For those who are curious about space ...

Hope you already know that America's prestigious space shuttle Discovery is on its way to International Space Station. Shortly after its launch Nasa noticed some objects falling from Orbiter and from one of the Solid Rocket Boosters. Also, a bird hit to the external fuel tank. For now, scientists at NASA are unsure of the results, while they accepted that chances are there that it could damage the heat shield of Orbiter. President Bush already started praying for the safe return of astronauts aboard. I also join him. If you would like to track the Discovery mission second by second, here is your chance. The following link leads you to NASA TV's page, where you can find 'NASA TV via the Internet' section. Select appropriate player there and watch your fingers crossed.

Click here to goto NASA TV site.

SEE MORE, HEAR MORE, FEEL MORE - The IMAX Experience

Long back in some magazine I've read about IMAX technology and since then I've been craving to experience it. Recently something made me recollect the IMAX facts, which I would like to share with you.

In a nutshell, IMAX expericence is incredible with its 8-storey high and sound that feel like it is wrapped around you. Let us see what makes this happen.

The Film: IMAX uses 15-perforation, 70mm film to create images of incredible sharpness. The 15/70 frame is 10 times larger than the 35mm used in regular theatres. This makes it the largest commercial film ever invented. Would you believe, IMAX large format film is so strong it could be used to tow your car?

The Camera: The IMAX camera is specifically designed to shoot 15 perforation, 70 mm film (15/70) - the world's largest film format. Weighing between 42 and 100 pounds, these cameras are extremely versatile and can be used in virtually any environment from outer space to the ocean floor, the top of Mt. Everest and all around the globe.

The Screen: Forty-five hundred times larger than an average TV screen, IMAX and IMAX 3D giant flat screens soar up to eight stories high and have a slight curvature that extends beyond the field of geometric recognition. Because these screens fill your peripheral vision, you feel like youre right in the action. IMAX 3D screens are painted silver to maximize the amount of light reflected back to the audience.
Semi-circular IMAX Dome screens produce huge images that soar and swoop above, beside and behind you to fully surround you in The IMAX Experience.

The Projector: IMAX, IMAX 3D and IMAX Dome projectors are the most advanced, precise and powerful projectors ever built. The proprietary IMAX Rolling Loop technology ensures far superior picture and focus steadiness to deliver the largest, sharpest and brightest images imaginable. Light from the 15,000-watt lamp of some IMAX projectors is so bright that, if one were operated on the moon, people on Earth could see it with the naked eye.

The Sound: The six-channel, multi-way digital IMAX speaker system with sub-bass utilizes 44 speakers grouped into six clusters behind the screen and at the rear of the theatre to deliver uncompressed sound that is simply unsurpassed in depth and clarity. 16 amplifiers generate more than 12,000 watts of power, not volume, to provide the audience with life-like sound. IMAXs proprietary loudspeaker system delivers exacting volume and quality at every seat throughout the theatre. From a small drop of rain to an enormous clap of thunder, you'll hear every shade and subtlety, regardless of where you are sitting.

Hmm...quite tempting, no? When I was in India, there was no IMAX Dome theatre in Hyderabad. I guess it has now. Kuala Lumpur got an IMAX multiplex last year. I'm looking forward for my turn to experince the big thing. I love it!!

Information courtesy: IMAX - think big

Can you raed tihs?

Olny srmat poelpe can.I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Meet my friends

It is my pleasure to introduce my friend Vasu's family to you. In this photo you can see Vasu, his wife Devika and their only son Shreyas. We had a great time when we worked together in Malaysia, but now they moved to Singapore. To revitalise our bonding we recently paid a visit to their home.

This pic was taken in Underwater World, in Sentosa Island; and that's why you can see an aquarium like thing in the background. Walls of the giant aquarium(s) were made from 'acrylic' sheets of 60mm thickness and can withstand much much more pressure. So you can be sure that those sharks won't come out and have you in their meal. Inside the setup, there is a moving platform that makes you explore every corner and nook of the Underwater World.

Singapore - a land of wild night life and night wild life

Today, in the early hours, we've returned home after a 3-day vacation spent in Singapore. During this trip we stayed with my friend Vasu's family.

Abnormally, we started our vacation with shopping and ended with sight seeing. Obviously our shopping took place in Mustafa centre. I wondered how many brains and years spent in building such a large business empire. I really long to know its history.

The second day we went to the Sentosa Island, which has rejuvenated our spirits with its greenery and scenic beauty. The musical fountain/laser show organised in evenings is a must see for everyone who visits Singapore. We were astonished by the technology used in the presentation. Hats off to its conceiver(s) and creator(s).

We couldn't make it to experience 'Cinemania', another attraction in Sentosa Island. This is where one can vitually involve in the scene being played on the screen.

Few great deals from Microsoft!!

In the latest newsletter from Microsoft, they've provided links to some exciting resources. I would like to share them with those who haven't registered to that newsletter.

Microsoft Skills Assessment Home:
http://assessment.learning.microsoft.com/test/home.asp

Free e-book for Visual Basic.Net 2005 book:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/whidbey/introto2005/

ASP.Net online assessment and Free online books (Enter access code: 8317-MSDN-6595)
https://www.microsoftelearning.com/eLearning/enterCode.aspx

Limited time Free online courses for Visual Studio.Net 2005
https://www.microsoftelearning.com/visualstudio2005/

Limited time Free online courses for SQL Server 2005
https://www.microsoftelearning.com/sqlserver2005/

That's all for now folks! I guess there are many more to come. I promise that I will keep you posted. Remember that your words of encouragement keep me running.