I applied. I finally got accepted at one of the top 5 programs in the country (low residency) — Pacific University, Oregon. It starts next month June 18 where I”m off to Oregon for the first semester workshops for 10 days. (Each semester we have intensive straight 10 day workshops at the campus).

How I”m gonna continue work, spend 20-25 hrs a week for the course for the next two years, earn 52 credits and complete by final semester thesis — is another story. Wish me luck!

Film-making is a far more technical subject than I originally thought it was. Cinematography, Lighting, Continuation, Angle of subjects, Sound engineering, Editing, so many fine details in each piece of the art, it’s staggering.

I plan to blog about my experience, “what I learnt in filmmaking in 48 hours” but due to copyright issues, I cannot reveal many details for now. But watch out for this space.

But things change. Economy has changed. Priorities have changed. And I’m getting older (shit).

Suddenly I felt like “belonging” somewhere. I applied.  Thankfully, inspite of the economy, I got multiple offers. I accepted an offer from a company that I think is a great place to work for. Honest managers, great people, discount lunches, free beer on Fridays, an office painted with orange and yellow, work flexibility and they pay well.

My new employer — Cramer.

I’m glad I’m an Engineer.

I got myself into reading a couple of books in screenwriting, looked at the editing process of Final Cut Studio & also did a few screenwriting courses. What amazes me is that the entire process has become much more accessible if you have the right set of tools and ofcourse, a passionate team to work with. There are even opensource tools, we’re planning to use. For instance, Celtx is an outstanding opensource tool for scriptwriting. (works on mac)

It’s rare to find a company where you have immense faith in the people — this is one of them. And I hope we are successful in bringing out the best.

There is a lot to talk about, but I’ll keep hush hush now. I’ll be working on some of the earlier projects as a script writer and asst director. Our first project is called “The Departure,” its a short film filmed in a single location and I really believe that it has a great story!

Check out our website — www.clapboyfilms.com.

1) A/V receiver with a standard AUX input.
2) Apple Airport Express ( “n” network recommended)
3) ITunes 7.x (windows or mac)
4) 1/8″ ( 3.5MM ) mini stereo male to dual RCA male CABLE
5) IPhone/IPod touch
6) IRemote app for IPhone/IPod Touch

I have a THX certified 7.1 channel A/V Receiver, Onkyo TX-SR706. I think its the best sub 1000$ receiver out there today. Follow these steps to setup up audio server of sort with your existing ITunes Library using the airtunes feature of your Airport express.

1) Connect the cable mentioned above from the stereo output of AirPort Express to the AUX input.

2) Open your ITunes Library and look for at the bottom right corner. You’ll have two options. One being “computer” and the other “<your wifi network name>”. Select the option for wifi network. This means, the sound is now going to stream onto your router.

3) Check your A/V remote control to change the “mode” to AUX. It should now be able to receive sound signals from the RCA cable.

Voila, crystal clear sound on your A/V receiver! Depending on the quality of your receiver you can change into different listening presets. On my receiver, I mostly listen to Neural THX 7.1 as it distributes some tracks with an insane accuracy through all channels. I listened to Nora Jones, Within Temptation, Karunesh and even the latest Slumdog Millionaire — beats me. Most audiophiles would still stick to true Stereo sound. I would agree to some extent. Some of other other sound environments I like is the “Orchestra” (terrific soundstage) “Unplugged” (crystal clear voice), “Dolby PL II Music” (5.1 simulation from your stereo channel)

Now, it doesn’t end here. What if you have your PC/Mac hooked in another room, typically your bedroom and don’t want to run around to change the playlists or songs? If you have an IPhone/IPod touch, you can get a free remote application that allows you to remotely control your entire ITunes Library on your device! Not only that, you can control it from two different sources, say your gf using your laptop doesn’t like the song, she could use ITunes to skip the list and you on the other end at the same time are skipping back with your IPhone app.

Want to listen to Radio? I love Pandora and I think it’s the next best thing to mp3 in the music industry. But I hate to open the browser everytime. I use PandoraJam, a desktop app (mac/pc) that, hold your breath — streams your sound to airtunes. And it records radio on the fly too. Can’t ask for more.

So now, you can listen to radio and mp3/aac collection from a single source (ITunes Library) or Pandora — all wirelessly, for free from your existing devices at home rather than spending hundreds of dollors on custom Audio Servers (including Apple TV)

32 days, my longest backpacking trip planned till date (beating scotland in 12 days four years ago)

Amsterdam –> Brussels –> Brugges –> Hamburg –> Berlin –> Prague –> Munich (Oktober fest finahle) –> Budapest –> Madrid –> Valencia/Toledo –> Athens –> Islands of Greece –> <Boston>

I’ve taken a Eurorail Global Pass and can’t wait to even think of writing and traveling on a moving train surrounded by some of the best things in life. Thanks to a couple of my past backpacker friends, who advised me enough tips, from notCarryingYourLaptop to avoidingGypsiesInBudapest, to taking the countrySide compared to the visitorAttractions, I should be all set with my “rough” itinerary along with three guide books, my custom tour guide and new hostel friends that I’m hopeful to meet in this trip.

On the sad side of the story, my current contract at the client gets over this Friday and I’m basically without a job and pay for a *long time*. But if you think about it, what better can it be, when there is no one waiting for you, no phone to answer, no date to fix, no politics and no time on internet.

I think its gonna kick ass.

Watched Before Sunset, yesterday, again. I must say, it’s one of the most intellectually stimulating romantic movies, I’ve ever seen.

Let me sing you a waltz
Out of nowhere, out of my thoughts
Let me sing you a waltz
About this one night stand

You were for me that night
Everything I always dreamt of in life
But now you’re gone
You are far gone
All the way to your island of rain
It was for you just a one night thing
But you were much more to me
Just so you know

I hear rumors about you
About all the bad things you do
But when we were together alone
You didn’t seem like a player at all
I don’t care what they say
I know what you meant for me that day
I just want another try
I just want another night
Even if it doesn’t seem quite right

You meant for me much more
Than anyone I’ve met before

One single night with you little Jesse
Is worth a thousand with anybody
I have no bitterness, my sweet
I’ll never forget this one night thing
Even tomorrow, in other arms
My heart will stay yours until I die

Let me sing you a waltz
Out of nowhere, out of my blues
Let me sing you a waltz
About this lovely one night stand

— July Delpy (a waltz for a night)

My MBP had a problem, the dvd drive wouldn’t work, my mistake as it fell down. I went to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store at the CambridgeSide Galleria and here is what they had to say: -

Genius Bar – Alrite, what’s the problem
Me – The drive, I think my mac fell down and the dvd doesn’t come out. I’ve tried everything
Genius Bar – Here, let me see.
(He puts in a thin blade and tries to hack it up. No use)
Hmmm. I think it’s got to be replaced
Me – You’re kidding!
Genius Bar – Do you have warranty on it?
Me – I think I’m almost close, can you check it?
Genius Bar – Sure. Oh oh, it ends on Jan 7th 2008.
Me – (shocked but I knew it), C’mon do something. I’m a hardcore Apple fan, I even bought the Iphone on first day and bought 2 more as gifts!
Genius Bar – Hmm
(Apple Sales associates, I tell you, are incredibly cute looking guys and girls. They always have an attitude and warm sweet smile)
Me – So, how much would it cost, anyways?
Genius Bar – 375$ for the drive and 60$ for labour.
Me – That’s ridiculous man!
Genius Bar – I know …
Me – C’mon man, do something. Please. I’m sure you can
(A 20 seconds silence)
Genius Bar – Ok .. I’m gonna do it for this time only. We won’t charge you anything

He smiles and smiles. And I smile too.

I’m off to Puerto Rico … the Carribean Islands, for an indefinite amount of time. Backpacking alone.

PS: And this is yet another fully paid holiday. More later.

Jeez, India is expensive!

It’s amazing how seasons can change the perceptions of your own surroundings. The following four pictures are taken from the same location (my balcony, overlooking Charles River), in a 5 month duration – Summer, Fall, Winter.

1. End of July – Summer

2. Start of October – Fall

3. Starting December – Winter

(see the building built in the backdrop, compare it to the one in summer pic)

4. Mid December – Winter (Snow Storms)

(as you can see, entire charles river is frozen)

With an incredible view of the Charles river from my apt, It wasn’t that difficult for me to get down with a tripod and get some good shots of the world famous - ‘Head of the Charles’ - Regatta championships. Over 300,000 people came to visit this spectacular on the weekend. Watch some pics here.

A quick trip to New Hampshire on Sunday with my cousin, uncle & a good ol’ college mate. Added my fall color pics to the collection.

At the other end, I’ve managed to watch a few good movies, some of which has been pending for a while. Babel is my instant favorite now. It’s probably one of those movies which doesn’t categorize as a great movie overall, but some scenes do sweep you away. I particularly like the Background Score by Gustavo Santaolalla. He’s a phenomenal musician. I loved his score in Motorcycle Diaries and ofcourse for Brokeback Mountain, for which he won an oscar (not to mention the back to back Oscar for Babel). If you happen to download his score, do check out the title track for Babel. It’s simply one of the most beautiful, haunting scores in my collection now.

Recently, I was invited by my roommate at a Kickball game. I’m not much of a sports person but the need to get out and socialize and sweat your shirt out has been there for a while. Surprisingly, I played Cricket the other day (after a long gap of 7 yrs). Coming back to Kickball, it’s a fun game, not too difficult and can be played by a newbie to begin with, if you know the normal baseball rules. (Well, for starters, its a variant of baseball where you kick instead of hitting with a “Bat”. And you have a larger than life ball). The best part about the game is ofcourse the socializing aftermath and tons of beer!!! (Perhaps, the only game where we drink and play at the same time)

Signing off to Atlanta this weekend to meet a longtime friend and his wife, should be fun!

The course Syllabus was quite technical and covers a wide array of topics in the elements of fiction writing, mostly focussing on Workshops rather than teaching the fundamentals. Incidentally, I’m perhaps the most inexperienced ‘writer’ in the group, some of the students having publication experience too.

It’s a short course which lasts till the 3rd week of January 2008 and it sure is going to be a lot of fun!

Never ever has there been an unprecedented fan following for someone with virtually zero marketing, branding or PR efforts. Russel Peters, a self made Indian Canadian comedian, is truly a phenomenon of sorts. With all the shows being sold out in Boston on his new tour of the US, I managed to get a seat for two for the late night show; it was hilarious! Luckily, this time around he did not repeat any of his older jokes; instead he made a fresh new start on Terrorism, “We are equal”, “Media is overhyped” bashing and finally – surprise, a whole episode on male organ sizes and an obvious reference to Asian community.

Right from the start, it was a roller coaster ride, absolutely enjoyed it. Being Boston, I wasn’t surprised with the multi cultural turnaround from all over the world. Arabs (inc Lebanon), Persians, Blacks from Kenya/Jamaica/Africa, Italian, Chinese, Taiwanese, American and of course Indian. It’s hard to imagine a guy who is so smart and well versed with pretty much every culture around the world.

If you see this guy around town, next time – don’t miss his show!

I don’t exactly remember when I graduated, I guess we were all more worried about the start dates of our campus jobs more than anything. It’s different when you graduate from Harvard though.

Quite a few things to explore and I’ve got my travel books all set from the Library, more on the itinerary later.

Summer has just started and this should be fun. I have a big list of travel plans for the next couple of months, this is just the beginning …

We’ve had hectic week at work with multiple releases in the pipeline this week, thanks to completely migrating to my macbook at workplace! I’ve got 3 databases running parallel on mine and the performance is like never before with MyEclipse Suite running in. Trust me, it feels so bloody good to write code on a macbook. After a long time I wrote over 500 lines of code in few hours and it works without a single error.

Now, did I say macbook inspires you to be a better programmer ?

On the other side, I’m driving to nyc this weekend (been planning for last 3 weeks actually). Good buddy Sanjeev along with his LA friends would be joining from Boston. I haven’t seen the Natural History Museum in NYC, though been to the wonderful Smithsonian history museums here in DC. Thats on the plan and ofcourse pub crawling and hitting a night club with the new friends, towards the night maybe

PS: My macbook is coming with me with all the code. It’s a part of me now.

[Update + 9pm ] We had a surprise corporate party today just around the time where I was supposed to leave, I chose to stay back for the party. With multiple rounds of Margarita & Vodka, Ive decided to drive through midnight.

This should be fun.

[Update - 60 hrs] I knew it, had to puke out a bit in the morning but things are back to square one now. It isn’t that hard after all! Doesn’t mean I’m gonna try a 72 hr again . I think there’s a challenge in trying out new things, trying to be in the VOID of new things. 2 days weren’t that dramatic as I thought it would be but I could see my senses in reacting to food., it was the same food I ate everyday but something was different – I was respecting it. Trust me, this sounds like I’m writing from a book but you’ve gotta experience this. The way you’re body starts reciprocating is much more in magnitude when you take away what it needs.

OK, I’m not gonna give a lot of gyan out here but it was well worth the experiment.

[Update - 51 hrs - 1 am] The end.
The Story ends here. It wasn’t that difficult that I thought and looks like I’m fine with a 51 hr, don’t feel like doing a sleepless night. Unfortunately I have a lot of work to do next day…

PS: I must have eaten a lot of food, a lot!

[Update - 42 hrs]

The eyes are like pulling apart from the side and there is a wavelike sensation every quarter of an hour in the wrong places, like if it has its own mind. but still going strong. Im surprised that our body is stronger than we think it is, although I should accept that I’m on a water diet there isnt any hint of desperation. Yeah just now someone popped out a packet of cookies and I tell you, it was like the best thing I ever smelled since my first date , I think 48 hrs should be a cruise … I’m thinking of the last 12 hours in the night when every part of the body would be ready to give up

not sure If I’m gonna make it ….

[Update - 36 hrs]
I cant sleep! I must have slept like 2 hours yesterday and all that I remember is – your mind is your enemy. Its being hypnotized by what you want to believe is true rather than what the truth is, there were times when I was dreaming that Im drinking water, more and more water but I aint. At one point of time I lost it, I couldn’t sleep no more.Ah, now I get it, if you have no energy, how can you sleep!

The first metamorphoses of this challenge, I think is to overcome your mind, to get it in control that you’re fine. It’s like dope, you start believing you can fly. I think more often than we think, we let the mind think for us and do the math, gotta reverse it.

Im off for work now, lets see more strange things happen. till the night. I have a feeling I might give up at the 50 hr mark though …

—————-

@24 hrs

Have you ever tried fasting for a purpose? (not just out of chance or a sacrifice to your favorite God). I don’t know the medical implications of fasting for more than 2 days but the thought challenges me to get there! Sometimes we need to realize what we are blessed with, we need a thriving factor in our lives which can bring about Inertia not with force, not with gesture but with a self realization.

The Body is overwhelming with energy most times, the pleasures of the life get carried away and we take life, people for granted, to only realize one fine day that its just a dream, like a ‘movie’ that people want to enjoy when they ‘feel’

At the end of the day, like someone said.,

“There is only one irrefutable truth in this world – its You”

For an infinite emotions within your heart, encompassed by random intermingling thoughts of hope, pain, hatred, love, distress, pleasure at the same time, would you search for a state of absolute Recumbence? For all that you want to realize is, when it matters the most, you are alone and you will always be and you want to know where you are.

I just realized I haven’t eaten for 24 hrs straight and I feel like pushing it further. What the heck! People survive out there without food for days out of hope. I want to see where the thin line of Pain interweaves with the loss of everything and see if there is something remotely close to a purity in your mind; the line where there is no longer a pain but a state of abysmal truth that you want to be in for that one moment; that confidence which will be there with you to cleanse you with a new thought, a fresh beginning and a new hope …

It’s like punishing yourself when you know you don’t want to punish anyone, for a deeper purpose … in search of the VOID

PS: Don’t worry, I’m sane. I’ll try to update every 12 hours how my brain throws up, how I manage to write Java code with nothing in my head … wish me luck!