It's been a few days since my last post, and my posts will continue to be erratic over the next few days. My access is over dial-up (yes, dial-up!), and it's not as frequent as I might like.
There's so much to post about, and over the next few posts, I hope to cover the following topics:
1. My thoughts on Singapore
2. Darwin City & Australia in general
3. Blog revamp
Comment away.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Responsible journalism
I know I'm way behind on this one, but for those of you who haven't seen this one, here it is.
Truly, a most remarkable and pertinent piece of photo journalism. kudos.
Random quote for the day
I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.
-Zsa Zsa Gabor
-Zsa Zsa Gabor
Lady Bunny
Of the Blogs I've been following, Lady Bunny is the funniest, and one of the smartest blogs that you're probably don't even know exists. Go there now (well, after you've spent some time reading my blog).
The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in Washington, DC this Christmas. This isn't for any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the Nation's capitol. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
The Media Juggernaut...
Another drawback to Brokeback Mountain releasing. Publicity.
This was supposed to be a small, independent film. If you're read the novella, you can't imagine it any other way. But you can effectively throw that out the window now.
Given its A list backing, this film is getting some major column space, and sound bytes are swarming all over the place. I am not pleased. While I was initially glad for any info at all on this film, but as worldwide release gets closer, some rather unsavoury things have begun to happen. But perhaps the thing that infuriates me the most (and judging from the blogs I've been following, other BBM heads too) are the cast interviews. There have been a slew of interviews popping up all over the place that are alienating the old time fans of BBM. While I am hardly an old time fan, I totally agree with them on this. The madness has to stop.
I will not link to these interviews. Suffice it to say, that their foot-in-mouth comments make Paris Hilton look like a freakin' genius.
As one commentator said, "...if I have to hear one more mention of 'their bravery' and all that crap I will have to turn my attention to something else. One more article on Jake 'AmBIguos' Gyllenhaal taking one for the Gipper..."
This was supposed to be a small, independent film. If you're read the novella, you can't imagine it any other way. But you can effectively throw that out the window now.
Given its A list backing, this film is getting some major column space, and sound bytes are swarming all over the place. I am not pleased. While I was initially glad for any info at all on this film, but as worldwide release gets closer, some rather unsavoury things have begun to happen. But perhaps the thing that infuriates me the most (and judging from the blogs I've been following, other BBM heads too) are the cast interviews. There have been a slew of interviews popping up all over the place that are alienating the old time fans of BBM. While I am hardly an old time fan, I totally agree with them on this. The madness has to stop.
I will not link to these interviews. Suffice it to say, that their foot-in-mouth comments make Paris Hilton look like a freakin' genius.
As one commentator said, "...if I have to hear one more mention of 'their bravery' and all that crap I will have to turn my attention to something else. One more article on Jake 'AmBIguos' Gyllenhaal taking one for the Gipper..."
Monday, December 05, 2005
Brokeback releases
Exams over! Wooo hooo! Bring forth the dancing queens girls!
Brokeback Mountain has finally had its US release. So it begins.
While audiences squirmed uncomfortably in their seats, this film has squirmed its way into the public imagination. It's been called the most beautiful film of the year, if not the decade. High praise, indeed. Heath Ledger has been tipped for an Oscar nod, and my fingers are crossed. The more Oscars this film gets, the higher the chances of this film making it to Indian shores, and into the eye sockets of our cheap-scotch-in-cognac-bottle audiences. Hee hee. Grandma's gonna have a heart attack.
There is the flip side. This film has been criticized primarily for it's storyline, and how it is unrealistic and cold. This story has been criticized for Ennis Del Mar's lack of articulation, or for Jack Twist's eagerness to set up home from the moment he was porked. One reviewer said it left him feeling as “cold as the Wyoming mountains”. As someone who has read the short story, I beg to differ. This story may be many things, but unfeeling it certainly is not.
I admit, when I first read the story, I had a rather queer reaction: I instantly regretted it. I cursed myself for having put myself through the torture of reading those 20 odd pages, and felt as if I had stuck an ice pick in my chest. It was like being stabbed by an icicle, you just have a big hunka ice where your heart used to be. Then it changes. Ice turns to water (steamy scenes not withstanding), and you find yourself standing in a puddle. Make that a puddle of tears!!
As the days passed, I knew that for better or for worse, I would not be able to get the story out of my head. Over time, I came to feel that I was glad I read it. Seeing the trailer after that just made it all the more real, and I know I'll be a bawling idiot whenever I see it. I just hope I have a loved one close by to turn me over so I don't choke in my own tears. Or to put me out of my misery.
A State where a boy named Matthew Shepherd lived. And a country where a President named Dubya ponders his response to the war in Azkaban.
Brokeback Mountain has finally had its US release. So it begins.
While audiences squirmed uncomfortably in their seats, this film has squirmed its way into the public imagination. It's been called the most beautiful film of the year, if not the decade. High praise, indeed. Heath Ledger has been tipped for an Oscar nod, and my fingers are crossed. The more Oscars this film gets, the higher the chances of this film making it to Indian shores, and into the eye sockets of our cheap-scotch-in-cognac-bottle audiences. Hee hee. Grandma's gonna have a heart attack.
There is the flip side. This film has been criticized primarily for it's storyline, and how it is unrealistic and cold. This story has been criticized for Ennis Del Mar's lack of articulation, or for Jack Twist's eagerness to set up home from the moment he was porked. One reviewer said it left him feeling as “cold as the Wyoming mountains”. As someone who has read the short story, I beg to differ. This story may be many things, but unfeeling it certainly is not.
I admit, when I first read the story, I had a rather queer reaction: I instantly regretted it. I cursed myself for having put myself through the torture of reading those 20 odd pages, and felt as if I had stuck an ice pick in my chest. It was like being stabbed by an icicle, you just have a big hunka ice where your heart used to be. Then it changes. Ice turns to water (steamy scenes not withstanding), and you find yourself standing in a puddle. Make that a puddle of tears!!
As the days passed, I knew that for better or for worse, I would not be able to get the story out of my head. Over time, I came to feel that I was glad I read it. Seeing the trailer after that just made it all the more real, and I know I'll be a bawling idiot whenever I see it. I just hope I have a loved one close by to turn me over so I don't choke in my own tears. Or to put me out of my misery.
A State where a boy named Matthew Shepherd lived. And a country where a President named Dubya ponders his response to the war in Azkaban.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Life
Expectations.
Rarely is any word loaded with such painful possibilities.
What is it, that compels this human animal? Why are we so eager for hope? Why are we driven to expect better than the past?
Perhaps the thing more fragile than human life, is the expectations we make of it. To expect kindness; to be treated with respect and dignity. To be able to live your life in peace and security. To expect a better future. To realise childhood dreams. Is that not childish?
When we hurt, why do we think we have the market cornered on human suffering? Why are we so eager to cut ourselves off from others? What do we expect would happen? Why does fear drive us so much? What are we so afraid of? Why are we so afraid to accept ourselves?
Why do we hurt ourselves so much?
Expectations.
Rarely is any word loaded with such painful possibilities.
Rarely is any word loaded with such painful possibilities.
What is it, that compels this human animal? Why are we so eager for hope? Why are we driven to expect better than the past?
Perhaps the thing more fragile than human life, is the expectations we make of it. To expect kindness; to be treated with respect and dignity. To be able to live your life in peace and security. To expect a better future. To realise childhood dreams. Is that not childish?
When we hurt, why do we think we have the market cornered on human suffering? Why are we so eager to cut ourselves off from others? What do we expect would happen? Why does fear drive us so much? What are we so afraid of? Why are we so afraid to accept ourselves?
Why do we hurt ourselves so much?
Expectations.
Rarely is any word loaded with such painful possibilities.
One old Chinese woman... and Paris Hilton
Some time back the solitudinarian talked about the cruelty humans inflict on each other. Here is the flipside.
What is one man's cruelty is another man's necessity. Depending on where you stand, this may seem incredibly cruel, or incredibly heartbreaking. So which is it? Comment away.
Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. Whatever we make of this or any other case, we lead privileged lives (if you're reading this, then you're already better off than most people) and despite our bleeding hearts, we cannot grab the true magnitude of the lives of these people; regardless of whether they end up as the victim or the perp.
I think it's incredibly sad that more column space will be devoted to Paris Hilton's Hellenic obsession (come on guys, that woman has only ONE pose, for crying out loud). That woman probably doesn't know Greece is spelt differently from the musical.
What is one man's cruelty is another man's necessity. Depending on where you stand, this may seem incredibly cruel, or incredibly heartbreaking. So which is it? Comment away.
Here's my opinion, for what it's worth. Whatever we make of this or any other case, we lead privileged lives (if you're reading this, then you're already better off than most people) and despite our bleeding hearts, we cannot grab the true magnitude of the lives of these people; regardless of whether they end up as the victim or the perp.
I think it's incredibly sad that more column space will be devoted to Paris Hilton's Hellenic obsession (come on guys, that woman has only ONE pose, for crying out loud). That woman probably doesn't know Greece is spelt differently from the musical.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Mystery of the Disappearing Virus
I've been closely following the case of Andrew Stimpton, the British man who claims to have been cleared of the HIV virus.
While the claims have yet to be backed up with irrefutable scientific proof, if it indeed is true, it would be an unprecedented event. Till date, there has been no proven case of spontaneous clearance of the virus. As of right now, there just isn't enough evidence either way.
Last week the NHS went on record to say that Andrew probably never had HIV in the first place, and he was the unfortunate victim of a testing error.
Scientists have reason to be sceptical about Andrew, and I'll outline why this is the case.
In August 2002, Andrew complained of flu like symptoms and general malaise, and his doctor recommended a HIV test. At that point, Andrew had been engaging in protected sex with his HIV+ve partner. The test came back ambiguous, and the doc recommended another test after a few months. This test came back positive.
Andrew gave up using protection during sex with his partner, and received no treatment. After 14 months, another, more sensitive HIV test, came back negative. Three subsequent tests came back negative as well. Andrew decided to sue the hospital for their earlier false positive test, but DNA testing of his prior samples identified them as his.
This is the extent of what has been covered by the media. As you can see, there is a definite lack of scientific information available, and there has been unnecessary sensationalism. What is needed is a clear explanation of the facts.
The typical, routinely performed HIV test is the ELISA. This detects the useless antibodies produced against the virus. The caveat here is that the antibodies take several weeks to develop after infection, and it's very possible for someone to be HIV+ve and have an initial negative result. This is what was assumed to be the case with Andrew in August 2002.
The normal course of events should be thus: if an ELISA test comes out positive, it is repeated. Only multiple positive ELISA tests are considered conclusive. If a subsequent ELISA comes out negative, however, a more sensitive test called a PCR is performed. The PCR is the gold standard, and is considered irrefutable.
So what happened in Andrew's case? We don't know. That sort of information is just not available right now.
It is known that some people are just immune to HIV. They have certain mutations that don't allow HIV to infect their cells. This has been known for 10 years now. Other people have certain genes that greatly retard HIV growth, and while they do become positive, they proceed very slowly. This has also been known for a long time now. But for someone to become positive, and then negative? This is new.
While the claims have yet to be backed up with irrefutable scientific proof, if it indeed is true, it would be an unprecedented event. Till date, there has been no proven case of spontaneous clearance of the virus. As of right now, there just isn't enough evidence either way.
Last week the NHS went on record to say that Andrew probably never had HIV in the first place, and he was the unfortunate victim of a testing error.
Scientists have reason to be sceptical about Andrew, and I'll outline why this is the case.
In August 2002, Andrew complained of flu like symptoms and general malaise, and his doctor recommended a HIV test. At that point, Andrew had been engaging in protected sex with his HIV+ve partner. The test came back ambiguous, and the doc recommended another test after a few months. This test came back positive.
Andrew gave up using protection during sex with his partner, and received no treatment. After 14 months, another, more sensitive HIV test, came back negative. Three subsequent tests came back negative as well. Andrew decided to sue the hospital for their earlier false positive test, but DNA testing of his prior samples identified them as his.
This is the extent of what has been covered by the media. As you can see, there is a definite lack of scientific information available, and there has been unnecessary sensationalism. What is needed is a clear explanation of the facts.
The typical, routinely performed HIV test is the ELISA. This detects the useless antibodies produced against the virus. The caveat here is that the antibodies take several weeks to develop after infection, and it's very possible for someone to be HIV+ve and have an initial negative result. This is what was assumed to be the case with Andrew in August 2002.
The normal course of events should be thus: if an ELISA test comes out positive, it is repeated. Only multiple positive ELISA tests are considered conclusive. If a subsequent ELISA comes out negative, however, a more sensitive test called a PCR is performed. The PCR is the gold standard, and is considered irrefutable.
So what happened in Andrew's case? We don't know. That sort of information is just not available right now.
It is known that some people are just immune to HIV. They have certain mutations that don't allow HIV to infect their cells. This has been known for 10 years now. Other people have certain genes that greatly retard HIV growth, and while they do become positive, they proceed very slowly. This has also been known for a long time now. But for someone to become positive, and then negative? This is new.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Could this be it?
A British man may have overcome the HIV virus.
25 year old Andrew Stimpson was diagnosed as HIV positive in august 2002. 14 months later, his HIV tests have come negative.
Andrew, on learning of the negative results, tried to sue the hospital for bungling his initial results. However, DNA analysis of the old samples have confirmed them to be his. This spontaneous clearance of the virus is all the more mysterious in light of the fact that he gave up safe sex with his HIV positive boyfriend after his own diagnosis.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Talk about crappy cakes!
"A Dallas cab driver is in big trouble for getting caught on tape sprinkling dried feces on pastries. Forty-nine-year-old Behrouz Nahidmobarekeh is on trial for allegedly throwing fecal matter on pastries at a Fiesta grocery store. Police said they found a pile of human feces by his bed. He would dry it [and] grate it up with a cheese grater and then sprinkle it at the store, officials said."
It's the bit about the cheese grater that lifts this story out of the horror camp and plops it down in the mind-numbingly-horrifying-puking-nightmare camp. Will any one us ever be able to shake the mental image of Behrouz sitting in his apartment contentedly grating his dried crap? And, more importantly, will any one of us ever eat anything with a chocolate dusting?
I had a nice picture of a piece of cake to go with this, but thankfully I changed my mind.
It's the bit about the cheese grater that lifts this story out of the horror camp and plops it down in the mind-numbingly-horrifying-puking-nightmare camp. Will any one us ever be able to shake the mental image of Behrouz sitting in his apartment contentedly grating his dried crap? And, more importantly, will any one of us ever eat anything with a chocolate dusting?
I had a nice picture of a piece of cake to go with this, but thankfully I changed my mind.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Tale of Two Cities: Part Two
I recently went to Coimbatore for a Bioinformatics Conference. While the conference was fairly blah, the place was interesting.
I was immediately struck by how different Coimbatore is from Madurai. Life in Madurai feels like swimming in a viscous soup of molasses. There are times you feel like an insect who knows he's doomed to an amber sarcophagus, but struggles anyway. Everything seems constrained and decrepit, including the people.
Coimbatore seems so different. For one, it's much more modern, and that goes for the people as well. Thankfully the tragic fashion sense of Madurans doesn't extend it's hideous arms as far north as I might have imagined. Hence my amazement at the natives. The people are friendly and helpful (!!) and the weather's better too. It's claimed the Siruvani is the second sweetest water in the world. Madurai, by comparison, has very hard water. That is, when it has water.
I was immediately struck by how different Coimbatore is from Madurai. Life in Madurai feels like swimming in a viscous soup of molasses. There are times you feel like an insect who knows he's doomed to an amber sarcophagus, but struggles anyway. Everything seems constrained and decrepit, including the people.
Coimbatore seems so different. For one, it's much more modern, and that goes for the people as well. Thankfully the tragic fashion sense of Madurans doesn't extend it's hideous arms as far north as I might have imagined. Hence my amazement at the natives. The people are friendly and helpful (!!) and the weather's better too. It's claimed the Siruvani is the second sweetest water in the world. Madurai, by comparison, has very hard water. That is, when it has water.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tale of Two Cities: Part One
It's been a while.
Since my last post, I've been to Bangalore and Coimbatore.
My, Bangalore has changed. It's a lot more crowded, and the traffic is out of control. Also, all the pretty people can be quite distracting. Luckily no such problem in Madurai. I was also struck by the fact that in the three days I was there, I heard more Tamil than Kannada.
Bangalore is quite a curious place, in an uneasy sort of balancing act between the traditional and the modern. It's everywhere you look. Bangalore has probably the most heterogeneous population in South India, yet this is something that people regard with both pride and resentment. The powers-that-be always seem unsure about what to do with the funny business that is Bangalore.
Case in point. The Bangalore Traffic Police erected a billboard warning about the dangers of jaywalking, and it depicted a guy in funky clothes running across the road, and what appears to be a red Ferrari zooming down towards him. Perhaps they were trying to point out the lack of civil mindedness among Bangalore's newest residents. But why have such a billboard only in Kannada? The target audience is clueless about Kannada, and even I can read more Kannada than the only Kannadiga I know. It's an obvious answer, and we all know it. The language of the billboard serves a greater political purpose, while masquerading as a social message. An average visitor to Bangalore may never even encounter spoken Kannada, and billboards such as these serve as visual anchors. Language identity in India is enormously important, and it's funny how us young urbane people never seem to notice it.
However, the biggest question in my mind was: why on earth is the guy wearing a blue shirt with red pants?! That ensemble is so last season. Haven't they heard? Crimson is the new red.
Monday, September 26, 2005
The Pariah Pietà
A body.
Everyone stopped. One of the firefighters aimed his flashlight low across the ground. A halo of light framed a man’s face. Everyone saw it. “Oh, my God,” they began to shout. “It’s Father Mike.”
He wasn’t buried under much rubble; his body, even his face, was still perfectly intact. They took his pulse. Nothing. “I took an arm,” says Cosgrove. “Someone else took an arm. Two other guys took his ankles.” Waugh grabbed him by the waist, and together the men carried him out of the building. They found a bunch of broken chairs on an outdoor plaza and nestled Judge in one of them, so that they could carry him down a staircase to the street.
That was the moment a Reuters photographer, Shannon Stapleton, snapped the picture that Christopher Keenan, one of Judge’s closest friends at the friary, now calls “a modern Pietà.”
The Rev. Mychal F. Judge, the Fire Department chaplain who died in the rubble of 9/11, was, and still is, one of the most widely loved Roman Catholic priests in New York City's recent history.
For 40 years, Father Judge tirelessly ministered to firefighters, their grieving widows, AIDS patients, homeless people, Flight 800 victims' families and countless others. At his funeral, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani called him a saint, a sentiment that admirers have followed up by campaigning for his canonization. A simple prayer that Father Judge wrote has been circulated around the world and attached to thousands of donations to the needy. Pope John Paul II accepted the gift of his helmet.
Father Mychal Judge was gay. Pope Benedict and the Catholic Church believe that Father Mychal Judge was unfit to be a Roman Catholic priest.
Here's an article by the New York Times.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Hail Mary
The Pope wants to ban fairies in the Church.
It'd be outrageous, if it wasn't so friggin' ludicrous.
I pity the poor guy.
Imagine his plight. There he is, sitting in the Sistine Chapel, just north of St. Peter's (obviously named by a fairy), and looks up at the ceiling.... painted by a poofter. He nervously adjusts his hat and robe (which you KNOW was designed by a fairy!) and calls his assistant. Considering there are so many fags in the Church, there a good statistical probability that's he's a fairy too. Benedict breaks into a sweat, looking at the young priest's plucked eyebrows.
Hail Mary. The Lord is with thee... so no fear. Panzer Pope or no Pope.
Benedict, I'd watch my back if i were you. Pun intended.
It'd be outrageous, if it wasn't so friggin' ludicrous.
I pity the poor guy.
Imagine his plight. There he is, sitting in the Sistine Chapel, just north of St. Peter's (obviously named by a fairy), and looks up at the ceiling.... painted by a poofter. He nervously adjusts his hat and robe (which you KNOW was designed by a fairy!) and calls his assistant. Considering there are so many fags in the Church, there a good statistical probability that's he's a fairy too. Benedict breaks into a sweat, looking at the young priest's plucked eyebrows.
Hail Mary. The Lord is with thee... so no fear. Panzer Pope or no Pope.
Benedict, I'd watch my back if i were you. Pun intended.
Friday, September 23, 2005
The Federline-Spears Family Portrait
Aah, my favourite Pop Tart, with her little tartlet bundle of joy. Oh, and the baby too.
Do hurry back, Britney. We miss ya.
Do hurry back, Britney. We miss ya.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
BBM Dolls
Found these utterly cute dolls on the net while looking for BBM reviews... a deranged fan *sheepish grin* made them with Candybar Doll Maker. The one on the left is Jack Twist, and the one on the right is Ennis Del Mar.Admittedly, the Jack Twist doll doesn't have quite the 'come hither' look that Jake G has in the trailer, but damnit, they're soooo cute!!
Somebody suggested that the dolls could be animated so that they're dancing in Babylon...
Still cracks me up.
Monday, September 19, 2005
First no Marys, now no Marias
Salzburg is planning a museum devoted entirely to the Sound of Music. I hear Austrian native Schwarzenegger is planning to veto the idea.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Blog changes
Made a few changes. Feedback from you poor suckers loyal fans out there is most welcome.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Baby o baby...
I've been in denial all this time. I told myself, this can't happen... but it's finally happened.
Britney's a mom.
How did all those years go by? Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat google eyed in front of the TV, watching this bright eyed kid gyrate to that classic Hit me baby one more time? Man o man. (Silly grin plastered on face...) Of course, I thought she'd never last. I still thought the coolest teen babe was Buffy. Aah, Buffy!! ^_^
Aguilera was good, and I found myself secretly moved by the Beautiful video. But she was no Britney. That woman could somehow make Skanky-ass videos that were shockingly enthralling. I suppose I was captivated by her virginal (man, how lame was that?) persona... she always seemed to have an unfazed look. After watching Crossroads, I realised she was just a totally lame actress. Silly me.
Britney & Federline. The lamest celebs our times have ever spawned. Poor kid. He's gonna have one crazy life. Redneck dad and Louisiana's fav Ho for parents? Adds up to one majorly f**ked up kid.
Britney's a mom.
How did all those years go by? Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat google eyed in front of the TV, watching this bright eyed kid gyrate to that classic Hit me baby one more time? Man o man. (Silly grin plastered on face...) Of course, I thought she'd never last. I still thought the coolest teen babe was Buffy. Aah, Buffy!! ^_^
Aguilera was good, and I found myself secretly moved by the Beautiful video. But she was no Britney. That woman could somehow make Skanky-ass videos that were shockingly enthralling. I suppose I was captivated by her virginal (man, how lame was that?) persona... she always seemed to have an unfazed look. After watching Crossroads, I realised she was just a totally lame actress. Silly me.
Britney & Federline. The lamest celebs our times have ever spawned. Poor kid. He's gonna have one crazy life. Redneck dad and Louisiana's fav Ho for parents? Adds up to one majorly f**ked up kid.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Brokeback's Mountain Lion
I always knew Brokeback Mountain was a Top... uhm, winner.
Brokeback Mountain has won the Golden Lion for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival, which drew to a close recently. I hope this is an omen of things to come. Almost all reviewers have raved about the film. Yes, there have been a few negative reviews too, criticizing certain aspects of the characters, or the length of the film. Europeans! As for me, a good film can never be too long. Especially if it's an Ang Lee.
It would have been interesting to consider how this film would have fared at Cannes. Cannes has no love for Ang Lee. There is also a legacy of discomfort with controversial films. Last year's critically acclaimed Vera Drake did not make it to Cannes, though it went on to win the Golden Lion at Venice.
Update for you South Park fans: They're NOT eating pudding in this one.
Brokeback Mountain has won the Golden Lion for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival, which drew to a close recently. I hope this is an omen of things to come. Almost all reviewers have raved about the film. Yes, there have been a few negative reviews too, criticizing certain aspects of the characters, or the length of the film. Europeans! As for me, a good film can never be too long. Especially if it's an Ang Lee.
It would have been interesting to consider how this film would have fared at Cannes. Cannes has no love for Ang Lee. There is also a legacy of discomfort with controversial films. Last year's critically acclaimed Vera Drake did not make it to Cannes, though it went on to win the Golden Lion at Venice.
Update for you South Park fans: They're NOT eating pudding in this one.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Damp reception for Brokeback Mountain
I should have known.
One film goer:
Yeah, this was always going to be a tear jerker... think Jake G holding baby sheep!
He hugged and comforted poor ol' bawling Kirsten Dunst after the show... OK, that's it. All those sniggering about Jake the Lonely Cowboy and his Sheep, get off my page NOW! I mean, don't get-off on it... I mean...
I'm so confused right now.
One film goer:
My wife came out of the ladies' room and said, 'There are 15 women in there, and they're all crying.' I said, 'You ought to see the mens' room.'
Yeah, this was always going to be a tear jerker... think Jake G holding baby sheep!
He hugged and comforted poor ol' bawling Kirsten Dunst after the show... OK, that's it. All those sniggering about Jake the Lonely Cowboy and his Sheep, get off my page NOW! I mean, don't get-off on it... I mean...
I'm so confused right now.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Crouching Lion, Hidden Talent
It's happening as we speak.
First Venice, now Telluride. The reviews of Brokeback Mountain are beginning to trickle in.
It looks like Ang Lee's done it again. Most reviewers are floored, and the IMDB board is buzzing with excitement. The few nay-sayers have criticized it on the way the story progressed, that Ang Lee should have done this, or the characters should have done that... but hey, that's in the source material, so that's that. Chillax.
Wait.... news just in... yes, there are unconfirmed reports that the Motel scene HAS been included. I repeat, the Motel scene HAS been included. You folks out there who've read the book know what I'm talking about. Ever since this project was first announced, it was widely believed that this pivotal scene would never see the light of day, and the crucial dialogues would be distributed throughout the film. We can all relax now.
Dare I say it... those two words... Golden Lion? Can this film win the Golden Lion? According to some critics, that Cat's already in the bag.
Critics are raving about Heath Ledger's understated and muted performance. Even those dissing the film admit: the lad's got talent.... who knew?! Jake G's great as always, and predictably, the rumour mills are grinding away... could it be Him? Is Jakey G, in fact... Toothy Tile?!?
Gossip really is the lowest form of discourse, but I'd personally be surprised if it wasn't our own Jakey boy. After all, he seems to fit Mr Tile to the T.
Toothy T. or not, I must add... I hate you, Jake G. I hate you and your 12 year-old-boy hairline.
First Venice, now Telluride. The reviews of Brokeback Mountain are beginning to trickle in.
It looks like Ang Lee's done it again. Most reviewers are floored, and the IMDB board is buzzing with excitement. The few nay-sayers have criticized it on the way the story progressed, that Ang Lee should have done this, or the characters should have done that... but hey, that's in the source material, so that's that. Chillax.
Wait.... news just in... yes, there are unconfirmed reports that the Motel scene HAS been included. I repeat, the Motel scene HAS been included. You folks out there who've read the book know what I'm talking about. Ever since this project was first announced, it was widely believed that this pivotal scene would never see the light of day, and the crucial dialogues would be distributed throughout the film. We can all relax now.
Dare I say it... those two words... Golden Lion? Can this film win the Golden Lion? According to some critics, that Cat's already in the bag.
Critics are raving about Heath Ledger's understated and muted performance. Even those dissing the film admit: the lad's got talent.... who knew?! Jake G's great as always, and predictably, the rumour mills are grinding away... could it be Him? Is Jakey G, in fact... Toothy Tile?!?
Gossip really is the lowest form of discourse, but I'd personally be surprised if it wasn't our own Jakey boy. After all, he seems to fit Mr Tile to the T.
Toothy T. or not, I must add... I hate you, Jake G. I hate you and your 12 year-old-boy hairline.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Google Moon - Lunar Landing Sites
Lunar Landing Sites
"Welcome to Google Moon. In honor of the first manned Moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969."
Zoom right in.
... and you thought the Evolution debate was the problem.
"Welcome to Google Moon. In honor of the first manned Moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969."
Zoom right in.
... and you thought the Evolution debate was the problem.
Google Job Opportunities
Google is hiring...
Honestly... the things Americans will do to avoid Outsourcing to India.
Oh right. They DO have a Centre in India. Ha ha ha... Suckers.
Honestly... the things Americans will do to avoid Outsourcing to India.
Oh right. They DO have a Centre in India. Ha ha ha... Suckers.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
George Washington the hottie
"Physical anthropologist Jeffrey Schwartz is attempting to recreate what George Washington looked like when he was 19 by forensically reconstructing the founding father's bones based on what he looked like in portraits, and working back in years to when he was young and strapping. The verdict? 'Despite what he looks like on the dollar bill, it turns out George Washington may have been kind of hot.'
Washington was a giant for his time at 6'2' and possessed, according to the Mount Vernon estate's executive director, 'larger than average hands and feet.' The Washington Post's report on this reconstruction does, however, note: 'Though the figure is being created nude, there are certain parts that are not being, shall we say, reimagined.'"
Washington was a giant for his time at 6'2' and possessed, according to the Mount Vernon estate's executive director, 'larger than average hands and feet.' The Washington Post's report on this reconstruction does, however, note: 'Though the figure is being created nude, there are certain parts that are not being, shall we say, reimagined.'"
Friday, September 02, 2005
Brokeback Breaking News
These are the words of the editor of europeanfilms.net, who saw Brokeback Mountain at the Venice Film Festival:
I hope he's right. It would break my heart if Ang Lee made a wet noodle out of this one. But then again, he's no sitting duck.
"Lee and his cast and crew have done the near impossible; they have translated one of the most acclaimed American novellas of modern times onto the screen and deliver something that is on par, if not better, than the work that inspired it and yet is completely respectful of its source material."
I hope he's right. It would break my heart if Ang Lee made a wet noodle out of this one. But then again, he's no sitting duck.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Ang-ling in Brokeback Mountain
The trailer of Ang Lee’s latest movie, Brokeback Mountain, finally hit the Net.
I’m an unabashed fan of Ang Lee’s work, ever since I saw Wedding Banquet many years ago. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was a masterpiece, and it’s a testament to Ang Lee that Chow Yun Fat’s popular gun totting image never came to mind. Bravo, Mr. Lee.
Even Hulk was amazing. I never could have guessed the story of a meathead like Hulk could be so meditative. I eat my words like yesterday’s Kung-Pow chicken.
Now, back to Brokeback.
Annie Proulx is an author I have greatly admired over the years, but her works are impossible to find in most Indian bookstores. She has undeniable skill, and she works it well. Her characters are real and flawed, and she sets them against the stark beauty and majesty of the American landscape. The grittiness of her stories hits you at full force, and leaves you gasping for more, yet you wonder if you have the balls (and enough tears) to read on.
Brokeback Mountain is the story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. I am indeed glad Ang Lee is doing this, and not a Hollywood crow like… never mind. Hopefully his vision will be able to match up to this story. From the trailer, it looks more like a Gus Van Sant film than an Ang Lee, but let’s not count our Peking Ducks before they hatch. Yeah yeah, I know Ang Lee’s Taiwanese, but you get the drift.
The trailer: the dialogues are right out of the text. Yipee!! Heath Ledger and Jake G. … . I’m going to have a lot of fun with their southern drawls. Jake G.’s ecstatic “WOOOOHEY…. YEAH!!” in the trailer sounds suspiciously like what must have resounded in the White House the night they caught Saddam, that perv down in Eye-rack.
Brokeback Mountain makes its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival, so hopefully by next week we’ll have reviews of the film.
I’m an unabashed fan of Ang Lee’s work, ever since I saw Wedding Banquet many years ago. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was a masterpiece, and it’s a testament to Ang Lee that Chow Yun Fat’s popular gun totting image never came to mind. Bravo, Mr. Lee.
Even Hulk was amazing. I never could have guessed the story of a meathead like Hulk could be so meditative. I eat my words like yesterday’s Kung-Pow chicken.
Now, back to Brokeback.
Annie Proulx is an author I have greatly admired over the years, but her works are impossible to find in most Indian bookstores. She has undeniable skill, and she works it well. Her characters are real and flawed, and she sets them against the stark beauty and majesty of the American landscape. The grittiness of her stories hits you at full force, and leaves you gasping for more, yet you wonder if you have the balls (and enough tears) to read on.
Brokeback Mountain is the story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist. I am indeed glad Ang Lee is doing this, and not a Hollywood crow like… never mind. Hopefully his vision will be able to match up to this story. From the trailer, it looks more like a Gus Van Sant film than an Ang Lee, but let’s not count our Peking Ducks before they hatch. Yeah yeah, I know Ang Lee’s Taiwanese, but you get the drift.
The trailer: the dialogues are right out of the text. Yipee!! Heath Ledger and Jake G. … . I’m going to have a lot of fun with their southern drawls. Jake G.’s ecstatic “WOOOOHEY…. YEAH!!” in the trailer sounds suspiciously like what must have resounded in the White House the night they caught Saddam, that perv down in Eye-rack.
Brokeback Mountain makes its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival, so hopefully by next week we’ll have reviews of the film.
Monday, August 29, 2005
I love Wood, Elijah
I finally saw Sin City. Albeit a screener, but since there are no immediate plans to release this film in India, I thought; what the heck. Take that, you fat-cat studio execs.
Talk about über-violent. That’s a lot of blood. Lots and lots. The only thing I can think of with more blood is George ‘Dubya’ Bush’s hands. But jokes aside, it’s a lot of blood. Did I mention how much blood was in this film?
Two things came up while I watched this film:
1. My lunch.
2. How disturbing it is that I was fascinated with Elijah Wood’s character, Kevin. Boy was he smooth, and I don’t mean smooth in a twink-sorta way (which he is). Think Bible salesman. Heck, stick a tie on him and he’s a Mormon missionary. Oh wait… that explains a lot.
Anybody else notice how cute that dawgy was?! Awwwwwwww.
I know I speak for a lot of people when I say this: I do not like Rosario Dawson. I actually let out a “Whoopie!” (how embarrassing) when Michael Clark-Duncan gave her a good one. Take that, Ho. That’s for Alexander, Bee-yatch!!
I give it “Two Thumbs Up!”. Just make sure to keep this for AFTER dinner. You’ve been warned.
Talk about über-violent. That’s a lot of blood. Lots and lots. The only thing I can think of with more blood is George ‘Dubya’ Bush’s hands. But jokes aside, it’s a lot of blood. Did I mention how much blood was in this film?
Two things came up while I watched this film:
1. My lunch.
2. How disturbing it is that I was fascinated with Elijah Wood’s character, Kevin. Boy was he smooth, and I don’t mean smooth in a twink-sorta way (which he is). Think Bible salesman. Heck, stick a tie on him and he’s a Mormon missionary. Oh wait… that explains a lot.
Anybody else notice how cute that dawgy was?! Awwwwwwww.
I know I speak for a lot of people when I say this: I do not like Rosario Dawson. I actually let out a “Whoopie!” (how embarrassing) when Michael Clark-Duncan gave her a good one. Take that, Ho. That’s for Alexander, Bee-yatch!!
I give it “Two Thumbs Up!”. Just make sure to keep this for AFTER dinner. You’ve been warned.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Dead End, or...?
Apropos my recent tirade about the difficulties of adapting a literary
work to the screen.
Enter Batman: Dead End.
A Short film, all of 8 minutes. Here is Batman, shorn of all his
glitzy goodies. Set in the backdrop of the Joker's escape from Arkham, Batman suits up to yet again capture that kooky clown. Without going into the story (all 8 minutes of it), i was struck by how this short film tried to cover parts of the Batman tale we never get to see on the screen. We see his bandaged body, while he suits up, preparing for yet another battle. The humanity and vulnerability of Batman has never been satisfactorily covered by any of the other films, yet this is the first thing we see here. A simple suit, much like something someone might contrive for Halloween. Indeed, Batman packs his utilities much like i might pack my lunch (we all have our priorities!), simply and without much ado.
Made on a shoestring budget, this film is obviously made by a deranged fan (aren't we all?!), and is all the better for it. Plus it packs a couple of guest appearances that might just... well, surprise you.
Think Godzilla vs King Kong.
To be fair, something of this sort will not appeal to non bat freaks. Batophiles raved about the purity of its approach, and avowed orthodoxy to canon. Low budget acting aside, seeing Batman jump
reminded me more of Phoebe's free spirited running, than anything else. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Egads! Get off my page at once, Peasant!
A quick peek at IMDB's discussion page reveals the mixed response this short created.
As for me, loved the scene with the cape. Woah.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Zen and the Art of Film Adaptation
Some time back, my friend forwarded me a link to a review he wrote of the Batman movie… he hated it (“tears of blood”, as I recall). He felt real anguish over this appalling rendition of his beloved hero, and how it had missed (by a long shot) the depth and character of the Dark Knight’s saga.
It had me wondering: is it possible to successfully transliterate a beloved tale from one medium to another? The Graphic novel heritage of the Batman is a particularly difficult one to harness, striding both the written and the visual. Batman wouldn’t be the same in just text, and the over-the-top visual confetti in most Hollywood films isn’t the answer either.
This begs the question: is it even possible? Case in point: The Lord of the Rings. I had such intense expectations from the film (everybody knows that), and really looked forward to the film versions. But Fellowship was such an intense letdown. To me it seemed such a poor representation of the richness of Middle Earth, a watered-down poor man’s version of an amazing story. But I still simply adored the films, and saw them over and over again. Aditya was utterly sick of my fixation with Arwen’s entrance… I must have seen that 18 second clip over a thousand times… no kidding. I convinced people to watch the films, and ended up watching them again. People were pissed with my running commentary, but politely tolerated my fawning over these films.
To me the films were appalling. They had more flaws; factual and otherwise; than I can list here. But it was still LOTR. The story had me so worked up that even the poor onscreen rendition moved me to tears. The party tree, Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf… everything reminded me of the little things, from the book. The characters on screen were strengthened and reinforced by the book. The hobbits’ love of the Shire, their irrepressible joy and true nature; Aragon’s sense of destiny, and his willingness to give it all up… nothing was in the film, but it was in my mind. I couldn’t help but make the connection, and thus made the emotional connection to the characters on the screen.
So what is it then? What constitutes a successful crossover from book to box office? Artistic considerations aside (gasp!); it can’t cater to only a niche audience. I’ve been told that the ‘soul’ of the work should remain the same. Well, is it even possible? Every medium has its idiosyncrasies, and they do not translate well. While in Manga 10 frames devoted to a single falling drop is completely legit, for a smug movie version to attempt such a visual haiku would be hara-kiri. I know I’m going to be told… but what of Anime? Wouldn’t that be a visual rendition of Manga? Yes, but only to an extent. The idiosyncrasies don’t translate. Every Manga I have seen predominately uses Hiragana for the text, which has a tremendous influence on the overall effect the dialogue creates. Consider Anime in the original Japanese and the dubbed English versions. The effects they create are quite different. The English renditions strive for believability (which they achieve), while the Japanese voiceovers rarely try to create lifelike characters. The characters are more exaggerated, the girls are squeakier, and the men gruffer, and throughout an Operatic quality predominates. I understand some of the changes must be made for western audiences, and different audiences react differently.
But then, what counts as a successful crossover? Can any film hope to faithfully represent a cinematic version of a beloved classic? It’s said Bruce Wayne/Batman has mastered all forms of martial arts, and has attained complete physical mastery of his body. We must accept this, because it is part of canon. How is it possible for a man to ‘master’ the martial arts without understanding its meditative soul? It’s not. Yet Batman remains a deeply flawed man, clinically even a psychopath. Is it even possible for such a man to master the martial arts? Yet canon says so. 90 year old Zen Masters struggle to grasp the true spirit of a single Aikido Dojo, and yet this skinny white boy shows up and pulls a Karate Kid on them. Suspension of disbelief, yes; but a film must achieve that and more. A Batman film cannot target only Bat freaks. It has to reach out and be understood by audiences varying in their knowledge of Batman back stories. The true spirit of the Batman saga must come across to them as well. How do you do that? How much of the story can be deemed trivial and cut away? At what point are you cutting into the soul of story? Where does that Rubicon lie?
I can only say I do not envy the task.
My advice to Christopher Nolan… don’t ever sleep with the lights out. Be afraid of the dark. Be very afraid.
It had me wondering: is it possible to successfully transliterate a beloved tale from one medium to another? The Graphic novel heritage of the Batman is a particularly difficult one to harness, striding both the written and the visual. Batman wouldn’t be the same in just text, and the over-the-top visual confetti in most Hollywood films isn’t the answer either.
This begs the question: is it even possible? Case in point: The Lord of the Rings. I had such intense expectations from the film (everybody knows that), and really looked forward to the film versions. But Fellowship was such an intense letdown. To me it seemed such a poor representation of the richness of Middle Earth, a watered-down poor man’s version of an amazing story. But I still simply adored the films, and saw them over and over again. Aditya was utterly sick of my fixation with Arwen’s entrance… I must have seen that 18 second clip over a thousand times… no kidding. I convinced people to watch the films, and ended up watching them again. People were pissed with my running commentary, but politely tolerated my fawning over these films.
To me the films were appalling. They had more flaws; factual and otherwise; than I can list here. But it was still LOTR. The story had me so worked up that even the poor onscreen rendition moved me to tears. The party tree, Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf… everything reminded me of the little things, from the book. The characters on screen were strengthened and reinforced by the book. The hobbits’ love of the Shire, their irrepressible joy and true nature; Aragon’s sense of destiny, and his willingness to give it all up… nothing was in the film, but it was in my mind. I couldn’t help but make the connection, and thus made the emotional connection to the characters on the screen.
So what is it then? What constitutes a successful crossover from book to box office? Artistic considerations aside (gasp!); it can’t cater to only a niche audience. I’ve been told that the ‘soul’ of the work should remain the same. Well, is it even possible? Every medium has its idiosyncrasies, and they do not translate well. While in Manga 10 frames devoted to a single falling drop is completely legit, for a smug movie version to attempt such a visual haiku would be hara-kiri. I know I’m going to be told… but what of Anime? Wouldn’t that be a visual rendition of Manga? Yes, but only to an extent. The idiosyncrasies don’t translate. Every Manga I have seen predominately uses Hiragana for the text, which has a tremendous influence on the overall effect the dialogue creates. Consider Anime in the original Japanese and the dubbed English versions. The effects they create are quite different. The English renditions strive for believability (which they achieve), while the Japanese voiceovers rarely try to create lifelike characters. The characters are more exaggerated, the girls are squeakier, and the men gruffer, and throughout an Operatic quality predominates. I understand some of the changes must be made for western audiences, and different audiences react differently.
But then, what counts as a successful crossover? Can any film hope to faithfully represent a cinematic version of a beloved classic? It’s said Bruce Wayne/Batman has mastered all forms of martial arts, and has attained complete physical mastery of his body. We must accept this, because it is part of canon. How is it possible for a man to ‘master’ the martial arts without understanding its meditative soul? It’s not. Yet Batman remains a deeply flawed man, clinically even a psychopath. Is it even possible for such a man to master the martial arts? Yet canon says so. 90 year old Zen Masters struggle to grasp the true spirit of a single Aikido Dojo, and yet this skinny white boy shows up and pulls a Karate Kid on them. Suspension of disbelief, yes; but a film must achieve that and more. A Batman film cannot target only Bat freaks. It has to reach out and be understood by audiences varying in their knowledge of Batman back stories. The true spirit of the Batman saga must come across to them as well. How do you do that? How much of the story can be deemed trivial and cut away? At what point are you cutting into the soul of story? Where does that Rubicon lie?
I can only say I do not envy the task.
My advice to Christopher Nolan… don’t ever sleep with the lights out. Be afraid of the dark. Be very afraid.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Blog kiya jaye?
It's been a while. I hope that I finally have the time to post on a regular basis. If all goes according to plan, expect to find updates on my work, and my opinion on current affairs, technology, scientific developments, movies, books, and what-have-you.
For my old chums, hey!
If you're new to this blog; welcome. Enjoy your stay and I look forward to your suggestions.
For my old chums, hey!
If you're new to this blog; welcome. Enjoy your stay and I look forward to your suggestions.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Communication
This is the little corner of cyberspace that is home to me, AKA, Rohan. Here you'll find all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff, so remember to visit often. You'll never know what you'll find here next.
For those interested in such matters, the title of this blog is inspired by the genius of Prof. J.R.R Tolkien. Centa is Quenya for Communication, the soul behind this entire endeavour. I hope this blog will serve it's primary objective, to bring about a greater degree of communication and understanding, through my modest contribution to the global web.
For those interested in such matters, the title of this blog is inspired by the genius of Prof. J.R.R Tolkien. Centa is Quenya for Communication, the soul behind this entire endeavour. I hope this blog will serve it's primary objective, to bring about a greater degree of communication and understanding, through my modest contribution to the global web.
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