A great dinner at D'Fusion with twitter friends

A long long time ago, the "Twitterati's" had participated in a Quiz at the newly launched Spiralz Bar in The Grandeur Hotel, Al Barsha. There was rejoicing on the night as we sang into the wee hours of the morning! We had won, and as spoils of this winning we had a voucher to feast on the cuisine of the restaurant named D'fusion! The winning team then were: Nikhil Soneja + friend, Nick Theregos, Vivienne Strettle, Shahveer, Mehul Paul and me

And so we decided to dine. While the dining party consisted mostly of the people who were at the quiz, there were a few changes. Barring for for Nikhil's then +1, replacing him tonight was Grant (from Scotland [yes, he has a kilt {which he wears from time to time (not gonna delve into more details here)}]) and Vivienne's charming husband, Ken :)

And feast we did!! While the background music was way too loud for us to converse naturally, we decided to bring the roof down with unnatural conversation. The topics circled around sex, being gay, technology, Joomla vs Wordpress, Tron - which barely lasted 10 seconds and moved into the origin of computers :) :), and a plethora of other topics. We made fun of the fusion names on the menu - read: Nutty Buddy (mehul, how could you have had that??), Banana Bellefonte (i had that), Dum(b) Lasagne (poor plate of food never stood a chance against nick), Vodka Paani Puri (remind to never have that again) among other things!!

The food quality on the other hand was pretty good and the portions were fine! 

Attached photos of the event :) - Vivienne and Mehul had taken more pictures!!

Enjoy!

Partha

Vivienne (@karenpendragon) and Mehul (@mehulpaul)


Grant - The scottish friend of Nikhil Soneja


This is Mehul (@mehulpaul)


Nick Theregos (@theregos) and how is normally is ;)


Nick smiles at a joke while Ken poses for a pic. Ken is Vivienne's husband :)


This is Nikhil Soneja (@nikhilsoneja)

You may know her - Vivienne (@karenpendragon)

See the full gallery on posterous

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Why would you want to do that to me?

Its true! When Walt Disney announce a movie related to the fantasy-world - I expect glamour, glitz, great production and a bomb of a movie. Which is what Tron: Legacy - the movie (in 3D) is... NOT!! In fact, Tron: Legacy - the movie is the absolute opposite of what every quintessential Disney movie promises. In fact even this movie promised that exact same value through all it's promotions and stills.

 I am sorry - I am not going to sugar coat this. The Movie sucked! BIG TIME!! While the basic premise had a lot of promise, the concept of the game was fabulous, the actual movie flow sucked. 

The acting was bad. I mean the 6th grade students who acted with me in my School Play (we performed "Oliver!") acted better than the actors who got paid quite a bit actually. It was just not convincing enough. The lead hero, TRON (lets face it - the movie is named Tron!!) - got no screen time to speak of. His introduction was strictly "MEH"!! The characters could have done with some tweaking and a better introduction - Except Clue (the villain) nothing made sense to me!

The graphics were decent... not mind blowing. Like I said before - I invested 50 dhs and 2 and a half hours of my life into the 3D version of this movie + 30 dhs for the TRON snack pack (which by the way - is way cooler than the movie itself) and I somehow left the theater unsatiated! The 3D trailer for Kung Fu Panda was so much more invigorating!! (lol)

Michael Sheen as a cameo star was a waste!! Poor chap - he really did bring some life to the otherwise dull movie.. which was based on the premise of a light filled world (talk about oxy-morons ;) pun fully intended )

Thankfully most of the merchandise barring Nokia's N8 and the promotion deals are flowing through to the game - which is EONS better than the movie. I had a sneek peek at the game and its quite intense!!

Here is the trailer for you... If you have to go watch it - I recommend regular 2D version for less investment on a completely rubbish movie...

(adding this section on Dec 27, 2010)
Just saw TRON: the original one - (circa 1982) after my friend, Jeetendra suggested I should. Here is the trailer:



I just lost an additional hour and a half of my life watching this movie!!! The movie was very futuristic for it's time. The story was lost on me! I just could not understand it! The graphics for the 1982 movie seemed far better than the 2010 edition if that is any better. Jeff Bridges' ham acting was better in the '82 movie for sure. The characters had ABSOLUTELY no introduction. I had no idea who I was looking at and who was saying what!! Damn - misdirection to the core.

I looked up Wikipedia to understand the thought behind the movie. While the premise of the movie seemed futuristic and was probably thought through - it failed to reach out to me... What I don't understand is, Is the movie about a software programmer trying to prove that he invented 5 games? Or is it about the creation of an alternate universe as suggested in Tron: Legacy?? Or did one lead to the other? And how did that actually come about? And why is the movie called Tron when the lead character is really Flynn? Because lets face it: Alan / Tron hardly have any role to play in either movie!!

I still like the game though and someday soon, you shall see a review of that as well.

Cheers,

Partha

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Sports for the gamer dude!

Since I have arrived in Dubai, the one thing that I have been re-introduced to (and I missed doing), is console gaming. I recently got my hands on a copy of EA's FIFA 2011 for the DS.

Here is what the cover looks like:

The loading screen for the game is the same as the PS2, but faster. The game play is easy to pick up if you are playing it for the first time. The quality of graphics is decent. Its clean and despite having a small screen the DS renders the images rather sharply and there is no strain on the eyes. Having briefly tried a previous version of FIFA on the older PSP, I find that the DS has infinitely better graphics.

Back to the game! Cut scenes leave a lot to be desired, but in the actual game, the AI is getting tougher to beat with every new release. With tougher computer players to beat, the game is great fun to play, and the contentment of beating the AI is great.

There are the standard game play options of Manager Mode - where you become the manager of either a team that you create or you lead an existing team to victory through many tournaments. All the possible leagues and teams from across the world are covered - with names, game play styles and everything! If you have a DSi or the DS XL, then you could use the in-built camera to create a single pro player in your own image. You could use wifi connectivity to create multi-player environments within your network of friends who have a DS and the game. There are many mini games as well that use the touch functionality of the DS really well and are a lot of fun to play.

These mini games also reflect the game play technique used in the main game. Free Kicks near the goal, Penalties and Dribbling skills are tested in each of the mini games across 5 mini games.

Great game play and of course managing your own team where you could have your face as one of the key players is all great incentive to own this game on a DS and play it. I know I would.

Here is the Official FIFA 2011 Trailer:



Of course the trailer was for the Sony PS3, but the game AI on the DS is similar to the PS.

I would rate this game as follows:

Game Play: 4 / 5
Graphics: 3.5 / 5
Interaction: 4.5 / 5
Mini Games: 4.5 / 5
Overall value: 4.25 / 5

*The opinions expressed in this blog post are mine and mine alone. I do not wish to impose my opinion on anyone and I implore you to try the game despite my review.

For Bouquets and Brickbats, please email me at partha@parthasrinivasan.com
Partha Srinivasan, Publicity Consultant

Stranded on an island alone, you're allowed 5 items (ppl not included) what would they be?

Stranded on an island alone, you're allowed 5 items (ppl not included) what would they be?

Answer here

TEDxDubai - Photograph Flickr Set

Good Day,

I attended TEDxDubai on 04-Dec-2010. What an event!! Reminds me of the Tata Jagriti Yatra in many ways.

Here are some of the photographs below. 

Have fun seeing them. (Detailed blog post to follow)

	Hi Partha N S! 58018714@N00.jpg?1213341359#58018714@N00" border="0" height="24" width="24" /> Partha N S (Partha Srinivasan) shared a Flickr set with you. TEDxDubai 2010 REBOOT 26292765@N04.jpg?1285613602#26292765@N04" border="0" height="24" width="24" /> A set by giorgiotedx » You can also view all 25 items as a slideshow Don't want to receive messages from Flickr members via email? Change your notification settings. To report abuse, click here. Your use of Flickr is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the Flickr Community Guidelines

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Guts and Balls.

We've all heard about people having Guts or Balls. But do you really know the difference between them? 

In an effort to keep you informed, here are the definitions: 

GUTS - Is arriving home late after a night out with the guys,being met by your wife with a broom, and having the Guts to ask:
'Are you still cleaning,  or are you flying somewhere?' 

BALLS - Is coming home late after a night out with the guys,smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the butt and having the Balls to say: 
'You're next, Baby.' 

I hope this clears up any confusion on the definitions. 

Medically speaking, there is no difference in the outcome. 

Both result in death
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from du

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Funny oxymorons in English

1.Clearly misunderstood
2.Exact estimate
3.Small crowd
4.Act naturally
5.Found missing
6.Fully empty
&
mother of all

7.Happily Married!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from du

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Memoirs of a House Pet!

Dogs and Cats


A dog thinks, "Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me. They must be Gods!"


A cat thinks, "Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me. I must be a God!"


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Entries in a Dog's Diary:


7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!
7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!
8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!
11 pm -Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!


Entries in a Cat's Diary:


Day 183 of my captivity ... My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing the furniture.


Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.


Today my attempt to kill my captors by winding around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Must try this at the top of the stairs.


In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. Must try this on their bed.


Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, not working according to plan.


There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.


I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches.


The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.


The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant. She speaks with them regularly. I am certain she reports my every move. Due to her current placement in the metal container, her safety is assured.


But I can wait; it is only a matter of time.

My Experiences in Dubai

Since I have arrived here, things have been rather different from the life I led when I was in Mumbai.

Lets analyse the changes:

1. Change 1: the people

The people here are warm. Its very warm. Very international. Very surreal. Something I am not used to while I was in India. Being friends with someone is also different from how it is in India. I have not really socialised as much as I would, but I am still settling in! 

2. Change 2: the food

Food is a far cry from what I am used to in India. For one thing, unless you cook or a die hard vegetarian, you can forget about trying to keep your weight down. The streets are over flowing with meat and it all tastes GOOD. It is also expensive unless you know where to look for the good deals!

3. Change 3: the attitudes

For the most bit, strangers don't bother you as long as you are not creepy with them. Most Indian's here look at other Indians with a fair amount of suspicion unless it is with regard to work. I dont like how the Filipino's are looked at / treated by the locals here. The country has some problems with regards to being clean (trust Asians who are not used to a clean country to make this their own!) but it has still not reached those levels. Driving attitude here makes Delhi drivers look like angels!

4. Change 4: the travel

Metro / Taxis / Cars - those are your options! Go figure!

5. Change 5: the adjustments

Cost of renting here is through the roof!! Try a third of your bloody salary!! Groceries are cheap. Travel can be reasonable depending on your fancy. This is what I have learnt the hard way. But it is well worth it.

6. Change 6: reality check!

CHECK! ;)

See you around for more details on my experiences in Dubai soon enough.

Cheers!

Partha Srinivasan

Public Relations and Social Media Consultant
Site: http://post.parthasrinivasan.com

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Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. - Lao Tzu

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Microsoft - are they going soft in the head?

I would think so.

Its been 3 weeks since they launched Office 2011 for Mac but they took a little while to get it here to the Middle East. Turns out that this wait was not enough since they have still not got it ready for the Middle East! Reason: No Arabic Support!

Few things I noticed right off the shelf:

1. The interface is super cool - I like how it looks. Retaining the ribbon despite Mac OS' default menu bar staying there, is a good move. Adding Outlook to the scheme of things to replace Entourage as a business email solution is a stroke of genius. Making it compatible with Office for Windows. Now that is nice. (may consider getting myself a MacBook)

2. People using the MAC currently use either the inbuilt "Mail" program or MS Entourage for their office emails. Both of them are not compatible backwards to any version of Outlook. The translation from Mail to MS-Outlook for Windows (any version), and vice-versa,is a long and confusing ride. With MS-Office 2011 for Mac, they have not yet figured out a way for an Entourage user to migrate to Outlook - now why would they not think of this?

3. There is no Arabic support. Why is this important? Lets just say that Arabic is the language of the region. No pressure to understand this Microsoft!

I have no grudges against Microsoft. I mean despite their holier-than-thou attitude world-wide, they still have a good thing going with their products. They just don't plan these things well enough.

I just thought it was funny that Microsoft sent a non Mac user to launch Office for Mac who did not even have a Mac to demo the unit!

The evening was not a total blow out though!! We won an X-Box - the new one, the slim one!

Anyway - with the new MS Office for Mac 2011, it looks like more people will prefer a Mac to a PC even for their business needs.

Cheers!

Partha Srinivasan

Public Relations and Social Media Consultant
Site: http://post.parthasrinivasan.com

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Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. - Lao Tzu

My profiles:

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