A/S/L?

a/s/l??

A long long time ago, when people actually started affording home computers, my parents brought us one, a cute little HCL, with Windows 95 as the platform. Anyway, I digress!

My sister and I were initially too scared of using this contraption, so we decided that we will only use the computer if dad was around, just in case we goof up and cause the computer to 'break'. So whenever we wanted to play a game, or just get excited over typing in Word, we'd tell dad to switch on the computer and sit next to us the whole time.

Gradually, we began using the computer on our own. And then, BOOM, the internet happened. Again, dad became our savior and introduced us to the internet. We started exploring slowly, and then, BOOM, the chatting phenomenon happened! Indiatimes chat, yahoo chat, msn chat...what? Sister and I were completely oblivious to these.

One day, dad switched on the computer, quite excitedly. Apparently, someone had told him about chatting. So he wanted to try it out. He sat us and mom next to him, while he landed on indiatimes chat. And thus began a surreal conversation, which I still remember. Some girl (?) sent him an im. And so it went on, something like this:

Girl(G): Hie
Dad (D): Hello
G: a/s/l?
D: what?
G: a/s/l???
D: What are you talking about?
G: You don't know a/s/l?
D: No I'm sorry, I don't.
G: Bye.

I think that was the first and last time he ever went to a chat room. And he still doesn't know what a/s/l means.

Two years...

Two years ago, on this very date, I had a dream. A dream to start a blog where I could connect with people, share my thoughts, and get to know the people's viewpoints. I initially started the blog in collaboration with my sister. The initial thought was to start something where we could review everything under the sun.

But things usually don't work out according to plan when it comes to me! Sister never attempted to write willingly, and I kept writing nonetheless. And it all grew from there.

Today, Out of Focus completes two years. Two amazing years where I've gone through so much. Here's a look back to some of my favorite Out of Focus picks for you to enjoy:

1. The boy (I am very proud of this 'story')
2. Noir (The first poem I wrote)
3. Dear: pin pale (Cute pen pal story)
4. Cookies (Stream of consciousness finds me!)
5. He's the Big Boss (Animals and Bigg Boss contestants collide!)
6. Dhruv (Cute boy, funny story)
7. I'm gonna be rich!!!!!!!!!!! (Seriously!)
8. The 'That Night' trilogy: I, II, III (First long story!)
9. Hala Mala Mukashi (My take on racism in Bollywood)
10. So Lickable! Plus an award! (My first blogging award!)

I have really enjoyed these two years. I want to give a big shout out to each and everyone of you for appreciating and enjoying my blog posts. It keeps me going! So cheers! Here's to you! :)

<3

9

Man (?) vs. Machines

Good vs. Bad

This is the basic theme of the movie, simply titled '9'. The movie is directed by Shane Acker, and produced by Tim Burton (he is a genius!). I had seen the trailer for this movie a long while back, but was truly blown away after I saw the movie.

Summary:
9 is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure, set in earth, which now lies in ruins. It is up to 9 'stitchpunks' to serve a purpose, set by a scientist who sort of foresaw the events that would lead to the ultimate destruction of life as we know it. The movie is mostly seen through the eyes of the titular character '9'. He was the last of the stitchpunks' to be created, and perhaps the most important of the lot of stitchpunks. The others are 1 (the oldest), 2 (the inventor), 3 and 4 (the twins), 5 (the healer), 6 (the artist), 7 (the warrior), 8 (the strongest) and finally, 9. Without them knowing, the scientist has sent them on a mission to end the rule of the machines. It is only when they come together and work in unison, they manage to find an end to the machines.

My take:
The movie is visually stunning. The detail in which the stitchpunks are animated and brought to life is simply amazing. The machines look deadly and life like. The musical score of the movie adds depth to the various heart-pounding scenes in the movie.

The theme of religion, science, and belief runs very strong throughout the movie. Before 9's arrival, 1 has created his cult of sorts, where he is the leader. Much like various religious leaders, he has a stronghold on the stitchpunks. His one true follower and henchman, 8, uses his brute strength to enforce 1's rules and regulations on everyone else.

On the opposite side of the spectrum lies 9, who eventually serves the scientist's purpose. The climax and the last scene of the movie are fantastic.

What I liked:
1. Visually Stunning
2. Superb story
3. Excellent voice acting

What could have been better:
The movie finishes in 90 minutes, so none of the characters turn out to be really well developed. I would have loved to know more of the nuances and depth of each of the 9 characters.

One final point:
At the end of the day, the movie has a superb message, and is one of the best animation movies I have seen in a while. Children will not enjoy this movie, so best watch without their company.

4/5
Excellent!