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Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts

American History X

| Saturday, August 25, 2012
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The best thing about this film is Edward Norton. I can enjoy him in any role and believe his character no matter how polar opposite it might be from other roles Norton has played. He delivers his best performance yet and flawlessly personifies a white supremacist. His performance is so believable that you actually begin to hate his character and his racist ideologies. This however is extremely ironic because the whole point of the film is try and deter society from hate and instead move towards rational and tolerance. Although it may seem infeasible that a hardcore white supremacist can easily turn over a new leaf, Edward Norton makes it possible. His performance is real, believable, and could not have been done better.

American History X is not just an excellent film because of the cinematic qualities but also because it addresses an extremely important issue in American society: racism. It is so powerful that it can truly change ones’ opinions and beliefs about racism. It is influential and has the potential of changing American society for the better by stopping groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and by instilling a sense of tolerance for other races for anyone who watches the film.

American History X

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Saturday, August 25, 2012
With 0comments

The Adjustment Bureau

| Sunday, October 23, 2011
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PS: If you have not seen/read The Adjustment Bureau (movie) please do so before continuing or you may miss to see some similarities compared. Nevertheless my point is pretty darn clear!


"What about free will?" bursts Damon, in a fit of bewilderment. Terence explanation to that (in the movie of course) is that they've tried free will, but humans have a tendency to screw things up when left to their own devices. "We (the adjustment bureau) brought you to the height of the Roman Empire", explains a deadpan Terrence Stamp. "Then, we stepped back. We watched as you destroyed yourselves; the fall of the Roman Empire, the dark ages. Then we came back in, and gave you the Renaissance, the Enlightenment. Then in 1910, we stepped back again, and watched you descend into World War I, World War II, and then bring yourselves to the brink of destruction with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Since then, we've stepped back in, before you altered the plan so irreversibly that even we wouldn't be able to save you". A very interesting scene indeed! In essence according to the movie, the supernatural bureau went back and forth between controlling human behavior and giving us the false hope of free will.


"The world is immeasurably better because of Steve," Apple sighs—of course—but I see no major media outlets questioning this PR statement. I wonder and question; what bout the the fact that he was an intense control freak who reamed out underlings. His screaming abuse of his employees. Yet, the tenor of all these memorials is that his genius excuses such behavior!! Genius?? I guess it is indeed the bureau working their magic here!

Let us get one (one of the most important) point clear first; Jobs was not an engineer or inventor. More than anything, he was an entrepreneur, a designer, and a master of branding. I do admire and will give him credit for creating a brand name but nothing more. As matter of fact, I think Jobs and all his ijunk are one of the excessive, amazing examples of capitalist marketing and brainwashing.

Now, let us look at what Mr. Jobs really did; First and foremost he actually cost the US many jobs lost. Most of his ijunk's were manufactured outside of US in a third world country to save on production cost.

Secondly, he is one of the cause for enslaving millions of people around the world to little electronic devices that they don't need while destroying real, meaningful social contact. Every time I walk into social hub or a restaurant, all I see is group of young people sitting together but not talking or even looking at each other but busy staring at the little piece of plastic and wires in their hands... chatting with their imaginary virtual friends! The start of antisocial insanity begins there!

Thirdly, he was a business man who had no or very little concern for the environment; All ijunk products that everyone loved to buy eventually ended up in a landfill after they became obsolete in a year or two. According to Apple, they also produced 14.8 million metric tons of CO2 annually!!!

Fourthly, this can be argued as ones own interest but I choose to; thus: Despite being worth $8.3 billion, Jobs has had zero public charitable donations. Yes, there is always the possibility that he gave anonymously but I highly doubt that considering his personality. Check this out for a kicker; Jobs, an adopted child himself, had an illegitimate child and for two years, though already wealthy, he denied paternity while the mother went on welfare. Jobs even swore in a signed court document that he couldn’t be Lisa’s father because he was “sterile and infertile, and as a result thereof, did not have the physical capacity to procreate a child.” A blood test later proved he was the father and he did begin making payments. Job’s fertility miraculously returned as he fathered 3 more children. Do you get my personality match now??

Though there are a few more facts I can come up with in the end Mr. Jobs did have friends, a family, and colleagues that I’m sure cared very much about him. And I do send my condolences to them as I would to anyone who lost a loved one. I do not revel in his death or in others mourning of him. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings in lieu of another human’s passing. There is no second opinion to that, however I am just blown away at the magnitude of control the adjustment bureau has on our world!

On the contrary; we lost Mr. Dennis Ritchie (even I never knew of till my brother mentioned), the creator of the “C” programming language and one of the men largely responsible for Unix, around the same time. Unlike Mr. Jobs, his contributions to the computing world are the real deal. Without him there is no Steve Jobs! Yet the media and many of its followers choose to shout out " our HERO Steve Jobs " instead!

Here is one quote out of the many (mostly ridiculous) Jobs quotes I've seen this past few weeks, that is somewhat interesting to me, something he once told Steven Levy: "I’m a big believer in boredom.... All the [technology] stuff is wonderful, but having nothing to do can be wonderful, too.”

I find it interesting as somehow I feel he did make many do just that!! Then again that's exactly what Dyson did. It's exactly what Microsoft did. Think about fate and predestination for a moment. Do you live your life thinking that every step has been mapped out? If that were the case, why bother to do anything? Do you think that your overall destination has been decided, but it's up to you how you get there? Which would at least give your actions some meaning. Or do you think that everything is random and there's no reason or purpose behind anything we do? Does the word DESTINY make any sense? Well these questions will come into play as you watch The Adjustment Bureau or read the media on our Her Mr. Jobs. What ever it may be, know this; We are all strong enough to define destiny, as LOVE will conquer all. I loved the movie as much as I love Mr. Jobs passion for business. But please do understand that you have your life in your hands not elsewhere!

The Adjustment Bureau

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Sunday, October 23, 2011
With 1 comments:

A good watch!

| Monday, October 17, 2011
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The folks at Funny or Die produced an original video celebrating the William J. Clinton Foundation’s 10th anniversary. Ben Stiller, Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, and a few surprise guests act out an unlikely scenario as members of the Foundation’s important Celebrity Division. Question: What happens when the celebs are asked to come up with new [...]

A good watch!

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Monday, October 17, 2011
With 0comments

Love-Matrix?

| Monday, October 3, 2011
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I can't seem to keep it off, so here it goes; Choosing doesn’t limit choices—it just changes them.

Every direction I turn, I see, faces, all colors and shapes, filled with pain and hope and joy and desperation. And I ask; What can I do? But, listen to the truth, then act. I challenge you to stop making choices based on the experiences of others. Make the choice that is true to you.

Take the initiative to discover the best path for you – even if it isn’t your original plan. While it may seem overwhelming, this is the best time to find what you’re passionate about. Take a chance, and believe in yourself. Your future starts here, jump in.

Towards the end of Matrix Reloaded, the Architect of the Matrix tells to Neo that he is the remaining sum of an unbalance equation. Like a remainder in one of those divisions that is somewhat never-ending e.g 145.66666666 or say (53 divided by 5 = 10.6) The Matrix was design in such a way that there was a need for a remainder only because a perfect sum with a perfect complete and total answer without the remainder would cause a breakdown of the entire system or program. In other words, a flaw was needed for the progression of the system.

This particular scene made me wonder; among many things, and because I thought of you today, I can't help but approach this concept of perfect balanced system would be the cause of its breakdown to that of a relationship. Take LOVE in the context of Matrix;

It is all about our choices; Love, among many is funny and relationships funnier. Though many will disagree I believe consistently we tend to fall into relationships that are harmful to us and present a pattern that we know quite well. Disclosure; When I came upon the idea and opened an discussion with a fellow friend I was told that I have a morbid idea of relationships!! So, save your breath and read on if you will and I will tell you how that’s not so true.


So, going back to the Matrix styled approach; If I say that before you begin a relationship you have the choice between a RED PILL and a BLUE PILL you may think I’m crazy. But think deeper ( for those of you who have seen the Matrix)… if we actually and truly had to dissect it; the BLUE pill represent something of a cycle, types of relationships that you are use to, whether it be the traditional chasing someone who looks a particular way; have the same shallow interest as those partners you have chosen before, or just basically you buying into what Pop-culture tell you your love-interest is suppose to be. The RED pill representing something new, enlightening, someone that can help you grow that is not very much part of the pop-cultural fabric or unique enough to be an individual, who has ambition, drive and strives to be a better person.

Most of us, and I have been guilty of this, usually will choose the blue pill to go down that familiar road, knowing full well the chances of its failure based on obvious variables are in the 90 percentile range; still yet we go there. But why? Are we so afraid of the unknown or afraid to deviate from a path that our friends may not readily accept? Do we feel an invisible need or force that puts pressure on us to continually box ourselves within the Love-Matrix? Or instead, are we so guided by the glitz and fluff of the media and celebrity life styles that we trade in our own emotional, love compass for what we think theirs are?

It’s ridiculous enough that relationships in most societies of ours are hard as they are… but its even more ridiculous that some of us get an epiphany which shows us clearly that a particular pattern will not work for us. Yet, we try and try and try futility to make it work only because the knowledge that was produced in our minds by the media, (radio, reality-TV, music videos, magazines, etc) has so etch in our psyche a concept of LOVE and the person who should love, that does not correspond to the actual tenets of traditional love. This throws us into the Matrix cycle which repeats and repeats itself much like the remainder of that equation, until our Trinity or Neo comes to save us…

I think one should always remember that we won't be simply saved unless we at least try to break away from those that influences us to form our relationship and come to terms with the person you want to be with in the long term future. Then only will one be able to choose the best person for him/her now and avoid too many taxing cycles. Strive for a balanced equation, it does not matter if others approve of it; what matters is that the equation works for you and brings a measure of harmony to your life.

And while you do, please don't forget to ENJOY yourself!

p.s watch Matrix :)

Love-Matrix?

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Monday, October 3, 2011
With 5comments

Is She?

| Friday, July 22, 2011
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One of the most interesting fact I have noticed through time and experience is once again how we humans always can declare a person guilty or not based solely on our observation of THE media - and my reaction: what a bunch of deep thinkers!!!

Animals with only five senses have the wisdom to go about with just their natural instincts. The gut feeling/intuition.But yet we have chosen to ignore that for the most part and be influenced by the delusional surroundings. My questions to my good friends of Casey haters is this:

Were you THERE? Did you see it happen? Were you an eye witness to the events that lead to that little girl’s death? Who do you think you are to pin that on someone else? Who are you to determine guilt after a jury of twelve people did their job and came to a verdict of innocence?

Now, secondly do you not believe everyone is entitled to their opinion? Or do you not agree to the system which indicates that the presence of a jury removes anyone’s right to be the final judgement?

The above questions are very crucial to determine anything. I do not need to tell you that it’s easy for everyone to point fingers at others and judge them from a distance. Please stop the stoning!!!

None of us knows what went on when that child passed. None of us has the right to point fingers of blame now that the judicial system has done what it was designed to do. There is a price to pay for the freedom we enjoy in this country, sometimes a most likely guilty party walks, it sucks but insures us if we were wrongly accused we have a fair trial. Is this system right? In someways I will say it is much better than some other systems our fellow brothers and sisters from the other parts of the world follow: read: But still, is our system fair? That will be a whole new subject that I would love to debate/discuss with whomever. But for now I rest my case.

Let us all be our own judges. At lease until we perfect Advaita!

Is She?

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Friday, July 22, 2011
With 0comments

Sitting on top!

| Saturday, April 9, 2011
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Update: Home Theater (mini)

It's been over 6 years since I updated my sweet spot (my home theater), and I've been getting anxious to bring it up a notch or two for the past one year. After a month and a half of weekends spent selling old junk on eBay and saving from going out and many other I finally came up with the capital needed for this rather heavy/steep project/hobby/desire.

As you guys know, I am a huge audioholic and the home theater is the centerpiece of any self respecting audioholic, but cashflow issues meant that I had to settle for a HTIB surround sound system... but still it was ONKYO!

Now anyway, at long last, I've picked that ball back up again... and here's the result: My home theater is now fully realized, thanks in part to my eBay sales and that I am taking an advance on (courtesy of my savings account).

Okay! the fun part; here is a little run down on what I used, why I used it, and some of the details that guys who build stuff might dig.

COMPONENTS:

  • Panasonic 52" Plasma Display
  • Onkyo Ht RC270Audio/Video Receiver
  • Polk Audio RM75 series - Central and Surround/Back Speakers
  • Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 800- Front Channel Speakers
  • Onkyo & Polk Audio - Sub woofers! (yes, I have two)
  • Sony BD570 Blu Ray Player
  • Sony MDS JE510 Mini-disc Deck
  • JVC XU301 MD/CD Combo Deck
  • Dish Network (I need my Tamil Channels!!!)
  • Self Made Ubuntu Media Center PC
  • Xbox360 + Kinect + Michael Jackson Experience (highlight)
Phew! That's a lot of Electronics! I stole the Display, from Panny directly for $350!!!! They were very helpful, shipped fast and the price obviously was all rock bottom. Thanks to my buddy who's wife works there. The 1080p Plasma display has vivid color, excellent contrast/black level ratio and the versatile Viera lets me connect to my wireless network in other words, inbuilt Internet compatibility and the THX picture setting.

My initial idea called for a 65" display, but when I was placing the order I decided on 52" just because I liked the price of it. "three hundred and fifty dollars" ... see, it has a nice ring to it don't you think? Especially for a TV MSRPed @ $1169. I chose Cheetah Mounts from Amazon to mount the display on my wall. It was very easy to assemble and looks like it cost three times what I paid for it. Though you can't see unless you close enough and behind the TV!

Everyone knows sound would play a crucial role in bringing home that movie theater experience, and the Onkyo HT RC270 does the job admirably. See my review here: It features a host of excellent sound and video processing features and was also a steel from Amazon @ $479. Regular price: $689.

The Polk Audio RM75 series ($479) speaker system is the second star of the show and the first obviously is the one and only Definitive Technology, I got the Pro Monitor 800 series. The bass is incredibly stunning and the mids and highs are all very crisp and clear, and Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 800's ($219 x2) direct/reflecting speaker technology combined with my receiver's speaker calibration system have virtually eliminated any sweet spot in my room. You can experience an excellent and well balanced surround effect from just about anywhere in the seating area. I promise!

The sub brothers/woofers ROCK! Especially the Polk Audio PSW10($109). BTW, don’t muddle quality sound with other brands unless you are pairing a very basic setup with the sub woofer that has been directly designed for those speakers.

The Media Center PC providing all the content is an old Inspiron desktop that I'm running the Ubuntu Media Center OS on. It plays DVDs, records TV, plays my 1.3 TB of MP3 collection from my NAS server, displays family photos, Skype chat and surf the web. How cool is that?

Tips for your Home Theater: if you want to ensure the absolute best bang for the buck, let your ears make your audio decisions.

Sitting on top!

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Saturday, April 9, 2011
With 0comments

Corny!!!

| Friday, March 18, 2011
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Yes, the title of my post really is my plot synopsis for Battle Los Angeles. A movie that is about nothing but aliens killing marines and marines killing aliens for almost two whole hours. There were some twenty minutes of filler before the action scenes started, but none of it added anything to the movie. In fact, if you have already seen the trailer for the movie, then you already know everything that those twenty minutes tell you, which is nothing all that important or relevant to proceedings. Here is an example...my favorite one too; A helicopter will be coming in to rescue them in zero visibility due to the smoke and debris when the soldier throws out a smoke bomb to signal the helicopter where to land!!!! In another scene Michelle Rodriguez asks Aaron Eckhart why he never smiles amidst carnage and death on an unimagined scale!!! I guess the director was sleeping!!!

The entire cast, with the lone exception of Aaron Eckhart's staff-Sargent, are impossible to distinguish from one another. They are just anonymous figures that run through thick clouds of smoke, shout at each other, and shoot at anything that moves and is not human, and there is a lot to shoot at. So there is a lot of shooting, a lot of shouting, and a ton of explosions.

There is just no compelling story.

There is precious little positive that I can say about Battle Los Angeles. The special effects were excellent, but excellent special effects are ubiquitous these days. Even if they were not ubiquitous, movies still need to bring something compelling to the local cinema. Battle Los Angeles brings nothing. Nothing at all. Don't waste your time and money! PLEASE!

Corny!!!

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Friday, March 18, 2011
With 0comments

Here is why...

| Thursday, October 21, 2010
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I do not watch much TV, news especially, simply because it nothing but biased propaganda, a joke, and all they care about is the ratings! I get 90% of my news from the internet, as do a hell of a lot of other liberal people. TV news was supposed to be about, the news is supposed to inform you on important issues so you can make an informed decision. But it is never the case these days.

But anyway, in recent times I watch it when I am at work as that is part of my working environment. Since then I happen to watch at home when it’s raining, maybe when I’m sick, or for a few select sporting events. And when and if I watch, it is only the Morning Express on CNN, why? Well, Robin Meade is very pretty (al though at times she puts on way too much make up) and that seems to be the point. Her delivery is odd and unnerving, with stresses and pauses in weird and inappropriate places, and the content is … lacking. I suppose Robin just reads off the teleprompter, though ― she seems completely unfamiliar with everything she reports, even the second or third time around ― so it must be somebody else’s fault. In any case she has style. Watch her when you get some time.. remember not for the news ;)

Oh FYI - I know there are much prettier and hotter women… but they are not from here like Mélissa Theuriau for exapmple. But, she is worth a whole new post, so look out for her soon ;)

Here is why...

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Thursday, October 21, 2010
With 0comments

Dream Project :)

| Saturday, June 11, 2005
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Mani Ratnam-Shankar, Kamal Hassan-Rajinikanth and Illayaraja-A R Rahman = Ponniyin Selvan

Dream Project :)

Posted by : Jegan
Date :Saturday, June 11, 2005
With 0comments
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