tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276087892024-03-06T11:52:31.135+05:30Siddharth Garud on Telecom, Tech & Life<br>
"If you find yourself alone riding in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled, for you are in Elysium, and you're already dead!" Gladiator <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle" rel="alternate" title="Subscribe to my feed"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png"></a> <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle" rel="alternate" title=" Subscribe to my feed"> </a>Siddharthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00088943333925515802noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-15571633642655453092018-05-26T14:13:00.000+05:302018-05-26T14:13:06.073+05:30Sand and Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Grains of sand<br />Units of Land<br />They belong to sea<br />They belong to me</div>
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Like time they work<br />Every whim each quirk<br />As tightly you try to hold<br />They disappear from every fold</div>
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What's lost that you see<br />You repent you flee<br />You try again the same trick<br />This time the sand is as quick</div>
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Are your eyes open now?<br />To reap later, here you sow.<br />Are your eyes open yet?<br />Time's your master so tells this sand<br />Whom you just met.</div>
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- Had originally published this on FB in Jan-2016</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-66499681185075323282017-02-24T23:11:00.002+05:302017-02-25T09:30:30.282+05:30A year of Science Fiction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been intending to write this post for a while.<br />
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For the past year, I am getting fascinated by the world of science fiction.<br />
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As with many of our generation, TV was the first channel that introduced science fiction to me. I remember seeing Star Trek TV series and Johnny Sokko and Giant Robot in late 80s.<br />
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But books, they open new wonderful worlds for the readers. In the past year or so, I have read some phenomenal science fiction books.<br />
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Some of these being:<br />
1. Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton<br />
2. Micro by Michael Crichton<br />
3. The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin<br />
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I also saw the movies Andromeda Strain, Jurassic World, Jurassic Park (second viewing) and Interstellar in the last year or so.<br />
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Science fiction is a mesmerizing genre. The imagination of the author or the movie-maker astonishes me as much as the story fascinates me.<br />
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Michael Crichton stands out with his out of the world thinking and imagination. Andromeda Strain is a novel written in 1969. The story is as thrilling today as it would have been four and a half decades ago. For me, alien would be like the one in the movie Alien or Independence Day. But Crichton delves into physics to give you a micro-alien which is like grass. Immune to the most powerful of storms or man made weapons.<br />
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My latest reading - Cixin Liu's The Three-Body Problem was a totally different experience. A story spanning over 4 decades, the protagonist mixing real life with that of a virtual reality base game. And the universe sending threatening messages through cosmic microwave background. The story is fantastic. The philosophy of planet that an extra-terrestrial race progressing rapidly due to the fragility of its planets existence is amazing.<br />
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The book is being adapted into a Chinese movie as well. I await the movie eagerly!<br />
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I am also looking forward to complete the trilogy - Dark Forest and Death's End.<br />
I hope they stand up to the expectations set by the first book.<br />
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I leave you with the trailer of the movie Andromeda Strain. Remember it was early 70s when the movie was made.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-11294977303877203582016-12-25T01:21:00.001+05:302016-12-25T02:01:52.543+05:30Dangal - Stunning, brilliant and soul-stirring!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." - Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.</i><br>
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The trailer made sure that we view Dangal in the first week of release itself. Haanikarak bapu and his dhaakad chhoriyaan tell a story so stunning, that you are moved!<br>
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The story begins with one Mahavir Singh Phogat from a village in Haryana, who is one of many Indian sportsmen who has accepted defeat at the hands of family responsibility and reality of sportsperson's future. Despite being skilled and dedicated, he accepts a life where he does a 9 to 6 job. He hopes that his yet to be born son will get him and India a gold medal in wrestling. His hopes are dashed when he has 4 daughters in a row.<br>
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A physical fight between his daughters and a village boy opens his eyes. He becomes their wrestling coach. He changes their lifestyle, kills their dreams of normal life, kills their childhood, by imposing rigorous discipline on them. A loving and quiet father transforms into a possessed and fiery tyrant.<br>
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<b>SPOILER ALERT! </b><br>
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The girls see the light when one of their friend tells how girls are mistreated as a burden and the responsibility shirked off at first possible opportunity like child marriage. That transforms the girls too.<br>
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Rest, as they say, is history. The story speaks about the tension, the sacrifice and the dedication that champions are made of.<br>
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To overcome odds, Mahavir keeps increasing the stakes, like making his girls wrestle with male wrestlers. Like taking on entire society by training his girls.<br>
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I am reminded of the chapter "10,000 hours rule" from Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers. An outlier these girls are, their father only creates those 10,000 hours for them.<br>
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The movie never lets you off the intense vise-like grip of the wrestlers in the movie. The father, played by Aamir Khan, Geeta Phogat, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Babita Phogat, played by Sanya Malhotra, are brilliant. So are those playing side roles of Sakshi Tanwar as mother, Girish Kulkarni (as the jealous and bureaucratic coach) and their first cousin (I don't know his name).<br>
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And don't forget, the kids who played Geeta and Babita. They are mesmerizing.<br>
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In short, the movie is brilliant. Take your kids for sure, for they need to know what perseverance is. In Sanskrit, तपश्चर्या !<br>
<br>Baba Rancho's words in 3 Idiots resonate , "Don't worry about success, just ensure excellence!"<br><br>
Do see this song.... This, the real Mahavir Singh Phogat, the Haanikarak Bapu transformed and revolutionized our nation by training his daughters and inspiring thousand more Geeta and Babitas!<br>
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Its a true story of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geeta_Phogat" target="_blank">Geeta Phogat</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babita_Kumari" target="_blank">Babita Phogat</a>.<br>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-83544467688925303032016-12-14T23:49:00.001+05:302016-12-14T23:49:48.804+05:304G to 5G Buzzword Compliant Passage<p dir="ltr">This <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/14/poor-mobile-4g-coverage-peru-minister-internet-government">report in The Guardian</a> reports how NIC of UK is distressed about lack of 4G reach in UK.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It will be interesting to see how follow up is done and depth is improved. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Perhaps something country like India can observe and emulate. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The most amusing part of the Guardian report is the use of the phrase, "buzzword compliant".</p>
<p dir="ltr">Any new technology comes with its own set of buzzwords and adjectives and their combinations. </p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-54654775222968606512016-10-02T21:17:00.001+05:302016-10-03T20:43:33.437+05:30M S Dhoni - An Untold Story is a wonderfully told story of Mahi!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes a simple linear story line is the best way to tell a story. Simple stories are best told in simple ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">M S Dhoni - An Untold Story is such a simple tale. Neeraj Pandey has created a great movie on one of the greatest sportsperson of India. Great, not because he was talented. That he is. But great because he had the strength to choose cricket despite the pressures of having a normal life. Great, because he aspired to achieve something beyond what he could have settled for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is also a story of India, an India that has been waiting to display its talent and grit. Its determination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The story begins with Mahi being discovered by the school sports coach. Mahi's family, as with millions of Indian families, is trying to provide the best education possible to him. Theirs is a simple hope, that Mahi grows up to be someone who is able to reach beyond where his father could. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even when Mahi pushes his luck by taking risks in examinations, he ensures that his family is taken in confidence and the trust is shown to grow stronger.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He has his share of supporters in the school coach, the local sports shop owner, his friends and so on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His stint at Railways is fascinating. The initial hope and the later feeling of being trapped is something that is shown well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While there is not too much of exploration of his thought process, there are hints given. I find it perfectly understandable that a 3 hour movie cannot delve into every little detail. And Indian cinema viewers would like to know as much about M.S. in these three hours as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple of scenes are very poignant. I did feel these scenes gave an insight into what the cold-blooded thinker M.S. is made of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And yes, there are some lovely light moments that make you chuckle if not laugh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All in all, the film is a great biopic. One that should be seen with our next generation. One that tells us how much sweat, blood and thought goes in achieving success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This movie belongs to Sushant Singh Rajput. He has put everything to make this look good. And it does look very good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>We all know Mahendra Singh Dhoni very well</i></b>. I bought a new TV in 2007 and MSD won the T20 World Cup for us. These stories are common in India. We are proud of him for giving us unexpected victories and we also criticize him for prolonging victory at times or dropping veterans at times. India has a special place in its heart for MSD. We remember him for leading India to two World Cup victories!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To create his character and to make people relive all those moments is a monumental task. Sushant Singh Rajput has delivered his performance flawlessly. The famous helicopter shot is an example. Even good cricketers cannot play that... Sushant does play it beautifully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And as earlier, Neeraj Pandey's direction gets full marks. To create any sports scene in movies is not easy. To create so many of them deserves credit! Anupam Kher, Bhumika, Kumud Mishra and others are good in supporting roles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One more observation, this movie reminds me of Forrest Gump for its use of computer graphics to insert the actor's face in real clips from history! Well Done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Go watch the movie in the nearest cinema hall with your family!</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-16253480162508468922015-11-21T11:03:00.000+05:302015-11-21T11:03:31.169+05:30Katyar Kaljat Ghusli - Music & Magic Interwoven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Katyar Kaljat Ghusli is the movie you need to watch to get a taste, a flavour, an initiation into the richness of Marathi Theater. This movie, rich in music, that it inherited from the 40 year old play, complimented by some brilliant acting, dialogues and direction is an absolute treat to watch.<div>
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Back in early 90s, my father had bought a cassette which had compilation of Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande's songs who had played Khan Saaheb's role in the original play. I loved the songs but then I had only heard Khan Saaheb's versions but that ensured I headed to the cinema hall to see this movie.<br /><div>
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It ensures the dagger of music is drawn deep into your mind. What a terrific movie this is that I am fumbling for words in this post. The music is still playing in my head.</div>
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It starts with this brilliant Ganpati bhakti geet, "Sur Niragas Ho" by Shankar Mahadevan.</div>
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The movie tells a tale of 2 maestros competing for the position of the Kingdom's top singer and the King's Dagger. Both are almost equal but there is only one winner. The competition turns sour with rising ambition of one of them and then the drama unfolds.</div>
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The story is set in the 19th century in the pre-Independence era. The King, Queen and the Darbaar are excellent with the debates, the discussions and a prevalent sense of upholding justice. The acting is of the highest caliber here. </div>
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In this star-studded affair, Sachin Pilgaonkar stands out as Khan Saaheb - a fantastic singer who deserves accolades for his singing but a vain and arrogant man. His performance is something I have never seen before from any actor. He deserves every award that can be given for acting. And don't dilute it by categorizing acting - hero, support, villain... - his performance is the best performance that can be!</div>
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Shankar Mahadevan as Panditji is stellar and so is the director-actor Subodh Bhave as Sadashiv. </div>
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I have special praise for the supporting cast - Amruta Khanvilkar as Zareena, Mrunmayi Deshpande as Uma, Pushkar Shrotri as Kaviraj, Sakshi Tanwar as Khansaaheb's wife and the King and the Queen.</div>
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Subodh Bhave, the director-actor of this movie, makes me immensely proud. He has been a key contributor to the decade old rise of the Marathi art - cinema, theater or TV. I look up to him for more such artistic creations. I am sure he and his team will not disappoint us.</div>
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Before you leave this page.... don't miss to hear these 2 versions of the immortal song "Ghei Chhand Makarand." As a child I had only heard Khan Saaheb's version. For the first time in the movie did I hear Panditji's version (which is the first in this youtube video). As the song completes, I had goosebumps, a tear in my eye and my throat choked. Such is the power of great singing. And great singing is all that this movie is about.</div>
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I urge you to go to the nearest cinema hall to enjoy the movie in its fullest. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-73854739597106117282015-06-29T23:38:00.002+05:302015-06-29T23:53:39.837+05:30Killa Movie Review in Marathi.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
वादळी समुद्र ज्याच्या लाटा आपल्याला क्षणात आत आत ओढत नेतो.<br />
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साधा खळखळणारा समुद्र ज्यात तुमचे ध्यान लागते…<br />
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शांत असा समुद्र जो तुम्हाला विचार करायला लावतो, आयुष्याबद्दल, मृत्युबद्दल. माणसाचं जगणं हे या समुद्रासमोर किती नगण्य आहे ह्याची प्रचीती त्या समुद्रसमोर बसलो कि येते.<br />
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आणि पाउस, समुद्राच्या जोडीला, मुसळधार, अगदी छातीत धडकी बसेल असा पाउस.<br />
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मनाचा आणि हृदयाचा किल्ला जिंकणे किती सोपे किंवा किती कठीण असते हे मी काय सांगू तुम्हाला? आपल्या आपल्या किल्ल्याचे योद्धे हि आपणच आणि रक्षक हि आपणच.<br />
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अशा या असंख्य पैलू सांभाळणारा आणि अतिशय सुंदर कथा सांगणारा हा नवीन सिनेमा किल्ला.<br />
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चिन्मय काळे आणि त्याची आई पुण्याहून गुहागरला बदली होऊन येतात. चिन्मयला ते सगळ आधी नकोसं वाटतं. हळू हळू तो मित्र बनवतो. ते गाव, तिथला किल्ला, समुद्र त्याला जवळचं वाटायला लागतं. त्यात त्याची साथ देतात ते त्याचे नवे मित्र - बंड्या, ओंड्या, उम्या आणि युवराज. काय मैफिल जमवली आहे इथे या चौघांनी!<br />
<br />
पण हे सगळं मी इथे काय सांगू? <br />
<br />
अप्रतीम अशी कोकणची पार्श्वभूमी, तिथला हिरवागार परिसर, समुद्राचे वेगवेगळे अवतार… सगळं एकदम मनमोहक आहे. मराठी सिनेमा हा एक वेगळे उच्चासन गाठतो आहे. वळू , नटरंग, देउळ, काकस्पर्ष असे कित्येक सिनेमे गेल्या काही वर्षात आले. किल्ला या यादीत अगदी पुढे बसेल.<br />
<br />
ह्या चित्रपटाचं दिग्दर्शन जितकं कौतुकास्पद आहे तितकच कौतुक ह्यातल्या कलाकारांचं आहे. <br />
अमृता सुभाष ने साकारलेली चिन्मय ची आई अविस्मरणीय आहे. चिन्मय, त्याच्या एकट्या पडलेल्या मुलाची भूमिका सुंदर रंगवतो. आणि त्याचे मित्र - बंड्या, ओंड्या, उम्या आणि युवराज - चिन्मयच्या शब्दात "एकदम भारी!"<br />
<br />
आणि हा सिनेमा हॉल मध्ये बघा. टी व्ही वर यायची वाट बघू नका.<br />
<br />
किल्लाचे ट्रेलर<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-88473601850171640242015-06-29T22:52:00.001+05:302015-06-29T22:52:41.880+05:30Killa - A movie that wins the fort of your heart.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Roaring stormy sea with waves that will consume you - body and mind.<br />
<br />
Business as usual sea sending in uniform waves just enough to let you concentrate yet not let you get hypnotized in its rhythmic work ethic.<br />
<br />
Quiet and calm sea that makes you ponder... about life and death... about the infinitesimal chance a man has if the sea decides to consume you.<br />
<br />
Rains, incessant and merciless, by the stormy sea to compliment the sea's fear with intimidation.<br />
<br />
All by the massive fortresses. Fortresses by the sea, in the sea, in the protagonist's mind, in his mother's heart.<br />
<br />
Killa, the new Marathi film, breaks new ground in telling a fantastic story. The story tells us how a young Chinmay Kale tries to win battles with himself. The result is brilliant and mesmerizing.<br />
<br />
The story begins with Chinmay's mother, who has recently been widowed, getting transferred from Pune to Guhagar, a village. Chinmay is angry and upset. Loss of father coupled with, what he considers, being ostracized, is too much for him to bear. He struggles. He then discovers new school, new friends - Bandya, Ondya, Yuvraj and Umesh. He discovers. <br />
<br />
The movie hypnotizes you with stunning visuals of the beautiful coastal region of Konkan. The verdant canopies that cover the roads, the fort by the sea, the sea itself create a fantastic canvas where this lovely piece of art is executed. The background music perfectly pulls you in the story. <br />
<br />
And the actors light up the canvas extremely delicately. Amruta Subhash as the young widow, fighting her battles and trying to handle a growing son, gives a riveting, sombre and understated performance. The young Archit Deodhar in Chinmay's role gives a riveting performance. He is quiet, mature beyond years, trying to cope up with the fears and shadows of past and present. He reminds you of no one else for he creates his own character. His friends are fantastic and very important to the movie, especially Parth Bhalerao as mischievous Bandya and Gaurish Gawade as the egotistical Yuvraj.<br />
<br />
For me, there is a poignant scene between Chinmay and a fisherman that stands out. <br />
<br />
The direction by Avinash Arun is just perfect to bring these elements alive in Killa. The name is a metaphor to the moats from the minds that get conquered.<br />
<br />
This is a movie you should see on the big screen near your home. Go and drown yourself in the beautiful Guhagar. <br />
<br />
Here is its trailer...<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-87423119655826785582015-03-17T09:51:00.001+05:302015-03-17T13:02:29.498+05:30On Gender Gap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
A hard hitting article on how stereotyping is causing harm to the world of computing and, by extension, every area of our life. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://www.ericsson.com/thinkingahead/the-networked-society-blog/2015/03/13/how-can-we-empower-the-networked-society-if-we-dont-consider-one-gender-ignore-girls/" target="_blank">Losing half the workforce.</a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
In India, we fight the moral battles against female foeticide and dowry. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
The long term impact of both, the basic problems and slightly advanced ones like the pointed in the article lead to one thing - irreparable harm to society. <br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-25594216567943353762014-08-02T23:23:00.001+05:302014-08-02T23:23:33.860+05:30Idea for Better Life - Recharging Ground Water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I live in Mumbai, India. That part of the world which gets heavy to very heavy rains. Where flooding is a norm from June till late August each year. <a href="http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/physical/climate/rain.html" target="_blank">This TIFR page states that the annual cumulative rainfall of about 70 inches or 1800 mm</a>.<br />
<br />
Now the paradox of my city is that every year, despite this phenomenal natural gift of pure rainwater, the water supply from the MCGM dwindles after February. People face water shortages, each year, the supply is cut by 10% first, then 20% and so on. One of the example is this report on <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-rains-back-but-brace-for-more-water-cuts-in-mumbai-2005796" target="_blank">dependence of rainfall in catchment areas, scarcity of which means water supply cuts</a>.<br />
<br />
Now, think about other places, which are not naturally endowed with such monsoon. Aurangabad, an industrial town only about 375 kms from Mumbai, where I studied engineering, faces acute water crisis every year. And this one problem leads to several other crises such industries facing power supply cuts, <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Parli-thermal-power-station-shuts-down/articleshow/39456130.cms" target="_blank">power plants being shut down</a>, <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Water-scarcity-leading-to-rise-Citizens-corporator/articleshow/39445535.cms" target="_blank">rise in water-borne diseases like dengue, diarrhoea</a>, etc.<br />
<br />
These water shortages get acute year over year. Each year the reservoirs, lakes tend to dry earlier than last year. This is an empirical observation. I leave it to the experts to prove me wrong.<br />
<br />
I believe that one of the reasons responsible for such water shortages is the drying ground water level. <b>And the reason for receding ground level is that we have cut the connection between the water falling from the sky and that of the ground.</b> How, you ask?<br />
<br />
My dear friends, with a very amicable set of chemicals such as concrete and asphalt, <b><i>we have waterproofed our grounds</i></b>, forever. And waterproof surfaces do not leak. We all know leakages. It is horrible when our roofs leak. But the really horrible thing is that our grounds no longer leak. The rains fall, we have tea and pakodas in the lovely balconies, and the water flows away in the sewers.<br />
<br />
I have a small incremental idea to improve this situation. And it is inexpensive one for sure. Here it is:<br />
<br />
1. All apartment complexes have separate pipes to allow water to flow away.<br />
2. These pipes are taken to the ground level and then <b><i>discharged into sewers</i></b>.<br />
3. Instead, during monsoons, connect these pipes <b style="background-color: cyan;">to another set of pipes </b>that go at least 15-20 feet deep below the ground level.<br />
4. During monsoons connect the terrace pipes to these new pipes and divert rainwater from terraces of buildings into the soil under the top concrete layer.<br />
<br />
Something I have tried to depict in this slide here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz5Ouphyphenhyphen_EN6Go_Pud_rvTSKIafoBa6whWBwsEBYE-VoSk_7VLNI31Vc5H79OKu7STNOPD3oyJVs2L_E96sbdvEX30iKgoKT4mT9t9263NrW6lHJVnDYrAvGnsHF-7Gj7H2wHTQ/s1600/Ground_Water_Recharge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz5Ouphyphenhyphen_EN6Go_Pud_rvTSKIafoBa6whWBwsEBYE-VoSk_7VLNI31Vc5H79OKu7STNOPD3oyJVs2L_E96sbdvEX30iKgoKT4mT9t9263NrW6lHJVnDYrAvGnsHF-7Gj7H2wHTQ/s1600/Ground_Water_Recharge.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Ground is a large single reservoir. I believe this will reduce the load and dependence on the rainfall in catchment areas. This is similar to rain-water harvesting with a small change that we recharge the ground water.<br />
<br />
I invite comments if this idea is correct. We need to reconnect the natural cycle of events, only then can we live in harmony with nature.<br />
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I invite all readers to comment. Thanks!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-35477205592230772192014-07-24T21:56:00.001+05:302014-07-24T21:56:49.610+05:30Ultimate sacrifice -Did Mumbai deserve it? <p dir=ltr>Why did the man lay down his life? What must have been his thoughts when he knew end was near? It wasn't sudden, that I am sure.  The man remained there with his team. </p>
<p dir=ltr><a href="http:// www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai-fire-in-commercial-building-no-casualties/article1-1241785.aspx">He probably stayed back to allow someone else live and see another day. The fireman who died knew the end was coming.</a> </p>
<p dir=ltr>But as a city did we deserve his ultimate sacrifice. He did not because that was the only way someone else could live. He did not die because there was nothing else possible. He did not die because his city, his country had tried its best possible yet nature's fury was so fierce that fateful day that nothing else could have happened. No!</p>
<p dir=ltr>The man opted for his dangerous job because he thought all this is something his city, his nation would do. </p>
<p dir=ltr><b><i>He died because this city, we all, shortchanged him. Totally, completely,  absolutely.</i></b></p>
<p dir=ltr>The Mumbai city, famous for the Mumbai spirit, contributed by giving the permission to the building, not inspecting it from time to time, cheering by allowing sale of space there. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The spirited folks occupying the offices contributed by displaying exemplary foresight in letting things be, fire extinguishers be damned. </p>
<p dir=ltr>And who inspects a 20+ storeyed building when you can just sign off clearances on the ground floor over cup of tea.</p>
<p dir=ltr>If there is something called soul in us all, just feel sorry for the man who died for us. He died in vain for nothing is going to change here. We will continue to live with our famous Mumbai spirit. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Just remember that one day there will be an equally spirited someone refusing to die for you.<br>
</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-78604603267326764412014-07-06T14:32:00.000+05:302014-07-06T14:32:03.422+05:30Facebook's Missed Call ads and my post from stone-age<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The race to capture the value at bottom of the pyramid brings to us a unique offering from Facebook. For the low-end phones (read as not smartphones), which are still carried by almost two-thirds of Indian subscribers, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-01/facebook-debuts-missed-call-ads-in-india-so-it-doesn-t-miss-a-huge-emerging-market.html" target="_blank">Facebook is bringing in missed-call ads</a>.<br />
<br />
This has the potential to be a game changer. While this article does not speak whether they plan to use internet / data here, I believe the real potential will be tapped if the program is run irrespective of data availability. Despite impressive mobile network reach, countries like India have some time before data is pervasively available.<br />
<br />
So there is nothing to boast about here, yet let me point to one of my posts from few years ago where I had discussed on the missed-call innovation. You can read it here - <a href="http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2009/12/very-interesting-missed-call.html" target="_blank">The very interesting "Missed Call"</a>.<br />
<br />
I had described a few use cases there. The whole concept of missed call is on the basis of what I called "inter personal communication protocol (IPCP)". That is the knowledge of what is to be done is known only to the 2 parties exchanging the missed call - The idea of IPCP is the users decide the meaning of the missed call.<br />
<br />
Facebook (and I am sure others will follow soon) are tapping this IPCP with some enhancements. Lets see where this innovation goes.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-74146806647955393562014-06-25T23:28:00.001+05:302014-06-25T23:28:09.538+05:30On 5G Mobile Communication<p dir=ltr>One of the best articles I have read on the evolution here on. Especially the info graphic is excellent, </p>
<p dir=ltr><a href="http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2014/06/25/5g-uk-beyond-know-far/5/">http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2014/06/25/5g-uk-beyond-know-far/5/</a></p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-34332777964269509952014-05-22T22:33:00.003+05:302014-05-22T22:33:44.434+05:30India's competitiveness in broadband<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Very interesting infographic here on broadband from <a href="http://www.netindex.com/download/allcountries/">http://www.netindex.com/download/allcountries/</a><div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
This site ranks India <b><i>134th</i></b> on world index of broadband speeds. We are way way behind in when compared globally. While the rank is one thing, our speeds are abysmally low.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One data point that is not given is the penetration level. The answer will be no different. Our country is still grappling in providing electricity supply to all, so broadband is definitely a distant objective in the list of priorities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As has been argued in several papers, the rise of internet as an important tool, especially for small and medium level businesses. While there continues to be a debate on whether their is a direct correlation between broadband penetration and GDP, I do not think there is any doubt on the importance of broadband per se.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In fact, for countries like India, broadband should be given priority right after electricity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's hope the new Government ushers in a broadband revolution as well :)</div>
<div>
Its early days, but signs are all positive <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/10-priorities-for-the-modi-government-114051900872_1.html">http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/10-priorities-for-the-modi-government-114051900872_1.html</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-69122769742816562082014-02-16T00:11:00.001+05:302014-02-16T00:11:44.990+05:30Real cost of corruption - One aspect.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are several news articles speaking of road accidents in India. It is indeed a big problem. The latest report that <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2014/01/popular-indian-cars-fail-crash-tests-20141317938936994.html" target="_blank">Indian cars failed crash tests</a> is making news. May be Indian government will mandate these tests as well. Wonderful so far.<br />
<br />
There is also an extended discussion on stricter enforcement of laws, clampdown on drunk driving and so on. All this is good. But have we thought of the genesys of rash driving? I am sure majority of these same drunk, careless, arrogant, out-of-control drivers have a valid driving licence. Where does that licence come from? How is it given? Here is a quick process summary of obtaining a driving licence.<br />
<br />
Option 1)<br />
A. Go to local RTO office.<br />
B. Appear and pass the learner's licence test where your knowledge of rules are tested.<br />
C. Learn the vehicle and appear for driving test.<br />
D. Get a licence.<br />
<br />
<b>OR </b><br />
<br />
Option 2)<br />
Till some years ago, go to one of the many thousands of driving school with your address and identity proof.<br />
(Even today, after the computerised learner's licence test, do the above.)<br />
<br />
Naturally, majority people take option 2. It is convenient. The test is a breeze. A few feet ahead, a few feet in reverse, voila you have a licence. You feel happy! Happiness is good for health...but perhaps not in this case.<br />
<br />
HAS ANYONE THOUGHT OF THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS?<br />
<br />
How would you like to learn that the doctor treating someone near to you was a quack and responsible for deteriorating health of the patient? Is this not similar albeit in a different context?<br />
<br />
Read this article from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/world/asia/medicines-made-in-india-set-off-safety-worries.html?hp&_r=0" target="_blank">The New York Times on the FDA worry on Indian Pharma</a>. The article says India exports about 40 percent of over-the-counter & generic medicines in the US. And what does India do about ensuring that the quality served to this largest consumer base is good and as per, if not better than, the standards? Make no mistake, we are not a banana republic. We have drug regulatory body called CDSCO, but as an industry have Indian Pharma companies tried to enforce those regulations in spirit? <i>Or are we the happy driver with the freshly issued driving license? We will drive until we run over someone by the pavement?</i><br />
<br />
And our regulatory body will continue to look away as long as the authorities that be keep saying this is the industry that brings in USD 15 Billion (INR 90000 Crores) a year. This looking away implies economic profit to those benefiting from it and penalizing companies that are voluntarily ensuring compliance to the FDA standards.<br />
<br />
But the heavy cost that India pays as the damage to its image is something that cannot be measured easily - the factors to be measured are the penalties, lossof market share, loss of licenses. These are to the corporation, also to be added are the costs of additional scrutiny, loss of jobs, increase in social issues in those areas due to these issues, decrease in confidence on Indian industry as a whole. <i>That is the real cost of corruption.</i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-1719783963399330142014-01-01T23:48:00.000+05:302014-01-01T23:48:05.356+05:30Le Carre's Smiley and the other trilogy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The reading this year comprised mainly of fiction books. Couple of trilogies and a few other novels.<br />
<br />
This year I completed the Karla Trilogy from John Le Carre after reading the Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley's People. While Honourable Schoolboy was a good book, I thought Smiley's People was fantastic.<br />
As fantastic as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Indeed the best book I have read in years.<br />
<br />
I loved the insanity in the cunning that Smiley and Karla create against each other. I loved the fact that Smiley acknowledges that he and Karla are no more than each other's alter ago. Most of it, I loved the climax. Never expected it to be so stunning. Never was it so predictable either.<br />
<br />
John Le Carre sits in an overlap of fiction thriller writer who imagines a lot about the espionage world and a literary master who knows the people about whom he writes. What a treat!<br />
<br />
The other trilogy was the very readable Shiva Trilogy. I enjoyed Immortals of Meluha, the first part very much. The other two were alright. What impressed me was the amazing imagination shown by the debutante author Amish.Writing sure is a difficult art, writing with so much imagination on a topic which is so well known to Indians, is much more difficult. Amish stands out. And I hope we get to see movies made from his books. And I hope that the movie has good production values....</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-71693433108547526462013-10-06T00:52:00.000+05:302013-10-06T00:54:21.761+05:30The backseat post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">As the shadows moved ahead, Benedict really wanted to step out of the car. But as he thought of the next steps, he could not forget <span style="font-family: inherit;">a ceramic figurine in the backseat of his car.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What should he do now?</span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-27009145128380063482013-10-05T21:13:00.000+05:302013-10-05T21:13:08.717+05:30Tom Clancy - Books and Movies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tom Clancy, the blockbuster novelist, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24372224" target="_blank">died a couple of days ago</a>.<br />
<br />
I have read quite a few of his books, enjoyed some, but got bored by most. However, when the same book is recreated on the big cinema screen, the results were thoroughly enjoyable.<br />
<br />
I have loved every movie that was based on Clancy's book. Patriot Games, The Hunt for Red October, Sum of All Fears.... all of them.<br />
<br />
I often thought that Clancy wrote with a focus on cinematic adaptation. There are also several PC games based on his books, I am sure they are a big hit in the world of gaming.<br />
<br />
I think what is special about Clancy's books are the immense technical detailing in the plot. Unlike say Forsyth or Le Carre, Clancy gave details about the machines, guns, computer networks, algorithms and everything around that. This possibly was a great script for any movie.<br />
<br />
I think we will all miss Clancy either for his books or for the movies or for the games. Rest in Peace.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-42073190214681027022013-09-28T19:17:00.000+05:302013-09-28T19:17:02.894+05:30Book Review - The Hounourable Schoolboy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another densely written novel from John Le Carre, another treat to read and another heart wrenching story of a vocation made glamorous by the likes of James Bond, Ethan Hunt and others.<br />
<br />
The schoolboy Jerry does go miles to create ruffles and surprise negations of the higher plots and he does takes thick in the jungles of far east. This book is once again a trademark John Le Carre, where the machinations of the powers that are are displayed shamelessly and quite caustically.<br />
<br />
Smiley has returned as the head of intelligence. His task cut out to create a bridge with the Cousins or the CIA. His old fashioned investigators Connie and Di Salis find a clue in far east. Smiley decides to lure out a Karla operative out of China.<br />
<br />
Much like he got out Haydon, there is a definite similarity here. The only difference is Jerry is far too audacious to toe the line like say a Guillam or a Esterhase for that matter. The story wades through various locations, takes us places with opium traders, rogue pilots and others. <br />
<br />
Folks who have read Tinker Tailor, will find this reading equally demanding and worth while. And oh what a brilliant movie this would make.<br />
<br />
As someone who loves Forsyth, for I started with his masterpieces early in my teens, the climax is far too often heartbreaking in the case Le Carre. I will still accept his writings and continue to read them for that's what makes the man different from others.<br />
<br />
Now on to Smiley's People! Need to finish that before the movie is out.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-59106430503501837202013-06-13T22:48:00.000+05:302013-06-13T22:48:24.175+05:30End of Telegraph Services in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
India today announced <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1847064/report-curtains-down-for-160-year-old-telegram-service" target="_blank">a full-stop to telegraph services</a>. I saw this news one TV today morning. There was a sense of deja-vu when I saw it.<br />
<br />
7 years ago, Western Union announced <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/11147506/ns/business-us_business/t/stop-telegram-era-over-western-union-says/" target="_blank">closure of their telegraph services</a>. I was in the US back in 2006, I heard this when returning home on NPR in the Marketplace. Kai Ryssdal announced it in his typical style. <br />
<br />
Coming to telegraph service, its a technology which correctly needs to be put to rest. Most of the country is having mobile and telephone access. And that effectively has substituted for the need of telegraph. <br />
<br />
As with any technology, to discontinue old and unviable service is the correct course of action. Simply speaking it frees up resources for better uses. I am sure Western Union and Indian Posts and Telecom company will use its resources elsewhere where there is actual need.<br />
<br />
That said, as probably the last generation who has used telegrams, I will remember the large Central Telegraph Office building in every town and city. It is behind New Shriniketan Colony in Aurangabad.<br />
Telegrams were the fastest mode of communication until the ubiquitous spread of telephones (mobile or landlines) started in late 90s.<br />
<br />
If anything taught us the the value of words, it was literally the telegram. Especially in country like ours where people were conservative and had to use the last paisa when sending telegrams.<br />
<br />
Our art, be it cinema or literature, they all had telegrams as an important part till sometime ago.<br />
<br />
I recall a particularly humorous description of the sound of telegraph equipment (the Morse Code key) by P. L. Deshpande (पु लं ) in his legendary short story "Maazhe Poushtik Jeevan". As in Pu La's words,we will miss the "Kada-kat Kada-kat" (तार यंत्राचा <strong><em>कड-कट कड-कट</em></strong> असा आवाज ). If you can understand a little Marathi, don't miss out on this story recitation. It has those amazing jokes about how a letter mis-replaced here and there in telegram led to confusion.<br />
<br />
At the end, we simply cannot forget the word "telegraph" because it will continue to appear in the very famous names of AT&T and NTT.<br />
<br />
So long Telegrams!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-6438801386747479222013-05-27T20:52:00.001+05:302013-05-27T20:52:38.197+05:30A review of The Shiva Trilogy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Did I enjoy it? Yes<br />
<br />
Did it drag? Yes, at times.<br />
Did the author put enough effort to create a good story? Absolutely!<br />
<br />
The Shiva Trilogy is a brilliant effort by the author Amish. He has accomplished what many many potential undiscovered authors have in their hearts.<br />
<br />
We are of the generation who saw Ramayan and Mahabharat on TV. We have also seen epics like the Lord of the Rings (also many have read it) as well as Saving Private Ryan on the big screen. We have also been sad that though India has such amazing mythology and religious literature, we don't have something that can appeal to today's generation.<br />
<br />
Here we have Amish, taking that additional step and penning down in what is a remarakable mixture of mythology, religion, science fiction and boundless imagination. We need to felicitate Amish as much as we can for these reasons. And for the fact that this will encourage many others to write more creatively.<br />
<br />
Coming to the 3 books.<br />
<br />
The first book Immortals of Meluha creates the story of Shiva, a Tibetan who comes to India and takes up the mantle of searching for Evil. The second, Secret of Nagas, takes him further in the search and opens his mind on what is Evil and what is not. The third, Oath of Vayuputras, is where the denouement of the events happen.<br />
<br />
The first book is excellent in pacing, the right mix of Bollywood masala and character development. The second one drags. The Nagas are a great revelation. But the story keeps beating around the bush. The third part was criticised by many of my friends and relatives, but I enjoyed it. I found it over the top at times, but the climax was a good climax.<br />
<br />
Overall I am impressed by how much imagination Amish has applied in creating this story. The description of cities, the war techniques, weapons are all engrossing. He does take extreme creative liberties. And he is inspired by Hollywood epics. the one thing that Amish should look at <br />
<br />
It also leaves enough hints on what Amish is planning to write. I await that to happen!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-69090962678294893782013-04-20T13:26:00.003+05:302013-04-20T13:26:50.890+05:301BHKs make a come back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't know how but I again feel I said so!<br />
<br />
Read this April 2012 blog post from me:<br />
<a href="http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2012/04/strange-case-of-1-bhks-in-mumbai.html">http://indian-eagle.blogspot.in/2012/04/strange-case-of-1-bhks-in-mumbai.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
And read this article in ET today.<br />
<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/news/mumbai-builders-see-an-opportunity-in-small-homes-despite-rising-prices-and-market-uncertainty/articleshow/19643145.cms">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/news/mumbai-builders-see-an-opportunity-in-small-homes-despite-rising-prices-and-market-uncertainty/articleshow/19643145.cms</a><br />
<br />
I had categorized 1BHK as giffen good. Now good old supply-demand curves have kicked in.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-39755200143763293932013-01-06T08:10:00.000+05:302013-01-06T08:12:28.032+05:30My journey and moments with the little master<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is an email I got from my brother who, as he describes himself below, is Sachin's unconditional supporter and fan. Read an enjoyable, slightly long yet a mesmerizing account of how many of us have grown up with आपला सचिन ...<br />
<br />
"Sachin Tendulkar is to cricket, what a vowel is to word.<br />
<br />
On 23rd December 2012, Sachin Tendulkar showed he is human after all. Yes he retired from ODI’s.<br />
<br />
Somewhere deep down in our hearts, the fans (including me) were anticipating the moment to be around the corner.<br />
<br />
I was 8, when he debuted and honestly I don’t remember his first runs and innings. A 16 year kid was hitting unbelievable strokes against some very established names. Understandably, his popularity was meteoric. Before I could realize I was sucked into his silky stroke play and for me Sachin became a synonym for cricket.<br />
<br />
When I started playing serious cricket (the gully cricket was of course serious cricket), I started holding the bat right at the bottom of the handle and chose the heaviest of the bats available. So what if that made the cut, pull and the sweep shots much more difficult for me. After all I had to follow the way Sachin played, right? I used to plead to open the innings, my leg or middle guard on the crease was very much dependent on what guard Sachin took recently. At every opportunity I would (try) a back foot cover drive on the up, so what if we had a concrete wall in covers in our society (The Wall ≠ Dravid) and that brilliant shot yielded exact ZERO to the team (an edge of course would get some runs, as the square was open).<br />
<br />
Throughout 1990’s Sachin became the prime reason to watch Indian cricket. Be it the way he first opened against New Zealand in 1994, that 90 against Australia in 1996 world cup, the Sharjah sand storm century followed by another in finals or so many other memories.<br />
<br />
I could never be relaxed when he was on the crease, like millions of my fellow fans I prayed, didn’t move from my place, etc, just to make sure he did well in the match. I had seven posters in our bedroom, some bought and some gifted (couple of them easily approved by the family, as they helped hide some cracks in the wall).<br />
<br />
Being a Sachin fan hasn’t been a smooth sailing, especially given the critics of him around me. People have come up with least analyzed statements like “Jab jab Sachin khelta hai tab India harta hai”.<br />
<br />
Some friends and relatives used to pull my leg in good spirit but some were very serious anti Sachin campaigners. I have been involved in many heated discussions to defend Sachin in college, society, office and even with some unknown people in Mumbai local trains too. Top it all, once I hit a guy in my computer classes who vehemently felt Sachin was reason for India’s failure to win consistently and the argument went beyond proportions.<br />
<br />
I used to call at his place to speak with him and the guy who used to politely tell me “to ghari nahi ahe” (He is not at home) was (presumably) his late father Mr. Ramesh Tendulkar.<br />
<br />
I tried meeting Sachin once in early 1990’s through through through my relatives. My distant uncle were friends with a guy, whose daughter was Sachin’s class mate till 2nd standard. That’s how closely related I am to Sachin. I went in with my uncle to Patrakar colony, Bandra. Sachin was on England tour then and I had to console myself by having seen his house’s balcony and the place where he played his gully cricket.<br />
<br />
The 2000 decade was different I completed my MBA and started working, that meant I couldn’t see Sachin play live. Switching to Cricinfo and rushing for highlights was all I could do. While doing my post graduation, came my first opportunity to play real cricket (the one with leather ball, gloves and pad).<br />
<br />
Apart from the opportunity to play with the red cherry, was the chance to practice on the MIG ground at Bandra (the ground where Sachin practiced when he was at home). Guess that reason explains why I could bowl decent enough to get selected (although it was the first time with a leather ball).<br />
<br />
India was to tour Pakistant in 2003/04. On a Tuesday at around 6.30 AM, my friends and I reached MIG ground for warm ups before we started our nets. Post warming up, we went ahead with our routine to fix stumps on our designated practice pitch. We saw one of the grounds man rolling a very heavy roller on our pitch. I asked him “Aap hamare pitch ko itna dhyan kab se dene lage?” (Since when did you started paying so much attention to our pitch?)<br />
<br />
He pointed at the pitch besides and replied “tum log aaj us pitch par practice karo”.<br />
<br />
On asking why, he said “aaj Sachin aa raha hai, vo yaha practice karega”.<br />
<br />
Spontaneously my friend asked “Kaun Sachin?” and the guy just smiled (was the only time I saw him rolling the pitch so happily).<br />
<br />
Unsurprisingly our practice went for a toss, no one was bothered to open the kit, few seniors were scrambling to find a mobile with a camera (camera in a mobile was rare then), few called friends nearby friends to bring in a camera urgently. For a moment I sat and wondered if he was really going come. I gathered myself and made sure I had a pen and paper for his autograph.<br />
<br />
Guess what, he did come. Parked his blue BMW SUV just inside the gate and walked towards a chair and table kept especially for him near the boundary. I ran to get his autograph and expectedly a security guy made sure I didn’t get anywhere near to him.<br />
<br />
My friends had a laugh at me; I really didn’t care, as I was too much in awe to get bothered because Sachin Tendulkar was sitting right in front of me. He put on his shoes (was wearing floaters when he came from home) and headed straight to nets. We concluded that he might have done his warm up at home itself. In fact most of the Mumbai team was there from Bahutule, Sameer Dinghe to Paras Mamhbrey and even Zaheer for fitness training with a Physio (he was frequently injured then).<br />
<br />
By the time Sachin hit the nets, Ajit Tendulkar had arrived. Within minutes the MIG gates were closed (open otherwise) and there were people around the fence trying to catch a glimpse of Sachin and Zaheer. In the meanwhile somebody had managed to open the kit and arrange the stumps, I was in no hurry to start my bowling practice. I stood just besides the batting crease (outside the net of course) where Sachin was batting and realized the little master had very very strong forearms and a very strong upper body.<br />
<br />
Although 5.5”, he looked fit enough to take down 2 to 3 decent size men. And I couldn’t stop noticing his MRF labeled broad bat, the light weight pads (the one I always saw and heard on TV) the way he took guard and the way he was unperturbed by the people and someone like me standing right besides his net.<br />
<br />
He practiced against a bowling machine and the balls flew in very fast indeed (most of it were short of good length deliveries). Maybe to get used to Shoaib’s pace and bounce. Remember he was in his prime then. The balls weren’t leather ones, they were some bigger than normal rubber balls.<br />
<br />
Then I heard Sachin speaking in Marathi “Are ikdoon davi kadoon ghe” (take it from the left side) instructing the guy handling the machine. For some reason I thought he must be very sophisticated and may be speaking only Engilsh, and so was completely floored by his normal Marathi speech. My respect grew multifold.<br />
<br />
Post his practice he sat on the chair had tea and to everyone’s surprise obliged for autograph to everyone on the ground practicing. We formed a queue, first took Sachin’s signature and then rushed to Zaheer. I was speechless when I took his signature.<br />
<br />
We enquired and found out that he was going to come the next day as well.<br />
<br />
Hurrayyyyy !!! I got my black marker, my favorite white T-Shirt and a camera the other morning. He came and he practiced, this time though he was hitting them a long way (was defensive the previous day). He again obliged for the autograph and even for a photograph to everyone. My friend clicked for me and this time I even managed to shake hands with the master and wish him luck for the Pak series.<br />
<br />
I even took snaps while he was practicing. Our captain approached him for a team snap and the Little Master again graciously obliged. The exponentially high respect for Sachin got multiplied further. I literally had a feeling of “I can die peacefully now”.<br />
<br />
I was in the stands and have seen him in action at Wankhede against Sri Lanka in 1997/98 test match, against West Indies in 2011 test match and at an IPL match V/S Chennai. But the most memorable of them all was the Mumbai V/S Australia game at Brabourne stadium. A warm up match before the historic 2000-01 Austalia series.<br />
<br />
He scored a double century, hitting 2 sixes to Shane Warne and one of them probably went out of the ground! That game also reminds me of Amit Pagnis (the then Mumbai opener) and Sanjay Manjrekar. Pagnis hit Shane 3 boundaries in an over and couple of them against the spin over covers (he bats left handed), the crowd went crazy. It was also the last first class match for Sanjay, he got a standing ovation. Kambli unfortunately lost his stumps sweeping at 10.<br />
<br />
Sachin’s pull six against Caddick in 2003 world cup, the straight six against Kasprowicz at Sharjah and the famous cut shot six against Shoiab in 2003 world cup are some of my favorite moments. Fans like me can go on and on. Then came his double century in ODI, that was some record (thank god Anwar got out on 194).<br />
<br />
As time went by, I started holding my bat in a conventional way rather than at the bottom of the handle. Sachin too, had to change his batting style to play more shots behind square than before. But his strike rate didn’t change much and neither did my attachment to the master.<br />
<br />
Everyone talks about his batting but for me to understand how emotional and a child like cricketer he is, one has to see him bowl and field. Often we have seen Sachin crossing the century mark and calmly taking his helmet off and raising his bat and helmet towards the dressing room followed by a look towards the sky (almost like what’s to be so excited about).<br />
<br />
Further, may be a common raise of the bat for the crowd. Many including me always felt we the fans deserved more prolonged and better acknowledgement. I loved him bowling, the slow medium pace, off spin, leg spin, googly, leg cutter, etc. The best part was when he took a wicket or a difficult catch; he used to get so excited like a child, almost as if he wasn’t expecting it to happen. This rather means he expected himself to score that century.<br />
<br />
On 23rd Dec 2012 morning my friend messaged me about his retirement. I switched on the TV and saw the news channels reporting. Somewhere I felt I was expecting it and prepared. But as I saw and heard there was a lump in my throat and my eyes went moist. Prepared, was I?<br />
<br />
Although off late playing selectively in ODI, I knew he will play in future (the big ones at least). The fact that we were about to play Pak, I felt he could have played this series. After all I deserved to know in advance that this is his last ODI series and innings. I would have bunked office for that one last time, known this is the last time he is wearing a blue, applauded his last innings, wicket, a throw and catch in ODI.<br />
<br />
I will never know the atmosphere in the stadium where we knew this is his last. I will miss the last hoorah and we the fans deserved it. With the career being as celebrated as it was, it deserved a celebrated send off. It was almost like Richard Parker leaving Pi so unceremoniously on the beach (knowing this could be the last time he will ever see Pi).<br />
<br />
He still plays the Tests. He will retire from tests too; I have to be prepared then. The question is will I ever be?<br />
<br />
Sachin's unconditional supporter and fan,<br />
Ashutosh Garud "<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-1947873544400804692013-01-05T19:00:00.000+05:302013-01-05T19:25:00.243+05:301-year Full-time MBAs!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is an excellent piece on the 1-year MBAs by Shikhar Mohan. By far the most informative comparison giving the differences and similarities between the 2-year MBAs and the 1-year MBAs.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, it elaborates quite well on WHY THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS part-time MBA!<br />
<br />
Please read it and share it with as many as possible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/don%60t-mistake-it-for-an-executive-mba/497566/">http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/don%60t-mistake-it-for-an-executive-mba/497566/</a><br />
<br />
Quoting from the article,<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"The first point to note is that the IIMs’ One Year Full Time MBA is a ‘Regular’ Full Time MBA and not an Executive MBA."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27608789.post-15595434947823266922012-12-30T22:22:00.002+05:302012-12-30T22:41:35.009+05:30Books I read this year....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This post is just to pen down the books I read this year. No particular order, just noting them as I remember.<br />
<br />
Stieg Larrson's stunning millennium series (Recommended)<br />
1. Girl with Dragon Tattoo<br />
2. The Girl who played with Fire<br />
3. The Girl who kicked Hornet's Nest.<br />
Review - This is a stunning trilogy. As morbid as the coincidence may be, but it describes how evil societies are to girls and women. This book talks about Swedish, but the recent case in India is no different. Indeed our country lacks the machinery to tackle this menace. That we don't have a deterring punishment history for past cases is a tacit go ahead to the potential criminals.<br />
<br />
John Le Carre's (Recommended)<br />
4. Our game<br />
5. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Re-read this)<br />
<br />
Review - Le Carre remains one of the darkest authors I will ever read. Our Game was a new book and not as great as his Smiley series. But TTSS was once again fun to read! Smiley as a spy is something that tells on how cerebral that vocation is. And how movies have trivialized it with the likes of Mr. Bond. Yet, I love both these characters, Smiley as well as Bond.<br />
<br />
John Grisham's<br />
6. The Litigators (Recommended)<br />
7. Theodore Boone: The Accused (Recommended for teenagers)<br />
The Litigators is a different story told by Grisham. The best part about the book - you can identify with the protagonist. Loved the book. Not pathbreaking, but immensely entertaining.<br />
So it is for #7 there but for teenagers.<br />
<br />
Michael Crichton's<br />
8. Timeline (Not Recommended)<br />
9. Rising Sun (Recommended)<br />
10. The Disclosure (Recommended)<br />
<br />
I started reading Crichton recently. And have I enjoyed his writing! Immensely insightful. Consider #9 and #10. Such polemic about things like globalization and corporate games in fiction is incredible. Plus the breadth of subjects Crichton can cover is unbelievable. Science fiction, thrillers, aliens, dinosaurs... wow!<br />
By the way, Timeline is something you can avoid. Quite ordinary and full of holes in the story.<br />
<br />
Dan Brown's<br />
11. The Symbol (OK if you like Dan Brown)<br />
The line above has told you what you want to know.<br />
<br />
Michael Lewis'<br />
12. Liar's Poker (Recommended)<br />
Brilliant non-fiction. I read his Big Short back in 2010 and I loved it. This one is also immensely entertaining!<br />
<br />
Wodehouse's<br />
13. Much Obliged Jeeves (Recommended)<br />
Wodehouse is way too big for me to say anything. Read it, enjoy it!<br />
<br />
14. Rubbish called Greed (Sorry to have noted this.... but utter waste of time)<br />
This author is called Chris Ryan. I hope no other author turns out like him.<br />
<br />
Will add as I remember the missed ones...<br />
<br />
WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
Sid</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds2.feedburner.com/TheIndianEagle</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18326032416207662680noreply@blogger.com0