I have read a lot of science fiction and I love it for the simple fact that science fiction lets the author explore ideas and situations that would be impossible in the real world. There is always hard science fiction which tries to predict the development of technology but leaving that most science fiction is really fantasy which uses a futuristic setting and technologies as plot devices. I know that for every statement I make about what science fiction is or isn't there will be someone to point out a sub-genre in science fiction where that statement doesn't apply. Hence, please understand that all my statements have the qualifier: "From what science fiction I have read."
I recently noticed the stark difference between the writing styles of science fiction authors regarding the definition and development of characters as the story progresses. Some science fiction authors create richly detailed worlds and universes, where characters are merely present to move the story along. In such stories, the development of the universe in which the story unfolds is the focus. These stories are are based on the idea of, "Imagine a world in which/where ...". Neal Stephenson's 'Diamond Age' is a perfect example. The characters are important, but the technology and society is even more important. Other examples being, Michael Crichton's books (Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Congo, Sphere, The Lost World, Prey, Next) or Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle's books (Footfall, The Mote in God's Eye, The Gripping Hand). However, I concede that the character of Horace Hussein Bury was developed well in the last two books that I have mentione above. Even some of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series novels fall under this category.
Then there are books where the whole story moves forward as the development of characters in them. Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, Orson Scott Card's Ender series fall in this category. These have richly detailed worlds too but the characters are more important than the worlds then inhabit.
And then there are authors who manage to blend character and world development in eqaul proportions. David Weber's Honor Harrington series, Issac Asimov's Robot series with Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Oligvaw, Brian Aldiss' Non-Stop, Frederick Pohl's Heechee series or even Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld series.
I have no prefercence amongst the three categories of stories. I like each style because it has its own merits. Of the authors and their works that I have listed not all of them have the same capabilities and some do better than others in terms of character development. Not all stories require character development to be told well. Sometimes the universe IS more fascinating than the characters in it. However, I can't appreciate stories where neither the universe nor the characters are detailed. The terms 2-D characters or cardboard cutout characters seem apt because the characters are not developed and consequently they lack the depth required to hold my attention.
A simple trick to identify a 2-D character is to try and describe him/her. If you can do it in less than 3 sentences then the character is just there to move the story along. Many a times you can do it in just one sentence. Let's take the movie Independence Day for example. It is a typical alien invasion movie. The actors and their characters:
Bill Pullman - President of USA who is an ex-fighter pilot.
Jeff Goldblum - MIT schooled engineer who hacks the alien's computers.
Will Smith - Hot shot USAF pilot who takes the fight to the aliens.
Do you see what I am trying to get at here ?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
What did I do this summer?
As often is the case with wonders, a wonderful summer is a culmination of a multitude of factors. Repressed anguish at the cold, damp weather finally starts bubbling over, only to be transformed by the Sun into a torrent of enthusiasm. The recovering Sun's promise of an unwavering relationship is taken with a pinch of salt, yet ideas that were biding their time, begin to send roots into the fertile soil that is just beginning to warm. The herald of summer starts working his magic and these ideas, now more confident, poke their heads above the ground.
In due course, as the summer makes its grand entrance, ideas that have blossomed through the spring need a timely harvest lest they wither away.
What blossoms graced my life this summer you ask? And I say, I discovered the great outdoors. Camping, trekking and visiting the beautiful parks in the Pacific Northwest made me fall in love with this region.
I say that photography gave me insights into how art could be meaningful, enabling me to try and capture the beauty in nature and experiences.
I say that I was reminded of the inherent fun in the dynamics of a large group of friends. This was a wholly unexpected gift though. Such blossoms grow with lots of good fortune; with seeds you never knew you sowed.
I say that I was surprised with how much I miss the culture that I grew up in. Food, festivals, songs, language and the people who enjoy these things and wish to preserve them, define culture for me. This was a blossom that I can't claim any right of ownership to. I was just lucky that I had the good sense to recognize its value.
Lastly, I say that this was a summer of discovery and realisation. A bouquet was formed that I hope will never wither. Each blossom should draw its strength from the others and all of them should draw their strength from me.
My strength, in turn, depends on having more summers like this one.
In due course, as the summer makes its grand entrance, ideas that have blossomed through the spring need a timely harvest lest they wither away.
What blossoms graced my life this summer you ask? And I say, I discovered the great outdoors. Camping, trekking and visiting the beautiful parks in the Pacific Northwest made me fall in love with this region.
I say that photography gave me insights into how art could be meaningful, enabling me to try and capture the beauty in nature and experiences.
I say that I was reminded of the inherent fun in the dynamics of a large group of friends. This was a wholly unexpected gift though. Such blossoms grow with lots of good fortune; with seeds you never knew you sowed.
I say that I was surprised with how much I miss the culture that I grew up in. Food, festivals, songs, language and the people who enjoy these things and wish to preserve them, define culture for me. This was a blossom that I can't claim any right of ownership to. I was just lucky that I had the good sense to recognize its value.
Lastly, I say that this was a summer of discovery and realisation. A bouquet was formed that I hope will never wither. Each blossom should draw its strength from the others and all of them should draw their strength from me.
My strength, in turn, depends on having more summers like this one.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Fall Line Up
There are some TV shows that I have come to enjoy. Some of them are returning shows while some premiered this fall.
House: Hugh Laurie portrays wisecracking, sarcastic diagnostic physician supported by his team of doctors, friends (one friend, to be precise) and the chief of the hospital.
Heroes: X-Men like premise where "evolution" has conferred upon ordinary people extarordinary abilities, including but not limited to tissue regeneration, flight, telekinesis, telepathy, etc.
Grey's Anatomy: Soap about doctors in a hospital in Seattle, focussing on Meredith Grey and her fellow interns. Very well acted.
Journeyman: Interesting idea about a man who time travels to the past but doesn't know how or why. The first few episodes have been about his wife and him trying to come to terms with it and him trying to help people in the past. I want to give this show some more time to develop before I judge it.
Pushing Daisies: A romantic comedy (?) about a guy who can give life to dead people with one touch and kill them permanently with the next. The romantic angle involves a childhood crush whom he brings to life but can never touch again for the fear of her dying forever. The pilot episode was very nicely done. The style and tone of the show seems unique. Again, I want to leave the verdict for later.
How I Met Your Mother: Kind of like Friends but for the 2000's. Neil Patrick Harris, who played Doogie Howser, is wonderfully hilarious. So are Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan (Michelle in American Pie, Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Jason Segal (Seth Rogen's roommate in Knocked Up). Cobie Smulders is just hot. :)
House: Hugh Laurie portrays wisecracking, sarcastic diagnostic physician supported by his team of doctors, friends (one friend, to be precise) and the chief of the hospital.
Heroes: X-Men like premise where "evolution" has conferred upon ordinary people extarordinary abilities, including but not limited to tissue regeneration, flight, telekinesis, telepathy, etc.
Grey's Anatomy: Soap about doctors in a hospital in Seattle, focussing on Meredith Grey and her fellow interns. Very well acted.
Journeyman: Interesting idea about a man who time travels to the past but doesn't know how or why. The first few episodes have been about his wife and him trying to come to terms with it and him trying to help people in the past. I want to give this show some more time to develop before I judge it.
Pushing Daisies: A romantic comedy (?) about a guy who can give life to dead people with one touch and kill them permanently with the next. The romantic angle involves a childhood crush whom he brings to life but can never touch again for the fear of her dying forever. The pilot episode was very nicely done. The style and tone of the show seems unique. Again, I want to leave the verdict for later.
How I Met Your Mother: Kind of like Friends but for the 2000's. Neil Patrick Harris, who played Doogie Howser, is wonderfully hilarious. So are Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan (Michelle in American Pie, Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Jason Segal (Seth Rogen's roommate in Knocked Up). Cobie Smulders is just hot. :)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Evolution and Hinduism
I was wondering why Hindus accept evolution more easily than people of other religions. Christians, in particular, seem have to have the hardest time. Creationism and its modern form known as "Intelligent Design" find many takers even today. The idea that human beings and monkeys share a common ancestry is abhorrent to many. The blurring of the distinction between man and beast is a disturbing idea to others.
In contrast, Hindus have a different view towards animals. Many Hindu Gods ride animals (Ganapati - Mouse, Yama - Buffalo, Durga - Tiger) , some Gods and demi-Gods are animals themselves (Hanuman - Monkey, Jatayu - Vulture). Some Gods are half human - half animal (Narsimha - Lion, Ganapati - Elephant). Hindus worship snakes, cows and even rats.
It is believed amongst Hindus that one is born as the lowest of animals, something akin to insects or even lower in the hierarchy of life. Through doing one's duty in each life, is one able to reach the next level when one is reborn. Human beings are considered the final step in this ladder, with them being capable of achieving "Moksha" through performing their duties and good deeds in life. Moksha is the escape from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. An evil person may be reborn as the lowest of the creatures once again so that sins can be atoned for.
An interesting concept in Hindu mythology is that of the "Dashavtaar" or the "Ten Incarnations". These ten incarnation start from marine animals, and reach human beings going through the stages of amphibious animals, mammals, hominids, savage humans, humans setting up civilization, etc. The blog entry, Dashavtaar and Evolution of Life - some parallels explains this is some detail.
The three points mentioned above, give some insight into why Hindus see evolution as nothing to be afraid of. It doesn't go against any of their beliefs and rather it reinforces them to an extent. Emotions of repulsion and disgust are not evoked when a connection is suggested between humans and animals because of the respect towards animals, in general.
As such, I believe Hinduism and evolution to be compatible with each other.
In contrast, Hindus have a different view towards animals. Many Hindu Gods ride animals (Ganapati - Mouse, Yama - Buffalo, Durga - Tiger) , some Gods and demi-Gods are animals themselves (Hanuman - Monkey, Jatayu - Vulture). Some Gods are half human - half animal (Narsimha - Lion, Ganapati - Elephant). Hindus worship snakes, cows and even rats.
It is believed amongst Hindus that one is born as the lowest of animals, something akin to insects or even lower in the hierarchy of life. Through doing one's duty in each life, is one able to reach the next level when one is reborn. Human beings are considered the final step in this ladder, with them being capable of achieving "Moksha" through performing their duties and good deeds in life. Moksha is the escape from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. An evil person may be reborn as the lowest of the creatures once again so that sins can be atoned for.
An interesting concept in Hindu mythology is that of the "Dashavtaar" or the "Ten Incarnations". These ten incarnation start from marine animals, and reach human beings going through the stages of amphibious animals, mammals, hominids, savage humans, humans setting up civilization, etc. The blog entry, Dashavtaar and Evolution of Life - some parallels explains this is some detail.
The three points mentioned above, give some insight into why Hindus see evolution as nothing to be afraid of. It doesn't go against any of their beliefs and rather it reinforces them to an extent. Emotions of repulsion and disgust are not evoked when a connection is suggested between humans and animals because of the respect towards animals, in general.
As such, I believe Hinduism and evolution to be compatible with each other.
Ganeshotsav
This is the fourth Ganeshotsav that I am celebrating away from home. This year though, I am lucky enough to be able to do many things that I did in India.
As a kid, the Ganeshotsav always has had two aspects for me. The Ganapati at home, with relatives and friends coming to visit and the Sarvajanik (Community) Ganeshotsav, with the late night cultural programs and the processions. Hanging out with friends after the programs to help wrap up the stage and stack the foldable wooden chairs was a big part of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav or "Colony cha Ganapati", as we used to call it. The hot food that we got as a reward for our hard work was another attraction.
I love the aartis (prayers) that we sing during the Ganeshotsav. I have been hearing these aartis ever since I was born. I have come to associate the aartis with Ganeshotsav as much as I associate "Ukadiche Modak" (steamed rice dumplings with a sweet coconut interior) with the festival.
In these foreign lands, the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak is alive and doing very well. Getting people together on an occasion, which is equally social, cultural and religious. While talking to a friend he mentioned that we do this so that "Hum khud ko hi naa bhool jaaye" (we don't forget what makes us who we are). Like a fish who doesn't understand the absence of water, I never understood statements like this until recently.
What we enjoy constitutes a large part of who we are. I realized that memories of my enjoying the Ganeshotsav will fade if I don't keep them alive by celebrating it. As memories fade, a part of us that we hold very dear in our hearts becomes a ghost of its original self and we begin to lose ourselves slowly.
I celeberate the Ganeshotsav in an effort to preserve my image of myself: Ganapati Bappa Moraya !!!
As a kid, the Ganeshotsav always has had two aspects for me. The Ganapati at home, with relatives and friends coming to visit and the Sarvajanik (Community) Ganeshotsav, with the late night cultural programs and the processions. Hanging out with friends after the programs to help wrap up the stage and stack the foldable wooden chairs was a big part of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav or "Colony cha Ganapati", as we used to call it. The hot food that we got as a reward for our hard work was another attraction.
I love the aartis (prayers) that we sing during the Ganeshotsav. I have been hearing these aartis ever since I was born. I have come to associate the aartis with Ganeshotsav as much as I associate "Ukadiche Modak" (steamed rice dumplings with a sweet coconut interior) with the festival.
In these foreign lands, the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak is alive and doing very well. Getting people together on an occasion, which is equally social, cultural and religious. While talking to a friend he mentioned that we do this so that "Hum khud ko hi naa bhool jaaye" (we don't forget what makes us who we are). Like a fish who doesn't understand the absence of water, I never understood statements like this until recently.
What we enjoy constitutes a large part of who we are. I realized that memories of my enjoying the Ganeshotsav will fade if I don't keep them alive by celebrating it. As memories fade, a part of us that we hold very dear in our hearts becomes a ghost of its original self and we begin to lose ourselves slowly.
I celeberate the Ganeshotsav in an effort to preserve my image of myself: Ganapati Bappa Moraya !!!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Trails from Sunrise, Mt. Rainier
The hiking trails from Sunrise Visitor Center at Mt. Rainier are open only for three months of the year from July-September. I went there one weekend to climb to the Second Boroughs mountain from there and fell in love with the place.
In fact, I liked it so much that I went there again the next weekend. We started at 4 am in the morning in order to reach before sunrise. We were rewarded with clear skies turning orange and then blue. Mt. Rainier itself changed shades from pink, to orange, to yellow and then ultimately white.
The trek itself consisted of taking the Sunrise trail from the visitor center. The trail drops about 200 feet to meet the Wonderland trail which passes through meadows covered with wild flowers: a riot of colours on the green grasses. There are tall trees growing in the meadows and the place looks like something out of a fairy tale book illustration.
In fact, I liked it so much that I went there again the next weekend. We started at 4 am in the morning in order to reach before sunrise. We were rewarded with clear skies turning orange and then blue. Mt. Rainier itself changed shades from pink, to orange, to yellow and then ultimately white.
The trek itself consisted of taking the Sunrise trail from the visitor center. The trail drops about 200 feet to meet the Wonderland trail which passes through meadows covered with wild flowers: a riot of colours on the green grasses. There are tall trees growing in the meadows and the place looks like something out of a fairy tale book illustration.
The meadows found here are similar to the ones found in the Tundra region of the Arctic and hence are extremely sensitive to human activity. Walking on these meadows destroys them and it can take decades to repair the damage. Hence, it is important to stay on the trails.
The meadows end just past Shadow Lake from where there is steady ascent of about 900 feet to the top of the First Burroughs mountain. As we climbed, the valley of the White River lay to our left and Mt. Rainier was always in front majestic as I had never seen before. The weather at Mt. Rainier is very fickle and we were very lucky to see Mt. Rainier's summit against blue skies.
At the top of the First Burroughs mountain we stood on the ridge between the First and Second Burroughs mountains, we could see the valley of Lodi Creek on our right as we faced Mt. Rainier with Emmons Glacier to our 10 o' clock.
Then on its another 300 feet of climbing to the top of the Second Burroughs mountain. The view here is just awesome. We use "awesome" very lightly sometimes, but this is one place where the word truly applies. Any superlatives that I could use to describe the vista are completely justified.
The meadows end just past Shadow Lake from where there is steady ascent of about 900 feet to the top of the First Burroughs mountain. As we climbed, the valley of the White River lay to our left and Mt. Rainier was always in front majestic as I had never seen before. The weather at Mt. Rainier is very fickle and we were very lucky to see Mt. Rainier's summit against blue skies.
At the top of the First Burroughs mountain we stood on the ridge between the First and Second Burroughs mountains, we could see the valley of Lodi Creek on our right as we faced Mt. Rainier with Emmons Glacier to our 10 o' clock.
Then on its another 300 feet of climbing to the top of the Second Burroughs mountain. The view here is just awesome. We use "awesome" very lightly sometimes, but this is one place where the word truly applies. Any superlatives that I could use to describe the vista are completely justified.
While returning back we took the fork to the Burroughs Mountain trail that leads back to the Sunrise Visitor Center past Frozen Lake. The descent is a total of 1000 feet with about 500 feet dropped going from the top of Second Burroughs Mountain to Frozen Lake and about 400 feet dropped in the last quarter mile to the trail head at the visitor center.
Here is link to the topographic map for those interested.
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=46.91094&lon=-121.67636&datum=nad27&u=4&layer=DRG&size=l&s=50
Also, to better understand what I am talking about, take a look at the photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/samir.govilkar/SunriseTrailTrek2
Here is link to the topographic map for those interested.
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=46.91094&lon=-121.67636&datum=nad27&u=4&layer=DRG&size=l&s=50
Also, to better understand what I am talking about, take a look at the photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/samir.govilkar/SunriseTrailTrek2
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
O. P. Nayyar
Those who like old hindi movie songs already know this but for those that aren't familiar with the genre, O. P. Nayyar was one of the best composers of that era. His songs are very melodious and I was very surprised when I realized yesterday that some of my favourite songs are his compositions.
Here's a starting point for those interested:
Kahin Pe Nigahen, Kahin Pe Nishana (C.I.D)
Le Ke Pehla Pehla Pyaar (C.I.D.)
Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (C.I.D.)
Pukarta Chala Hoon Main (Mere Sanam)
Here's a starting point for those interested:
Kahin Pe Nigahen, Kahin Pe Nishana (C.I.D)
Le Ke Pehla Pehla Pyaar (C.I.D.)
Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (C.I.D.)
Pukarta Chala Hoon Main (Mere Sanam)
Ruturaj Mahalim and Boogie Woogie for children
I am not usually a YouTuber and I don't precisely recall how I came upon these videos but I am glad I did. These videos are from the dance competition TV show Boogie Woogie. Boogie Woogie has various themes every now and then and the theme for these videos was "Children under 9 years of age"
Many kids performed well, but Ruturaj Mahalim is exceptional. Check out the first video where he performs to "Cheel Cheel Chilla Ke" by Kishore Kumar from the hindi movie Half Ticket. His timing and style is wonderful.
The second video is where he performs with a friend to "Kombdi" from the marathi movie Jatra. Here the duo's energy and timing is impeccable.
The third video is performed to the title song from the hindi movie "Don". This is from the final for the competition which he won.
Some other videos from Boogie Woogie that are worth watching are:
Shriti Shetty performing to Ah Ante from the Telugu movie Aarya
Jui Bendkhale performing to Pardesiya from the hindi movie Mr. Natwarlal
Prachi Bhosle and Shilpa performing to Aplam Chaplam from the hindi movie Aazad
Many kids performed well, but Ruturaj Mahalim is exceptional. Check out the first video where he performs to "Cheel Cheel Chilla Ke" by Kishore Kumar from the hindi movie Half Ticket. His timing and style is wonderful.
The second video is where he performs with a friend to "Kombdi" from the marathi movie Jatra. Here the duo's energy and timing is impeccable.
The third video is performed to the title song from the hindi movie "Don". This is from the final for the competition which he won.
Some other videos from Boogie Woogie that are worth watching are:
Shriti Shetty performing to Ah Ante from the Telugu movie Aarya
Jui Bendkhale performing to Pardesiya from the hindi movie Mr. Natwarlal
Prachi Bhosle and Shilpa performing to Aplam Chaplam from the hindi movie Aazad
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Impressions
****** BE WARNED. SPOILERS LIE HEREIN. ******
I loved the book. That's a great way to start off a review isn't it :) It just shows how unbiased and neutral it is going to be.
Like many people out there I grew up reading Harry Potter and I was anxious about how JKR would conclude the series. When I say I grew up reading the series, I don't mean to say that I was the same age as Harry during any of the books, in fact I was always older than even the Harry of the last book. Not being of the same age as Harry though was never an impediment in my identifying with the characters. As such I was afraid that JKR would fail in her hour of need.
No such thing happened. She came through for her readers and I am happy about it. Yes, yes she did fudge things a bit with the explanation of why Harry didn't really die and some chapters in the forest when the trio are on the run did drag out, but overall she came up with a very satisfying book.
The book is good on its own but it is more important as the final stroke that completes the masterpiece.
The Harry Potter series was a delightful tour with JKR as the tour guide.
I loved the book. That's a great way to start off a review isn't it :) It just shows how unbiased and neutral it is going to be.
Like many people out there I grew up reading Harry Potter and I was anxious about how JKR would conclude the series. When I say I grew up reading the series, I don't mean to say that I was the same age as Harry during any of the books, in fact I was always older than even the Harry of the last book. Not being of the same age as Harry though was never an impediment in my identifying with the characters. As such I was afraid that JKR would fail in her hour of need.
No such thing happened. She came through for her readers and I am happy about it. Yes, yes she did fudge things a bit with the explanation of why Harry didn't really die and some chapters in the forest when the trio are on the run did drag out, but overall she came up with a very satisfying book.
The book is good on its own but it is more important as the final stroke that completes the masterpiece.
The Harry Potter series was a delightful tour with JKR as the tour guide.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
For all of us who have been waiting for this book for nearly two years now, the end is near. So many of our theories, our hopes and dreams will be destroyed. However, many theories will be proven true too.
My biggest fear is that one of Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny will be killed. I don't want this to happen but since JKR has said that two major characters will die, it very well could mean one of these four is doomed. I am resting my hopes on the fact that all said and done this is still a children's book.
My gut feeling is that Snape is not a bad guy. There is something not right in the ease with which Dumbledore was killed. I am pretty sure every reader picked up that there is more to Snape killing him than has been revealed.
Most of all I hoping for a resolution of all the hints and unanswered questions JKR has been teasing us with since book 1.
I am going to be there for the midnight madness. It's a tad incovenient that I have a picnic to attend to the following morning. Let's see how fast I can finish the book.
My biggest fear is that one of Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny will be killed. I don't want this to happen but since JKR has said that two major characters will die, it very well could mean one of these four is doomed. I am resting my hopes on the fact that all said and done this is still a children's book.
My gut feeling is that Snape is not a bad guy. There is something not right in the ease with which Dumbledore was killed. I am pretty sure every reader picked up that there is more to Snape killing him than has been revealed.
Most of all I hoping for a resolution of all the hints and unanswered questions JKR has been teasing us with since book 1.
I am going to be there for the midnight madness. It's a tad incovenient that I have a picnic to attend to the following morning. Let's see how fast I can finish the book.
25th Birthday
I had a fantastic weekend. I had more fun this time around because my birthday came on a Saturday. So, all the fun started on Friday night itself.
Day 1: Irish pub -> Mango Mousse cake at midnight -> Two bottles of champagne -> Poker till 4 am
Day 2: Read and finish book -> Southwestern restaurant -> Pool parlor -> Seattle downtown and waterfront
Day 3: 10 mile cycling trip -> Snacks at Indian restaurant -> BBQ dinner at friend's house
Here's to all my friends who made this possible.
Day 1: Irish pub -> Mango Mousse cake at midnight -> Two bottles of champagne -> Poker till 4 am
Day 2: Read and finish book -> Southwestern restaurant -> Pool parlor -> Seattle downtown and waterfront
Day 3: 10 mile cycling trip -> Snacks at Indian restaurant -> BBQ dinner at friend's house
Here's to all my friends who made this possible.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Seattle BMM convention
All right everyone. It's happening this weekend. The biennial Brihan Maharashtra Mandal convention is going to be held in Seattle this time.
Lots of good programmes and food. Exhibitions and a business conference are going to be held on the side.
Check out the site http://www.bmm2007seattle.org/
Highlights include a performance by Ustad Zakir Hussain and a play by Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf, Sanjay Mone, Vijay Kenkre and Vinay Yedekar.
The chief minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh is going to attend this convention. Trips to Redmond and Everett are in his itinerary to have meetings at Microsoft and Boeing respectively. Dr. Jabbar Patel is the chief guest while Dr. Prakash and Manda Amte (Baba Amte's son and daughter-in-law) are guests of honour.
For all the non-marathi folk out there, single day passes are available if you want to just sample the Marathi culture :)
Lots of people have worked hard to make this a success and my best wishes are with all of them.
p.s. I am just a lowly volunteer in the Stage, Audio and Video (SAV) committee.
Lots of good programmes and food. Exhibitions and a business conference are going to be held on the side.
Check out the site http://www.bmm2007seattle.org/
Highlights include a performance by Ustad Zakir Hussain and a play by Ashok Saraf, Nivedita Saraf, Sanjay Mone, Vijay Kenkre and Vinay Yedekar.
The chief minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh is going to attend this convention. Trips to Redmond and Everett are in his itinerary to have meetings at Microsoft and Boeing respectively. Dr. Jabbar Patel is the chief guest while Dr. Prakash and Manda Amte (Baba Amte's son and daughter-in-law) are guests of honour.
For all the non-marathi folk out there, single day passes are available if you want to just sample the Marathi culture :)
Lots of people have worked hard to make this a success and my best wishes are with all of them.
p.s. I am just a lowly volunteer in the Stage, Audio and Video (SAV) committee.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Nokia N95
I am pretty happy with the Nokia N70 that I purchased over a year and a half ago. The ability to read eBooks on the phone using Mobipocket reader (www.mobipocket.com) has been invaluable.The phone is sturdily built and has taken lots of falls and bangs in its stride. I am sure that it's going to serve me well for another year and a half and probably even beyond that.
The Nokia N95, however, has built in WiFi, GPS receiver and a 5 MP camera. What this effectively means is that depending on how much memory you can put into this phone, you can turn it into a road navigator, trekking guide, city guide and use it for geotagging photos. Want to find the nearest Italian restaurant? Just stop by a WiFi hotspot.
While I am not someone who would go gaga over just increased megapixels, a 5 MP camera is something that could be really interesting. I know that Nokia is probably going to cram those 5 MPs in the same sized sensor as the one in my N70, which would result in smaller pixels. Smaller pixels means a lower signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Interestingly, as I wrote this, I found that for photon noise which is the limiting factor for modern CCD based cameras, SNR = SQRT(N) , where N is the number of photons collected by any pixel in a given time period. I don't even know how good the optics are going to be, but the noise itself could be sufficiently high to prevent the output of anything good except under the most perfect ligthing. The noise reduction algorithms that the imaging software in the phone will no doubt apply can only do so much. Garbage in, garbage out after all.
All I am saying here is that is this phone and others like this one will be the phones I will be looking at, if and when I decide to upgrade from my good old N70.
The Nokia N95, however, has built in WiFi, GPS receiver and a 5 MP camera. What this effectively means is that depending on how much memory you can put into this phone, you can turn it into a road navigator, trekking guide, city guide and use it for geotagging photos. Want to find the nearest Italian restaurant? Just stop by a WiFi hotspot.
While I am not someone who would go gaga over just increased megapixels, a 5 MP camera is something that could be really interesting. I know that Nokia is probably going to cram those 5 MPs in the same sized sensor as the one in my N70, which would result in smaller pixels. Smaller pixels means a lower signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Interestingly, as I wrote this, I found that for photon noise which is the limiting factor for modern CCD based cameras, SNR = SQRT(N) , where N is the number of photons collected by any pixel in a given time period. I don't even know how good the optics are going to be, but the noise itself could be sufficiently high to prevent the output of anything good except under the most perfect ligthing. The noise reduction algorithms that the imaging software in the phone will no doubt apply can only do so much. Garbage in, garbage out after all.
All I am saying here is that is this phone and others like this one will be the phones I will be looking at, if and when I decide to upgrade from my good old N70.
Monday, April 30, 2007
The joys of skiing
On the western coast of the US, May begins in the next 10 minutes. This in itself is not significant. It's just another day and just another beginning of another month. To me, however, it signifies a lot of things.
May, for all of my life, except for the past few years, has always meant searing heat, Alphonso mangoes and a wait for the first drops of glorious rain that arrive in June. May was the peak of summer.
Living in Raleigh, I didn't have to miss the heat or the wait for the thunderstorms but I did miss my Alphonso mangoes. I am glad that this year the Departments/Ministries of Agriculture have worked things out and I will be able to enjoy the mangoes I have waited for so long.
How is this relevant to the title you may ask and I would answer by saying that with all the thoughts about May racing in my head, the joys of skiing are fading from my memory. I wanted to write about them while they are still fresh in my mind.
Winter was never a difficult time growing up. It meant cooler, pleasant weather and never an intimidating time of the year. In the US, I learnt to worry about layered clothing, hand gloves, iced windshields and roads. I also understood how much fun freezing rain and winds were. My definition of winter was transformed. I stopped looking forward to it and started dreading it.
Skiing changed much of that. There is a lot to do during spring, summer and fall and I had never thought that I would have so much fun in an outdoor activity in winter. That's the first joy. You get to be outside doing something exhilarating even when it is overcast and snowing. Try being cooped up in your apartment on a weekend with the sun setting at 4 pm and you will get the idea about why it is such a joy.
The ski resort is a place where you see other people having a great time. You see families together, with parents teaching kids how to ski and snowboard. You witness people falling and still laughing. The bright colourful ski clothes making a great contrast against the pure white snow. Even during the most heavily overcast of days these scenes lift your mood. If by luck you have the sun shining then all the more better.
Then there is the sheer excitement of skiing down the mountain slope, trying hard not to fall down and trying harder to turn and stop when and where you want. You gradually become more interested in the techniques you see people employing around you and draw inspiration from little children doing much better than you. Your confidence builds up over time, hopefully without too many bumps, bruises and sprains.
All of these things make for a great day and I am looking forward to the next winter and the next ski season. Definitely give skiing a try if you ever get the chance.
May, for all of my life, except for the past few years, has always meant searing heat, Alphonso mangoes and a wait for the first drops of glorious rain that arrive in June. May was the peak of summer.
Living in Raleigh, I didn't have to miss the heat or the wait for the thunderstorms but I did miss my Alphonso mangoes. I am glad that this year the Departments/Ministries of Agriculture have worked things out and I will be able to enjoy the mangoes I have waited for so long.
How is this relevant to the title you may ask and I would answer by saying that with all the thoughts about May racing in my head, the joys of skiing are fading from my memory. I wanted to write about them while they are still fresh in my mind.
Winter was never a difficult time growing up. It meant cooler, pleasant weather and never an intimidating time of the year. In the US, I learnt to worry about layered clothing, hand gloves, iced windshields and roads. I also understood how much fun freezing rain and winds were. My definition of winter was transformed. I stopped looking forward to it and started dreading it.
Skiing changed much of that. There is a lot to do during spring, summer and fall and I had never thought that I would have so much fun in an outdoor activity in winter. That's the first joy. You get to be outside doing something exhilarating even when it is overcast and snowing. Try being cooped up in your apartment on a weekend with the sun setting at 4 pm and you will get the idea about why it is such a joy.
The ski resort is a place where you see other people having a great time. You see families together, with parents teaching kids how to ski and snowboard. You witness people falling and still laughing. The bright colourful ski clothes making a great contrast against the pure white snow. Even during the most heavily overcast of days these scenes lift your mood. If by luck you have the sun shining then all the more better.
Then there is the sheer excitement of skiing down the mountain slope, trying hard not to fall down and trying harder to turn and stop when and where you want. You gradually become more interested in the techniques you see people employing around you and draw inspiration from little children doing much better than you. Your confidence builds up over time, hopefully without too many bumps, bruises and sprains.
All of these things make for a great day and I am looking forward to the next winter and the next ski season. Definitely give skiing a try if you ever get the chance.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Buses and Cars
Readers of my blog should refer to my earlier post about my adventure in missing a bus to work. Adventure ... huh! I can hear myself and all the readers smirking at this use of "adventure" to describe something mundane beyond doubt.
April is a quite some time after November when I had made my last post. The advent of Spring makes a lot of difference in not missing the bus. The mornings are not so chilly any more and today was downright warm. More warm then any self-respecting day in the Spring has a right to be in this part of the world.
My car had been in the auto body shop for the past week. I would rather not go into the exact circumstances regarding how it wound up there, but suffice it to say that it involved an icy road, fresh snow covering the ice during a trip to a ski resort.
The bus system in Redmond is absolutely fabulous. Mileage may vary for people living in different parts of the Puget Sound area but for me the commute to and from work is a pleasure. It's no more than a three minute walk from my apartment to the bus stop and the same holds true for the walk from my office building to the bus stop. The ride itself takes fifteen minutes and I ride free courtesy of a deal between my company and Metro Transit. I just looked it up and it turns out that it's a Metro Transit program called the FlexPass.
I have my car back now but the bus system has me hooked. I may yet take to riding the bus to work on a more frequent basis. On a side note, since I have never posted a photo of my car before, I shall post it now.
April is a quite some time after November when I had made my last post. The advent of Spring makes a lot of difference in not missing the bus. The mornings are not so chilly any more and today was downright warm. More warm then any self-respecting day in the Spring has a right to be in this part of the world.
My car had been in the auto body shop for the past week. I would rather not go into the exact circumstances regarding how it wound up there, but suffice it to say that it involved an icy road, fresh snow covering the ice during a trip to a ski resort.
The bus system in Redmond is absolutely fabulous. Mileage may vary for people living in different parts of the Puget Sound area but for me the commute to and from work is a pleasure. It's no more than a three minute walk from my apartment to the bus stop and the same holds true for the walk from my office building to the bus stop. The ride itself takes fifteen minutes and I ride free courtesy of a deal between my company and Metro Transit. I just looked it up and it turns out that it's a Metro Transit program called the FlexPass.
I have my car back now but the bus system has me hooked. I may yet take to riding the bus to work on a more frequent basis. On a side note, since I have never posted a photo of my car before, I shall post it now.
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