matter openly in public by the makers of the show.I have even discussed this with my roommate Rahul Kekre (who,by the way is a big south park fan) many times.

Personally, I think both are awesome shows,which are always pushing boundaries(& people's nerves).

Matt & Trey(makers of South Park) made two complete episodes on South Park (Cartoon Wars) to express their view on family guy.They spoke through Cartman when he said :

Don't you ever, EVER compare me to Family Guy, you hear me Kyle? Compare me to Family Guy again and so help me, I will kill you where you stand! Do you have any idea what it's like? Everywhere I go: "Hey Cartman you must like Family Guy, right?" "Hey, your sense of humor reminds me of Family Guy, Cartman!" I am nothing like Family Guy! When I make jokes they are inherent to a story! Deep situational and emotional jokes based on what is relevant and has a point, not just one random interchangeable joke after another!


Seth McFarlane(maker of Family guy) retaliated in a speech at Harvard, in the voice of Stewie Griffin, saying that the jokes need not always be a part of the plot because they are there to be 'FUNNY'.In another interview he said Family guy will also reciprocate with an episode.I am looking forward to that episode of Family guy.It's very entertaining to see two very good shows involved in such criticism of each other.

Celine

I am so in love with the character of Celine from Before Sunrise/Before Sunset.

Celine: I believe if there's any kind of God it wouldn't be in any of us, not you or me but just this little space in between. If there's any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know, it's almost impossible to succeed but who cares really? The answer must be in the attempt.