News : On August 26th 2009, Dutch court of Utrecht ruled that BitTorrent platform Mininova acts unlawful and so, on November 26th 2009, Mininova limited itself to its Content Distribution Service which effectively means that it can host only legal content.
This news does not have big implications practically as such services will continue albeit with a different tag but it is a significant blow metaphorically. In the books of law, sites like this are illegal and should be shut down immediately and in fact corporations go to the lengths of demanding compensation but if this corps demand compensation for infringement of copyright, will they pay to these sites when a fan base is created due to them?
CASE IN POINT: Jal – the band.
Its a quite popular band though its charisma has fallen away fast in recent times but that’s not the point here. The debut album of Jal was a great hit all over and in fact more so in India. This meant that the band, in its heyday, did live performances almost every week and got paid huge sums. But the fact is, at the initial peak of the band popularity in India, its album had not even been released here. No points for guessing how the Indian music lovers got their dose of Jal. Had it not been for this free flowing content over the internet, this band would have probably been a bunch of wannabes trying out their luck.
CASE IN POINT: Slumdog Millionaire
Now we all know about this, but what we don’t realise is that the hype that this movie created in India was primarily at a time when it had not even been officially released here. Had it not been for circulation of those rips, who knows, the movie would not have had the same success. And if you care about it, the movie did pathetic business in theatres.
CASE IN POINT: Microsoft and its bunch of software
Windows in its present form came into existence in 1995. That was when Windows ’95 was launched. Now think of a 26 year old whiz kid (!) setting the spreadsheets of Microsoft, Google and other of Silicon Valley giants on fire. He would have been around 12 year old in 1995 and first introduced to computers probably at school. Again, one can be pretty certain on the status of the operating system on that machine, let alone various softwares he learnt in the following years such as MS Office, FoxPro, and Visual Studio etc. Had it been for those stringent anti-piracy laws, many such kids would have never learnt such wonderful things which would have translated in to absence of Indians in the USA. Now these companies, they do lose a few dollars thanks to the rampant piracy but then their future CEOs are actually learning this way.
So it’s a situation where this free flowing content is actually helping doing some good. Of course, this does not justify the acts but it’s just that side of the coin which often never comes to the light. Sites like Mininova will continue serving their fanbase in one form or the other and will continue doing their bit in popularising music bands, softwares, movies while the books of law and corporations will continue baying for their blood.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my friend Kishan Gupta for lending me his Stunner whose review features below. Also, the fantastic pics of the bike come courtesy of him. I certainly would not have been able to take those brilliant artworks.
Thanks buddy!!!!!
Thanks buddy!!!!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Honda CBF Stunner review
Here is a comprehensive road test of the new Honda CBF Stunner.
Looks :
You could be easily pardoned to think that this bike displaces at least 150cc. Its the styling that speaks here loud and clear. The bike's styling has very clear intentions; give a complex to the bigger siblings. These feelings are more so strengthened when you get astride it. The big fairing staring at you makes you feel like a king. The headlight integrated wih the fairing might divide opinions but the sheer styling unites them. People might find similarities in the Stunner's headlight and that of other bikes but it is nevertheless well executed. Stepped seat adds to the glamour quotient accentuated by the rear panels, yellow rear shocks and tail lights. One can go on and on talking about the looks of this bike, such is pedigree.
The only grouse is the lack of tacho on the the two pod console which, though well designed, misses out this, now standard, accessory. Also, the choke lever position is very odd.
Performance :
Step on the bike and adjusting yourself in a sporty riding position, you just get a feeling that this bike will blow you off. Twitch the starter motor and the engine comes alive in a sedate fashion without any drama albeit with a disappointment. From a bike looking this good, you'd want some noises but like Unicorn and Shine, exhaust note muffled well. Its good for an ordinary bike but then this isn't an ordinary bike, is it? Clicking into 1st through a toe shifter, you can't help but appreciate the gear shift quality. Give the throttle enough feed from here on while going click, click, click on a 1-down 4-up box, you'd expect the bike to start flying. And here is the biggest problem. It is not an out and out performance bike. Not sluggish but doesn't live upto the expectations created by the visual delight.
Ride :
Ride is comfortable as your would expect. Not like other commuter bikes but good for a bike that has sporty intent. Seats are firm and bent riding position means that you would get some pains on a long stint on the trot. The pegs have been set in a thoughtful manner so that you really feel like you are riding something special. For the pillion though, high seat can be a bit troublesome. Its sporty and well designed but not all will be equally comfortable with it. The bike boasts of tubless tyres that offer good amount of grip and lend confidence. The riding position, that may not be very comfortable, is so very perfect that you can go into the turns effortlessly. Braking power is good considering the drums and the bike never loses its composure even under hard braking which is good.
Living with it :
This point is pretty important. You see, since this bike does not have high performance spirit, it would have to spend it life on the traffic infested concrete jungle. Its here that the visually appealing dimensions turn inot a bane. The big fairing gives you no clue of the road ahead and its so big that in tight spaces, it leaves you gasping. The gear ratios are well sorted for city driving but all that material in front of you robs the bike of its nimbleness. Similarly, stepped seat, however appealing isn't all very practical, being too high.
Overall, there aren't really any issues with the bike. It runs well, has no problems, returns a good mileage, and offers decent performance and to top it off, has such an impounding presence that shadows even the 150cc bikes. This is bike on which you'll never go unnoticed, such is its aura.
Summing it up :
Having spent time with the bike, you are not about the role this bike intends to play in the real world. It has a sporty setup all round but grunt to complement it. And then in city, the engine responds well but the dimensions give you heavy sweat.Its certainly not a bad package overall, with one on the best styling but the engine and lack of basics like a tacho leaves one wanting. Then there is the price. At around Rs.58000 for drum version, it won't win awards for value.
If you looking for pose value, look no further as this bike has loads of it and you'll never run out of attention. But this comes at the cost of performance as a compromise. But then, you can't have your piece of cake and eat it too.
There are rumors of a CBF 150, which should sort out the chinks in its armour and make it a perfect bike. A case of having your cake and eating it too!! I am waiting!!!
Looks :
You could be easily pardoned to think that this bike displaces at least 150cc. Its the styling that speaks here loud and clear. The bike's styling has very clear intentions; give a complex to the bigger siblings. These feelings are more so strengthened when you get astride it. The big fairing staring at you makes you feel like a king. The headlight integrated wih the fairing might divide opinions but the sheer styling unites them. People might find similarities in the Stunner's headlight and that of other bikes but it is nevertheless well executed. Stepped seat adds to the glamour quotient accentuated by the rear panels, yellow rear shocks and tail lights. One can go on and on talking about the looks of this bike, such is pedigree.
The only grouse is the lack of tacho on the the two pod console which, though well designed, misses out this, now standard, accessory. Also, the choke lever position is very odd.
Performance :
Step on the bike and adjusting yourself in a sporty riding position, you just get a feeling that this bike will blow you off. Twitch the starter motor and the engine comes alive in a sedate fashion without any drama albeit with a disappointment. From a bike looking this good, you'd want some noises but like Unicorn and Shine, exhaust note muffled well. Its good for an ordinary bike but then this isn't an ordinary bike, is it? Clicking into 1st through a toe shifter, you can't help but appreciate the gear shift quality. Give the throttle enough feed from here on while going click, click, click on a 1-down 4-up box, you'd expect the bike to start flying. And here is the biggest problem. It is not an out and out performance bike. Not sluggish but doesn't live upto the expectations created by the visual delight.
Ride :
Ride is comfortable as your would expect. Not like other commuter bikes but good for a bike that has sporty intent. Seats are firm and bent riding position means that you would get some pains on a long stint on the trot. The pegs have been set in a thoughtful manner so that you really feel like you are riding something special. For the pillion though, high seat can be a bit troublesome. Its sporty and well designed but not all will be equally comfortable with it. The bike boasts of tubless tyres that offer good amount of grip and lend confidence. The riding position, that may not be very comfortable, is so very perfect that you can go into the turns effortlessly. Braking power is good considering the drums and the bike never loses its composure even under hard braking which is good.
Living with it :
This point is pretty important. You see, since this bike does not have high performance spirit, it would have to spend it life on the traffic infested concrete jungle. Its here that the visually appealing dimensions turn inot a bane. The big fairing gives you no clue of the road ahead and its so big that in tight spaces, it leaves you gasping. The gear ratios are well sorted for city driving but all that material in front of you robs the bike of its nimbleness. Similarly, stepped seat, however appealing isn't all very practical, being too high.
Overall, there aren't really any issues with the bike. It runs well, has no problems, returns a good mileage, and offers decent performance and to top it off, has such an impounding presence that shadows even the 150cc bikes. This is bike on which you'll never go unnoticed, such is its aura.
Summing it up :
Having spent time with the bike, you are not about the role this bike intends to play in the real world. It has a sporty setup all round but grunt to complement it. And then in city, the engine responds well but the dimensions give you heavy sweat.Its certainly not a bad package overall, with one on the best styling but the engine and lack of basics like a tacho leaves one wanting. Then there is the price. At around Rs.58000 for drum version, it won't win awards for value.
If you looking for pose value, look no further as this bike has loads of it and you'll never run out of attention. But this comes at the cost of performance as a compromise. But then, you can't have your piece of cake and eat it too.
There are rumors of a CBF 150, which should sort out the chinks in its armour and make it a perfect bike. A case of having your cake and eating it too!! I am waiting!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
XCD 135 DTS-Si Review
The much awaited bike from the Bajaj stable is finally and I finally got an opportunity to lay hands on it. Here is a review of the bike based on a short test I took.
LOOKS :
On the first glance, you realize that this bike is special. It looks well sorted and the design seems to gel together rather than feeling like a mindless assembly of various parts like the previous XCD. Looking closely, the front scoops are nicely designed and the front indicators mounted right beside the handlebar are innovative. The front is also good enough and the headlight mounting does not give the impression of a low bike like XCD 125.
The most noticable feature is at the rear in form of the rear taillight cluster. It is way better than earlier and is surely eyecatching.
Tidbits like plastic inserts on fuel tank, flush fitting fuel filler cap, low set front registration plate and a toe heel shifter complete the package which feels lively with nicely done decals and good attention to details.
The console gets an analog tacho with digital speedo, odo, tripmeter and fuel guage. The design of console will certainly win it some brownie points.
RIDE :
The ride felt plush for the small test drive that was performed. The seats felt a bit soft as compared to other bikes giving an indication of the path this bike want to trod. On astride it, you immediately get a feeling that this is supposed to be a commuter bike rather than a performance junkie. This feeling is strengthened by the positioning of handle bar. It is high and though seating position felt comfortable, it somehow never felt sporty enough.
PERFORMANCE :
Press the electric start button and all your thoughts of this being a boring bike fade away into a sweet, assuring exhaust note. Its not too loud but sufficient to make you want to twist the throttle. Shift into 1st of an all-down five speed gearbox and slight wringing of throttle takes you off the block. And just when you start flying on cloud Nine, things come crashing when you realise that gearbox is all-down. The standard 1-down 4-up would have been great but then.....Meanwhile the gear shift is well sorted out, gears falling to place with assuring click.
Now, whatever the stats may say about this bike, it never felt underpowered on that short run, easily getting above 60 in a somewhat dense traffic and providing enough grunt to take on the fellow commuters effortlessly. But the handlebar always felt awkward whenever spirits went sporty. The braking was adequate with the drum brakes and the optional discs should improve braking performance considerably.
SUMMING IT UP :
To sum it up, XCD 135 is well laid out bike in the commuter class category with enough sporty intent to win many traffic signal battles. It not a dull bike by any stretch but isn't a full blown speedster as well. At around 48,000/- OTR for the electric start, drum brake version, its a steal given the features it offers and hence should be able to perform better than its predecessor, XCD 125.
LOOKS :
On the first glance, you realize that this bike is special. It looks well sorted and the design seems to gel together rather than feeling like a mindless assembly of various parts like the previous XCD. Looking closely, the front scoops are nicely designed and the front indicators mounted right beside the handlebar are innovative. The front is also good enough and the headlight mounting does not give the impression of a low bike like XCD 125.
The most noticable feature is at the rear in form of the rear taillight cluster. It is way better than earlier and is surely eyecatching.
Tidbits like plastic inserts on fuel tank, flush fitting fuel filler cap, low set front registration plate and a toe heel shifter complete the package which feels lively with nicely done decals and good attention to details.
The console gets an analog tacho with digital speedo, odo, tripmeter and fuel guage. The design of console will certainly win it some brownie points.
RIDE :
The ride felt plush for the small test drive that was performed. The seats felt a bit soft as compared to other bikes giving an indication of the path this bike want to trod. On astride it, you immediately get a feeling that this is supposed to be a commuter bike rather than a performance junkie. This feeling is strengthened by the positioning of handle bar. It is high and though seating position felt comfortable, it somehow never felt sporty enough.
PERFORMANCE :
Press the electric start button and all your thoughts of this being a boring bike fade away into a sweet, assuring exhaust note. Its not too loud but sufficient to make you want to twist the throttle. Shift into 1st of an all-down five speed gearbox and slight wringing of throttle takes you off the block. And just when you start flying on cloud Nine, things come crashing when you realise that gearbox is all-down. The standard 1-down 4-up would have been great but then.....Meanwhile the gear shift is well sorted out, gears falling to place with assuring click.
Now, whatever the stats may say about this bike, it never felt underpowered on that short run, easily getting above 60 in a somewhat dense traffic and providing enough grunt to take on the fellow commuters effortlessly. But the handlebar always felt awkward whenever spirits went sporty. The braking was adequate with the drum brakes and the optional discs should improve braking performance considerably.
SUMMING IT UP :
To sum it up, XCD 135 is well laid out bike in the commuter class category with enough sporty intent to win many traffic signal battles. It not a dull bike by any stretch but isn't a full blown speedster as well. At around 48,000/- OTR for the electric start, drum brake version, its a steal given the features it offers and hence should be able to perform better than its predecessor, XCD 125.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Symmetrical Components
This is a good paper giving nice explanation to the symmetrical components. It can be found here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Overvoltage and Single phasing protection
This is a text regarding overvoltage and single phasing protection. It can be found here
Friday, January 9, 2009
So easy to bring a nation to its knees
In the wake of the present "artificial " oil crisis, thanks to fortune earning officials claiming a further pay hike, the image above brings some ironical smile to me and maybe to all those people running from pillar to post to gas station for a drop of fuel.It happened today that I heard a man proclaiming proudly that he can live without his wife for a couple of days but wants fuel now, with his "better half" giving a healthy laughter behind. Made me think this.
Its alright that this fossil fuel is essential for us but a lack of it for a few days actually brings everything to complete halt is worrying. The officials at these PSUs came together and were actually able to hijack the nation and bring it down to knees. Being so much dependent on something is not a good sign considering the fact that our neighbours are not "friendly" by any sense of the word. I shall refrain from drawing any conclusions for this may seem a mountain out of mole hill to many.
And for the closing words, while I was discussing this current situation and the stern stand of PSU officials, we realised that the Armymen and Policemen receive a paltry salary when compared but never go on strike demanding a pay hike.
What if they decide to make such demands???
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Online courses
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
SAVE THE FUEL!!!
This is a bit of Maths. Lets ring some disappointments to all those greenheads who think that bicycling to work daily will save this earth.
Case in point : Formula 1
Average fuel consumption by one car on raceday : 200 litres
Number of cars running the full race : 16
Total fuel consumed on raceday : 3200 litres
Total fuel consumed over complete race weekend : 4000 litres ( being too optimistic)
Case in point : Average 2 wheeled commuter
Daily distance traveled : 20 Km
Distance traveled in a month : 25 x 20 = 500 Km
Mileage returned by humble 2 wheeler : 50 Kmpl
Fuel consumption in a month : 10 litres
Annual fuel consumption : 12 x 10 = 120 litres
4000 litres consumed in : 33.33 years
Conclusion : The fuel an average commuter would burn in 33 years is smoked up over a weekend by a bunch of motoring enthusiasts cheered up by millions of fans.
Now go ahead and sweat it out for a day on bicycle and proclaim that you saved your dear earth!!!
Case in point : Formula 1
Average fuel consumption by one car on raceday : 200 litres
Number of cars running the full race : 16
Total fuel consumed on raceday : 3200 litres
Total fuel consumed over complete race weekend : 4000 litres ( being too optimistic)
Case in point : Average 2 wheeled commuter
Daily distance traveled : 20 Km
Distance traveled in a month : 25 x 20 = 500 Km
Mileage returned by humble 2 wheeler : 50 Kmpl
Fuel consumption in a month : 10 litres
Annual fuel consumption : 12 x 10 = 120 litres
4000 litres consumed in : 33.33 years
Conclusion : The fuel an average commuter would burn in 33 years is smoked up over a weekend by a bunch of motoring enthusiasts cheered up by millions of fans.
Now go ahead and sweat it out for a day on bicycle and proclaim that you saved your dear earth!!!
Nissan GT-R
This car is amazing. The Nissan GT-R. And the USP of this car is that it laps the Nurburgring Nordschliefe in 7 minutes 32 seconds. This is 3 seconds faster than the Porsche 911. Good. But what's the point?? Will anyone go out and buy a car that does a fast lap on some track; whose name isn't that easy to spell? Fact is; YES they will. 'Cause the track is mother of all tracks and every manufacturer tunes its car to go faster than others around here.The icing is that GT-R is about half the price of 911. Now which set of wheels would you choose? Decisions decisions.......
The new Mercedes E-class 2010
So here it is. The new Mercedes E-class slated for 2010 launch. And what does it look like??? To me, a bit like CLS. And my personal feelings?? You see, E-class is a step above the entry level and this feels to outspoken for that. I would prefer the current E-class. Thank you please.
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