Semper Idem

The Fountainhead (1949)

I never could read through the book, corpulent things are not for me. The film is uptight and too patriotic in its claims of integrity of man, though not that I disapprove of it. Am just not used to such ambience in cinema. The testimony that Howard Roark gives in the court is fairly lopsided but inspiring if you were to ignore reality part by part.

The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)

A new addition to  my favorites list and during the course of the film, I became obsessed with Bowie.

Stupid White Men by Michael Moore

Ankit gave this to me two weeks ago, initially (I always judge the book by its cover, quite literally) I figured this probably contained abstract pages chock-a-block with bashing of corporate America and the men who run it, I was wasn't very wrong. It also included Bush, Gore and their associates. As chapters progressed it almost seemed close to pulp fiction, because I don't have any interest in a country organised as a federation of states.

Since this, since I've begun a more aware study of the Indian democracy and constitution for competitive exams, my appreciation for my country stands all the more stronger. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Women's rights, though all the facts Moore states in it are to be taken seriously, sadly they get eaten along with the laugh that the book is just a political satire ¹.

It could be outdated on few issues, but coudn't be largely different on socio-economic issues of the USA today and is a good read for people like Marc and all those who advocate migrating to that country just "for two years". Running away isn't the answer, it never is.

¹ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Moore#cite_note-35

Chinatown (1974)

Watched: Chinatown (1974) *ing Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway.

It's a Roman Polanski film, enough said.

Hemp - not just for Dutchies

I am big bag fanatic with a heart for sustainable fashion.

My cousin bought home a load of "Study in UK" prospectus in a very familiar bag from a British Council education fair. The very same material that my desktop covers are made of, the very same material my mother's complimentary shopping bag from Jal (again from a home-accessories fair). Further observation lead to me realising that is the very same fibre used in certain adhesive plasters and surgical masks!

The fibre is smooth, soft, recyclable and very VERY light (as compared to a jute shopping bag). Technically called "Non-woven polypropylene", used mainly in promotional tote bags. ¹

Another alternative, in case where bio-biodegradability is the main criteria, there is Hemp - the industrial variant, which looks and feels strikingly similar to the Hemp fibre.

If you were to read the Wikipedia page on Hemp , you realise it's a wonderful, wonderful plant. Every part can be made use of in a productive and environmental friendly way, in addition to being fast growing and requiring almost no herbicides in its cultivation. Best part? You can grow it in your backyard (at least so for me, for Indian climates facilitates it). Information on laws in India regarding its private cultivation seems unavailable on the internet, though I think one has to have a permit for this.

"Orbis terrarum est non altus satis" - James Bong

¹ http://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/lib/what-is-nonwoven-polypropylene.htm

A Few Good Men (1992)

Watched: A Few Good Men (1992)

I don't understand USA's judicial system. Why a "jury" composed of people whose ability to deliver justice is debatable? The courtroom scenes "imply" than the defence lawyer having to explicitly explain why he is questioning witnesses the way he is doing and then in the end they fail. What?! Is everything supposed to be implied, that when not understood by others the way it was intended to, you just stand there and give the empty space Tom Cruise stare? I just don't get it.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

Watched: To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

Goodbye Google

Paranoia struck when I realised the amount of data I've been feeding Google and my increasing dependency upon it's online services. I moved my shit offline, downloaded all mails, switched to Liferea, Evolution, Tor and vuja de!...went back to yahoo mail.

With effect from Jan 27th, 2010 you will not able to IM/e-mail me on sindhusundar88

Although I will still have access to a gmail type account on me [at] sindhu-s [dot] com until domain expires in 2011.

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Watched: The Usual Suspects (1995)

Nothing particularly gripping, Kevin Spacey is just convincing that's all.

Chennai 1/10

Just back from Chennai, a city I've heard so much about in the last 4 years from George and Marc.

Chennai felt like a heady mix of Mangalore and Bangalore. It felt like Mangalore cause there are no crosses or street numbers (something I was used to in Bangalore) and women don't wear kari mani as thaali there, it's just a gold chain, a la old Bangalore. Chennai stinks pretty bad every damn where, from Chennai Central to Moggappir West, it's a big city and I we didn't experience much traffic or heat unlike expected on weekends and the zenith of summer. The idlis were amazingly soft and clove to be found in every edible item. My dad decided to do a bit of shopping himself and we ended up lugging back home ground coffee powder and some sort of snacks.

Too bad I couldn't meet up with any friends, with a parent in tow you never can. I met a really sweet (and incredibly smart) girl on the way back in the train who also wrote the same test as I did, we decided to keep in touch via email :-)