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Happy Children's Day

2009-11-14T12:33:00.001+05:30

Well happy Children's Day to all the kids in the world and to also all the adults who are still a kid in their heart :). Children's Day on 14th November is celebrated only in India, whereas the same is celebrated in different days in different countries. Today also happens to be the birthday of one my good friend. Also woke up an Earthling and wished Happy Children's Day early in the morning :).

Jolie is back with Salt

2009-11-13T10:28:00.000+05:30

I really missed her. I expected at least one movie of hers in 2009, apparently I have to wait till July 2010 to see her on the big screen again. Angelina Jolie will be back in another action packed movie called "SALT". She will be playing the role of Evelyn Salt a CIA officer who is accused of being a Russian spy. Is she truly a Russian spy or is someone trying to set her up is what the movie is all about. Enjoy the trailer :).

Wrong Platform

2009-11-12T23:55:00.000+05:30

Waiting on the wrong platform, originally uploaded by Rakesh Ashok.

It often happens that we reach the railway station at the last minute and the train is about to leave, only after reaching the platform do we realize that it's the wrong platform :(. This is what came to my mind when I was editing this picture.

Shot this picture in Chennai Central Railway Station during the Chennai Photowalk.

Home Alone

2009-11-11T12:01:00.000+05:30

Long time since I posted a Movie Poster. So here is one, a bit old but great comedy movie. This is one movie that all the kids and grown ups will like, specially the kids. I watched this movie during my school days. This is the movie that catapulted the Child star Macaulay Culkin. The movie is about the adventures of a 10 year old boy who is left behind home alone by his family in a hurry to go to the airport. You can't help but enjoy the way the kid kicks the butts of two thieves who call themselves the Wet-Bandits. Here is the dialogue from one of the best scenes in the movie.

(The pizza boy knocks on the door)
Johnny: Who is it?
Pizza Boy: It's Little Nero, sir. I have your pizza.
Johnny: Leave it on the doorstep and get the hell outta here.
Pizza Boy: Okay. [puts down the pizza] Well, what about the money?
Johnny: What money?
Pizza Boy: Well, you'll hafta pay for your pizza, sir.
Johnny: How much do I owe you?
Pizza Boy: Uh, that'll be $11.80, sir.
(Kevin slips $12 through the hatch; the pizza boy takes it)
Johnny: Keep the change, ya filthy animal.
Pizza Boy: Cheapskate.
Johnny: Hey! I'm gonna give you to the count of ten, to get your ugly, yellow, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full o' lead! 1, 2, 10! (starts firing his Tommy Gun while laughing maniacally as the Pizza Boy dodges and leaves the house)
Kevin: (comes out from the door and grabs the box) A lovely cheese pizza just for me!

The movie which Kevin(Macaulay Culkin) the boy in Home Alone watches is actually a parody made specially for Home Alone.
You can watch the entire clip Angels With Filthy Souls in youtube. This is one great comedy movie to watch during the holidays. :)

Nokia charger recall

2009-11-10T09:02:00.003+05:30

Dear Nokia Customer,
Nokia has announced an exchange program for a limited number of Nokia-branded chargers manufactured by a third party supplier. We have determined that the plastic covers of the affected chargers could come loose and separate, exposing the charger’s internal components and potentially posing an electric shock hazard if certain internal components are touched while the charger is plugged into a live socket.

The affected chargers are those manufactured by BYD between June 15, 2009 and August 9, 2009 and with the following model types:

AC - 3U
AC - 3E
AC - 4U

You can identify the model type and the model number from the chargers as shown in the image below.

As per the Nokia India's statement in today's The Hindu ad, this charger has been sold with only one Nokia phone model in India i.e. Nokia 7210. To find out if your charger is eligible for replacement do the following steps.

Steps to identify if your charger is part of this free exchange programme

Please identify your Nokia phone model number. If your phone is a Nokia 7210 Supernova purchased after June 15, 2009 then check the charger's model number printed on it.
If the charger model number is AC - 3E, kindly follow any of the steps below;
1. If you are an Indian Nokia customer please SMS CHG<space><27 digit series on the charger> and send to 55555.
  Eg. CHG 4419298272012123100;0675370 to 55555. You will get an SMS reply confirming if your charger is within the scope of this charger exchange programme.
2. Please log on to http://chargerexchange.nokia.com and enter the model type and the 27 digit series on the charger to verify if your charger is within the scope of this charger exchange programme.
3. Or kidly walk-in to your nearest Nokia Care Center or a Nokia Priority Dealership store to check if the charger is within the scope of this charger exchange programme.

How to exchange an identified charger?

If the charger is verified to be within the scope of this charger exchange programme, you can choose to exchange the identified charger either from:

Your nearest Nokia Care Centre or
Leave your contact details on http://chargerexchange.nokia.com and get the replacement charger shipped free of cost to your door step in exchange for your old one.

Nokia recommends consumers with identified chargers to stop using them and exchange them for a free replacement.

Manasanta chala chala ...

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000+05:30

This is a song that I have been hearing for the past few days. Its running in my head continously in an infinite loop :). Great song from the telugu movie Bujjigadu starring Prabhas and Trisha :D. In case you are not able to see the video click the link below.
Manasanta chala chala

P.S: I can't believe that I am blogging more frequently these days :).

It's Me Against Nature

2009-11-08T01:00:00.001+05:30

Well its still pouring outside continuously. Yesterday I booked a ticket for Inglorious Basterds today night show. But the rain does not seem in any hurry to stop. So my battle against the rains is almost similar to Calvin's. So in a contest of wills against mother nature I'm going to see a crazy movie written and directed by an equally crazy Quentin Tarantino. Hope Sathyam is still open today!

So did I make it to the movie? Watch this space for further updates :).

UPDATE: Yay! I made it to the movie. But the roads were really awful after just a days shower. I'm not really sure if the Chennai Corporation really knows WHY THEY ARE FUNCTIONING!. The movie was great but only hardcore Tarantino fans will truly love this one. My favourite characters from the movie has to be Lt. Aldo Raine played by Brad Pitt and Col. Hans Landa played by Christoph Waltz.

It's pouring in Chennai

2009-11-07T01:03:00.003+05:30

For the past few days it has been raining continuously. Though it is good to have rain in Chennai after the rainy season is over, it definitely doesn't improve anything else other than the temperature. I love to get myself soaked in rain, but hey I have to go to my office. And it really is sick to travel in a bike through the pot hole ridden roads of Chennai. When will the Chennai Corporation ever get rid of all the pot holes. Even if they take their time to lay good roads it shouldn't take more than two years to cover the whole of Chennai. So why can't they fill a few pot holes?

I often wonder why the hell am I paying all that money as tax. If it can't even fill a stupid pot hole. Except for the pot holes rain is still very much a treat to each and every Chennaitte. Rain is good!.

Enough with the complaining I guess. Now here is something to take the pot holes off your mind. A picture of Trisha with a bit of editing. Of course this has no relevance to what I am writing about. Hey WTH I'm still a Trisha fan!

Olympus E-P2 is here already!

2009-11-06T00:09:00.010+05:30

Hardly four months have passed since the launch of Olympus's first Micro Four-Thirds camera and they have already released the next Micro Four-Thirds camera Olympus E-P2. But there is hardly anything different from the original E-P1, so its not actually the next Micro Four-Thirds camera. Rather its just a minor upgrade. But its still a Olympus Pen so it still maintains its retro charm. Also the E-P2 includes an electronic viewfinder. Olympus has announced two of its upcoming Micro Four-Thirds lenses M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (Wideangle) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (Superzoom) which will be available in the first half of 2010 and a road-map of future Micro Four-Thirds lenses. Here are the full details.

Hamburg, 5 November 2009 – Welcome to dimension PEN, where form and function unite to deliver the power and performance of an SLR with the ease and spontaneity of a compact. This latest retro-chic digital Olympus PEN builds on EISA’s 2009/2010 “Best Camera of the Year”, an icon of style and quality. To enrich photographic potential, the new E-P2 includes an accessory port to clip on the electronic viewfinder or other accessories. It also enlivens creative impulses through two additional Art Filters and supplements ease of use with further innovative options. Cloaked in classic black, the hybrid photo and HD movie Olympus PEN boldly brings fun and simplicity back in SLR quality. It’s a legend in the making – and available from January 2010 for €949 including the electronic viewfinder.

Building on brilliance
The new generation of PEN (E-P2) boasts an enviable pedigree. It comes hot on the heels of Olympus’ award-winning first Micro Four Thirds System camera inspired by the revolutionary Maitani design of the original PEN series. This second digital model takes usability and functionality even further by incorporating diverse fresh features:

Accessory port for accessories like viewfinder and microphones
Two additional Art Filters (Diorama and Cross Process)
Colour-boosting i-Enhance function
AF tracking
Remote slideshow control (via HDMI)
HD movies in M-mode

Experience true framing freedom
Supplementing the hot shoe, a dedicated accessory port on the back of the camera extends flexibility. The first compatible device is included with the E-P2: an electronic viewfinder. Simply clip it on to enjoy bright, high-resolution depictions under all conditions and a 100% field of view. Tiltable by up to 90°, it not only is reminiscent of medium format camera viewfinders but also provides additional framing opportunities to promote shooting from unique perspectives. Of course, viewing picture information and adjustments as you go is a given. More accessory port attachments, such as an external microphone adapter for various microphone types, will also follow soon.

Click for creativity
A staggering range of imaging possibilities for almost limitless expression characterise this camera. Inspiring creativity, two new Art Filters join the six already introduced by the predecessor model. Use Diorama to create the illusion of a model world or flip colours around with Cross Process. Meanwhile, the new i-Enhance function has a decidedly human touch. Colours are enhanced to come out stronger than reality, thereby reflecting our memories more closely, which after all, are often larger than life. And so that every shot gets the fitting format, Olympus offers the choice of various aspect ratios as well as the chance to shoot multiple exposures. Also remaining on board is the level gauge, i-Auto mode, and the flattering e-Portrait option.

AF tracking joins the list of camera features, making the sharp capture of moving subjects such as playing kids or sports action easier than ever. And when it’s time to take a look at the results, just kick back and relax as high-definition slideshows and HD movies can be viewed using the remote of a TV set connected to the camera via HDMI.

A legacy of chic styling and SLR quality continues
The latest PEN inherits the inimitable looks and ultra-compact form of its critically-acclaimed sister model in addition to all its outstanding technologies. Photographers benefit from a defined high-end standard based on the Micro Four Thirds System that guarantees SLR quality results. The large pool of compatible interchangeable lenses provides tremendous versatility – from the ultra-slimline M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Pancake to the complete Four Thirds lens line-up (with adapter). Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses will also join their ranks during the first half of 2010: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm*) super wide-angle zoom and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (28-300mm*) high-power telephoto zoom lenses. Attachment of an external flash unit, such as the retro-styled Olympus FL-14, extends the possibilities even more.

Reliably crisp images are secured through the 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor combined with a dust reduction system and high-performance in-camera image stabilisation giving protection against shake to 4 EV. And at the core of this PEN is the guarantor for fast, top-quality image processing, even at up to ISO 6400: the state-of-the-art TruePic V engine. The Live Control GUI simplifies operation while the effect of functions can be monitored in real time – on both the 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD and the 1,440,000 dot electronic viewfinder.

HD movie magic
Capable of recording AVI format movies in 30fps 1280x720p HD resolution and boasting immaculate PCM sound quality, the PEN also lets users discover the magic of movie making. Seven minutes of footage can be recorded in a single shot. Furthermore, many still photography functions and options, including the application of Art Filters, depth of field, angle of view and AF tracking, remain operational in movie mode. Another new perk is the ability to film using the M-mode, good news for those with a creative touch. And because shooting is possible using any attached lens, a whole new world of framing potential emerges. Users can also capture high resolution still shots while filming at the touch of a button.

The Olympus E-P2 builds on its coveted predecessor’s wealth of high-performance temptations. “With the first PEN, many journalists and experts already told us that we defined a totally new camera segment. Now we decided to add superb new features like an accessory port and new Art Filters. Basically, we made an already incredible camera even greater” explains Claudia Baehr, Senior Product Manager at Olympus Imaging Europa GmbH. This retro-cool model is finished in classic black and will become available from January 2010 at a price of €949 including the electronic viewfinder. An optional, matching black leather body jacket will also be on offer.

The Olympus E-P2 – main features:

Small & stylish design

Extremely small and light-weight Micro Four Thirds System
Stylish design with black metal finish
Accessory port to clip-on electronic viewfinder and microphone adapter

SLR image quality

12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
TruePic V image processor
Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
Adapter for all ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses

Easy operation

Live Control GUI for intuitive handling & real-time views of effects
Automatic recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
i-Enhance function to boost colours
Clear skin with e-Portrait
AF Tracking
Two dials for easy handling
Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
20 shooting modes (5 exposure, i-Auto, 14 scene modes)

Creativity & HD Movie

HD Movie with stereo sound featuring depth of field and Art Filters now available in M-mode
8 Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios
Multi Exposure function
Art Filters can be applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus software
Enhanced creativity with special lenses e.g. fisheye is available via Four Thirds lens adapter

Additional features of the Olympus E-P2:

Based on the Micro Four Thirds Standard
HDMI interface
Linear PCM sound recording
Level gauge
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
3fps with sequential shooting (max. 10 in RAW mode)
ISO 100-6400
Bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
SD memory card slot (SDHC compatible)
High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression
7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD
AE/AF lock functionality
Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and
blocked-in shadows
Remote release possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1

New accessories:

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 super wide-angle zoom lens (first half of 2010)
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 high-power telephoto zoom lens (first half of 2010)
Leather strap in black
Leather body jacket in black

* 35mm equivalent

Drool over more pictures of Olympus E-P2

What is the size?

2009-11-03T23:14:00.004+05:30

What is the one thing that is never enough in one's computer. Well one of them is hard disk space. No matter how many times I free my hard disk, it gets filled up. I am of those persistent few who still manage with a 40GB hard disk, which is not even available anywhere. Not even in antique shops. So I was wondering where is all that memory being eaten away, which particular folder is taking up more space on my system?

That's when I found the app called Folder Size for Windows while googling. Well the name is obvious enough I guess. It's a small program which runs as a service and you can see the folder size right in your Windows XP explorer as shown in the above picture. It's a free software released under GNU license. So feel free to share it with others. :)

Download Folder Size v2.4 32bit
Download Folder Size v2.4 64bit

A Brief History Of Internet

2009-11-02T23:09:00.009+05:30

Well I guess its been nearly 10 years since I first came online. Right from the days when the dial-up was the only option for connecting to the internet to browsing sites using my mobile in-built Wi-Fi. Times have really changed.

I thought I know a lot about the internet, not really but I do know how to go around the net and stay glued to my monitor for atleast 12 hours non-stop without so much as getting up from my chair :). Head to the guardian website to read a people's history of the internet, which talks about everything from its inception of sorts in pentagon to the internet as we know it today. Also this year marks the 40th anniversary of the internet. It truly has changed everyone's life for the better (or worse).

November 2009

2009-11-01T00:21:00.081+05:30

02NOV2009

A Brief History Of Internet

03NOV2009

What is the size?

06NOV2009

Olympus E-P2 is here already!

07NOV2009

It's pouring in Chennai

08NOV2009

It's Me Against Nature

09NOV2009

Manasanta chala chala ...

10NOV2009

Nokia charger recall

11NOV2009

Home Alone

12NOV2009

Wrong Platform

13NOV2009

Jolie is back with Salt

Gaangu leader!

2009-10-30T23:36:00.002+05:30

Today morning was watching this video and I was laughing like mad especially for the dialogue where vivek talks to himself in front of the mirror in the bathroom. Gaangu leader, hilarious don't you think especially his face expressions...

Local PCO

2009-10-25T15:46:00.002+05:30

Local PCO, originally uploaded by Rakesh Ashok.

Well it's been long time since I posted a photo. So here is one I took during the special photowalk orgranized during the Madras Week. For a long time I wanted to take a photo of a yellow coloured phone. Finally took this shot at the Southern Railway headquarters. :)

2 States Vs Love

2009-10-15T10:34:00.009+05:30

Well as soon as I saw Chetan Bhagat on the cover I picked up this book in Odyssey. Well I'm a big fan of Chetan Bhagat right from his 5 Point Someone. Well another story telling a college love story between two states is what I thought as soon as I read the title. Well the synopsis of the story changed that thought. Which goes likes this.

Synopsis

Love marriages around the world are simple:
Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy.
They get married.

In India, there are a few more steps:
Boy loves Girl. Girl loves Boy.
Girl's family has to love boy. Boy's family has to love girl.
Girl's Family has to love Boy's Family. Boy's family has to love girl's family.
Girl and Boy still love each other. They get married.

Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don’t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it?

I have finished the book and it's really good. Reminded me of a lot of things and one punjabi girl. Only after visiting Chetan Bhagat's Website did I come to know that the story is based on his own true life. :)

Chetan Bhagat's Official Website

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR II

2009-10-14T09:34:00.003+05:30

NIKON’S NEW AF-S DX 85mm f/3.5 MICRO NIKKOR LENS ENABLES FURTHER CREATIVITY WITH SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN FOR CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY

Finally it's official, another new DX lens from Nikon. What was initially a rumour from the patent offices has turned out to be true. Hurray. This lens is ideal for Macro Photography and also for portraits and general photography as well. This will be available from December of this year with a price of 530USD. Which is kinda reasonable but I'm a bit disappointed about not having a f/1.8 lens. I actually thought they would build the AF-S DX Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G ED VR II. Guess Now I have decide between the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D and this lens. Waiting for the reviews :)

Nikon Press Release
AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR II Product Page

An interview with Trisha

2009-09-26T01:57:00.006+05:30

This is a very old interview which appeared in The Hindu dated June 21, 2000. Got this while searching for news and pictures of Trisha during her Miss Chennai contest. I'm not really sure if Trisha herself remembers this piece of interview. But guess its time to remind her about it.

An interview with Trisha Krishnan, a model, who has won the Miss Chennai crown and has her own show on TV.

How should a person go about preparing to enter this field?

It is necessary for people entering this profession to keep their portfolios ready as this is the first thing modeling agencies ask for when you approach them. There are photographers who offer a package deal inclusive of make up and hairstylist, but separate payments have to be made for developing and printing the photographs. Once the portfolios are ready you need to approach or send them to model coordinators who help you secure assignments. There is a fair amount of public relations needed in the industry. One has to be in constantly in touch with the coordinators because one seldom comes in direct contact with the clients. It is the model coordinators who arrange for assignments; take care of payments and other formalities.

I was interested in this profession during my higher secondary school days. I had a friend who was already in this profession and introduced me to some coordinators.

How is the fashion scene in South?

There are very good designers, coordinators, cameramen and technicians in the south. However, sometimes they shortlist models from here but then bring in a model from Mumbai for the shoot. Despite models out here getting due recognition, the opportunity factor however is not high as prevailing in a city like Mumbai.

How do you compare ramp modeling to modeling for ad shoots/films?

Ramp modeling is much more alive and you have your audience right there in front of you. The impact has to be immediate. In the case of ad campaigns however, you have time to make the audience sit up and take notice. Ramp modeling is more exciting though stressful because you have very limited time to model the whole collection, while ad shoots can even stretch to a few days and one can take things slowly. Both these forms are thrilling in their own way and personally I like doing both.

At times the crowd tends to become unruly and spoil the whole scene, has it ever happened to you?

It is generally so in school and college fashion shows that the crowd tends to be very rambunctious, but in professional shows the crowd is sober and responsive. I have done a fashion show organised by NIFT where the crowd was very appreciative.

Designer wear very often tends to be highly impractical, have you ever felt this was so?

Yes, I have often felt that many of the clothes that I model are quite impractical, and I have also questioned the designer about this. They are but, more bothered about the cut, the material, textures and design. One cannot however, categorise all the creations as outlandish as some of the designs are wearable like salwar kameezes and night-wear.

Models are used in fashion shows so that clothes can be displayed in a better way, and people can see the cut, fall and design clearly. Don't you think sometimes, this concept is lost on the audience?

The audiences are supposed to look at the clothes and the fit but more often they stare at the models. The designers are trying to show their creations through us, which will help her\him to sell the clothes. People do tend to forget this and end up praising the model instead of the clothes she is modeling.

Indians have of late become highly fashion and beauty conscious and even work out regularly. Any comments?

Indian models are making their presence felt on the international modeling scene. As a matter of fact if today a lot of people are becoming fashion and health conscious, it is all thanks to these well- known models and beauty queens. There is nothing wrong if a person wants to look good.

Modeling is perceived as a very glamorous field, can you present a clearer picture of this field?

This profession seems glamorous because there is a very high level of media exposure. What people fail to acknowledge is the hard work, which goes into each and every fashion show or an ad shoot. Not just by the models but also by the people who work in the background and without them it would be impossible to put up a show. We work under tremendous pressure with long hours of practice to put forth a successful show. It is not as easy as it looks from the outside.

However, there are people in this field who tend to act unprofessionally and exploit the models. If you are a person with a strong set of morals, have your head firmly set on your shoulders, then you will not get swayed by these people. I have not modeled for products I don't believe in nor have I worked with people who make me uncomfortable. Everyone in this field should have their own set of principles and if your foundation is strong then you cannot go wrong.

What about monetary benefits and life beyond the ramp?

An aspiring model may not be really well paid, but once you are established and make your presence felt, then you can command your price. Modelling has a very short life span. Personally, I feel it is better to have a good education so that after a career in modeling it will help you in life. Models who retire either set up grooming schools, become model coordinators or branch out into other areas of the fashion industry.

- MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/

The Matrix

2009-09-06T15:07:00.002+05:30

This was the movie that changed a lot of things for both the movie industry & for me. This movie has taken inspiration from lots of things like science fiction movies, cult, religion, philosophical books, anime. It's more like a mixture of everything. This movie is known for many things like the Background Score, Cinematography, Stunt Choreography, Graphic animation etc. Its after watching this movie I became a great fan of Keanu Reeves. I would rate it as one of the best science fiction movie ever to be made. It's a must watch for all science fiction lovers and for others.

Here is the famous dialogue from the movie where Morpheus explains the reality to Neo.

Morpheus: This is the construct. It's our loading program. We can load anything from clothing, to equipment, weapons, training simulations, anything we need.

Neo: Right now we're inside a computer program?

Morpheus: Is it really so hard to believe? Your clothes are different. The plugs in your arms and head are gone. Your hair is changed. Your appearance now is what we call residual self image. It is the mental projection of your digital self.

Neo: This...this isn't real?

Morpheus: What is real. How do you define real? If you’re talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain. This is the world that you know. The world as it was at the end of the twentieth century. It exists now only as part of a neural-interactive simulation that we call the Matrix. You've been living in a dream world, Neo. This is the world as it exists today.... Welcome to the Desert of the Real. We have only bits and pieces of information but what we know for certain is that at some point in the early twenty-first century all of mankind was united in celebration. We marveled at our own magnificence as we gave birth to AI.

Neo: AI? You mean artificial intelligence?

Morpheus: A singular consciousness that spawned an entire race of machines. We don't know who struck first, us or them. But we know that it was us that scorched the sky. At the time they were dependent on solar power and it was believed that they would be unable to survive without an energy source as abundant as the sun. Throughout human history, we have been dependent on machines to survive. Fate it seems is not without a sense of irony. The human body generates more bio-electricity than a 120-volt battery and over 25,000 BTU's of body heat. Combined with a form of fusion the machines have found all the energy they would ever need. There are fields, endless fields, where human beings are no longer born, we are grown. For the longest time I wouldn't believe it, and then I saw the fields with my own eyes. Watch them liquefy the dead so they could be fed intravenously to the living. And standing there, facing the pure horrifying precision, I came to realize the obviousness of the truth. What is the Matrix? Control. The Matrix is a computer generated dream world built to keep us under control in order to change a human being into this.

Neo: No. I don't believe it. It's not possible.

Morpheus: I didn't say it would be easy, Neo. I just said it would be the truth.

Source: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/9175/neo/matrixtranscript.html

Coffee Central

2009-08-31T02:55:00.002+05:30

Icecream Delight :), originally uploaded by Rakesh Ashok.

Once upon a time we used to hang out in Spencer Plaza. That was when I was in my college first year. Then later on I started hanging out at my friend's place. It was a rented room and also an adda for all of his friends including me. Until then I had never been in a coffee shop. Somewhere around my third year or second I don't remember very well. But sometime during that period was when I first entered a coffee shop with my friends. But I didn't like them coffee shops. I thought coffee shops are a little too much, since their charges used to be really high and they still are. So us friends often stick to roadshide tea shops.

But these days I visit a coffee shop roughly once in three weeks. Well till now its been Cafe Coffee Day. But now coffee shops are mushrooming too fast to even keep track especially the Cafe Coffee Day and Barista chain. Recently my friend discovered a new place in T Nagar called the Coffee Central. Boy do I love that place. This place has the similar look and feel of any other Coffee shops from the outside. Enter the place and you will be surprised at the interiors. They have this sexy wallpaper at one corner of the wall. They have an antique clock hanging from the ceiling. Chandelier & other lighting fixtures. The interior decorator sure has done some magic in this place. This place other than usual Coffee and Food also gives you games to play or books to read. So this is my current hangout for now. But the only problem is that its a very small place. So you may not find a seat at all times. Other than that it ROCKS. :)

The above picture was shot in Coffee Central against that beautiful background which I talked about. Its a Chocolate Sundae BTW. The lighting for this shot was entirely from my flash fired straight up at the white ceiling. :)

Address

Coffee Central

No. 11, Dr. B Narasimhan Road (Old North Boag Road), Off G N Chetty Road, T.Nagar

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600034 - India

+914428152045

+91449840111298

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Trainmen

2009-07-05T17:28:00.002+05:30

Trainmen, originally uploaded by Rakesh Ashok.

Shot at Central Railway Station long time ago in the morning, when I had gone to meet my friend before she left for bangalore. This one again was shot using my Nikon FM10 with the ever sharp 50mm f/1.8.

Breakfast At Tiffany's

2009-07-05T13:30:00.006+05:30

Well this time it's my all time favourite heroine's movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. This is one of my favourite movie as well. In this movie Audrey Hepburn plays a beautiful young socialite in New York who has a cat with no name. This movie won the best song Oscar for the song Moon River performed by Audrey Hepburn herself and music by Henry Mancini and Lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It also won an Oscar for Henry Mancini's background score. I have seen this movie more than ten times and yet I'm unable to keep myself staring at the sweet, naughty & charming beauty of Holly Golightly. I recently bought a poster of Audrey Hepburn. The poster is a photo from from this movie where she is sitting in a restaurant smoking with a huge a cigarette holder wearing a black dress, which is an iconic picture.

Vodafone still loves IE

2009-06-22T22:25:00.000+05:30

In an age where people using Internet Explorer are looked upon as nuts & Firefox users are worshiped. Why in the heaven's sake does Vodafone India still prefer Internet Explorer. Please change the goddamn website so that it works in Firefox and other browsers. Because using Internet Explorer is too Taboo these days. And restricting users to a particular browser is a just bullshit. If the person or personnel responsible for the website do know anything about usability or have heard of other browsers other than Internet Explorer, then please change the goddamn site.

With Regards,
Martian

Free Quickoffice 6 upgrade for Nokia Eseries devices

2009-06-21T23:22:00.004+05:30

Well most of you who own an E-series phone would love this latest news from the folks at Quickoffice. The latest version of Quickoffice i.e. Quickoffice 6 is being offered as a free update. To download this update just go Quickmanager section of your Quickoffice app. Its just a 3.6MB download. Its awesome. I have already downloaded it and it just works great on my Nokia E51. This upgrade is being offered to almost all the Nokia E series devices, including the E51, E52, E55, E63, E71, E72, E75 and E90.

Bleach Season 10 Intro Song

2009-06-21T18:28:00.003+05:30

Well a new season a new intro. That's always been the case with anime. This time the intro song for the 10th season of bleach is by a band called Scandal. The song is called Shoujo S. For more info about the band read my previous post about The Most Powerful Japanese Girls Band. Once again its a great song :)

Scandal - Shoujo S (Anime version)

Scandal - Shoujo S (Original)

Tron

2009-06-21T11:38:00.006+05:30

One of the best science fiction movies of the 80's. This movie was released in 1982. Written and directed by Steven Lisberger. This movie was released well before I was born. Also at a time when computer usage was in the rise. The concept is really interesting. It features in many people's favourite science fiction movies. In mine too :) I will post more movie posters from here onwards. One day when I have my own house I'm going to fill it up with movies posters.