Thursday, July 30, 2009

Whenever I am travelling by myself (which is most of the times), I get these thoughts in my head

PLANE CRASH.

Always get my hopes up.. but.................... nothing happens.

ahh well...

Roshni gar khuda ko ho manzoor
to aandhiyon mein bhi chiraag jalte hain..

People who know me would know,

zindagi yun hui basar tanha
qaafile saath aur safar tanha

A quick painless death would be more than welcome.

zindagi hai bewafa - dhokha de kar jaayegi
maut hai meri dilruba - saath le kar jaayegi.

but, don't want it to be painful.

dil bhi ik zidd pe addha hai, kissi bacche ki tarah..
ya to sab kuch hi isse chaahiye - yaa kuch bhi nahin.

Pomegranate Phone - The ULTIMATE All In One Device (Seriously)

Thanks Yousef.

 

Well you have the Apple, the BlackBerry, why not a Pomegranate?

Now, when these guys say All In One... they MEAN IT.

Do watch the complete video (I doubt you will regret it).

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Windows Genuine Advantage – Updated

The previous patch I was using, seems to have outlived it’s utility. The guys at Microsoft came up with a new WGA version. I wouldn’t have noticed, except I decided to restart the PC in my office (god alone knows after how many months). And then I got the nag screen.

Well this is how you get rid of it.

  1. Extract all the files onto your desktop.
  2. Double click installer.bat.
  3. Follow instructions on the command prompt.
  4. Restart.

And your XP is genuine again.

UPDATE

  1. Download Patch
  2. Extract files to desktop
  3. Double Click WGA_v1.9.40.0_crack
  4. Restart

DONE :)

Lightning – Danielle Steel

0375433260

Just got done re-reading another old book from my collection. When I had read this book years ago, I had a problem with some of the readers criticising the ending. While re-reading it this time around, I was sure I would criticise the ending myself.

Somewhere in the back of my head, I kept wondering what had changed for me to feel that way. But as I approached the end of the book, it was back. I was fine with the ending. Should have been relief, knowing that I hadn’t changed that much over the years. But oddly enough – this was unsettling as well. I sure am messed up.

Amazon Link:

Lightning – Danielle Steel

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hurt – Nine Inch Nails

I hurt myself today - to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain - the only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole - the old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away - but I remember everything

What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know - goes away in the end
You could have it all - my empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of shit - upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts - I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time - the feelings disappear
You are someone else - I am still right here

If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way


The Johnny Cash Version has ‘crown of thorns’ instead of ‘crown of shit’. Well that’s a small difference in the lyrics.. but there is a huge difference in what the song means to NIN and what it means for Johnny Cash. Just for the record – the song was written by Trent Reznor (NIN).

98 Inch TV For The Son – Cool Mom

ceiling-screen-07-27-09

Patti Deni wanted to surprise her teenage son by giving him his own big-screen TV, so while their new home was being built, she contacted Williamsville, NY–based Stereo Advantage with an idea: Instead of mounting the set to the wall, like everyone else does, she suggested having the TV laid flush across the ceiling.

Link

Speechless.

BlackBerry 8520 - Mac Compatible!

bb-curve-8520

 

Out of the box Mac compatibility. Nice.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac will be coming somewhere in September, and that implies that all BlackBerry(s) (not just the 8520) will be compatible with Mac. Well they sure took their time with it.

 

 

 

Link

Monday, July 27, 2009

Ask Me Instead

pic

Some individuals think a bit too much of themselves. I would know. At times, I am one of them.

I just hate it when someone talks to me like they have had a peek into the 'real me' and they now know how to fix me. News Flash - when I need your help, I will ask for it.

Would like to clarify a few things. You don't have to look hard to know the real me. There is no personality disorder here that you have to work through. There is no complex character you have to get to know. I am not ashamed of myself, hence I don't see the need to hide behind masks. Some people call it being shameless. Some refer to it as being yourself. I don't mind either.

So, again - stop psycho-analysing me. There is nothing to analyse. You are looking for something that's not there. I am NOT your pet project.

Just in case you derive some pleasure from over-working your head and want to figure me out all by yourself, go ahead - by all means - but there is absolutely no need to share your findings with me. I am not interested in your flawed theories and neither do I have any interest in pointing out your incompetence.

You want to know something about me, just ask me - it's a much easier approach.

Why am I indifferent to people - Well I just don't care as much as people think I should. Fashionably sensitive, but too cool to care (most of the times, anyway).

Why won't I return phone calls - Not everyone is worth talking to.

Why don't I make an effort to make people like me - Again - I don't feel the need to wear masks. I would rather someone hates me for what I am, than like me for someone I am not. I can't pretend.

Why am I so rude - It's called being HONEST. Would be nice if more people would try it. Yes, there is no reason why one can't be civil. If I think your dress is horrid, I would prefer being civil and not say anything. But if you ask me how do you look, well I am not going to lie.

Here's a tip, for future reference -If you can't deal with the answers, don't ask the questions.

Got the pic from here

S9110 - Watchphone

samsung_s9110_03

Scratch proof touch screen, voice recognition, Outlook email sync... hmm.

Link

Deepika Padukone

deepika-padukone-picture1

Reminds me of someone.

Something about her eyes.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

People never fail to surprise me. I mean, why can’t you just take the hint? Anyone who knows me, would definitely agree that I am not the type who is subtle when it comes to dropping hints. In fact, I sometimes wish I was the subtle type. Hate it when everyone thinks being brutally honest is a bad thing.

When I don’t like something, it’s rather obvious and I make my displeasure known.

Phir bhi koi baaz naa aaye to koi kya kare!?

I am really trying to avoid smacking people around. But I guess that’s the only way. laaton ke bhoot baaton se nahin maante.

Luck - OST

The remixes in the OST are done by DJ Amyth. I was really turned off by the name itself. From Amit to Amyth. I just find it sad. The remixes – even sadder.

I rarely enjoy remixes, but if done well - I can listen to them. I am not a singer or a music composer or a musician. What the hell do I know. I just like listening to good stuff and these remixes WEREN’T good (for me)!

Aazma Luck Aazma – various versions of the song. The thing that messed up the song for me is that pathetic line “it’s not about the money, not about the honesty don’t you think it’s rather funny .. luck is the key”. Why would anyone pen crap like that? I wish that part was edited out of all the versions. Absolute rubbish.

My favourite version is the one by Sukhwinder.

Zameen se uthaaye.. falak pe bithaaye – meherbaan ho jaaye gar khuda.

As I mentioned, the remixes are rather lame. The version by Shruti Hassan was a surprise. She does sing rather well. Just love the way she starts off the song. Something about that.

Sukhwinder's Version

Shruti Hassan

Khudaaya Ve – Remix is crap. The lyrics aren’t bad. Just somehow feel that they should have been better. I really like this one line:

Pyaase tadap rahen, saahil kareeb re

Knowing

Picture 1

Seeing Nicolas Cage’s name in the cast, no longer means what it used to.

Starts off reasonably well, but I am afraid it’s all downhill from there. Horrible-hammed acting. No point in singling out anyone. They were all terrible.

Some of the scenes are downright laughable.

Here is one:

The strangers show up again and Caleb hits the horn in the car. John (Nicolas Cage) sees one of the strangers heading into the woods and chases him. John catches up with the stranger - Flashlight on – hand gun ready. Stranger turns - opens his mouth – emits a super bright light.

Some people might find that scene intense. I found it super lame. It’s like – “haaa! my flashlight is brighter than yours”.

The last 20 minutes or so of the movie – absolute rubbish. Not like the rest of it is worth watching.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Transformer Boy

Shanghai Daily

"

A 14-YEAR-OLD boy drank gasoline for five years to obtain "energy" - just as his idols "Bumble Bee" or "Optimus Prime" do in "Transformers," the Sichuan-based West China Metropolis Daily reported yesterday.

Link

It's a very interesting article actually. Do read it. Here are some of my favourite parts (with my comments of course):

"

"He began to drink gasoline five years ago, when we found he liked smelling lighter fuel," he (father) said.

Interesting. The flick Transformers came out in 2007. Must be the 1980's cartoons.


"

"But afterwards we found our motorcycle's gasoline was always disappearing, and one day when we found the boy had drunk a half bottle of gasoline stolen from the motorcycle, we were too shocked to say anything,"

Too SHOCKED to say anything! I have heard that excuse a lot of times, hell, I have used it a lot of times myself. But never in such a case. I saw my friend injecting heroin.. but I was too shocked to say anything.

I saw my son climbing over the railing, but I was too shocked to say anything.

How pathetic does THAT sound. 


"

"Since my son started to drink gas, his IQ has dropped sharply and now he can't figure out simple addition and subtraction," the father said.

Given that he thought drinking petrol was a good idea, I don't think it dropped sharply. Evidently, it was never there to begin with.

And with all those statements the parents have given, I have serious doubts about their IQ levels as well.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Ads On The Moon

I am all for thinking out of the box approach, but the moon! This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase – Out Of This World.

New Shadow Shaping technology creates images on the moon that can be seen from Earth.  Robots are used to create several small ridges in the lunar dust over large areas that capture shadows and shape them to form logos, domains names or memorials.

Link

 

Race cars covered up with cigarette logos wasn’t enough? Championships and Tournaments being referred to as Coca Cola cup or Hero Honda Championship wasn’t lame enough?!

Hell I have a problem with blog owners vandalising their own blogs/websites with banners all over the place. Look, it’s different if you put up one area where the banner keeps alternating, but a banner on every white space you can find? Come on!

I get it. Someone has to pay the bills. But ads on the MOON!?!?!!!!

Me: Jaan, kal raat ko chaand dekha – tumhaari bahut yaad aayi
Her: Aisi kya baat thi?
Me: Well, they put up the Nike Ad - Just Do It.
Her: Hee hee, then why didn’t you come over?
Me: I was on my way but…. as I was driving, the ad changed. Now it was Sprite - dikhawon pe mat jaao, apni akal ladao, Bujhaaye only pyaas, baaki sab bakwaas  -
So I went over to Jenny’s place instead. She doesn’t need constant reassurance that I only love her. A fix for the pyaas and definitely no bakwaas.

Jokes apart, imagine if they got a typo for one of the ads. Now, THAT would be interesting. :D

The Bitch Has Gone Crazy - Mayawati

06slid6

Mayawati, Shakal se to jamaadaar lagti hi hai, saala naam bhi chamaaron waala hai - Thuuu.. neech zaat. There, I said it. Go ahead - sue me. Ek kuttiya ki teen santaan..... mulayam, mayawati, kaanshiraam.

"

Maya defiant, rewards man behind Joshi house arson

The war between the BSP and Congress has intensified with BSP chief and Chief Minister Mayawati 'rewarding' the person who was allegedly behind torching of UPCC chief Rita Joshi's house in Lucknow, according to media reports.

Sources said, BSP MP Intezar Abdi has been given the Deputy Chairmanship of the UP Sugar Corporation.

Link

What the hell! Couldn't you be a little discreet about it? There are less obvious ways of rewarding your henchmen. Is it necessary to have your name in the paper, everyday - irrespective of what it's for?

BTW, I refer to her (and many others) as 'neech zaat' not because of their caste but because of their actions. The caste is irrelevant 1. But if your actions and your thoughts are pathetic, doesn't matter what caste you belong to.

In other words - Chotti/ghatiya soch, ghatiya harkaten makes you chotte/neech/ghatiya log. Mayawati qualifies. Many others do too.


Notes:

1 - When I say Caste is irrelevant, I am not addressing the pathetic lot who protest and riot so that their names get the status of SC/ST. Neither am I addressing the shit loads of people who are getting converted for the sole purpose of being among the CHOSEN ONE's who get preference and reservations regardless of merit.

VP Singh - Ye kya shuru kar gaya (well I will always hold him responsible).

Mandal Commission might have been started under Morarji Desai, but the implementation of their crappy recomendations was brought ahead by VP "Chutiya" Singh.

And the worst part - There are plenty of idiots in the parliament (and outside) who think this crap is a good idea and support it. Aaaaaaaarrrggggggh

Stimulus Parachute

stimulus-parachute

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Ice Age – Dawn Of The Dinosaurs

Picture 1

Well how do you think it was :)

Fun and funny. Time pass.

Diego remains my favourite Ice Age character with Buck coming a close second.

The most hilarious part of the movie (for me) had very little to do with the movie. Scrat and Scratte making out while dancing was censored. Every time the sabre-tooth squirrels would kiss, there’s a cut in the movie. Me and my friend couldn’t stop laughing at that.

The first time it happened, I heard one of the girls sitting behind us go – ‘What The Fuck’! My sentiments exactly - I mean – it’s an animation – and these are animated squirrels!

Unforgivable – Sean John

20060526-SEAN512

UnforgivableSeanJohnedtformen



The Sales-girl/Marketing Rep was insistent that I try it out. So I did. The fragrance is ok, but I really liked the name. The packaging is awesome. Reason enough to get it. Even if I don’t use it, looks great on my dressing table.

LG XF1 – Multimedia HDD

Picture 1

Love the look. Although, I am a bit confused. Is this the FX1 or XF1?? Guess LG is confused too (Hope they make up their mind). Check out the next screen shot (Red = FX, Green = XF):

   Picture 1

 

Oh well, shit happens. Google search for both XF and FX does sort out the problem and it would be safe to assume that it’s actually XF1. Hope LG sorts out the title for the webpage. 

Product Page.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Iris – Goo Goo Dolls

I'd give up forever to touch you
Because I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Because sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me
Because I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And you can't fight the tears that aren't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive

Fast & The Furious - 4

Picture 1

A hell lot better than Tokyo Drift. It’s nice to see the makers learning from their previous mistakes and trying to correct them.

Vin Diesel is back and that’s a relief. Good cars, better chases and races. Not complaining about the eye candy either. Well, except Michelle Rodriguez.

Never liked her. Could very well be because of her annoying character in Lost (Ana). Then again, could be her voice, or her face. May be it’s her eyes. Doesn’t matter. The character does get killed off in the beginning, but her just being there was upsetting enough for me.

Still couldn’t sit through it. Too much talking for a movie like this. And - not being racist or anything, but a bit too much latino flavour for my liking. There are times when I can put up with it. Sometimes, it’s just a bit too much.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

...

naa to main kisi ka habib hoon, naa to main kisi ka raqeeb hoon,
jo bigadh gayaa vo naseeb hoon, jo ujadh gayaa vo dayaar hoon

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Designer Flash Drives

I have seen some of them around. There was this bunch from Swarovski (crystal flash drives) which I thought was a waste of money. But Calvin Klein has proved that stupidity – like imagination – has no limits.

A 4 GB USB flash drive in a pair of sunglasses. CK lets you bring out the geek in you – in style (lame, I know)

  

calvin_klein_usb_sunglasses

For the fashion-conscious geek - this will be available in October.

Link

Dosti Jab Kissi Se Ki Jaaye

Rahat Indori…

Dosti jab kissi se ki jaaye
Dushmanon ki bhi raaye li jaaye

maut ka zehar hai fizaaon mein
ab kahaan jaa ke saans li jaaye

bas issi soch mein hoon duba hua
ye nadi kaise paar ki jaaye

mere maazi ke zakhm bharne lage
aaj phir koi bhool ki jaaye

botlen khol ke to pi barson
aaj dil khol ke bhi pi jaaye

Clink

botlen khol ke to pi barson
aaj dil khol ke bhi pi jaaye

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Another Site Blocked - India

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

MS Office On The Web

 

"

Microsoft has fired its latest salvo at Google, announcing a free web-based version of its Office software. Office 2010 will include lightweight versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote when it ships next year. The new web offering will compete with Google's free online Docs suite launched three years ago.

Microsoft's announcement is being seen as the latest move in a tit-for-tat rivalry between two tech giants as it and Google increasingly make efforts to encroach on one another's turf.

When Google announced its Chrome operating system last week, the blogosphere watched and waited for Microsoft to react.

Link

Office Watch

Monday, July 13, 2009

ROTFL

 

It's the same story. Reported on two different news sites. Just had to share this. 

 

New Picture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Picture (1)

Arab Times Link
Kuwait Times Link

 


I actually prefer the Kuwait Times article. Reports the incident and doesn't sound stupid.

The Arab Times article, definitely detailed but stupid as hell.

"

.... the Pakistani broke the shackles binding his legs and escaped on foot. The jail guards tightened security on the three other prisoners to prevent them from following the Pakistani.
Sources revealed a security guard chased the Pakistani but he was nowhere in sight as he hid behind cars at Al-Sabah Hospital, which was crowded at the time

BROKE the shackles - what is he.. Popeye on spinach?

Hid behind the cars and they couldn't find him - ??? (10 yr olds playing police and robber!).

If someone actually wants readers to believe this is the truth, well it casts serious doubts on the security personnel's capabilities (or the lack of it) not to mention - the quality of the 'Shackles'.

Point to be noted - A detailed account of events isn't necessarily the best way to present a story. It wouldn't hurt to sometimes use your head. It's there for a reason.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Out Of My Mind – Duran Duran

Light a candle - lay flowers at the door
For those who were left behind and the ones who've gone before
But here it comes now - sure as silence follows rain
The taste of you upon my lips - The fingers in my brain

Ever gentle - as it kills me where I lay
Who am I to resist? Who are you to fail?

Got to get you out of my mind
But I can't escape from the feeling
As I try to leave the memory behind
Without you what's left to believe in?

so sorry, for the way it had to go
But now I feel your presence, in a way I could not know
And I wonder - Do you ever feel the same
In whispering darkness, do you ever hear my name?

Got to get you out of my mind
But I can't escape from the feeling
As I try to leave the memory behind
Without you, what's left to believe in?

How could you dare to become so real
When you're just a ghost in me

And I've got to get you out of my mind
But I can't escape from the feeling
As I try to leave the memory behind
Without you, what's left to believe in?

Here in the back of my mind
Deep in the back of my mind

Have all these bloody voices inside my head. Just can’t get them to stop.

Arrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhh..

The Mentalist – Season 2 – Coming Soon

 

Picture 1

 

As the banner says – September 24th, 2009.

Can’t wait.

The key is not to give a shit. Not to care about anyone or anything..

Why the fuck can’t I do that!

Friday, July 10, 2009

 

So choked up.

Feel like I am being sucked right into hell.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Password Recovery Via Text Message

 

To turn this on for your account, just sign in, select 'Change Password Recovery Options,' enter your cell phone number and click 'Save.'

Next time you forget your password, enter your username on the password-assistance page, and Google will text you a recovery code. No need to check another email account or even leave the page.

In general, it's a good idea to add as many password recovery options to your Google Account as possible, like a secondary email address and security question. And don't forget to keep them up-to-date.

Link

 

Duplicity

Picture 1  

Promos for this movie were very interesting (and misleading, as it turns out – for me at least). The editing leaves a lot to be desired. This movie tests the viewer’s patience. It’s just over 2 hours when it really didn’t need to be.

It does start off rather well, but it never gets going. Predictable and not in a good way. You don’t feel good when you see on screen what you have already figured out, simply because it’s been dragged on so much already. Instead of going ‘yess’ one is more likely to sigh and say ‘finally’

There was really no need for the confusing time lines. Too many flashbacks aren’t always cool. There were times when I wanted to slap around Julia Robert’s character. It was like - Would you please just shut up and get on with the next scene (pitch of my voice rising with every word).

Paul Giamatti – I am a fan. But there was just the scene in the end that caught my attention. The rest of it was just blaaaa.

It’s watchable. Just wasn’t enjoyable for me.

Cool

In response to a call from Hewlett Packard for user-made advertisements, two students at London's Kingston University pulled off a mesmerizing synchronized printing routine with a stable of HP printers

Link

...

 

Khataa to jab ho ke hum haal e dil kissi se kahen
kissi ko chaahte rehna, koi khataa to nahin...

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Hustle

Thanks Agnel

group_s3

Started off with the show. Interesting, cool. A bit predictable perhaps, but it’s still fun. I have always liked heist / scam shows/movies. Ha… I guess everyone likes those. For me, it’s simply because I expect the script to be well paced yet detailed. Don’t think it’s easy to do that. Some producers find that impossible to accomplish. The Hustle hasn’t disappointed – not yet anyways. 

Adrian Lester playing Mickey “Bricks” Stone fits the character. In fact, I think the entire cast fits well into their respective characters. 

Jaime Murray (playing Stacie) reminds me of someone. Just can’t put my finger on it. I like her. Loved her in Dexter as well (she played Lila).

The last BBC show I really enjoyed was Coupling.

Amazon Links

The Memorial Service

090629_Michael_Jackson


On the forum, talk started about the memorial service and if I had bothered watching it or not. Here are my views on that:




I will probably catch the highlights today or tomorrow on some news channel and then start complaining about how unnecessary it was to get his daughter up and make her cry OR may be something else.

I am really trying hard not to sound insensitive - if it still appears that I am - my sincere apologies.

MJ is dead. If heaven/hell exists - his soul is already there. If there isn't one - well his body is in the casket and it will rot away. It's over. Hardly anything will be accomplished for MJ by this (memorial service).

Think about it - What does any of this accomplish for MJ? Publicity? Won't do him much good after his death now will it? Sure will work in favour of others.

A memorial service for others benefit? Fine. But if anyone really did care about MJ, I am sure they would see the futility of this.

If it's to show how much he will be remembered and all that - If he is in the presence of God and Angels and all that - I seriously doubt he would be bothered with what mere mortals are doing to remember him.

If he is in the presence of Lucifer bhaiya - I don't think he gets to choose what he watches or doesn't. He would be occupied getting toasted/roasted/boiled or whatever it is they do.

The loss is too great - for those who feel it - and no memorial service (regardless how big / small) is going to help fill that void. A public funeral is considered undignified by some. But for some it might be seen as a way of expressing their grief. We all have our own way of grieving.

The ones who watched it - I wonder why they watched it. I mean - were you expecting it to be entertaining?

  • Definitely not an awards night program or a thriller show.
  • Was it out of the sense of paying your respects to the man/legend/king? Personally, I find it a weird way of giving your final respects.
  • Did you believe this would be informative?

Anyways - to each his own.

These things don't make sense to me, so I don't bother with them. There are a lot of things my stupid head is unable to comprehend. One more hardly makes a difference.

Somebody said it was because people were CURIOUS. I do understand curiosity. In fact - I am confident I understand it very well. I tried to take a U turn at 100-120 kmph in a SUV because I was curious to see if it would flip or not.

Who is attending.. where it will be.. how many came with Armani suits.. what flowers.. will the president come up...

I don't (or rather can't) categorise those as queries of a curious mind. For me - those are - baigaane ki shaadi mein abdullah deewana.

People whose lives are so empty and un-interesting that they are desperately seeking something (regardless of how pointless) just to have something to do or to talk about.

It's sad.

But again - this is me. Like I mentioned before - I am not an authority on human behaviour. There are a lot of things that don't make sense to me. This is one of them.

Michael Jackson - The Death

michael-jackson


Sigh..

I was SO sure of it that I will not be putting up an MJ post on my blog. But....

Anyways, here are my views. I have been talking about this in my comments (to Agnel) and on one of the forums I visit. This is basically a compilation of my comments. Once I start yapping, it's difficult for me to shut up.

There will be two posts of just rambling on. So here goes - My views:




It's funny how death changes everything.

Just saw one of the headlines that read - MJ's rehearsals for the upcoming shows SHOWED THE MAGIC WAS BACK. How much do you want to bet - if the guy (god bless his soul) was alive and did the show - we would be reading stuff like MJ totally washed up, pathetic show. It's over for MJ.

I can't wait to die!

From all the blogs I frequent - there wasn't one which ignored this news (not even RGV). I did feel crappy for not putting up a post on MJ on my blog.. but I didn't know what to put up.
  • I was never really a fan.
  • It wasn't my type of music (heal the world, remember the time, beat it...... just not my taste).
  • I am not awed by dance moves (just doesn't do it for me).

There were times I did speak about MJ - but that was during all those controversial court cases. Of course, I was more interested in the legal arguments than the celebrity involved.

I did chuckle when Farah Khan (out of all the people in the world) was giving interviews and saying stuff like 'I touched the king of pop'. Mithun Da saying 'MJ was my Guru' !!!!???

Of course he had a huge fan following. An icon. It's just... err.. I find it disturbing. That's all. It's hard to explain.

It's along the same lines when Pramod Mahajan died and all of a sudden everyone was out talking good about this guy. Even at that point, I had expressed the same thing. I hated Pramod Mahajan when he was alive, and just because he is dead, doesn't mean I have to like him. The hypocrisy of it all gets to me.

When was the last time any of you heard anything good about the 'KING OF POP'. Seriously?

Chuck the over dose or foul play or heart attack theory. I am glad he is dead. Finally some peace for him. If it wasn't child molestation, then it was breach of contracts. If not that, then his bankruptcy crap and his extravagant lifestyle.

When they couldn't come up with any new gossip, they would resurrect the issues of his skin colour and plastic surgeries. If nothing else, then there was always the chimp story.

Probably he enjoyed all the press and the attention - I didn't know him and I don't really care. It's not that I am being insensitive. I am just brutally honest.

If I don't care about something - I don't. And I have no problem in saying so.

Perhaps he thrived on the publicity. May be he craved it.

From a viewers point of view - I found it pathetic. The media fucked him over while he was alive there is a huge difference between reporting and sensationalising. MJ stories in the media did not qualify as investigative journalism. Hell, it didn't even qualify as journalism.

The stories were disturbing when he was alive and are even disturbing now that he is dead - but I am just happy that this is the last of it and there won't be anymore.

Zemanta

"

Simple point & click enrichment of your blog posts (and emails). In real-time, while you type. We suggest tags, links, photos, and related articles. You save time and aspirin.

Link

Another blogging tool. Well it's a plug in. What it does is, while you compose your blog post (in blogger) - Zemanta suggests images / links / videos etc which are relevant to your post and can be included in your blog.

Google Chrome OS

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It's been an exciting nine months since we launched the Google Chrome browser. Already, over 30 million people use it regularly. We designed Google Chrome for people who live on the web — searching for information, checking email, catching up on the news, shopping or just staying in touch with friends. However, the operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web. So today, we're announcing a new project that's a natural extension of Google Chrome — the Google Chrome Operating System. It's our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be.

Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we're already talking to partners about the project, and we'll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve.

Link

This should be worth checking out.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Drive To The Conditions

New billboards hooked up in New Zealand to promote careful driving. The poster bleeds when it rains. I will give credit where it’s due - Innovative billboard. I find it midway between disturbing and cool (go figure).

A very different approach to tackling the problem. Interestingly enough, no fatalities were reported since the billboard went up. I want to say coincidence, but pretty sure many wouldn’t agree. I mean, there has to be another reason, right?

Well, it’s 2 am and this is definitely not the right time to come up with any sorts of explanations. At this time of the day, my head is flooded with crappy thoughts and you know what makes it even worse? Running out of booze!

NOT funny. 

Monday, July 6, 2009

Get A Mac – Legal Copy

This is one of my favourite Get A Mac Ads:

Get A Mac – Bake Sale

The Budget 2009 -

Here is the full text.

Main royoon ya hasoon.... karoon main kya karoon.

Some of interesting parts:

"

To improve the lot of the urban poor, I propose to enhance the allocation for housing and provision of basic amenities to urban poor to Rs.3,973 crore in the current year’s budget. This includes the provision for Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), a new scheme announced in the address of the President of India. This scheme, the parameters of which are being worked out, is intended to make the country slum free in the five year period

Hmm, so you have scheme, the parameters aren't worked out, and from nearly IRS 4,000 Cr funding will be allocated to this scheme. In other words, you don't really have a scheme yet but you have already allocated funding for it. Waah.

The country will be slum free in the five year period. Have you seen how many slums exist!! I am not saying it can't be done. I am certain it can be done. But not without the political and bureaucratic will. That I am sure - is not going to happen in the foreseeable future. Not being a pessimist. Just realist.

It's evident that Pranab uncle has been smoking some good weed, and I need to get my hands on it.

"

There are signs of revival in the domestic industry and the foreign investors have also returned to the Indian market in the last couple of months. It is possible that the two worst quarters since the global financial meltdown in September 2008 are behind us. While the global financial conditions have shown improvement over the recent months, uncertainties relating to the revival of the global economy remain. We cannot, therefore, afford to drop our guard. We have to continue our efforts to provide further stimulus to the economy.

Classic! Famous Doordarshan cliché . Sthithi niyantran mein hai, lekin tanaav/khatraa banaa hua hai.

Police SMS Helpline - Update

A while back, I had put up a post - Text Your Cop. Well here is an update to that:

"

CHENNAI: Almost a fortnight since the introduction of a dedicated mobile phone number(95000 99100) for the public to send their grievances, a considerable number of messages received has been on public nuisance. Catching the cops unawares, however, were some messages which in themselves were a nuisance.

Cops are not very amused with some messages like "I love Bhavani -- please convey this to her." Since the software is so designed to forward the message to the police inspector concerned, such messages are sent to inspectors of whichever locality is mentioned in the text message. For the time being, the senders of such messages have not been pulled up, but they may not be so lucky if they repeat the mischeaf," warn police officers.

Link

Some people just don't get it. Anyways. The reason for putting up this post was, not just for an update or to highlight how stupid some people can be, but more importantly - another example of TOI not bothering with proofreading. MISCHEAF!!! what the hell?!

Screen shot:

 

New Picture

Sunday, July 5, 2009

God Complex

 

Picture 1

I have been accused of many things (some of which I didn’t do). I have been called a lot of things (some which I am not). This one was a first.

God Complex! Me!? Someone thinks I have a God complex? Why – just because I am arrogant (or honest – take your pick, I don’t see the difference) enough to admit that I am arrogant?!?

Hang on, let me try to help you out. Here is what google came up with. If you were to look at the screen shot above, you will see that I clicked on two links only. The first one being a wiki link (which this time wasn’t of much help) and the second one is from where I got the following (and I stopped looking):

A person who has a God complex does not necessarily believe he is God. It is believed by others, however, that he may as well believe it. As well as arrogance, other characteristics of such a personality are they are likely to be well educated and hold a powerful position.

Link

For the sake of argument, let’s just assume that you got it right. I do have a God complex. I am not the one who believes I am God. Others do (In this case, YOU DO. If I didn’t know better, I would find this rather flattering).

Given that I am all about free will (and interestingly enough, so is God. Before you go ‘ AHAA ' – do care to remember that majority of the sensible minds advocate free will).

It’s NOT in my nature to thrust my views or opinions on others. I have always been in favour of people deciding for themselves - on their own.

Put all of that together, if you DO think I have a God complex – well knock knock – I have very little to do with it. Don’t try to get into my head. You might not necessarily feel like coming out. Worse – you might not know how to. 

Ps. I believe you have an Inferiority Complex, and I don’t need a degree in psychology to see that. Plus – pretty sure you have daddy issues. 

...

In an ugly and unhappy world the richest man can purchase nothing but ugliness and unhappiness.

~ George Bernard Shaw

Morality can't be a ground to deprive fundamental rights: HC

untitled

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The Delhi High Court has ruled a person cannot be deprived of his fundamental rights because of public disapproval of his acts on moral grounds and constitutional morality must dominate over public morality.

Link

Don't really know how this is going to play out, eventually - in the bigger scheme of things, but this is exactly what I have been advocating for a very long time.

Just because a majority believes that something is immoral doesn't necessarily mean that EVERYONE has to subscribe to the same view. One man's witch is another man's fairy.

This is pretty much the tone for most of my posts on the blog.

There is a difference between illegal and immoral. And that difference seems to have been forgotten by most individuals/groups/institutions.

Moral or immoral - in my view, is more of a personal decision. There are some ideas/views/practices that might be popularly viewed as immoral, but it simply can not be considered as binding to absolutely everyone.

Murder/Smuggling .... the likes - are illegal activities.

(All relevant factors considered, of course) Multiple sex partners, drugs, drinking, smoking, gambling, pre-marital sex, prostitution etc. might be considered immoral by most. But that doesn't mean that these activities should be made illegal. Remember, there are people who believe that playing the stock markets is immoral (don't raise your eyebrows - I personally know one - my grandmother). There are people who think giving or receiving interest - is immoral

As open minded as I am, even I frown upon prostitution. Does that mean that it would be right to demand for the activity to be made illegal?

Adultery should be illegal, but if someone has sex with multiple partners with consent of all parties involved, I don't see how or why this should be illegal. People do have orgies, you know. It's not like it doesn't happen or it's always a case of date rape.

Swapping/Swinging is a way of life for many individuals. Immoral - perhaps to you, but definitely not to them.

You don't like it - FINE. But is that reason enough for it to be illegal? You don't like it - you don't do it. The other person gets off on it, how the hell is that YOUR PROBLEM!

Exactly the same argument when it comes to same sex relationships. Look, some people like fish, some like chicken. It's a matter of choice and nothing else.

There are people who believe (strongly) that homosexuality is a psychological disorder. We are all free to believe what we want. It's called having a CHOICE. You chose to believe it's a disorder. For someone else - it's just a way of life. It's how s/he wishes to live.

We are screwed over by not being able to choose our relatives. Similarly, there are a lot of things for which we don't have a choice and we have to put up with it. But there are some things for which we DO have a choice.

A smoker can't convert a non-smoker into a smoker. It's a matter of choice.

Same way - if you don't drink - irrespective of how cheap a bottle of booze gets - you won't drink.

If you are straight, it doesn't matter how many gay couples walk around the city - you will remain straight.

Dikhaawon pe mat jaao... apni akal ladaao.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

Written by: Irving Gordon

Unforgettable, that's what you are
Unforgettable - though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay
That's why, darling - it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too

Watchmen

Picture 1

I have read the comic. Now I have seen the movie and I am NOT disappointed.

My kind of movie and I loved it. Loved the visuals. Action, violence, blood, gore, sex - All of it.

Nixon was a pathetic clown in real life (I am trying to be polite), a spoof in the comic and the consistency is maintained in the movie. Although I would have appreciated a bit more work on the character’s appearance.

A few issues - The background music in some scenes seemed terribly mismatched. The world seems pretty sure that a nuclear war is imminent but no one seems much too disturbed by it. Would have been nice to show some panic / hysteria.

But that’s rather easy to overlook. Really enjoyed this one.

Anti-Paparazzi Clutch Bag

dsc_0205

Adam Harvey has come up with this simple device. If it detects a flash, it lets out a flash of it’s own, effectively ruining the picture.

Just one thing though – I doubt the device would work if there was more than one camera clicking away (from different directions) at the same time. Unless… the device was put up not just in the clutch bag, but also in the celeb’s ear-rings, necklace.. so on.

This would obviously make it so much harder when the celeb in question actually did want to have her picture taken, say at an awards night or a press conference or whatever.

Aww, those poor rich famous people.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Office Stuff From Suck UK

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410 SwFM80L._SL500_AA280_

Got Dead Fred (Pen Holder) and Splat Stan (Coaster) on my office desk right now. I have to admit, didn't think it would look so cool. Well that's my view.

Amazon Links:

The English Translator

Evernote

 logo

Thanks Yousef

Capture. Sync. Find

"

Evernote allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere. Did we mention that it's free?

Link

I have actually seen this work. My friend took a pic of his Marlboro cig pack and saved it on Evernote along with other stuff. Now if you were to search for the text that was printed on the box (we used the word 'Filter'), Evernote will search the pics as well as your other notes and if the text appears in the pic - it shows up in the search results!

One of the many possible use - take pics of a business card of a business associate and save it up on Evernote (psst, this works better than the business card reader / scanner on some of the cell phones).

Saves up audio notes as well. You can email notes to your Evernote account, scan stuff into it or even Tweet! Everything in your account gets synced, so you do have access to your notes at all times.

You have access to this on your laptop (Mac/Win) or on your phone and of course, on the web as well. The catch-line definitely rings true in this case - Remember Everything.

 

Cupid’s arrows hurt more coming out than they do going in

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Atari Games

Here are a few ROMS to work with your MSX emulator. Of course you can surf the web and find tons more.

Uploaded at Megaupload. This zip file includes:

  • Arkanoid
  • Castle 1 & 2
  • F1 Spirit
  • King’s Valley 1 & 2
  • Nemesis 1, 2 & 3
  • Pacman
  • Penguin
  • Rambo
  • River Raid
  • Salamander
  • Yie Ar Kung Fu 1 & 2

Link

Atari Anyone?

New Picture (1)

 

New Picture

 

Got the MSX emulator. Have been playing River Raid and Arkanoid. Still fun.

http://www.bluemsx.com/download.html

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