Posted by: Aswathi Muralidharan
in in the news on Nov 18, 2008
A lot is being said and done in the field of alternative energy to ease the existing power crunch. Latest is an invention by a UK engineer, who has created a device called Searaser that can pump sea water uphill!
In trials, the device created by Inventor Alvin Smith can harness wave power by pumping sea water uphill from where it can be made to flow downhill to create hydroelectricity. According to the inventor, each full size device can pump water enough to light 470 homes, and a fleet of 43,000 such devices can provide power to 20 million households. It is being said that, if successful, the device can help Britain to meet its target of getting 15% of its energy from renewable sources.
Coming back to India, which faces massive power cuts, can a similar thing be done here? Especially considering the fact that India is covered on three sides by the sea?
Posted by: Aswathi Muralidharan
in in the news on Nov 17, 2008
Unbelievable? Yet true! At a time when fuel prices have sky rocketed, here comes an attempt to fly a plane on solar energy!Â
'Solarimplse,' a solar plane, is being tagged as a next revolution in the field of aviation. The single-pilot plane is said to be microlight and based on innovative techniques of aerodynamics, structure, construction methods and propulsion. It is claimed that the plane causes zero-pollution and can fly day and night. A prototype of the plane was displayed in Jaipur as part of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of India-Switzerland Friendship Treaty.
The plane will have its first test flight in April next year in Switzerland, and is also scheduled to take off for a round-the-world flight in May 2011.Â
According to the communication head Phil Mundwiller, two aircraft with the investment of $100m are being designed by a team of 60 engineers. Its commercial production is expected to start by 2011.
Posted by: Aswathi Muralidharan
in Ideas on Nov 03, 2008
While talking to a friend of mine, who is studying film making, I came to know that the Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of ticket sales and number of films produced annually. In 2001 itself, we produced 1,013 Bollywood movies (not counting the regional ones) compared to just 739 Hollywood movies, and the ticket sales were a whopping 3.6 billion while the Hollywood was a way far behind by 1 billion!
However, keeping these heart warming figures aside, the discussion led to the fact that we were or we still are much behind the Hollywood. In2002, the worldwide revenues of the Bollywood industry was just $1.3 billion compared to $51 billion by Hollywood. The average production cost per movie was also very less ($1.5 million Vs $47.7 million).
This may be partially due to the fact that we spent an average of only $50,000 for marketing our films in contrast to $27.3 million spent by the Hollywood. Another fact could be the equipments used in the production of these movies. Most of the equipments used for the production process of Indian movies-Cooke (Lens); Ariflex, Panavision (Camera); Kodak Eastman, FUJI (Film Stock) to name a few-are imported.
Does this spell opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to venture into this field?
Related Links:
Story:Online Movie Rental Business
Blog: Movie Watching World Championship! Any Takers?
Posted by: Aswathi Muralidharan
in in the news on Oct 14, 2008
Well I am talking about an "extremely accurate" hand painted figurine of the actress, which was bought by a private bidder on eBay recently! Noel Cruz, a famous celebrity doll maker, has immortalized several unforgettable characters from Vivien Leigh as "Scarlett" in Gone with the Wind, to Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker in Spiderman, Nicole Kidman as Mrs. Coulter, Jhonny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow....the list is long.
According to reports, Noel Cruz moved on to celebrity doll-making when he was looking for a new figurine to add to his wife's collection. He generally collects ordinary doll, removes the factory paint, and paints on a new face.
Considering the huge fan base of celebrities in India, can something on similar lines be attempted in India?
Posted by: Aswathi Muralidharan
in in the news on Oct 13, 2008
Iceland, which is going "cap in hand" to Russia for 4 billion euro ($5.49 billion) loan to bail out its failed banks, is being
offered for sale as a wholesale lot on eBay! The bidding which started at 99 pence had reached 10 million pounds ($17.28 million) by mid-morning on Friday (October 10). Any comments?
