Category Archives: 1-By Laksh

All these articles are from Laksh’s desk

Clint Eastwood’s ‘Cry Macho’: A Nostalgic Ride with Room for Improvement

Storyboard art of a tall, lanky veteran cowboy and a boy teen,
walking towards the shining US-Mexican border (AI with Bing)

Introduction:

“Cry Macho,” the latest film directed by Clint Eastwood, holds the promise of delivering an enthralling experience reminiscent of the iconic characters that defined his earlier works. However, while the movie features some echoes of Eastwood’s past, it ultimately falls short of meeting expectations in terms of storytelling and filmmaking. Nevertheless, for die-hard fans of the esteemed actor-director, “Cry Macho” still offers a worthwhile journey that showcases Eastwood’s enduring spirit and unwavering determination.

A Tale of Redemption:

Set against the backdrop of Mexico, “Cry Macho” revolves around the coming-of-age tale of a young teenager named Rafa. Raised in challenging circumstances, Rafa finds solace and guidance under the wing of Mike Milo, portrayed by Clint Eastwood himself. With an emotional bond forged between the two, the story embarks on a journey of redemption, self-discovery, and the pursuit of second chances.

Eastwood’s Nostalgic Elements:

As the crew behind “Cry Macho” has noted in making-of interviews, the film contains certain elements that harken back to the iconic characters portrayed by Eastwood throughout his career. While these nods to the past are undoubtedly appealing to fans, they do not fully compensate for the movie’s shortcomings in other areas. The narrative lacks the depth and nuance often associated with Eastwood’s best works, leaving audiences yearning for a more engaging storyline.

Room for Improvement:

From a storytelling and filmmaking perspective, “Cry Macho” fails to reach the heights one would expect from a veteran director like Clint Eastwood. While Eastwood’s unwavering dedication to his craft is evident, the film lacks the overall impact and cohesiveness needed to captivate viewers. The pacing feels uneven at times, and certain plot points could have been explored with greater depth and emotional resonance. In this regard, “Cry Macho” falls short of its potential and leaves audiences desiring more.

Clint Eastwood: A Never-Say-Die Legend:

Despite its shortcomings, “Cry Macho” still holds appeal for devoted fans of Clint Eastwood. The movie offers a chance to witness their beloved hero once again on the big screen, embodying the never-say-die attitude that has become synonymous with his legacy. Eastwood’s presence, both as the lead character and in the director’s chair, carries a sense of nostalgia and admiration that can only be appreciated by those who have followed his illustrious career.

Looking Towards the Future:

As a die-hard Clint Eastwood fan, it’s difficult not to wonder if the legendary actor-director might one day embrace the aid of technology in the vein of Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” which employed digital de-aging techniques for older actors like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. With the advancements in artificial intelligence, perhaps there will come a time when Eastwood himself could benefit from these technologies, further extending his impact on the silver screen.

Conclusion:

“Cry Macho” falls short of the lofty expectations set by Clint Eastwood’s earlier works, lacking the depth and cohesiveness needed to leave a lasting impact. However, for ardent fans of the actor-director, the film remains a must-watch, primarily for the opportunity to witness Eastwood’s unwavering commitment and unyielding spirit in the saddle once again. While “Cry Macho” may not rank among Eastwood’s finest accomplishments, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy he has carved throughout his illustrious career.

AI is killing the old web, and…

StableDiffusion; photo, to depict how AI is killing the old world wide web, as a confused human looks on

This article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the web. AI language models and chatbots can generate content cheaply but at a lower quality. This means that AI will remake the web as we know it, from Google Search to Wikipedia and more.

One example of how AI is changing the web is through data scraping. AI firms are scraping data from sites like Reddit and Wikipedia to generate content. This is putting a strain on these sites, as they are having to rethink their openness and how they generate revenue.

Another example of how AI is changing the web is through AI-generated answers. Google is now placing AI-generated answers ahead of data sources in its search results. This means that users are more likely to see AI-generated content, which could have a negative impact on the quality of information on the web.

The article concludes by discussing the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the web. On the one hand, AI could lead to a decline in the quality of information on the web. On the other hand, AI could also lead to new and innovative ways of generating and sharing information.

The article also discusses the question of whether web scraping is artificial intelligence. The answer is that it is not, but web scraping providers are beginning to use AI and machine learning to improve their scraping capabilities.

(Generated using Bard)

Here is the full article at Verge

The Invaluable Essence of Time Management: Lessons from Azim Premji

@Hyderabad Airport- 1999


In our pursuit of progress and success, we often prioritize the accumulation of wealth, inadvertently relegating time to a secondary role. However, it is essential to recognize that while money can be earned or regained, time is an irretrievable asset. This article delves into the significance of effective time management, highlighting a personal encounter with the renowned business tycoon, Azim Premji, and the valuable lessons gleaned from his exemplary approach to handling time.

Most of the times we associate our progress with money and relegate time to background. But the truth of life is, one can earn money at any time, or even make up for lost money, but one cannot earn back time or make up for lost time.

Sometime in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet Sri Azim Premji in the airport. There was some delay in the regular flights, due to some cancellation and Indian Airlines offered a complementary breakfast spread. I spotted him with a couple of his colleagues, in apparent serious discussion, while sampling a few food items. One could immediately guess that there was something important planned ahead and the flights issue, put a dampener on it, and he was doing his best to compensate and most importantly manage time effectively.

Time, the elusive constant that we often take for granted, holds a profound significance in our lives. As I reflect on my interaction with Azim Premji back in 1999, the airport encounter painted a vivid picture of a man who valued time above all else. Amidst flight delays and disrupted schedules, Premji’s unwavering focus on managing time efficiently was palpable. Even as I approached him seeking an autograph, his initial reaction conveyed the urgency and importance he placed on his time. Nevertheless, upon discovering my professional aspirations, his demeanor softened, and he graciously obliged, leaving little room for small talk. It was evident that individuals like Azim Premji regard time management as paramount, proactively taking charge of their schedules instead of allowing time to dictate their lives.

Observing Azim Premji engrossed in earnest discussions with his colleagues, his unwavering commitment to optimizing time became increasingly evident. With every nibble of food and every exchange of ideas, he exuded an aura of purposeful efficiency, unaffected by the curious gazes of onlookers. Premji’s approach to time management exemplified a cardinal rule: by projecting oneself as someone prepared and ready for any challenge, the schedule inevitably becomes packed with meaningful tasks. It was an unspoken lesson in conveying priorities through actions, ensuring that each moment is allocated to the most significant endeavors. The encounter left an indelible impression, emphasizing the importance of proactive time management as a crucial aspect of achieving success.

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This quote from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty encapsulates the essence of effective time management discussed in this article. The protagonist embarks on an extraordinary journey, driven by the realization that life is about experiencing moments, connecting with others, and truly feeling. Similarly, Azim Premji’s relentless pursuit of time management reflects a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. By efficiently managing time, we create opportunities to explore, grow, and connect with the world around us. Premji’s dedication to optimizing time serves as a powerful reminder that time is not merely a resource to be consumed but a catalyst for meaningful experiences and personal growth.

In a world often preoccupied with financial gains, it is crucial to reorient our perspective and recognize the true value of time.