Swades - Yeah Yeah.. Im very late to it

First things first.. Click on the picture.. You will see me in the picture, with a Handy Cam (:)

Swades - Ada namma oor Cheran padam madhiri irukke !! I had a chance finally, to watch this movie. Besides good direction, camera works and soft screenplay.. there was the Inevitable AR Rahman stealing the show.

Even the silence in the background was meaningful. And the non-silent parts sounded like "Pokkishams". The music that sings while the Title is played is something that still silks in my ears.

A word in my beautiful tamil - "Reengaaram" :)

I for this long was of the opinion "Hey Ram" had the best Re-Recording and Background score, of all the movies I have seen. Swades just broke it. Now dont jump to conclusions, that Im directly critisizing Ilayaraja. I respect IRs talents, but that doesnt mean someone cannot outdo him.

I've downladed the Background Soundtrack. Thanks to the ARRFans Yahoo group. Playing the Entire 38 MP3s bring in front the emotion of the Scene, without watching it. You will remember every frame of the movie, with just the music going into your ears. (If only, you had liked the movie.). I will try and put up the Swades Theme on my ODEO music channel.

A real satisfying experience. God Bless Rahman.

TRANSFORMATION

People. Kindly read the following patiently and read it slow for a better understanding. Its a small Ammani effect. :)


today is my birthday.. i cant wait to wear that blue dress.

today is my birthday.. i cant to give my friends the foreign chocolates my uncle has brought

today is my birthday.. i cant wait to have my hands on that Street-cat cycle.. wow.

today is my birthday.. why should i go to school on birthdays..atleast she will excuse for that incomplete assignment.

today is my birthday.. nobody cares.. got to wake up early and study.

today is my birthday.. i have to impress that 1st year junior with my dress.. should throw a party at the college canteen, when she is there.

"hello there.. Happy birthday !! i think im the first one to call you ?". "yeah.. thank you *SHE* so much. you are the first :)".. .. today is my birthday.. damn.. its only 1 O Clock.. she called me at this time ? how sweet of her. she really loves me.

today is my birthday.. last year that *#@** called and spoiled my day. hmm. today im getting a hero honda as a gift. I wish my dad gave it :).. i still remember dad giving me the keys of the brand new Street cat cycle, when i was 11.

today is my birthday.. nobody in the training department knows of my birthday. i wish they did. how good they celebrated HIS birthday, in that team. hmmm

yesterday was my birthday.. didnt even realize. the client was on my ass. mom alone had remembered. she couriered me a new t-shirt. i didnt like the design, however.

today is my birthday.. im giving my guys a party. HE has prmised those Beer tins.. its going to be a heck of a day.

today is my birthday.. im taking my fiance out. wonder how she will wish me next year.. :)

today is my birthday.. SHE hasnt yet realized.. i told her when she gave me my coffee..she smiled and wished me, and went back to the kitchen. Mom gave me a new t-shirt. Gosh.. i wish nobody in the office remembers.. i cant pay another treat..

today is my birthday.. went and kissed my son's foot. He smiled.. What other gift do you want on this day ? I felt like I was blessed by my son.

today is my birthday.. wow.. im realizing this after so many years. my son gave me a Pen.. he has saved some of his pocket money. so sweet.

today is my birthday.. my wife insists we should go to a temple..

today is my birthday.. i wore that t-shirt mom had given me.. she wont gift me anymore.

today is my birthday.. my son, his friends and girlfriends gave me a surprise party. i was not that happy.. seemed funny. sounded artificial.. but that golden frame spectacles looked good on my face.

today is my birthday.. today i wont forget in my lifetime.. all my relatives gathered.. my sastiyapthapoorthy. my son did it grand.. he had come from US for this.. not many sons do it these days. he hasnt worn that Shirt i bought him, to wear on the occasion. i felt bad.

is it today or tomorrow.. cant really remember.. anyways,, i will visit the routine temple

today is my birthday.. its my daughter-in-law's birthday too.. i gifted her a book.. she said "thanks". nothing else.

today is my birthday.. cant get up from the bed.. i wish atleast today the pain is not there.. like how i got excuses on my earlier birthdays.

today could have been my birthday.

New Photo on Photoshop Blog

Endru Mudiyum indha Mega Serial Mogham !

I understand there are a lot of mixed opinions about Mega-Serials. To me, it really doesnt matter. But it really is one concerning issue. It eats up maximum of a woman's day. A perspective will look like, home-citizens will have their share of entertainment. Nothing wrong. But too much of crying and "Dhraabai" dialogues and many others scandle the quality of the people themselves.

But my way of handling things - "keep it untouched". It will evolve by itself. I think it is meaningless to worry about something, when you cant do anything about it. Just wait for it to change. It has to , and it will.

Please excuse my Blah Blah !! I've had a bad day yesterday. Let me zoom to the point. "Malargal" - yet another Mega Serial on Sun TV.

One lucky day, when i was early back home.. i heard the Title Song of the "Malargal". It was a good rythm. Songs for Mega Serials have reached new heights. I guess "Chiththi" broke the Ice - The huge Elephant entering the Srirangam Rajagopuram, when Nithyashree is on "Uchchasthayi" - Wow.

The Malargal Title Song is good in the Folk Aspect, and a beautiful voice. My mom and dad certified that the serial is also equally good, and relly different. Of course, it had the usual "Kanneers and Kambalais", whats a Mega-serial without that.

So, I ran a search for the title song, and found this. "Malargal on Yahoo Groups". This group amazingly has transcripts of everyday's episode. (ada ada ada !!). Unusual for me to find Fan clubs of a Tamil Mega Serial on the net. Phew !!

Looks like this serial is here to Rock.

BTW, if you havent listened to the Title Song yet, try doing it. Worth a hear.

Im now Licenced to Kill :)

Brammandam !!

Grand and Shankar are totally synonymous words. May be because "Grand" always doesnt impress.

But I bet, everyone of us like this photograph. The Idea and Execution was perfect.

"Adi manasa Aruvaa Munayil Narukkuraye !!"

The Next Signal

Six months of LLR driving comes to an End tomorrow. Well, er.. if you are a Traffic Constable.. please refreain from reading further. We can talk after I got the papers. :)

I've planned to take license tomorrow. Im not sure if I can exhibit my 8 talent.. but I can show how to go from 0 to 70 in seconds, how to overtake a guy without disturbing him, how to have a conversation on the signal.. and so and so..(how to react when the Car in your front hasnt realized the signal change).

Most of everything, I like the Conversation part. I developed this strange habit of conversing to strangers, when Im at the signal. Thanks to the digital timers, you would very well know when your turn to Screw up the accelerator. SO, you can just turn to your left or right.. find a suitable guy (I havent spoken to girls) and try and begin a conversation.

Petty conversations, which dont even last long to end up telling names. Im enjoying this habit. It keeps me thinking about what the guy has said, till I reach the next signal. Will you believe, I got caught like this, speaking to a Traffic Constable. He was telling me his worries, when I was in almost deep-shit. The conversation started casually, as I was standing much closer to him. You should appreicate my boldness there. But had me asked for a License, whew !! Cant even imagine.

So, to put an end to it all... RTO office .. here I come. Wish me luck guys.. hmm

BTW, two-wheeler riders, why dont you start talking to someone in the next signal !!

Friends are Forever

One Doctor, few software engineers and an MBA student.. Yet we all felt we were still at school yesterday. Most of us studied in St. John's from LKG to +2, together. Imagine the fun. We were are bursting out with laughter with all the "Malarum Ninaivugal". We missed out a few guys because they are out-of-country. It went on and on.. we got free consultations from the doctor guy, and Ottu-Ottu-Ottufied the MBA guy.

mmmmyeah !! I hope and wish we meet like this all the times. Atleast next diwali.

Hope you guys had fun too....

I have one observation to share. Lots of crackers fired yesterday. But in my locality I found most of the Sky-fliers.. the fireworks that shower glitters from the sky. Truly a beautiful sight.. I dont know the name of the cracker.. but it is awesome. People , as far as I saw, celebrated Diwali in style.

Majaa and Sivakasi gets a "Sure Hit" review from a few friends of mine.
Deepavalikku pudhu padam edhachum paartheengala ?

Diwali Rocks

From Left to right - Nada Thengozhal, Thengai Barbi.. Next Row - Gulab Jamoon, Poondu Karasev, Badhusha.. Next Row - Mysorepagu, Soan Papdi.

A few crackers on the top, and Vikatan Deepavali Malar... Diwali is still on and running. My concentration is still focussed on the Mysorepagu and Poondu Karasev. Aggaaga gaaga !

Ganga Snaanam Aachcha !!

I wish, you guys have a great Diwali !

For guys like me who hunt for a reason to celebrate, Diwali is a bonanza. Its been a usual formality with our guys (school mates) to meet up on the diwali day, and it happens tomorrow. Waw !!

Dont forget to talk to your family and friends. Occasions like this build/maintain relationships.

[This is one picture that gave me real satisfaction, after i had made it on Photoshop. I've put the full version on my photoshop blog.]

What an emotional uprise :)
25000 hits as the Lakshmi Vedi bursts outside. (ezhai keththa ellurundai !!)

Keerthivasan.com

I redesigned the keerthivasan.com (redesign is a too-big word.. but ill use that anyway).

Thanks to PK for reminding me of CSS. Way back at NIIT, I was interestingly doing this. But after getting into serious(!) mainframe programming, I never had a chance to have my hands on it. And PK ignited the interest, and redesigned his blog in a whacky way. I like his layout very much. But Blog-avyukta wasnt going to change templates. So , I put all these CSS stuffs on my keerthivasan.com

So, here you go. Ladies and gentlemen. www.keerthivasan.com :)
Most of the pages are under construction (Cmon guys, I cant do that in one day).

You can help me in feeding back(?) your thoughts. eMail me.
What other contents can be added ?

Jai Jai Hanuman

Hanuman - the Picture.

A Sahara One Motion Picture and Percept Picture company production.

Seems to be a promising movie. Ramayana in any-form is a "Thigattadha" story. And my Hanuman is a very very interesting character. (My ishta deivam is Kodhanda Raamar)

Download Clippings here and here.

Visit the Site, to see our Kutty hanuman, fly on the sky.

I get reminded of our very own Dara Singh as Hanuman in the famous DD Ramayan. Nobody could ever replace the image of Arun Govil as Ram. Click this to see a nostalgic picture.

I would say Ramanand Sagar should be praised equivalent to Kambar (Tamil poet). Both the guys did the same job. I think Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana is equivalent to Kamba Ramayana in terms of fame. What say ?

Dilbert - Today

Dilbert Rocks today !! If you dont get it, subscribe it now.
I get this mail everyday, after lunch. The best way to start afternoons.

New Wallpaper (Diwali Special) on Photoshop Blog

More Music on avyukta ODEO Channel.

A few uncommon and very familiar sounding music.
You know what to do !

GMail Autosave !

Say this good news to your mom and dad, who have been placing baby-steps emailing you.

I've seen many people compose a mail, and type a very long letter.
They have been used to writing Inland letters.. and they write with the intention of filling up every blank space on the letter.

Same hands now type very big emails to their hearts in America and elsewhere.
And what if the browser crashes or current goes of,.. or something fatal closes the window..

Thanks to the new Autosave feature of GMail.

Yesterday = Oh No !!

How Brutal ? How mighty Brutal ?

No Power . No UPS Back Up . No News paper. No shops.
No Network in my mobile. No batteries for the walkman.

How am I expected to kill one day ?

Simply watched out of the window, the rising levels of water and occasional Umbrella's with all hidden bodies. Yesterday's rain at chennai was something I havent seen for years. Non-stop and severe. And the wind in the evening was awesome.

Many people were thinking "Mazhai podhumpa !!". Surplus is something we are not capable of handling.

Thankfully today morning, normal clouds and sun-shine smiled up. Water levels have reduced. Few Petrol Bunks closed. Few trees fallen.

Otherwise, chennai is back after a YUK holiday.

Semma Mazhai !!

I will not go to office today. Well, Not many people will. And people in office better stay there. We lost all roads, and it will be a while before we sight it again. Its all flooded all the way !! My Phone line is not working, but Braodband is working ( i still wonder how.. ). SMS is not going out. Power goes off and comes back, periodically.

Guys, chennai is back to those Cyclone days, which we missed for a few years.

Movie Buzz

First click on the picture. In the big version, do you see something fishy ? Oh yeah !!! the stars are with the moon.

Ram Gopal Varma's Ek. A new $20 million project starring Amithab and Abhishek. As obvious from the picture, the movie drags in International Lines and will be close to a controversy, or atleast draw some protest from some part.

[ Quick question to you. Do you think some Indians would leave it easily, if they see some manipulation on the Indian Flag like what RGV has done to the American Flag ? Why ? ]

The poster carries the tag-line "India's biggest Motion Picture , Ever". Whew !!

"Fear can bring the bitterest of enemies together". Anybody would guess Pakistan and USA, and thats obvious from the flag. Why and How are questions Ram Gopal Varma would try and answer in this movie.

I have a big list of Ram Gopal Varma's movies yet to be watched. Im open to anyone who can lend me DVDs :)

BTW - I dnlded the MP3 from "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" by Ilayaraja. Awkward music. Untolerable. Totally reused and improper. What the heck !! I wish some rash critisisms reach Ilayaraja.

Goohoo !

Click picture to see the real dimension of Yahoo ! Mail Beta.

It looks closer and better compared to Outlook, doesnt it ? Well, Im never going to get out of the lovely GMail interface, but still would love to get my hands on Yahoo..

Look at my trust on GMail



With Yahoo still ruling the eMail world, and Google Talk nowhere close to replacing Yahoo messenger... Yahoo is still a tough competetor of Google.

Uuru Rendu Patta Koothadikku Kondattam.. Koothadinga rendu patta Uurukku kondaattam.

Vikatan Deepavali Malar is out on the stands. A few sections of it are really interesting. Haven't completed yet.. (reminds the voluminous Kalki Deepavali Malar).

Heh.. Vikatan Deepavali Malar is my Harry Potter.

Ambi-Shun !!

"What is your ambition in life ?"

How many times were you asked this question, when you were a Kid ? Well, I dont know your life, but my life had a huge array of such questions. And am Still not able to answer it. My inference proves, that Ambition is a temporary word, whose value keeps changing periodically and is never even closer to reality. But many would say, it is not Ambition.. it is dream. Ambition is something you constantly work upon. heh !! Then its all just words.

I wanted to become a Pilot. I wanted to be a IIT student. I wanted to be an Astronaut. I wanted to be a computer engineer like Arvindswamy, and fight against Pakistanis. (Not terrorists at that time). So much of day-dreams. It is just maturity that tells you, "A*******, you cant be a pilot with that weight.. "... "IIT ? with that figure in Chemistry mark sheet ? you should be kidding.."

Right now after staying late on meeting rooms.. i have better words to describe the plan for growth. "Long term and Short term Objectives" ...

Short term objectives is not something that we leave inside the planning room. I guess, we can bring it home and take it to bed. We can set it in our personal life.. I know, planning and life are two extreme words. Yet, Im going to give it a try.

Im going to set a short term objective, and work on it. Does it sound like taking life in a very dumb-monotonous way.... well, it depends on the objective you set. (tricky !!)

Im not a serious guy, who will set objectives like "Learn french..".."memorize Purusha Suktam in 5 days".. "become a Team Lead in 6 months.. " "loose 10lb in 10 days" nah nah nah..

Me and Prabu Karthik have got into this plan. "I love Madras". A small still-photography documentation. About Chennai, the everything of it. The Rosham that came after reading the Shobha Warriors post on Chennai.

This is the short term objective. Hope it comes out good. Any creative ideas for "I Love Madras" are welcome.

New Picture on Photoshop Blog :)

Aridhaaram !!

Why should Kamalhaasan make up his face like Old Kamalhaasan in Indian, when he did not look like Kamalhaasan at all ? Shankar could have easily made someone else act. Was it for the fun of doing it ? Or to get names like "I wore a make up that takes 4.5 hours everyday to apply.. and it was a complete strain".

:) I dont know.... we will get to it later. Here's something else, thats really good. I bumped into a site which did make ups for movies and television shows. And incidentally, in its Resume it had Hey Ram.

Edward French, Inc. Special Makeup FX Studio in California.(CA nna California dhaaneppa ?)















Here are pics of Kamalhaasan and Naseeruddin Shah in their faces made-up by EdwardFrench.

Make ups of Kamalhaasan in Hey Ram were extremely essential. They showed the time-switch. I remember 6 different faces in Hey Ram. They were good, and to a hardcore Kamal fan like me, it was visual treat. I still wish i have a beard like what Kamal had in Hey Ram..

But Indian ? Manasaatchiya thottu sollunga.. Sukanyavai appdi sodhappi irukka vendam.. illaya ?

Nene Ra !!! P. Vasu....

These are pictures from "The Making of Chandramukhi". I cut them off from the movie, to show you how P.Vasu fares behind the screen.

The Making showed P. Vasu expressing all possible emotions, and reciting them to every characters starting from Nasar, Vadivelu till Rajnikanth. I felt the character produced the exact expressions that P. Vasu showed him a minute before. Now, this is debatable, if a director curbs the freedom of the actor, or making the actor not think more.

But Iam sure we are all making a Biig Mistake. Why is that we miss out P. Vasu when we talk of great directors. I have heard only Shankar and Maniratnam being mentioned.

P. Vasu was once branded as Sentimental director. All his movies (i guess he started the "Thaikulam Aadharavu" concept) are senti oriented. We shouldnt forget the Himalayan Success of Chinna Thambi and few other successful movies from him. Chandramukhi is easily termed as a "Straight Lift" from Manichitrathazu... but I think it is delicate to make such a risky-line of movie with Super star casting on it. I've already told that "Chandramukhi" is not a promising movie, and had all chances to Flop. Thank all the Gods, we have a Super hit movie.

I was very impressed with all the expressions that P. Vasu was teaching Jyothika (belated b'day wishes). This guy is a great Actor. PVasu has completely visualized the movie before he started directing, thats what it looked like. Of course, any director would have...

But dont you think P. Vasu is a good director ? Let us wait and see his next flick.

Avyukta Chips

Yes, the making of Chandramukhi on video is given with the Orinigal Soundtrack. Its good to watch. I knew ther was a making of Baba.. but it doesnt make sense to watch the making when you havent seen the movie itself. Try to watch The Making of Chandramukhi.. will be an interesting 1 hour. :)

Water Audio seems to be out, and this one is my favourite.. Rahman is concentrating more on the raagas this time. Take a listen to Bangri Marori.

Worth1000 has a contest on Corporate Logos. Amazingly stunning Photoshop works. Peek in.

Troubling news. David Copperfield announces this..

Nokia's newest takes a new web page with a stunning Flash work. Think of gifting this to me :)

For $ 2,300, this product will take you to a different TV Watching. 1 latcha roobavukku TVyaaa ???

the world is still uncertain
with the dark cloud and dirty wind
with the uneasy crater and restless wave
unexplored surprises and unresolved mysteries
the world is still uncertain

the rocky land has rocked a lot
the speed wind has winded up lives
the hungry ocean has eaten up bodies
im scared.. awaiting the next best calamity

2.30 today afternoon.

Clear skies faded away
and the dark guys come in..
heavy rain like never before..
they touch and pierce the skin

2.30 looked as dark as 7.30
"peyyena peyyum mazhai !!"..

im safe in the office
watching a guy, polythene bag on his head
thats his rain cover..he is all wet already
he is running on the road, he runs for his daily bread.

there's another honda on road a new green accord
2 cute little girls, watching the fast rain in their windows
along with the rain, they see this guy, with a dirty cover.
he looks funny to them.

i go back to work... with the only worry..
i wish my bike starts with one kick.

So very creative (or Destructive)

Please Visit Creative Criminal for more Advertisements like this.

Powerful Print-ads *(non-video). Not much explanations given. And giving you the Guess Work... I struggled with the Diet Pepsi ad..

I bet you would struggle too...

Creative Criminal is Arvind R from Chennai. Take a look.

MSM and Blogs

Why we bloggers cannot become main stream media, is because we depend on one or more Mainstream Media for Content.

Delhi, Banglore and Hyderabad Airports from Google Earth.

Click on the pictures to see the full image, and wow..

Earth looks great from up here. :)

Feel like God !!

For all those people who think Monday Morning Sucks , here's a message.

You are not alone.

I feel more than irritated to wake up on a Monday morning. Yeah Yeah, you saw a lot of posts on my blog on a Monday morning complaining and whining about a Monday Morning. No Yoga and meditation will help me solve this problem. My monday morning irritations will continue as long as Mondays exist.

Stich News

If you hadnt yet purchased for Diwali.. Try Purasaiwalkam Sree Krishna Collections.

I had a "Kolai Kooththu" yesterday. I had plans for 2 shirts. And the offer there was "Buy 2.. Get 3 Free !!!". Thats a total of 5 Shirts for Rs. 999. Now isn't that something you can capitalize on. Actually the offer is on Only "Pan America" shirts. Not Allen Solly and Color Plus. Yet, the quality and colors are equally good and worth a select.

Give it a try.

New Pic on Photoshop Blog.
Hey, BTW..... How do you like the above pic... This is the best Pencil Sketch I ever did.

Late Ayutha Pooja

It is usual for most of the people who celebrate Ayutha Pooja 1 week after the festival is gone. Mostly it happens with the Auto Guys. I dont know the primary reason. But I guess they make some collections sort ot things, and together they gather with their families and stage a huge Music Box and celebrate in style.

Autos will be decorated in all possible ways.. Sandhanam will be spattered and lots of designer elements.. ranging from baloons to Thoranams. Then they dance together.. distribute sweets.. most of them Rajini fans, and for sure there is a uprise when "Naaan Auto Kaaran ! Auto Kaaran.." song from Batcha..

Then they take their family for a ride, and they go like a parade on road. They seem to celebrate.

I think the spirits of the festival is now only with a very few people. Many others see no time for it. People see Ayutha Pooja and many other fesivals as just another holiday. They die in spirits and lie on their back-packs and empty the day even without celebrating. See if i sound very mean here.. "People now have more craze on Valentine's day, than Diwali". Add "Some" or "many" in the front, depending on your perception.

Im running a serious battle. Im planning to celebrate Pongal this time very differently. Atleast make my neighbours notice it. Join me ???

Chennai on your Side

Its time we start popularizing this Logo. Wear it on your web-site side bar..

Also look out for Kiruba's Buttons on Gaurav's IIPM (since when ?)

Why Chennai ?

Thanks to DonTheCat for making me post this.

This is in regard to an Article by Shoba Warrior on the Rediff. After reading this My Blood kept boiling around. The article, if you havent read, is about the Park Hotel incident. Something everyone were against. The news media has behaved eccentric and blown up the issue monstrously. Im with Shoba Warrior on this issue. I understand her thoughts on that, and thats pretty much everyone's thought.

But the Stories Spun to explain that scenarios are Awkward to the core (may be i can use the word childish). I dont know if it was meant, but any other reader would easily interpret the text as Chennai is a Good-for-nothing city (atleast i felt it).. Thats too bad a write-up. Can we just scribble up something just to make some hype and interest ? Atleast I wouldnt expect that from a Rediff page.

Let me sum you up the moral of the 4 stories she had given.

Moral of the story: If you are in Chennai, never sit on a park bench with your girlfriend or boyfriend. And, most importantly, never hold hands. It is not part of the great Chennai Culture.

Besides Morality.. there's just onething I'd like to emphasize. The Above Inference is NOT TRUE. Proof will be a walk through Marina Beach.


Moral of the story: In Chennai, you should not go to a dance party unless it is Bharata Natyam. You should not kiss your spouse even if you are dancing the Bharata Natyam. You should respect the great culture and traditions of the city.

Hey, this is a meaningless abuse of the city. Nobody, not even the police were talking about the culture and traditions of the City.. Why bring it in.. Looks like Shoba is offended by the goodness of the city... and clearly shows an offensive mood towards the city. But Why ?


Moral of the story: If you are an engineering student in Chennai, you should dress 'decently' and never talk to the opposite sex. That is, if you want a good job in a good company.

Not True Again. Why is Decent dressing and Campus placements related ? Any Engineering Student would disagree to it.


Moral of the story: If you are a woman living in Chennai, a city that has Big Brothers who flaunt their several wives/mistresses as proof of their wealth and social status, never talk about sex, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, AIDS, condoms or virginity.

This one is political and it happens everywhere. Shivsena would do it in Bombay and many others in respected cities. Why Bash on Chennai for that ??

Whilst So many parts of the article are not true, what is this article doing ont he Rediff page ? It is not that I want to raise a fight against Shoba Warrior (I know I cant), but would like to clarify from her one simple question.

Why is Chennai a part of these issues ?

I felt it was completely unnecessary to bring in the city for an abuse.. Looked like the people living there are fools.. Looked like the people in other states and cities allow Night Club Kissing, Free Speech and so and so stuffs. I know Mumbai and Banglore are even worse on this.

I request any Chennai blogger to take up on this and make his views directed to rediff, if you feel offended just like me.

Bombay In Chennai

One Good prediction from the Weather people, few weeks back. "If it rains this time in Chennai.. It will be the one like Mumbai Rain".

If thats true, Im stranded in office at least for tonight.

Im watching from 4th floor. The sight of rain pouring down and splasing on the distant floor is awesome.

Situation Song .. Indhaanga !! (an excellent melody from June R)

Maa Mazhai Potrudhum !!! Maa Mazhai Potrudhum !!!

Update : Im now Safe at home.. after an Unsafe Drive around Chennai. Nungambakkam is flodded (as mentioned by Krithika). Water like me and my bike have never seen. My Bike changed its voice.. what used to be like Hariharan's voice became Sukhwinder singhs voice.. Lucky I got home with the bike in normal condition.

So much of things happening on the Blogosphere. You Know what it is.

Now there are a few protests that are highly intense against one B-School. It didnt catch me on first as it was something completely unrelated to me. Me and B-Schools are like Me and Bars. But then when Gaurav Sabnis resigned his IBM Job .. that hit my nerve. I cant imagine such a thing happening to me. Bless my un-popularity.

Dramatic changes in days. I can visualize the Blogs getting more responsible, and the strength of Bloggers increasing in magnitude. You would have seen Protests initiated by Venkittu Sir, and many other fellow bloggers about the moral policing. You saw how the Banglore Mugging incident got justice, for which a very good exposure was a reason.

Its only a small period of time left... The Blogosphere will form a part of the Main Stream Media.

Deepavali Deepavali dhaan !

Pothys










RmKV Sliks
















The Chennai Silks

The Heat is On.. despite the rain for the past two days. Proof of the Season was felt in Balaji Bhavan last saturday. Every single Tile on the floor had one person standing or sitting on it. TV Ads are pulling the people. I guess after RmKV opened up in TNagar, every single Silk Store on Usman Road is on 5th Gear Marketing. Innovations everywhere..

The best thing i like about the shopping on Usman Road is the Cut Maangai Piece in front of Nalli. It used to be a usual sarakku on the beach.. but I hardly get to go to beach these days. I've taken this coming saturday for shopping.. with my dad and mom.

Let the spirits of Deepavali Begin........

The Weapon Festival

This Voodoo Knife Rack has nothing to do with the post....

Happy Ayutha Pooja.

I am not very sure about the origins of the festival.. But I am happy it existed, for the holiday Im enjoying today. Tomorrow is Saraswathi Pooja (or) Vijaya Dasami.

We, at our home, used to keep all my school books in front of the Pooja Rack and Wow.. What a day ? God's way of telling.. "You neednt study. Take a break..". Then after the pooja is over we have to study for 10 mins, sitting in front of the Gods.

Ayutha Pooja was even happier because, I used to go along with my dad to Lucas-TVS. For those who dont know, Lucas-TVS is a part of the TVS group operating from Padi. They manufacture Starters for Cars. But most of all, the food they used to provide .. is divine. "Wheels India" a part of the TVS group was once called "Meals India" just because of the quality of food they provide to their employees. Ayutha Pooja is a chance for the employees family to taste their food. There are also special celebrations there.. They give big gifts for this occasion, varying from some Eversilver item to a suitcase. Ice Cream was a special attraction.

Now we cant expect every company to do that. My company gave one pack of Shri Krishna Sweets - Thirupathi Laddu (Good attempt from these guys.. tastes close to a original Thirupathi Laddu).

Then there's this usual cleaning bikes and cars and making them look like new. With all the rain that showered yesterday, my Honda Avyukta (Activa) looks like a old Lambretta scooter. Pchch.

Clear your doubts

I got a few (More actually) calls regarding the Flat, that I posted on Saturday.

Here's to clear the maximum concerns.

• No Water Problem in this area (So far)
• Appx 1300 to 1600 SQFT Duplex Houses
• Ground Floor + First Floor (Staircase from within) + Car Park
  
• Prices Close to 20 L..(Subject to variations until you call and confirm)
• 5 mins from the Railway Station - Villiwakkam

You know my number :)

Vayithhericchal !!

TringTring : http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/

Keerthi : 254.2 kilobits per second

Communications 254.2 kilobits per second
Storage 31 kilobytes per second
1MB file download 33 seconds
Subjective rating Mediocre

TringTring : 3.8 megabits per second

Communications 3.8 megabits per second
Storage 466.9 kilobytes per second
1MB file download 2.2 seconds
Subjective rating Awesome

Keerthi : .....................................................................................

Conversation Ended.

Kanvizhitthu Soppanam Kanden... Unnaaale Kanvizhiththu Soppanam Kanden !!!

New wallpapers on Photoshop Blog !!!

Chennai Coming Soon on Google Earth - News Update From Karthik

Chikku Bukku Chikku Bukku Rayile !!

This is a Fairy Queen. A Queen in all its senses. This Locomotive also called as Steam Engine was in Villiwakkam Main Line on Saturday, and I had an invitation from the IRFCA member and my co-worker Gowrisankar.

Unfortunately I wasnt able to go the level crossing though i was just 28 seconds away from it. Thanks to Gowri for picking up photos and videos of the event.

Read more from Gowri's Blog. And the event photos are available here.

Also get to know about IRFCA. This is a huge group of people who love, admire and are passionate about trains. The photos uploaded here are more than excellent.

Heres PK's Link to the same with his beautiful write-up.

Update : The post here was deleted. The application featured here isnt working anymore. Therefore, I have removed the post.

Surya - Loosing Interest

Initially I had high hopes for Surya. But, as I watch his movies, despite his amazing performance in all of them , Im loosing interest on Surya Sivakumar.

Kakka Kakka was good. But is Surya trying to perform the same dynamics in all his movies. I felt Sanjay Ramaswamy had the same shadow of Anbuchhelvan IPS. Probably thats what the director might have wanted, but Surya could have done better.

Aaru stills are out, and this picture gets my instant liking. Every hero gets an opportunity to become a Dada on the screen.

enna aaanalum Velu Naicker madhiri varumaa ?

Spy Games

Do you have any idea, what Gizmo features this post.. the picture you see here.. ? This is a Camera-On-Wheels :) Also called as "Govindaaa Govindaa, GooooooVindaa !!"

This Cam-on-wheel can be controlled by the joystick on your mobile, after you have rolled it down on the floor. It could transmit images from any room, with floors. Technology is powered by Bluetooth, and hence the distance simply wouldnt matter.

Sony Ericsson's ROB-1, this, can transmit streaming video from about 50 meteres away from the phone. It has on-board memory, so USB can help it transfer contents to your PC.

I simply can't imagine, where things are going to end. Why is it that I cant think of anything positive, when I look at amazing technologies like this ? Probably because, too much of necessity is called Luxury and too much of Luxury is called Potential Danger...

Earth is getting Closer

Click Picture for a bigger Image

This picture is of Colaba - A Prime location in Mumbai. You can see the Gateway on India at the Bottom, and to the left of it is the Taj(old and new) Hotels. You could even spot the Swimming pool inside the Taj. :) [now dont think of privacy breach].

All this on the New Google Earth. Check it out, if you havent yet.

Banglore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi are available in full detail. But The Great Chennai is yet to be explored by Google. Cant Wait. :) You never know how this could help. Whatever use it may have, We can simply flyover chennai and enjoy. Yesterday, I was with my friend who knew the In and Outs of Banglore. We were on Google earth, and flying (literally hovering) around the city the software. It was an excellent experience.

If you install Google Earth, by any chance, dont forget to visit our Rashtrapathi Bhavan and switch to terrain mode. Pleasure Baby, Pleasure :)

Eye Care

I've been having a severe Headache for the past few days. I've been trying to hunt down the reason, but unable to. Yesterday, an eavesdrop at Perumal Temple (Local) gave me a Light Bulb - with flickers. My Driving. :)

I already ride my Honda-Avyukta (aka Activa) with a slight complexion. Not many guys ride it. Its a girl bike. But my leg injuries prevent me from riding a dream Pulsar, besides the fact that I dont know yet, to drive a Geared vehicle. With these - i didnt want to add insult to injury and Wear a Helmet on a Ladies Bike.

But the dust and other particles (sometimes as large as 2 inch sticks) fly and fall in my eyes, while driving which is a sheer irritation. Probably this eye-tchings all these days were caused because of this.

So, put an end to it all, I was at Landmark buying a SCOTT eyegear (plain glass without frame rims).. Hopefully, my headache ends here.

So, if there's still any of you, not willing to wear a helmet.. Atleast wear eye-protection.

Chakravum Vandhirundhar

Chakrapani had come to Chennai, and I met him with PK.

We met him on the nerve-time, a day before his travel to UK. I had forgotten to take my Digi-Cam along with me, for a simple reason that I haven't bought it yet. Still managed to Photoshop an Image that Arjuna had taken when he visited Chakra. Sorry Arjuna :)

Melum vibarangalukku Inge Sellavum. PK pudhusa blog templatellam pottu asaththaraar. !!

New Picture on Photoshop Blog

Odeo Odeo Vaangalayo Odeo !!

New Song uploaded to My Odeo Channel. Click on the badge to surf to my channel.

AR Rahman's BOSE has this amazing song, "Zikr".. In case you havent heard it.. apologise your ears for not feeding this song earlier. Do it now !!

Picture Credit - arodrix from my favourite site Worth1000. My area of interest there is Photoshopping, but photography and media contests are equally brilliant.

How do you like the picture you see here.. ?


Few things are never boring in life.

1. Running Water
2. Elephant
3. Trains

4. Waterfalls
5. Empty Railway station
6. Aeroplane take off

I enjoy being idle, watching any of these..
If thats something like a Crazy idea... I love being crazy. :)

Amplify your Musical Experience !

This is an Amplifier.

Features:

• 15-watt portable digital amplifier for connecting personal CD or MP3 players to passive speakers
• Compatible with any standard 8 ohm or 4 ohm shelf speakers up to 20 watts
• Plugs into any portable CD, MP3, DVD, or other audio device with 3.5 mm input
• High-quality signal compares to sound from most high-end amps
• Runs on 8 AA batteries; measures 7 by 3 inches (W x H); 1-year warranty

BoingBoing's post - review to this product : " Warning: this has been the most thrilling and incredible experience I've had with a component in, say, 25 years of HiFi listening. This website has existed since 1995, I've reviewed hundreds of HiFi components, inexpensive and ridiculously overpriced ones. I never - repeat - NEVER came across such a stunning piece of gear in all of these years."

They say, it beats a $25,000 HiFi in Quality and features. This one is just a $ 30 item. Available here on Amazon. Someone could give it a try.

Success !!

I got a link to create on Odeo, today. And here's my Channel on Odeo.



Click on the Badge to go and view my channel. A mesmerizing music awaits you.

Photoshop - Sutchamam

Would you believe me, if the above picture was taken last year ??

When people are trying to make Old photos new, I always wanted my photos to look old on a Old age monochrome with a sepia tints. Paint Shop Pro has a Aritistic filter that does that. But Photoshop CS 2 is my comfort zone. So, I was trying to download some Actions for Adobe, and thanks to Jenny, I got this Action file to generate Aged Photo.

Ever since , i started my Photoshop Blog, many have requested (dei, adanguda !!) to illustrate a few "how to"'s .... and here's something I wanted to tell you. Adobe Studio Exchange is one stop shopping place to find a lot of plug-ins for all Adobe products. Iam a frequent visitor for Image Effects Action page, to download all actions related to Image transformation, on a single touch.

All you need is CS 2 or any other version of Adobe Photoshop, a Adobe ID and one photo. Simply download actions, and Copy them to your hard disk and Try manipulating your photo. Worth a try :)

It is Hope, that keeps the world running, right ?

Thennavan Vandhaaaradi - Thozhi !!!

Mukund - aka - Thennavan - actually - Mukundan Krishnaswamy was here in Chennai this month and I had an excellent opportunity to meet him. He had been mute about his trip, and it was a pleasant surprise, when I got to meet him. Now that he has unveiled his trip, I couldnt wait to Boast my contact with him.

After a surprise call, I was off to LLoyds Colony. I was greeted with a "Rava Vadai" and Potato Chutney.. a very nice combination, accompanied by a herbal drink. Mukund's family is fully on natural diet. More of herbal products and healthy food. Had a very beautiful conversation with Mukund about various stuffs ranging from my employment to unemployment. Then I was introduced to Mr. Partha Krish, and Dr. Vasantha - Mukund's dad and mom, who were also bloggers. Boy, they make an amazing family. You would hav heard Mukund's mom sing "Sriranga Kshethiram Pol Engeeyum Kandadhillaye !!". I had the pleasure of hearing it live, the complete song. Wow ! Amazing voice.

I had another opportunity to meet him, and we went off to the famous Parthasarathy Temple. (Mukund's home is literally in the heart of the city. Mylapore, Triplicane , Royapettah, Beach and even Mount road is close to his home.. ) We had a great darsahan, and a good conversation in the calm atmosphere provided by "Venkata Narayanan". We also watched videos of Dr. Vasantha's lecture given in her US Trip, also the Yoga demonstrations by Mukund. I got a sprain, just even thinking about doing what Mukund did !!You can sit and listen to what all Mr. Partha Krish has to say, all day long. I enjoyed conversations with him.

At the end of it all, I got introduced to a new good family.. Mukundan - Thanks for the call !

of emotions

"Hey ! Saw the baby moving, da !! The head is big"

This was a (or is it an ?) SMS from my sister, in Malaysia. How would you feel, if you were a brother ? I was flying despite my "Annalakshmi" weight. I got highly emotional. There was a reason I got emotional. For the past few days (or weeks) I have been witnessing quite some marriages to my Colleagues and a few others becoming Moms.

For instance, my Sister is now pregnant. Not a single day has passed out, without a war between me and my sister - before her marriage. Quite Natural. I have fought for senseless issues. Even when my mom and sis were crying on the eve of wedding, I yelled at them.. "Ippo enna azhugai.. ? romba scene podaadheenga". But when the Mangalya Dharanam was performed, you should have seen the way I cried. I did not realize I was crying, until someone said "Azhadheda !! Sandhoshama Iru.. Athimber Vandhaachcha !!! Congratulations".

A girl, who was in my life - my sister, is now a part of another family. And now, she is a mother. These days, Iam getting too-much emotional, whenever I hear from my sister. Men dont really feel the transformation. But women, after marriage, their transformation is significant. Think about it.

New Picture on Photoshop Blog

The Sky is Falling - CLittle

Click Picture for Bigger Image

The Chicken you see on the top is called Chicken Little :)
Semma Cute little character who believes the SKY IS FALLING.

This, ladies and gentlemen , is a new movie from Disney titled :Chicken Little:

Releasing November 4th. It is a real happy feeling i get, everytime i see this character. Download its wallpapers and animated gifs from here. Let us see, if it could beat my affection towards a stupendous character - Mike Wazowski, that appears on Monster's Inc.

If you havent seen Monster's INC, please trust me and watch it. Im sure its worth the money.