BOOK REVIEW: From The Buick 8

My first Book Review, My first Stephen King, My first horror read... All in all, lot many firsts. But let's get down to business already.

The book has been classified as 'horror', but it's only for want of a better classification. A couple of explanations about what goes on in this thing, and it might just have gone down as a sci-fi offering. But the beauty of Buick 8 is just that — it leaves things unexplained.

Basically, the plotline (as spoiler-free as possible) goes thus: A man in a black coat arrives one fine day on a petrol pump to refuel a car, a vintage 1954 Buick Roadmaster, except that it just feels... different. Then the man simply disappears to seemingly nowhere, and as a division of Western Pennsylvania cops called Troop D take over the 'car', they begin to realise that this may not be a car at all...

The character fleshing is quite okay (Although not as good as my previous read: Ken Folett's Code To Zero).
The story proceeds in a series of narrations in flashbacks; right from the day Troop D saw the Buick to all the insane happenings that took place around it as the story progressed.

However, the best part, undoubtedly, is the way the narration is handled. As the characters who narrate the incidents keep switching over, the reader is provided different perspectives of the happenings; and the writing style is also considerably changed to match the character narrating the tale.

And then, of course, comes the climax. And I must say, this one is more for those who believe 'It is the journey that is important; not the destination'. Books that manage to keep up such a feverish pace right throughout, at the same time withholding many elements from the reader; many of which comprise the 'Big Picture' (What is that Buick thing anyway?) face imminent danger of falling to a whimper of a climax; and Buick 8 almost manages to fall in the same trap. However, as the book says, 'The word almost covers a lot of territory. If might be the only word in the language that covers more'. The description of one scene towards the end manages to salvage most of the climax.

All in all, if you'd like to spend the better part of 2 days with a 450-page tome, doing pretty much nothing else in life; then I recommend this to you. Go ahead. Take the ride.

Rating: 8/10

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... But The Constant Stays [Result Analysis: Part 2]

And Part 2 of the Result Analysis.

I feel like pi, aka 3.141592... (Not pie...). The entire result charts around me have turned and twisted as if caught in an enormous hurricane (Maybe they were...). But I have been the only constant in the Top 5 (as far as I know, anyway; correct me if I'm wrong). And, moreover, it's just a matter of plain, simple luck. I had hardly studied (As I made very clear in Part 1 of this post), and it is, to this date, a mystery: How on earth do I manage to score high without studying much? (And earn nicknames like 'Scholly', 'Padhaku', etc.)

Let's rip it apart subject-by-subject:

1. Design and Analysis of Algorithms (DAA)
81/100. Quite an incredible jump from the 19/40 in the Unit Test to wind up as highest in the class. And, all the more, in one nightmare of a subject. We were expected to know extremely complex maneuvers in C Programming even when the basics of most of the students were not clear. The result? Most of the class (In fact, more-or-less all) opted for rote-learning the algorithms with varying degrees of success, and scored an equally varying pattern of marks...

2. Computer Graphics (CG)
82/100. Ah, my favorite. Mostly because it's the easiest on offer (And I'm usually not the one to fall for word play in the questions). I expected good marks in this one, and got them, again highest in class (In spite of the paper being 4 mks too lengthy).

3. Electronics and Telecommunication (EXTC)
80/100. Now, this is the biggest surprise on offer. This is a subject based mostly on 12th Standard Physics, and I'm here, a 12th Commerce student. After a terrible viva-voce (What are the Berkhausen Criteria, by the way?) and desparate last minute preparation (All credit to Sagarika and Viraj), comes the theory paper. It's too long, I wind up leaving an 8-mark question. (Which, ironically, is the very same question I was unable to attempt in the Unit Test). And, guess what? Highest in class.

4. Professional Skills Devpt. Course (PSDC)
71/100. Now, this is surprising on the other side of the scale... Of course, I couldn't attempt about 12 marks, and this is total theory (Questions that appeared in the exam included "Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the telephone."). But all the same, this is a little below what most would expect of me...

5. Mathematics - II
72/100. Well, it's low (especially Parna's Blitz-krieg 97 puts my effort in sharp perspective), but when I tell you I got only about 6 sums fully right will you understand how high this is... I walked into the examination hall to a friend (Neha) pointing out a silly mistake of mine I'd been overlooking for 2 whole months... And the saga continued. Whether it be totally forgetting the (upon pi) in the Fourier series formula or writing 9 + 9 = 19, silly mistakes were the bane this time around... (As usual!)

All in all, a predictable result from a series of unpredictabilities!

Do leave comments... I love 'em!

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Who Do You Want To Impress? Quiz Result

You Want to Impress Strangers

You want strangers to think you're attractive. You want to be seen as gorgeous and sexy. You want your friends and family members to think you're smart. You like been seen as insightful and wise. You are at your most playful when you are around family and friends. You are more serious around people you don't know well. You have no problem letting strangers see the real you. You are upfront about who you are. You are open to becoming close to people, but it takes some time. You don't let just anyone in.

Who Do You Want to Impress?

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The Dark Horses Cometh... [Result Analysis: Part 1]

It's results time!!!

Yes, I've got my results for the second Sem of FY BSc (IT)... And there have been surprises all around...

Let me start with the low scorers... It's quite a sad story. There have been guys who have somehow managed to get over 8 KT's (in other words, 'Fail's) out of the maximum possible 10 in the theory subjects. Now, rules stipulate that any more than 2 theory KT's and you'll have to repeat your entire year. Among those who did manage this ungainly 'feat' were a friend called Kartik (10 KT's... I wonder how hard he must have tried to get those...), and a very, very dear friend Ankkit (yes, that's how it's spelt) with 9.

Ankkit's story is really something. He wished to go for Hotel Management, but, it seems his parents made him go for IT. He didn't get a seat in Engineering, and had to finally go for BSc (IT). Now, with such a background, he lost interest in studies. And his mind is very keen, mind you. However, he has now ended up with such a fate...

As we move up the percentages, we have some quite expected results: most of my friends fall in the 50 - 65 % bracket; Mehul (who was extremely jubiliant on seeing an "All Clear" Result), Akshata (who was given a +8 to enable a much-deserved First Class), Sagarika (Seeing her track record 50-odd % won't come as a surprise, but knowing her personally, I feel 75 is more like her...), Neha (who got almost 62% with a consistent performance, one of the very few who enjoys immunity to KT's... so far so good, anyway).

Then comes the shocker: Viraj with 69. Not too bad considering those around him, but when I tell you he got 84 in the 1st Sem, it will put things into perspective. Of course, he was faced with a very peculiar set of circumstances, so all in all, he's managed well.

And then, The Top 5:

Rank 1: Parna (80%)
She was barely anywhere in the 1st Sem analysis, but now, she's "blasted off" (in the words of a dear friend) to insane heights. It's, of course, one subject that made all the difference in the world: Maths. She bagged 97. (I didn't even get 79...)

Rank 2: Sagar (that's me) (77%)
How did I manage this much? It's a mystery. I'd hardly studied much (Believe it or not), but ended up getting highest marks in 3 subjects (Theory). Consistency really rocks... But still, people usually prefer Sehwag over Gambhir... (Including me!)

Rank 3: Poonam (74%)
Again, a totally unknown quantity blasting off to outer space... I don't even know her marks break-up yet! (If anybody does, plz leave me a comment...)

Rank 4: Krimmy (74%)
And each of the rankers is more unexpected than the other... I just feel like saying: "Where were you people in the 1st Sem?!"

Rank 5: Seema (73%)
Again, a good friend, but unexpected to score this much all the same. Her marks are quite consistent across the board.

All in all, all expectations from the Leaderboard have been turned on their heads, with the expected high-scorers falling perceptibly short, while relative unknowns capturing the stage... Just the script for a thriller!

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What a dream...

Hi friends!
It's been a long time since I put my fingers to the keyboard and typed something for this blog, but now that my exams have finally finished, I'm back to fill your screen with my musings!

Today, I'm writing about a dream I had. No, not the 'I have a dream' kind of dream, but the one you get after you fall asleep (and before you wake up). It was an extremely vivid, and at the same time, weird dream, which makes me feel compelled to share it with you.

The dream began with me and my friend Viraj in Thakur College (The one which I've been attending for the last 3 years, and if things don't go according to the dream, will continue attending for the next 2). All around us was destruction: flames, debris, collapsing ceilings, the works. Both of us were fumbling around to find a way out. The reason for this mess:
The college had been hit by a terrorist strike.

Why the terrorists would target Thakur I have no idea, but such things do happen in dreams... Anyways, we realized we were not alone and about six other students were stuck in the now-dangerous building. One of them tried to take a lift down to the ground floor, but right in front of our eyes, the cables snapped. I still have no idea what happened to that guy... I hope he survived...

As for us, we tried finding relatively untouched passageways with nearly no success, and were stuck in the building for... four days. Viraj would intermittently show flashes of courage, and I'd simply follow him. How we managed to survive for those 4 days I do not know... Dreams are known to leave out those little details.

Finally a rescue mission reached us on the fourth day and we were saved. What looked like almost all the students of the college were outside the building, waiting, presumably, for the results of the rescue mission. I still vividly remember the tearful reunion that followed with my friends, including, but not limited to, Mehul, Sagarika, Rounak, Neha, and many, many more. (My parents were, it seems, told I was 'presumed dead', they were conspicuous only by their absence). No word about the guy who took the fateful lift or the other five reached us...

Could this dream mean something? Or is it just a reflection of my hyperactive imagination?

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What do your stars say about you?

Lets101 Quizzes - fun Myspace quiz

As for myself, most of it is true... Why don't you give it a try yourself, and leave me the results as a comment?

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"Dogged" by Objections

Ah, Slumdog Millionaire. The Hollywood Movie with Bollywood aspirations. The only so-called 'Indian' movie (never mind the nationality of Danny Boyle, the director) to have won a total of 4 Golden Globes and 5 Broadcast Films Critics Association Awards (BFCAA), including 2 awards for A. R. Rahman and one for Dev Patel. The very movie that has been heaped with most critical acclaim in '08. But that's not the only thing causing newspapers to devote reams to the movie. There's a different controversy breeding around this movie. What's all the fuss about, then?

Well, it seems none other than Amitabh Bachchan started it all. A post on his blog went like:
"If SM projects India as Third World dirty under belly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots, let it be known that a murky under belly exists and thrives even in the most developed nations. Its just that the SM idea authored by an Indian and conceived and cinematically put together by a Westerner, gets creative Globe recognition. The other would perhaps not." (For the full post, click here)

This excerpt puts forth two main points:

• The economic state in India is not much worse compared to the developed countries, and even they have "under bellies".
• SM won all this recognition and awards only because it's a western film.

First, about the second point: I absolutely agree. How many good films have we had in recent times; all of which bite the dust due to so many and varied reasons... Summer 2007, Aamir, A Wednesday!, the list is endless. But absolutely none of them has gone on in the Oscar race. Why? Because our great Oscar selection Committee will always insist upon sending moron movies like Paheli, Eklavya and Taare Zameen Par. There are hardly many incentives for making such films in India as opposed to masala flicks like Singh Is Kinng, Golmaal Returns, and the recent disaster CC2C. The situation sure seems to be changing lately, but let's keep our fingers crossed.

And now, the first point. I take some of my inputs from a UK blogger about whom Mumbai Mirror has reported. (If any reader happens to have a link of the blog, I'll apperciate it). The slums in India are not the under belly; they are the nation. 80% of India lives under 2.5 pounds a day; 40% under 1.25. I now add, this is the portrayal of the Real India. All this 'India Shining', high growth rate, millions of jobs, this is all nonsense. The truth is the slum existance. The real India is the one that toils all day, near under-construction buildings, in fields, and even in your own homes (have a look at the domestic help AKA kaamwali cleaning up your house) and get barely a pittance in return, in which they have to run their homes... sorry, slums.

As if this was not enough, a case has been filed in a court against A. R. Rahman and Anil Kapoor (pray, tell me, whatever is their fault now?) for calling Indians as 'dogs' and slum dwellers as 'Slumdogs', which apparently constitutes infringement of the rights of slum dwellers. I'll reply to this in a mere couple of lines:
Compare the existance of an Indian slum dweller to that of a stray dog. If you find any differences, leave a comment below this post.

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The 10 best Soundtracks of 2008

This post is a part of 2008: The Year That Was, a feature of Opinion Matrix and Review Matrix, to round off the year in style.

2008 has been a great year for many spheres, and while films are one of them, the quality of the albums (quality, not popularity) has always been playing catch-up with the films. (This may be due to movies like A Wednesday and Aamir, which were great films that didn't concentrate on music.) Irrespective of that, we do have some fabulous music this year and so here goes:

10 best Soundtracks of 2008

10. Karzzzz
Composer: Himesh Reshammiya
Yes, the guy whom everybody likes to hate has come up with only one album this year, and it finds itself in the list of the best albums of the year. Although 9 originals and 10 remixes are enough to try anyone's patience, the good tracks in the album: Lut Jaaon, Tandoori Nights and Ek Hasina Thi, are so good that you have to give this thing a hear only for these songs. As for the rest, if you like them hear them, otherwise do whatever else you like to do!

9. Bachna Ae Haseeno
Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
Vishal-Shekhar have come up with quite a score for this Ranbir - Deepika - Bipasha - Minisha movie (phew, that was quite a starcast!). The big track here is of course, Khuda Jaane, sung by KK, in his own style, and Shilpa Rao, in a most brilliant manner. It was, not the very least, supported by scintillating visuals and an awesome remix. Besides, we have its title track, which is a reprise of the '70s Bachna Ae Hasseno track. That is not all, though; Lucky Boy is quite a dance track, and Aahista Aahista is a unique fusion of a lovey-dovey feel along with groovy beats. This album surely packs a punch!

8. Dostana
Composer: Vishal-Shekhar
From one Vishal-Shekhar to another. The movie that grabbed a lot of headlines for being 'gay' also had a great soundtrack going fot it. Desi Girl has been a favorite of DJ's for quite some time now, and will continue to be so for some more. Jaane Kyon was very good; again mellow with a dash of dancability. Shut up and Bounce has quite a carnival feel to it (need better lyrics though), and Maa Da Laadla is an above average original with an even better 'Mummy Mix' doing the rounds. All in all, worthy of this spot!

7. Rock On!!
Composer: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
When this album hit the stands, the critics found it good, but too niche, fearing if it would get a decent audience. The film went on to be one of the biggest hits of the year, and with it, proved the critics' fears baseless. The title track and Pichle Saat Dino Mein are carved out of a similar mould, slowish tempo rock with rather interestingly good lyrics. Then again, Socha Hai and Sindbad The Sailor are similarly uptempo, with similar lyrics that tell the listeners something. However, the best track in the album has to be Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein. Dominique Cerejo delivers, and how! This track has such an ethereal feel, time seems to slow down when this thing is on. Perfect for love-struck couples!

6. Jannat
Composer: Pritam
No sooner did the music of Jannat release than Lambi Judaai was all over the place. As of now, this song rendered by Kamran Ahmed is one of the biggest hits of the year. It is also featured in a 'Kilogram Mix', which is again, one of the best remixes of the year. However, Jannat is no one-song-show. In fact, if anything, Zara Sa is extremely tough competition to Judaai in the best-of-the-year department.

5. Fashion
Composer: Salim-Suleiman
This soundtrack is going to go down as one of the most unexpected hits in recent times. Salim-Suleiman deliver a soundtrack that has two brilliant dancable tracks (Fashion Ka Jalwa, Aashiyana) alongside an utterly unconventional love ballad (Mar Jaawan), and an utterly conventional one (Kuchh Khaas), which is superb all the same, and a great Theme of Fashion for the discerning ears out there. Remixes by DJ A-Myth only add to the album.

4. Singh Is Kinng
Composer: Pritam
A total masala soundtrack for a total masala Akshay Kumar movie; this doesn't disappoint you in the slightest if you know what you're looking for. (If you don't, God help you.) All kinds of mindless-lyric dance numbers (Jee Karda, Bhootni Ke, Bas Ek Kinng, Talli Hua), and Snoop Dogg added for good measure (title track) make this one for the dance floors. Fantastic remixes by Hyacinth, A-Myth and others only add to the pleasure, while Teri Ore is for balancing the influence (and the target audience).

3. Race
Composer: Pritam
And then, some more Pritam. The title track rocked the proceedings along with Zara Zara Touch Me and Khwab Dekhe, both of which have a dynamite of a new talent Monali gracing the proceedings. Dekho Nashe Mein was slightly better than passable. However, the best song has to be (no points for guessing) Pehli Nazar Mein, rendered by the soulful voice of Atif Aslam. DJ Suketu has given fabulous mixes of all the tracks, which is all the more reason to go for this Race!

2. Golmaal Returns
Composer: Pritam
And, Pritam again. Like Singh Is Kinng, this one is not for the ones looking for soulful music. We have fantastic dance tracks here like Tha Kar Ke (rendered by Neeraj Shridhar and others, and superbly remixed by A-Myth), Vacancy (great remix by K&G), Tu Saala (great work by Anushka Manchanda, okay-ish remix by Bunty Rajput) and Meow (Suzy Q and Monali rock; fantabulous remix by Nikhil Chinappa). For a night out in the club, expect to hear this. For a candle-lit dinner, see #1!

1. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Composer: A. R. Rahman
In a year that saw 5 albums by the great A. R. Rahman, it would be a great surprise to not see a Rahman album on #1. A great set of mellow tracks: Kabhi Kabhi Aditi, which also turned out to be quite peppy, and is, according to many, THE song of the year, Nazrein Milana Nazrein Churana, which creates a fantastic atmosphere with soft guitar strums and all, Kahin To Hogi, which is the definitive track for couples recently fallen in love, and also Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai, which puts forth the film's topical question very effectively: "So when do you know it's love?" Plus, for dance aficionadoes (and the general campus crowd), we have Pappu Can't Dance (which also appears in a good remix).
Not only that, but JTYJN served as a great launchpad for two great talents (no, I'm not talking about Imran and Genelia): Rashid Ali (Kabhi Kabhi Aditi) and Runa Rizvi (Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai). Moreover, the phenomenal success of the film only helped the album further. There's no real way this can't be Number 1!

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