Mazhai (Rain)

Sangeetha should be waiting outside.. I have had this satin-like comfortable feeling, everytime I'm in this baggage belt. After picking this up, its straight into my country. Searching among heads, and finding the happy hands that waves towards me. They would have spotted me coming out.. but i will be struggling to figure out my mom and dad. Few gazes, and there they will be. Mighty delighted to see their son. And how delighted i feel ? you should ask the on-lookers. I leave the trolly just like that (this is a fashion) and jump towards them and give them a hug. Boy ! o Boy ! mom and dad.

This time is different. Im feeling quircky. I've come down for my betrothal and marriage (latter depending on the former). I've spoken to Sangeetha over phone, breaking the ice.. and I assumed we were beginning to get intimate. She sounded good, sociable and very practical. Mom is very satisfied with her. After all, that is what matters to me the most.

There comes my baggage. This time one extra suitcase. (and one extra hand-baggage). I made sure, the gift i had brought her is easily reachable. Actually, i got many gifts for her.. but i dont want to give it today. Mom and dad might think otherwise. I can do that later. So, a simple pack of make-up set (thats what usually people buy for their would-be's, dont they)..

There's the Exit. I just take a look at myself. I look good. I make sure the laptop is visible amidst all the luggages. I get out the shirt thats neatly tucked in. I wanted to look casual. I usually tuck in and look formal when i walk out. My dad always likes me formal. But he wont mind this time.

Gawd !This should be a remarkable trip, this time.

dEEP sIGH ! oohg !!

I walk towards the exit. There's a lot of hands, heads and name boards. There's mom and Sangeetha.

It is beginning to rain, as I rush towards them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 weeks later.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me and mom are standing in the Check-in counter. We couldnt talk to each other.

The flight is delayed by 30 minutes, due to heavy rain. The rain that spoiled my life.

To be Continued.................

PS - I have no idea, how i'll end this story. I just wanted a plot where we can play around with our imagination. The theme is to tell, how "simple actions/reactions" can deviate the flow of life. Seriously, life's twists and turns (and whirls) are decided by petty things in life.

With that in mind.. can you think of ending the story. (Its a flashback we need !)

Saravana Bhavan - just getting out of list

This weekend looked like Saravana Bhavan Special to me. I ended up being in the hotel, with three different sets of people (relatives and friends) during the Sat and Sundays... in Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar and Anna Nagar.

It wasnt a let down in Quality.. but Pricing was very heavy. Thats what I felt. And what hit me badly was when my dear Masala Dosai was having a very minute quantity of masala. Thats outrageous. Looks like these guys have gone way too complacent that customers will somehow pop in and eat anything they give.

More to which this Hotel does not feature any Air Conditioners. But the charges are like eating in a A/c restaurant. And the charges in the Saravana Bhavan - Pondy Bazaar are mindboggling. I'd better take the Balaji Bhavan and Geetha Cafe instead.

Im planning to avoid this Hotel from now on. I can get better or equal quality food for a lesser price. It is not the question of affordability.. it is the concern of exploitation. Simply a good-name cannot give you authority to raise your prices.

It wont matter to Saravana Bhavan, if just a One out of a lakh customers quit consumption.

Yo Kalakkal !!

Dailamo ! Dailamo ! Daila Daila Dailamo !
Dailamoooo ! Dailamooo !Dailamo Dailamo !!

Kallelekke Raathi riMel Kaadhala (means, Kaalaikku Raathiri Mel Kadhale !)

Dishyum nalla irukke !

Valaikappu Special

New Photo on Photoshop Blog.... Seemandham Special !

Mudhugu Photography !

I am a specialist in this kinda photographies. This is a special technique of staying dumb, with a camera waiting for important events to take place, through the view finder.. and Click... Damn ****, some one will come in between the event and the lens, and show their back. This is called "Mudhugu Photography". And people watching the images on the screen (after the function is over) will be guessing, whose back that is.

Today was my sister's Seemandham. And I was the photographer (besides a Handycam videographer, who can get good name by constantly showing the event, even if someone walks in between). The bad part in mini-functions where you dont call a professional photographer is that, we dont get quality pictures of the events.. because we are also busy arranging the Breakfast tables. And most of it, we (the photo takers) are not available in the pictures.

Hmmp.. What will i tell my niece/nephew (think it is niece), when she/he asks me "Mama ! nee enge kaanum... ?"

Woha ! The last sentence took me to a dream world. What do you call that ? Future ?

1200 Sq Feet Life

There is an empty land next door. Last September it was priced 66 lakhs (some 4.5+ grounds as a single plot).

Yesterday, I learnt that it is valued 1 Crore and 7 lakhs.

Both the times, I didnt care much, coz I knew I wasnt going to buy it. But, Whew ! Can you Imagine ? Land prices are at all time high in Chennai, even at remote places like Villiwakkam. Think about Besant Nagar.. Square feet prices are approaching Rs. 10,000 /-. Thats like Mumbai, Yo !

People are approaching the out-skirts of Chennai, and investing on Lands, with the hope that the city will expand. And the City does expand.

By and far, few years from now.... land prices will tease you with a grin. Better buy a land now, if you want one.

Indian soil just got little more precious.

Foreign Chocolates

How does dream smell like ? I am not sure, if feelings have smell. Aargh ! Whatever, but right now, my dreams have a fragrance. Diary rich Hershey's Black Milk Chocolate. Subbi mama (subbi mami's husband) will land in tomorrow morning. Like every year, we will visit him. All my happiness will await detonation, till the Samsonite is burst open, and an Aroma of chocolate boxes(not chocolates) fill the room. Im addictive to anything chocolaty !!
------------------------------------
This year chocolate bag was no different. Same M&Ms, Snickers, Hersheys, Crackles and one Giant Nestle premium pack chocolate. Slrrrupp !! Of course, there were some electronic gadgets, and some board games and picture dictionaries for me. Wonder what makes them think, those will interest me. hmm.
------------------------------------
I hate mom. She will split the packets, and give to next door and few other relatives. Only a few will remain..
------------------------------------
chandru mami came home. she was given foreign chocolates. My share was considerably reducing. I am in this half-adoloscent. Too old to fight for it in front of them.. they liked me being possessive, when I was a kid.. but the world has changed a lot now.. the way it behaves with me.

She ate all the chocolates on the plate, and then came the comment. "idhellam namma Food worldlaye kidaikkudhe..."

Is it true ? oh.. may be. I was at Food World once, but was left with the Security.. they feared that I would make a mess inside. But from where i saw, there were lots of colors. All chocolates would have been there.
------------------------------------
Dad came home. I wanted to show him I was upset. So, i made sure i was seen, and kept a long face. Did you know this technique works well.. it is simple.. just be upset, and make sure you are noticed.. your prayers will be answered :) So was mine..

Dad took me to Food World, and I found all the chocolates Subbi mama brought.. everything. The Chocolate boxes didnt smell the way the usual boxes smell. But they were the same brands and flavours.. I was floating.. I won these because i was upset.. Cool, this works.
------------------------------------
From then on, I got a lot of Hersheys, whenever mom went to Food World. They were no more interesting.
------------------------------------
Next Year

Subbi mama is coming tomorrow.
-------------------------------------
Samsonite was open, and the aroma filled the room.

I wanted to feel unmoved. But then a sudden surge of excitement came in. Wow ! Foreign Chocolates..... :)

Cartoon Batcha !

Rajinikanth hits the Animation screens. Boy ! thats a fascinating news. It is a combined effort of Adlabs and Ochre Studios (looks like owned by Rajinikanth family). They say the animation will show all styles and mannerisms of Superstar.

"I am extremely thrilled to say that an animated full-length feature film, featuring an Indian icon, which has never been attempted before, has been taken up jointly by us," said Soundarya who is also the MD of Ochre Studios.

Adlabs Chairman and Managing Director Manmohan Shetty stated "The movie is going to be a combination of 2D and 3D animation. Things are currently in preliminary stages and based on the rough storyboard estimates the movie will be made in the range of Rs 10 Crore"

Kanna, Sivaji edhile varuvaan.. eppdi varuvaannu solla mudiyadhu... aana ! Cartoona vandhaalum, Fortuneaaathan iruppaan ! Idhu eppdi irukku ?

Read Full News here

Martyrdom Day

We must be the change we wish to see.
- Gandhi

This day some year, one man was killed.
But he made a difference in your life and my life.
He is the reason we stand and mourn for 1 minute, every damn year at 11 O Clock.
Yet, he is the reason, we can sit down if we dont like to mourn.

CBE is Cool !

Not a break, really.

Going on a break, and will pull back sometime next week. Till then , I trust i have something on my Archives for you, worth reading.

Archives

• 09/01/2004 - 09/30/2004
• 10/01/2004 - 10/31/2004
• 11/01/2004 - 11/30/2004
• 12/01/2004 - 12/31/2004
• 01/01/2005 - 01/31/2005
• 02/01/2005 - 02/28/2005
• 03/01/2005 - 03/31/2005
• 04/01/2005 - 04/30/2005
• 05/01/2005 - 05/31/2005
• 06/01/2005 - 06/30/2005
• 07/01/2005 - 07/31/2005
• 08/01/2005 - 08/31/2005
• 09/01/2005 - 09/30/2005
• 10/01/2005 - 10/31/2005
• 11/01/2005 - 11/30/2005
• 12/01/2005 - 12/31/2005
• 01/01/2006 - 01/31/2006

By the way, We have a Photoshop blog and a Story blog ( I reccomend this one ) also.

Just keep yourself busy, and I'll be back in a giffy.

Here's something that interests people working on IT.

Unlike Naukri and many other job sites, IT-People.com concentrates only on IT jobs.

Sounds Interesting :) to me.

Athithi Devo Bhava !

Incredible India is run by the Ministry of Tourism, India. They operate a lots of Package trips around the country and they are the one that seriously promote Tourism to India.

In their Promotions, most of them around the Taj Mahal, there's been a slight change.

They have begun a campaign - "Athithi Devo Bhava" - meaning Guest is God.

It is the verse in the Taittiriya Upanishad that says "Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava, Atithi devo bhava". Means One should worship Mom, Dad, Teacher and Guests as God. (we are a sick generation who have started hating all the four of them).

The Video of Incredible India is very good, and worth watching for One Yoga stunt performed at the very end of this video, when someone sounding like Shankar Mahadevan sings "Athithi Devo Bhava".

Watch it Here .

Am going on a trip to CBE tonight. Am not sure what I will do there. Five of us. No plans. Anything good in Coimbatore ? I've asked PK, the CBE man for some suggestions. Lets see.

Dream Republic Day !

Check this out ! How would you like to login to the internet on a Republic Day morning, and find Your president Smiling and welcoming you, with a "Republic Day Speech" On Demand.

Indian Republic Day celebrations are Webcasted (with very surprising quality) on this webpage.

Watch it. Over the period of the past few years NIC has taken the Government websites to a certain height. Consistant usage will take it to greater heights.

I feel proud in joining Shri. Abdul Kalam, in wishing you a Happy Republic Day !

Chicken Very Little

Happened to watch Chicken Little in the middle of the work-day.

To comment on the movie in
One word - Cute.
Two words - Not Interesting.
Three words - Thats about it.

I learnt that "Chicken Little" is Disney's full length animation without Pixar, after a long time, and it clearly showed up. After being a fan of almost all the Chars made by Pixar, Disney's Chicken Little fails to leave a mark like "Mike Wazowski" did.

Mickey & Donald, Snow White, Tom and Jerry were all cute and good looking. But now after Ice Age, Monster's Inc, Bugs Life, Finding Nemo, Toy Story.... i think we have added emotions to animations, and They rock.

If Pixar is the only reason Chicken Little fails to make an impression, then Disney better reworks relationships.

Hold Your Head High !

As a school kid in a elocution competition :

"I will be a loyal and faithful citizen to My country. I shall not betray it at any point of time. I will struggle hard to bring good name to the country. I will not be like evading the country with Taxes. I will pay them regularly. "

And today as a Software Engineer :

"Invest Rs....... here.. Invest Rs..... there. Why should I pay tax... ? Indian Government will somehow get the taxes from me, everywhere and every form. You cant call me a traitor.. Im just investing.. and saving for my future. "

My Charted Accountant friend used to say... "Pay the tax da... onnum koranju poyida maatte.... You will also feel proud that you did something to the country....

Or was all that, you spoke in the elocution competition , just words.. You didnt mean them ?"

New Wallpaper on Photoshop Blog

After all, the Festive season has begun (or is it the Hunting Season) !

TN Elections - A half-boil Analysis

Yesterday at work, we dug into the politics, and analysed the upcoming elections in TN.

Who will win, this time, is a trivial question nobody would dare to answer, as the probability is 0.5

Mind you, it is not because of the Plus and Minus on both DMK and ADMK. But, it is because of the Plus and Minus on just the ADMK side. DMK has no say, but just criticize and mock at the ADMK.

Why should 42 people dying in the attempting to get the relief money, ruin the chances of ADMK winning, when the ADMK govt had made lakhs of others benefit out of the relief measures ? If that would be spoken on any stage of DMK, that would be cheap political stunt.

Lift on Entrance Exams, "Ilavasa Seruppu podum Idam" in temples, the recent SCV game and a lot other changes by the TN Govt, touched the common man, and most were happy about the decisions. Well, thats precisely the objective of a Government.

Yet, aborting the "Uzhavar Sandhai" and "Mini Bus", the Jewels of the Ex-DMK Govt, after ADMK got to power was a very very ugly move.

Every single man appreciated ADMK Govt. the way the Govt Emp. Strike was encountered. But the Rollbacks of Every single amendment, after the Central elections, is a complete set-back. Did it show the fear ?

More negatives are POTA arrest of MDMK leader, and the Sankaracharya Arrest. They are long forgotten now. However, political ground is always a hallmark of Blame Games. So, it is only in the Talks of the politicians that this election results will matter.

Let us wait and See.

US India and Tamilnadu

One drive from Villiwakkam to Greams road can easily tell you

"The TN Govt is getting ready for the elections....."

BTW, the Vijayakanth in me woke up and did some math (actually copied) from www.prb.org

Here's what we got. Just look at the highlighted ones..
Click on pic for bigger view.

In US 14 people are born and 8 die, per 1000 population. 25:8 in India. That explains what ? People live longer in India ?

People below 15 is 21 in US and 36 in India. But people above 65 is 12 in US and 4 in India. That explains what ? People in India die early ?

India is less than Half the size of America, and we have 869 people per square mile, unlike 80 in the US.

We need more space ... ?

Make Way for the King !

Class pictures of VV on Indiaglitz.

Thanks and Apologies to Indiaglitz, for the Collage I was able to make :)

Where's the Site for the movie ? Anyone aware of something, yet ?

BTW, Click on the picture for a bigger version.

-----------------

Vettayadu
Vilayadu

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PS - A very similar picture on the Photshop Blog. :)

Untitled Emotions

Mary Elizabeth is crying. She had just come back from the hospital. Her husband is there, in room No. 304. Multiple fracture, day before yesterday. After two days of staying in the hospital, and after Doctors examined the X-Rays after the surgery, she left few of his friends in the hospital, and had come home for packing a few of her dress and make some calls. He will be admitted for 3 more days.

Mary's been married to him for just 8 months. Antony Prakash works for a MNC at a very good position. He must have made very good relationship with his friends. Otherwise 20 people wont turn up on the Accident night, and offer money and blood.

Mary packed a bag. One lungi and a t-shirt, which he might need on the discharge day. Some sarees for her. Some books. She took her cellular phone. It was about to loose charge, and display showed 34 missed calls. She had forgotten to take her cell, when she was rushing to the hospital on hearing the news. Actually, she had forgotten everything.

She was locking the doors. She wont come back for another 3 days. She checked up everything... She felt tired. She's been very much upset, emotionally. She wanted to break free. Thats why she cried. Now, she sat on the sofa, and tried to relieve her mind a bit.

She was staring at the phone. Should she, or should she not. She started dialling a number, which she has not dialled for the past nine months.

"Hello..."

"Hello.. Amma ! naan lalitha paesaren".

"............"

"Hello.. ! hello ! amma !! hello !"

The other end was already cut. She knew this would be the behaviour. Though she was prepared for it, she couldnt control herself. She fell back to crying. She ate a few minutes in that. She then started dialling again. It was a different number this time.

"Hallo !"

"Hello, mama ?"

"Lalli ? epppdimma irukke... Yesunadhar eppadi irukkar..."

Mary felt a little relaxed, now. It was her uncle, the only supporting man on her side of the family.

"mama.. avarukku accident aayiduthhu !"... all the flash cards came on a whiz and showed up in front of her.. her voice broke to crying.

After a few more conversations, she hung up the phone. It is always good to have a listener. Somone who would give you their ears to flush your problems into. Her mind was relaxed.

She went to her room, and took the photo of Ekambareshwarar from under the clothes. Ekambareshwarar was her Ex-family's God. Any problems in the family used to be directly escalated to him, and One Archanai and a Sidharu Thengai will kill the problem forever.

She could only pray now, from inside her bedroom.

--------------------------------

Mary's uncle was then in her parents home. He told them about the accident to Antony Prakash. They were confused, as to how to react. Silence was a better alternative and they chose it. They both have cursed Antony Prakash, for eloping with their daughter. Was this because of their curse.

Mama tried convincing them to go to the hospital, and give him or atleast their daughter a visit.

"Raatchasi.. Ava mugathile naan muzhikkave maatten.. Ava seththalum sari.."

That ignited more words. An avalanche of them, pushed the mama out of the house.

-----------------------------------

Mama was in Room No. 304. After a few words with him, they both came out of the room. Mary whispered...

"Ava varalaya ? "

"varamaattaa... ummela innum kovamathan irukka.. "

--------------------------------------

Mary's mom was in the temple, in Ekambareshwarar Sannidhi.

"Yaar perukku mami, archanai ?" the kurukkal asked.

"Prakash.... Anusha nakshathram".

Ekambareswarar smiled.

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Post # 450 - How Happy !!

Last week, I had a different post about someone mis-interpreting Avyukta.

Today, I had a mail from One - ShriKrishna.

Hi Keerthi

Good to see your site and blog. Why I landed up there is because my son is named Avyukta and he is 1 year old (my sis-in-law got the name from the same place as you did).

Perhaps I’ll start blogging sometime soon J.

Cheers
R. Srikrishna

Whoever you are, Mr. Srikrishna... You made my day !! :) Thanks.

Un Kannil Neer Vazhindhal, En Nenjil Udhiram Kottudhadi

Barathiyar's. My all time favourite Kavidhai - "Chinnanchiru Kiliye". There was a debate, if it was about Kannamma as his daughter (Imagining Lord Krishna to be his daughter) or Kannamma as his wife. But beyond that, the intimacy towards the other person is best described by this poem.

Someone would say "I cannot describe in words, the feelings I have for you !!" . Barathiyar expressed such feelings on words..."Mechchi Unai Oorar Pughazhndhaal Meni Silirkkudhadi"... amazing feelings.

Why this, all of a sudden ? Alright, read the first line again. Welcome back.

I read this article on BoingBoing, and followed the link (because it had a Tamil name). It was about Mirror Neurons. Mirror Neurons are Neurons (Nerve cells) that get fired, when you perform an action, or when you see someone else perform the action.

Confusing, eh !! Thats exactly the reason I quit biology at school.

Read on, its simple now. The interesting fact released by Mr. Ramachandran is this. When cells in the human anterior cingulate, which normally fire when you poke the patient with a needle ("pain neurons"), will also fire when the patient watches another patient being poked.

He also says, "that the emergence of a sophisticated mirror neuron system set the stage for the emergence, in early hominids, of a number of uniquely human abilities such as proto-language (facilitated by mapping phonemes on to lip and tongue movements), empathy, 'theory of other minds', and the ability to 'adopt another's point of view".

Hmm. Are we that good ?

Read complete article here.

Jallikattu

யார் பாவம் ? மாடா ? மனுஷனா ?

Pic ctsy - Dinalamar

Kavi Kamalhaasan

Thanks a ton to universalherokamal.com

They got a few collections of photos and factoids about Kamalhaasan. (read on a comment on Lazygeek).

This Kavidhai from Mr. Kamal is a real food for thought. Dont you think.

I always think parenting is the most critical job. There used to be a Quote "Tell me who your friend is.. I will tell you who you are..". Similarly I think this way.

"Tell me who your parents are, and I shall tell you, why you failed".

Dont want to trouble you much on a monday morning, but give the Kavidhai a deep read, and think about it. If you are going to be a parent, and you want your son/daughter to succeed.. it purely depends on how you will act and react.

Just dont do too much of anything.

------------------------------------------------

I've showcased my "So-called-stories" on a separate page. Please visit "avyuktaSLB.blogspot.com" and read them with Ultimate patience. Trust me its not worth it, but if you have even unworthy time... Give this a shot. Please feedback.

Indibloggies Nominations

The Voting has begun. Exercise your votes. Choose your favourites, and wait for the results.

I chose Desipundit, Indibloggers, Dubukku and Lazygeek for various categories. Lazygeek was listed on Lifetime Achievement award for 2005. I wonder what it means ?

Last year I was watching this event with Awe. That was just one month since I started blogging, or doing something in the name of blogging. I havent changed, but now am literate what these Blog terms mean. Probably next year, I should get into the Nominations atleast if not the award. That means aiming more quality out of this blog.

Now, how would I do that ?

UPDATES :: Lazy won the Lifetime Achiever award. Desipundit won the Best Group Blog. Congratulations to them, and all other winners. Good effort from Indibloggies . Apart from Lazy nominated on that category, what I couldnt understand was Desipundit winning on "Best Blog directory". Anyways.. good show.

Pongal Feast !

All set for a hit. The movie is Full till next week, and this is the kind of opening Ajith wanted for the past few years.

Songs arent an attraction for Paramasivan, but the posters and hypes, and the Good-luck face of P.Vasu has given the movie a great booster even before release.

This should be rebirth for Ajith, and that should bring back his lost status on the fight with Vijay. Vijay's Aadhi also gets released today, and has literally turned on the Clash of the middle-super stars.

April 14 2005 had Chandramukhi and Mumbai Xpress, head on. Similarly Ajith and Vijay are going on for a head on this time. Whoever wins, tastes Glory. But if Ajith looses this, well, thats a mighty blow. Im sure Ajith would be on his prayer knees.

I hope Vijay's Aadhi is of some difference to his role. If Vijay doesnt switch roles and start playing different ones, there is no use of being in Acting. It is just doing the same tricks and printing money. Thats a useless job.

Simbhu's Saravana (KS Ravikumar's Direction) is up today. Jo looks awesome. She is getting better in every movie. Simbhu is another Star im ready to place my bets on. I only wish him more Good-luck and a lot of maturity on thoughts.

So its Simbhu Vs Ajith Vs Vijay. Happy Pongal to all the three of them.


UPDATE : (Thanks Prabhu) - AAthi is delayed by one day. Thats a Thalai-pongal for Ajith :)

Had no Photoshop at work.. but cant give you a normal greeting.. Can I ?

Here's MSPAINT and Image-Text and Avyukta, wishing you a very Happy Pongal.

Thanks Rain God. Thanks Sun God.

The Morning Fire

பழையன கழிதலும் , புதியன புகுதலும்
வழுவல கால வகையினானே !

(This is also a Tamil Test... read this fast.. it is a kind of Tongue Twister..)

Besides Bhogi, today is also Thiruvadhirai. Locally called the Thiruvadhirai Kali festival. We make a sweet Kali, and a thick and spicy Sambhar. Waw ! One of the main reasons I love Hindu festivals, is the choice of food which is unique for every festival.

Bhogi Special is - Poli and Vadai. That means double treat. But unfortunately, got to work today. Hope you know most of the festivals (including Pongal, Diwali, Vinayagar Chathurthi, Ayudha Pooja) turn up on Sundays this time.

Bhogi was fun in School days.. Mornings used to be immersed in Fog, and the smoke that was man made. The Govt simply sucks out the pleasure of festivals - Or Hindu festivals in specific. "No Crackers after 10 PM on Diwali".... "No too-much burnings on Bhogi"... Probably they are right and have a reason. But whatever said, people were happy without the rules.

However I dont have anything to burn, except the fat. Thats the agenda of the year - Loose Weight. How optimistic Iam !!

Click here to see the Hi Res Picture of our Galaxy Shot by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.

WARNING : IT IS A HUGE PICTURE. TAKES TIME TO DOWNLOAD (44 MB)

But please download and watch it. Kaanak Kan Kodi Vendum !


Also, you might wanna check this brilliant Flash page. I love it. :)

Child Prodigy

Read this First

I appreciate the idea, and wish the Quest in the Kids mind remains, and let im invent a lot in the future.

It makes us proud to find kids device such a thing. But, I dont know if Im one of those cruel people who always under-estimate. I hate kids reciting all the Thirukkural at the age of 4 or 5. I hate them speak proud about it. And i hate the media covering it. A 5 Year old boy driving a car, and 6 year old making divine music on the Tabla.

Im not against the kids. Poor things (and great things) that have extra-ordinary talent. But Iam against the parents for expecting so much out of a child. Im sure kids would have gone under vigorous practice, before exhibiting their talent. Let kids be kids. Have them enjoy their life. I've seen parents forcing kids to Music classses and Computer classes. We all saw a few kids clearing MCSE easily... They all are nowhere to be seen now.

It is certainly delicate to find the interests in a child. Sometimes, forced habits turn good. Sometimes they suck out the plesure of living.

Here's something that broke my heart :(

Hmm.... Aandava !

Life changes track in 2 months

Class XII exams begin on March 2

The next weeks will decide the life of all students appearing for the exam. The amount of effort they take put me to shame. I never did anything that was even close to studying.

But I see them toil through nights and wake up before the proper 4. My cousin brother has got applications for almost all the entrance exams ranging from AIEEE to IIT.

The Parents have now started visiting temples. The teachers started working extra shifts. Their younger brothers and sisters gave up TVs and other entertainments.

The students will be memorizing that Chemistry equation, knowing the fact that their dream lies in a cubicle in Infosys.

Click here for the Timetable

Today 7.00 PM. Greams Road. Mixed Fruit flavoured Traffic Jam.

Heavy Sirens of Apollo Hospital Ambulance. The left side on which it has to go is filled completely. So the driver goes beyond the lane and is travelling on the right side.

The people coming in the opposite direction leave way. They have mixed feelings.

Thats when I saw this. A few bikers next to me, followed the ambulance. They enjoyed the comfort of following a High-siren blowing Ambulance. They had no one to stop. They easily escaped the signal.

I was standing and wondering. "Should I have done that !"

What would you have done ? Be Practical , or be Emotional.

Character Slaves

The author has decided to finish the story in 2 minutes. He has forgotten that he put the hero Jayan inside a room and locked it. Somehow, a lot of events got into his mind after locking the hero, and hence he had moved all the other characters out to a different location. Jayan was there all alone, worried about the author. He has done this to Devi in the last story. Devi, however was a bad character, and she deserved a bad end. So, the author had sentenced her, by placing her in the middle of the railway-track and left her there unmoved, and forgot her in the rest of the story.

Saroja was the heroine, and she was now travelling on the car towards the place, where the author had decided the climax. The author was covering the speed of the car, and the villain group following behind. Saroja's heart was beating for Jayan. She wasnt actually loving him, but the author had forced her to. Jayan was seduced by Devi, in the previous story. This story, the author had made Jayan to run at the back of Saroja, make desparte attempts. She liked the way Jayan approached her. Although Jayan did not. He was just moving to the wishes of the author.

Right now the climax is happpening.. But Jayan hadnt made a move, or taken effort to break out of the room. He cant do that, until the author pens something about. He was waiting for the word, "Meanwhile, Jayan..." somewhere. He found the author, writing very very fast and could sense the story is moving towards the conclusion.

Is it going to be that way ?? A story cannot end without the Hero's knowledge. If thats happening so, the union of the Hero and Heroine is not being written, or atleast not yet. So, is the author going to kill her ? Kill Saroja ? Oh no !! that cant be.. The last word written was "Police-sirens". That is good.. thank god, someone will be there to save Saroja.... Jayan prayed for a moment.

"Saroja was dying in front of everyone, with no one to help her. She was happy that Anand and his group were arrested, atlast for all they have done to her family. She fell on the floor. Blood all around her. She thought of Jayan for a minute.. he wont have trouble anymore from the Anand group."..

What ?? Story ended ?? Thats absurd.. Jayan thought. He cant leave me here. In this locked room. Cmon.... He hated this life, doing things that the author wanted, always.

The author was satisfied. He has somehow safeguarded Jayan, and kept him alive for his next story. That will have a new heroine. The audience would all praise him for a contemporary story, unlike all stories where the Hero and Heroine unite in the last scene.

Jayan - "Pongada !! neengalum.. unga pudalanga ....."

The author with all his pride, wrote the last line of the text.

"End of Part IV"

Jayan wanted to faint off. But he couldnt.

Pulavar Keeran !!

Many of you may not be aware of Pulavar Keeran. He is a Mayavaram Man. And he lived his life doing Upanyasams (Story Telling). I have had 2 chances of attending his Upanyasams, but that was when I was a kid. I didnt know the beauty of tamil then.

Now I realize how great this Man was. Story-telling is an art, as everyone would know. And he excelled in that with the power of his Language. His tamil fluency is something you can see in a very few people. His voice was an added advantage. When he starts "Villibaratham" you are already in his plot. And he drives you to ecstacy, describing stories in a way you'd have never heard before. It would be a pleasure to hear Dhuriyodhanan speak through Keeran. He speaks to Vithuran.. "Maamane ! Maamane !! Aivarukku nenjayum, engalidaththil Vayittrayum Vaithaaye !!! Poh !! ........ Poh !". You will feel like the voice is of Duriyodhanan himself. The expression and emotion in the voice is sophisticated Quality.

"Dhaayam Uruttalaanaal, Ange Saguni Vendru vittaaan !!" - The historical Dice game played by the Pandavas and Gauravas are described with high peak tension. And every throw of dice ends with that dialogue. There are more stories recited by him, that now exist on Tapes and CDs.

If you happen to own any MP3s of Pulavar Keeran, you know what to do :)

On similar grounds, Nagai Mukundan is a disciple of Pulavar Keeran and initially i thought he imitated Keeran. He has made a successful career too, with Bhakthi on a sudden-Surge in Tamilnadu.

Sad that I couldnt even find a picture of Pulavar keeran on the Net to post with. Someone has a photo ? we can showcase him.

Chennai is now Open !

Here's something I missed. Day 2 of Chennai Open invited me with a Ticket through Saurabh Deshpande. I accepted the invite and couldnt make it because of a few official meetings and work. Damn. I hate missing commitments.

Thankfully Saurabh is another blogger, who has posted on the event that he witnessed. (He's asked me a fine of the ticket price for not accompanying... phew !).

People in Chennai, think we can get our time open for this event... Im planning to go somtime this weekend. Chennai Open is getting hit for the past few years. Way to go !! Its good to see Chennai people watch something other than Cricket match.

But I like cricket better than Tennis... emotions are lesser here in tennis.. Saurav Sattaya kazhatti suththina madhiri emotions... The emotions when the Pakistan wicket falls down... The emotions when Mc Graw is sent for a four in the opening over.... Cricket Cricket dhaan.

Mainframe Programmer ? 2+ years experience ? Willing to work in Mumbai ?

I can help you switch . Just leave a comment..

Are you ready for another Conspiracy ?

Here we go again. :) Click here

The Future of Ajith

Paramasivan movie audio has a theme song - "Vande Matharam". Singers shout Vande Matharam, and occasionally sing "Jana Gana Mana" in between. Useless song. Im wondering why movies like this, Sachin, Mumbai Express and many more have theme music.

Ignore the audio. This movie is Life/death for Ajith. He hasnt given a hit for long, and he hasnt fared in a Quality movie as well. Dont know who screwed up his career, but we can sense desparation in the forthcoming movies of Ajith.

More Movie Buff :: Vettayadu Vilayadu Kamal is being praised by some Hollywood Actor. They say never in history was such a movie shot on.. Adappavingala.. Ippdi dhaane kavuppaanga !!

Jillendru Oru Kadhal shooting starts. Surya sucks with that Girdha !! Please change hairstyle. :) Please.

Illayaraja to compose music for Ram Gopal Varma's Tamil Venture.. thats the Jyothika Starring Horror movie... Vaanga RGV vaanga !!!

How to show affection ?

I was in Tirupathi, long back and the following is a real incident.

I stood outside the premises after 7 long hours of wait , 3 seconds darshan and 2 small Laddus. We had gone through the ASRTC, and hence were waiting for the rest of the gang. From the place i was standing, i could see a wide angle. From that end of the Padma Klam to this end, where the Sudharshana entrance is. Lots of Mottais. And Occasionally, TTD workers carrying large plates of Laddus. The smell of Pure ghee in the air will take you to heavens. Only God can create a smell like that. Not Humans.

Thats when a small disturbance was under creation. A couple, who have just had a mottai, were standing a few meteres away from me. They were beginning to search. Search what ? Probably their Kid... thats what it should logically be. "Ballu".. the man shouted, looking here and there. His eyes were browsing through the ground. Should be a kid. The Lady knelt down and looked across hundreds of pairs of legs.

I showed that to my dad, who was already seeing them. We both looked at the surrounding to see if theres a kid who is alone and crying.. The search became vigorous. A few more people who heard the shouting "BALLU" from the man, cared and stopped.. and began looking. I shouted too... "Ballu...". The Man looked at me, I smiled.. Damn. I shouldnt have done that. The search continued. I swear, a place like that is not somewhere you want to loose and find something. Though the crowd was normal, it seemed to me, as if it was growing, with the vigour of search increasing.

By now, atleast 20 people were searching. The lady was in tears. Was saynig a few telugu words.. should be Telugu version of Oppari. The man's voice was close to crying. My heart felt bad, everytime i heard him shout. The sound was coated with desparate hope.

Then I saw a kid at some corner, close to a shop selling pictures of Perumal. I wasnt the only one.. I found another person walking towards him. he knelt down at the kid. He should be asking his name... he then turned back, dragging the kid towards the man.

This lightened the situation. or, thats what i thought.

The man, saw the other kid first and thought of running towards... but then saw that one of the searchers were bringing the kid to him... '"Balluuuu" he shouted... The lady shivered and looked at the same direction. The kid was also crying, i didnt realize from when.

The mom (i guess) took the kid in her arms and kissed it. The man came closer and

"PALLAAAAR !" - A thunder slap went it to the little kids face. The Kid shouted at the pitch of his voice and broke into tears... Kadhari Kadhari, vicki vicki azhudhadhu !!

I didnt expect this. Most of us didnt. But thought it was normal for Indian emotions. And we all dispersed in our directions.

To me, I have carried this scene, which is approximately 3 years older, till now. What do you think about the reaction ?

Comin Soon !

Avyukta Awards !

BEST SINGER 2005 - SP Balasubramainam (For Thazhuvudhu Nazhuvudhu....)

Thanks to Rahman for not making Udit Narayanan sing "taluvudu naluvudu"....

BEST MINISTER 2005 - Dayanidhimaran (For Dataone and upcoming All India Local)

Ignore the political back up... Not a single person can Come from Zero to this point, where this man has reached. I wish, he takes some other ministry soon. He can do better anywhere.

MOST POWERFULMAN 2005 - Shri. Gagan Deep Singh Bedi, IAS(For Administration)

The use of power is known when you use it. This Cuddlore Collector will never be forgotten. He is a good man.
(Know your collectors here)

BEST ENTERTAINER 2005 - Yuvan Shankar Raja (For Surplus Music)

Forget opportunities. YSR Proved good in a lots of movies. Varied Styles... kalakkittaaruppa !

BEST APPLICATION 2005 - Google Talk (For Simplicity and Stuffs)

Text Chat and that Blue emoticons.. wow ! And talk about the voice calls. wow wow !

BEST EVENT 2005 - Bihar Elections (For Sabha Vimochanam)

Bihar is atlast away from the Clutches of Shri Laloo Prasad Yadhav

New Wallpaper on Photoshop Blog

A New Year Prayer

Powered by Castpost

Resolutions for 2006

res·o·lu·tion - A course of action determined or decided on

Few of many people have this habit of setting Resolutions for the upcoming year. Stop. Read definition of resolution again. They grow funny in a conversation, and even funnier in a group conversation.

It is good to have a resolution for the year. Whether or not you follow it, you can escape from silly questions like "Whats your resolution of the year ?"..... I've asked this many times, when a conversation is about to end.. makes it interesting. Pathetic part is the silly answer I get.

My friend said, that he would Quit smoking in 2005. And you know what would have happened. It is better not to have such resolutions. Im not saying we should not have a habitual-nature-changing resolutions.. but its better not to have a close-to-impossible targets. Have a sensible one. Like ?

I will learn Photoshop/Flash this year, and make my blog or Site look better.
I will pause 3 seconds before i respond
I should respond all emails promptly. Never miss anything. (This is mine for 2006. Does it look like a non-sense ? It means a lot, guys).
I should make people smile at whatever chances i may get. Make conversations lighter.
I should be bold to deny to people.

You could as well take resolution like "Project:Anti-Dandruff", and try and remove the dandruff from your hair (if any. Dont tell me you dont have that problem.. )

Please dont take resolutions like "I will try to be a nice Human Being"..thats too much of an ask out of yourself. Or that will be a little artificial, to yourself.

Alright , after choosing a sensible Resolution... define your efforts. Please dont plan for it. Just keep in mind the resolution always. You will definitely do it.

Just let me know your resolutions....

New Year Greeting on Photoshop Blog !!

Have a happy new year, folks !

Whats 2005 for me?

2005 was not as good as 2004. Read This... My 2004 Accomplishments.

This year began with recovery and has ended up with some good spirit - to me.

It didnt change my Job... (though it should have... remember the decision ?)... It didnt change my EMIs :) But It changed my mornings. Though I started my blog last year, 2005 was effectively when I did some sensible work (nenappu dhaan..).

It changed my mornings, because 2 AM to 8 AM broadband is free. Lots of downloads that keep my rest of the day happy.

2005 gave me very importantly, Good Friends.

Adengappa Prabhu, Srivatsan Murali, Prabu Karthik, Narayanan Venkittu, Sri. Narayanan, Iyengarkatz, Lazy, Chakra and Mukundan (and him mom and dad too). Without blogging, I wouldnt have got them...

I particularly enjoy conversations with Prabu Karthik and Mukundan. Yesterday, me and PK caught hold of each others shirt, and rolling over and fighting . It was a arguement/discussion /research on relationsips. It is serious pleasure to talk with PK. Very sensible :) .. Mukundan, gives an entirely new perspective, when I tell him that. You need to be blessed to be in this company. I enjoy it.

Work was pleasure in 2005. I learnt Assembler, and started working on it. Wow ! Its a real thrill to work on development projects in Assembler. Last few weeks of December was more than Hectic and fun. I was doing something like "Celebrate Work" (its the Tagline of CTS).

All the more, in every aspect.. 2005 was a no-problem, trouble free, painless, limited pleasured, Very Normal year, for me.

Cant let it happen in 2006.

Coming Up !! Top Ten 2005 (Idhu onnu dhaan koraichal).

Squidoo !

Squidoo is a very bad name to a very good service. :) Thanks to Mukund for referring.

This is one place , where you can make/post articles (Modules as they say) on topics that you are an Expert on. I wanted to post on Mainframes, but I wasnt that good to be an expert. So, droppped it off. Then I realized I wasnt an expert at anything. Damn.

I hate anything that exposes me to myself, in a otherwise way !

But yet i wanted to write something on the Squidoo, and came up with this Topic

"Ishta Mithra Bandhukkal". Meaning Desired Friends and Relatives.

Here's what I wrote there.

Of all the things that define a man, His relationships with fellow humans is what would attribute him the most. It is by all means, delicate to hold a relationship in equilibrium, and more than 90% of the people have their destiny afftected because of this.

The Title of this Lens - Ishta Mithra Bandhukkal is a common word you can find in any Tamil wedding invitation. "Ishta" - Desire. "Mithra" - Friend. "Bandhukkal" - Blood Relatives. So, it means Desired Friends and Blood relatives.

This lens considers the Friendship as a Relationship (I have seen people differentiate them). However they are a little different in the way they work.

Let us discuss and try and explore the possibility of having a relationship, with Quality.

Indian Relationships

That is all i know about, heh !

India, as I understand is viewed as an Icon for holding rich culture and heritage. Besides that, it is also popular for having Complex relationships, weaved into the skin and blood of every Indian. Complex because of Magnitude. Let us for time being, remove the Friendship from Relationship. Talk of Relatives and Blood relatives. Religion plays a major part in Relationships.

Blood relatives are those to whom we are related to, by birth. But Intimate relatives, are people who are lost a few decades ago. Or atleast thats what we think !

Will write more there. :) I want it made like a research ! Research of Relationships.

Our Boss is Younger than we thought

Rajini and Vivek...Who looks younger ? Thalai kalakkaraarppa !!

Shankarna summava ! Sivaji is rocking even before the start.

Mouna Anjali

Tsunami visited us last year, and took with it a lot of lives on its way back.

Last December 26th I was in Bed with a broken leg. Me and my mom were discussing how to evacuate, just in case if the water raced to Villiwakkam. I couldn't walk at that time(get out of the bed even), so I should be staring out of my window and accept the waters, and further.

This year, i was watching through a similar window, but in the Office. There's a Hyundai Service center next to my office. It seems to be a very huge office with more than hundreds of workers. 10 O Clock, they made an announcement. My friend listened to it and said that they are to perform a Silent Mourning for 15 minutes. And the entire workshop was silent for 15 minutes. They all mourned.

I came back from the window, and I looked at my office. Everyone busy with their own work. I thought I should take some initiative to make people do a similar Mouna Anjali for the Tsunami Victims. Then a question dawned upon me. Whats the whole use of Mourning in silence ? All of us geting up and being silent, looking laterally, when it will get over...

Is that simply an act to make us feel good ?

2006 Starts Next Week. Get ready !

How about Calendars for 2006 ? Yeah ! They have started flowing out.

Bad News. Diwali, Pongal, Vinayak Chathurthi and Ayudha Pooja all fall on weekends.
Here's something you can use. Microsoft Office's Calendar Templates for 2006

Landscape, Portrait and Landscape with space for Notes.

Getting ready for 2006 ? Your time starts next week. Good Luck !

New Photo on Photoshop Blog.

I adapted a new theme to the Blog, picking Minima White.

Happy Holidays !

All were in the room. Very Noisy. Few of them were discussing the answers for the Section A. Section A was very tough today. The entire school sounded too much. The neighbors knew why. The school will be empty for the next few days, and they may not like it. Just like people who live close to the railway lines, cannot sleep without the train sound.

Deepak was all happy, like all his friends were. Exam days are cool. no normal bags and Lunch carriers. Just a Pad and a Geometry Box. Todays Question paper carried high importance, as the empty portion will be used for noting down the Assignment for the holidays.

Class teacher came in.. Nobody stood up to wish.. they were all busy talking to friends. Few were still regretting for choosing wrong options in Section A. Linda Miss was able to accept the behaviour. She was also a little happy about the holidays. Only a small bunch of Kids answer sheets. Piece of cake, to correct them.

Deepaks mind was thinking much like others.

"No more 6 O Clock wake up alarms. No more studies. Lotsa TV. Lotsa games. Lotsa fun... Yay ! I will be a free bird.. am gonna enjoy these days.. " ... Few guys had planned the assignement at the end of the Holidays, a few guys wanted to end them tonight and take the rest of the days into their hands. Their minds showed the calender, and these Holiday days were painted Gold. The Contiguous days were like a dream gift.

Linda Miss surprisingly did not give huge assignements. It was very light. There was still time for the bell. So, Linda Miss was asking every student the plan for their vacation. As the general protocol, they all said the reply the first student.. "Nothing.. simply at home.. TV"... few geeks said "Iam going to read books". There was a rich guy, who was going to Srilanka to visit his uncle. That raised the eyebrows of a few middleclass students.

Bell.

Yaaaaaaahhheeyy !! Vuttaachu Leeeeavu !!

They had the excitement in mind. But they did not run. They walked out, and cycled further out.

Deepak woke up by 6 O Clock the next day. The day looked just normal.

Aththaribachchaa !

Google Zeitgest India for september is out , and I find this as top of te chart. The term - SureRoute

Looks like a software for deciding the path.. not my area. But why so many people searched for it, remains a Question. That too this one is topping Sania Mirza. Now you know how many people searched for SureRoute.

Hey, Got a look into this site, and their Cartoon pages are really good and clean. Check it out. The picture on the left is my personal fave. This came out when Amitabh fell sick :)

-----------------------------------------------

The Aththaribachcha Story !! (Thanks to Aparna's Comment)

If you had not heard this story, when you were a kid.. you missed something. Atleast tell this to your kid. Our version of Bed-time stories.

There was this guy, who was really empowered with short-term memory loss (!). Once he visited his Sister's house. And his Sister was very happy to host him. She made him a lots of sweets and dishes. One such thing was Kozhukkattai. :)

Boy, he was delighted to eat it.. and he wanted more. Finally after a full-kattu, he asked his Sister the name of the item that he just had slaughtered. Sister said the magical name "Kozhukattai". Whaw ! He wanted to explain that to her wife and make her do it at home. But he had this memory problem, you know ! But there was no Polaroid Camera at those times to photograph it..(duh !) So, he thought he would recite the name all the way back to his home, and the first thing he would do, when he reaches home is shout "Kozhukkattai" to his wife, and make her do it.

So, our Gajini was on his way back home, after a very happy return from his Sister's. He was chanting "Kozhukattai.. Kozhukattai.. Kozhukattai.. Kozhukattai.." while he was walking. It looked like it would work this way. Then came a huge pit on the road, with dirt water. He had to jump over it to carry on with his journey. He took a step back... and ran forward and made a jump (Shankar would show this on a 360 degree camera with slow motion).... while jumping he yelled "ATHTHARIBACHCHA!!!" (An exclamatory word. Somebody add this on Wiki :)

Gone ! Now Kozhukattai was out of his memory and only Aththaribachcha remained. So, on his further walk, he was chanting "Aththaribachcha.. Aththaribachcha..Aththaribachcha..".

He then reached home and as expected, the first thing he told his wife was "Aththaribachcha..". his wife gave him a pale gaze, and asked him what he meant by that. He said that his sister had made him Aththaribachcha, and it was so very sweet and delicious. The wife got puzzled... she had never heard a dish like that, before. So, she grew wild on repeated hearing of Aththaribachcha. She said that she never knew how to do it, and would not make it.

Our guy got crazy, and with anger ignited - he started hitting the wife for not complying a husbands request. After some time the neighbour pops in, and is surprised to see swellings in the face of the wife.

"Ennadi Kannam ellam kozhukkattaiyaattam veengi irukku !!!".... On hearing this sentence, a 1000-watt bulb glows on the Husband's face. In Guna - Kamal style, he says "Adhaaan ! Adheeeedhan... Kozhukkattai.. Kozhukattai...". (read as "Abiraaami .. Abiraaami !!") He then explains his wife, that Kozhukattai was the dish that her sister had made, and that was what he was trying to explain her......

By the time, my Patti had ended this story, I would be sleeping.

[ps - we never know who invented this story, but it has come across ages, and spread by word of mouth.. amazgin aint it ?]

Life of Choices and Compromises

I was home alone a few days back, and had to find my food outside. I went to Palimar Restaurant, which I have been told was very popular for good food, when my Dad was a bachelor. I always hate eating alone. But when Im alone I have always wanted to try different food varieties. So, I was exploring the Menu Card wildly for a different item, and there were many.

But here is where my weakness overtook me. When Im given a lot of choices in Hotels, I simply go for a Dosai. And if I wanted to order differently I make a Masala Dosai. Thats it.

Break;

In my childhood days, I visit the Video Cassette rental with a lot of movies in mind. But when I get the Catalogue in hand, you should see me struggling. Then I come out with either a Lousy Pic or some other movie, I have already seen.

Choices are definitely tough to Handle (or should i say delicate).

Ironically, i feel, we make compromises when we have a lot of choices.

My friend is buying a Car. His dream car is Maruthi Swift. (Only very few people like it. Im one of them). Thats costing 4.7 L. But all he can afford is a Hyndai Santro which comes with all Accessories for 4.05L. It is wise to have Santro, but then compromising on a dream.

It is acceptable to compromise something for Rs. 65,000. But spending 4.05 and compromising on .65 ?

When it comes to the moment of truth, like the bearer asking you the Order, the Video Cassette guy asking you the movie name or deciding what car to buy, some of us act differently than what we have thought. Am still trying to figure out he name for this feeling.

Having something in mind, but ordering/deciding an entirely different thing. Though we can afford something thats in our mind, though it is perfectly ok to buy what is in our mind.. we take an alternative route. Thats sometimes because we want to play safe. This means we arent ready to take risks.

Im not talking about taking risk in the normal sense. Im talking about picking the choice of our desire, when multiple options are Exhibited in front of you. Do you go by your desire ? or you order Masala Dosai, like me ?

Color Color What Color Do you Choose

I Love Black. And you know its quite obvious from the template of this site. Even my PC-Avyukta is Black.







Red (3807) 15%
Green (3013) 12%
Gold (1212) 5%
Turquoise (Blue-Green) (1425) 5%
Blue (3849) 16%
Purple(or Lavender) (2809) 11%
Pink (2478) 10%
Black (1913) 7%
Orange (2156) 8%
Yellow (1383) 5%

Total Votes: 24045

The above is the survey on About.com about people liking colors. Im one of the 7% who voted. Blue is the most liked color. There are people who judge others by just the color they like (What do you think about me - I like black the most ??)





Black is a very mystic color. It suits any picture on its front. It would add beauty to the picture. So would plain white.. but Black is best.. eh ! But philosophically, only white defines Black best. Like the picture above.

So, whats your favourite color and Why ? If you like Black, then have a hug from me :)

My friend Manu never wears a shirt that doesnt have Blue in it. He has so many shades of Blue plain shirts. We all convinced him to buy a Green shirt.. but he got one Blue with Green striped shirt. Sila pera maathave mudiyadhu.

Here is a site that has just RED all over, but still be pleasing. Here.

BTW, did you look at the flash on the top :) I made it using SwishMax. Its a child's play there. But I couldnnt make it appear on IE (though it appeared on Firefox). Thanks to PK for resolving the issue. Tell me hhow it looks :)

Pudupettai - Music

I heard Pudhupettai with a lot of expectations. Yeah ! Yeah ! You know how these kind of sentences end. Obviously in disappointment.

What was the expectation ? "pudhupettai" is a movie about the Local guys behaving as if they are Dadas. Director Selvaraghavan has already said that the movie is atomic explanation to the purity in these guys (?). He has said about the movie in Aandnda Vikatan. I wasnt able to digest his points.

It may not look exactly like this. But it sounded to me like "He wouldnt care to Kill a person. But he wouldnt dare to lie. He s a honest man, and in their gang, Nambikkai Drogam / Betrayal is the highest crime."

Yuk !! Killing a man has been taken this simple.. ?
Whatever.... coming back to music.

With that kind of local story, why is a huge orchestra playing western Classical themes.... ???
I was hearing and thinking "What the heck...?" All songs (except two) are unconventional. And not worth listening again. (or may be, its early to say that).

Kamalhaasan has sung a song. "Neruppu Vaayinil Oramai Eriyum". His voice is mighty-flexible. And thats my pick of the album. Lyrics are note-worthy.

Idhu Azhiththal Velai !
Indha Ulagin Thevai !!
Adhai Naangal Seithaaal
Oor dhaan Vanagnumaa ?

Kaatril Kanigal Vizhugindra varaikkum
Kaathirukkadhe !! Kalladi kidaikkum !

I said note-worthy !! Not *good*.

There's another song - "Oru Naalil" - It has two versions. Both are *not* sung well. Music is good. Guys, stop thinking a casual voice can make good music. Is that Dhanush singing that song.. not sure !!

There is a song called "Selling Dope !". For that we have a Beautiful Orchestra playing some Mozart like number.. the music may be good.. im not good at judging these kind of music.. But for the theme mentioned, the music is ABATHTHATHIN UCHCHAM. But probably if Selvaraghavan had fused it with the movie well, it will be appreciated well.

"Padichcha Naye Kitte varadhey !!" - i dont know how this song is there fixed in the movie. But sounds awkward.

Few more Theme songs in the album... simply leave me uninterested.

"Over Scene Udambukku aagadhu !"


[BTW - Some other movie called Agaram has also released its audio. YSR there too. Not good either]

2 Blogs 2 good

Click the picture for a Bigger version. Trust me, you need to see this.

What a brilliant creation ?? How many hours it would have taken ?? Thanks to CreativeCriminal for posting it. His site is one thing i would frequent every week, and there will definitely be some print ad that fascinates my mind. Now Arvind has started posting video's too. Check them Out.

Also check this Maharajah !! He's got a few health tips, and they rock. Thankss to our Adengappa for the intro.

The Last Split Second

The Bullet was fired. He felt the pain all over the body. Should have been the lower stomach. He roared in some languageless word.

He was loosing his consiousness. He cannot react. He can see his blood showering his body. He has lived in blood all these years, but not seen his own.

Though he wasnt hit on the head, there was terrible pain in the back neck. He couldnt give anymore concentration to standing. He fell down, without logic, improperly. Slowly he began to feel more pain on the left lower part of the stomach. He could feel two bullets. The other bullet was fired, before the story began.

His mouth was wide open, but he couldnt shout. A clumsy yelling without the effort of the vocal cord. He was breathing with his mouth. Pain was increasing. Still and more. He pushed his hands in the stomach and massaged them, pressed the stomach so hard. He then rolled his body, pressing the stomach downwards. Pain.

He felt cold. His body was chilling. He was loosing it.. From down on the ground he could see only legs. A lot of them. Only those two legs got his eyes fixed. Those were his son's. Little legs with "Kee kee" shoes. The legs started walking only months before.

What will happen to him ? What will these guys do to him.. ? ouch. ! aaaarggh.. The bullets were killing him.. He should have tried to yell his son's name.. but he still couldnt speak a word.. he still was yelling mute.

The pain gained strength, and his body gave a shiver. I couldnt understand how he felt just at this point. Then his shiver ended.

His eyes still fixed on the "Kee kee" shoes. Its eyes still fixed on the "Kee kee" shoes.

-------------------------------------------

prabhuslt: and whats tat kee kee abt ?
Keerthivasan: nothing... justa story of a Cop or Rogue getting dead, his last split second.
who cannot speak 1 Muzham dialogues in their last breath
who cant say "Hey Ram" after being shot
prabhuslt: didnt get u yet ??

The Boss is Born - In style

I think Rajinikanth should be equally appreciated for Make up, as much as Kamalhaasan is. The Charisma that was felt yesterday with just three pictures of Sivaji, Wow !!

It might be easy to put a wig and dye the moush.... but then, the real youth in the eyes and the face... look at the Sivaji pic.. Rajini looks just like a 30+. Good make up - well done.

Aaj Tak - Clumsy Act

Tehelka's tape was appreciated because it was first of its Kind, in India. That was amusing, and gave away to an uprise. Mr. Lakshman was done for his lifetime. This should have trigerred a lot of Sting operations from then on.(Read this about Ethical Aspects of Tehelka)

And today we have Aaj Tak. Its sting operation has captured MPs getting bribes for raising Questions in the House of People - Lok Sabha. And that for Rs. 10,000. Trust me.. people are able to believe that the MPs got bribes. But they couldnt believe that they went down for just Rs. 10,000.

Every Single Indian knows that their MP is getting bribes. Every. Single. Indian. knows.

Why would Aaj Tak do it for then ? The Media is making stories, rather than collecting stories. It might look like the media is Stripping out the clumsy-acts of the society. But I think the Media is becoming "the Clumsy".

They feel the dire need of being in survival, and so they have to make some kinda conspiracy work for them and make the news and Hit the "Here-you-go.. Now Im hot-selling" bell.

I posted this on my blog before someone called a "Visitor" came over. Read it.

With media making the news, it could turn the society in its favour. Someday Aaj Tak or some news media will bribe some MP or MLA to Kill a Chief Minister and shoot that on video Tape.. and also cover the murder on video tape, and show it to the Public. "Chief Minister Murder : Only on our television" (Watch it live ?)

If i had some more money, I would sue the TV Media for first hand bribing the MPs. "Oh ! They did it just for fun ?? BULLSHIT".

Click for a bigger version. Tell me how you like it.. Picture taken from Here ( blog.franto.com a very impressive site) . Text added on Photoshop.



A Thing of Beauty is Joy forever. A thing of joy is beatiful for ever. (??? ada che.. oru korvayaa varamaatengudhu... do you get a better caption for this picture.. let me know).

December 12 - Unforgettable day

Yet another Monday morning. Its raining outside. Its dark and Freezing cold. Will you feel like going to office ?

Yesterday, my mom won a First Prize in an Elocution competition, that was conducted by a local association. She had gone to Help the hosts. But she got involved, and joined the competition and eventually won a prize. She came home with pride all over her face, for participating in a competition after so many many years, and more of it - Winning it at First place.

She had spoke about "Women Liberalization". She is a practical woman, so she spoke both for and against points. And quite easily we had a discussion at home, for nearly an hour about the topic. This is one evergreen topic you can keep debating about.

I ended the conversation like this. "The rules and constraints that surround you are not your barriers always. They are your protection too."

Even I didnt realize this till then... hmmp. Think about it. I felt like a philosopher for a moment. (DHODA !!).
To me it looks like "Udhyogam Sthree Lakshanam"... and soon more "House Husbands" will be produced. But there will be a small difference. The House Husbands will not retaliate..and bounce back about their rights. They will enjoy that position, which most of the House Wifes have failed enjoying.

Forget it. Today is Thalaivar's Birthday. Next door kid - Darshan's 2nd birthday. And my accident anniverseray. I can only say life has been kind to me so far.

You've got Yahoo New !

Yahoo ! threw a sweet surprise today morning. It asked me if Iam willing to use Beta !! (I guess most of you were asked already). Why on earth would i click on "No. Thanks !" ? So, I got the new Yahoo ! Beta. This is super cool feature packed , clean designed, Tabbed (!) and most of all MS-Outlook like eMail application/web page.

Click the picture for a bigger one, and come back here.

Did you see everything ? Well, you sure missed the "All RSS Feeds" Link. Check it again.. Yeah. thats right. Super feature.

Did you see the Tabs on the Top ? This is even cool. Im sure Outlook will incorporate a lot from Yahoo !, from now.

The Flash advertisement that was a complete irritation for long onYahoo mail. Now thats given a separate frame, and remains Quiet. It wont disturb you anymore.

This wont however replace my GMail Interest. But always remember, even in my earlier post , This is the Quote we are enjoying. "Uuru Rendu Patta Koothadikku Kondattam.. Koothadinga rendu patta Uurukku kondaattam."

---------------------------------------------------

UPDATE ::

Here's a way you can save your favourite posts. On the new Yahoo ! Mail Beta, you can actually drag and drop your posts, which you have added through RSS Feeds (Which ,Kiruba says ,has been added on Google, but doesnt appear on mine.. May be they still havent given all the users that).

And I love the GUI, which gets added beauty, when you drag and drop.

I felt myself strange, when I unsubscribed to all the useless subscriptions filling my mail-box ever since using Yahoo ! Mail Beta from morning.

Am I switching to Yahoo ! Mail ?? Google, please do something fast. :)

JAI ANJANEYA

I had been to my cousin's Grahapravesm in Nanganallur today morning. And needless to say, I visited my all-time favourite Anjaneyar Temple. And what a Darshan I had !!! Wow.

They opened the doors after 45 mins of waiting (they were doing the Alangarams)and the Lift was slowly going up, showing the diety slowly. "Pradyaksham".. if you know that word.. i felt it today. Anjaneyar Pradyakshamai munnadi irundhaar.

When you worship God, it is always a better practice to spread your arms up in the air, and make a Kummbidu. Thats heavenly. Paripoorana Saranagatham !!!

Thanks to my Uncle who got me into this habit of "Saturday Anjaneyar".

JAI ANJANEYA

There is one email going around with all "Pudhiya Thathuvams"
Here's the best.

Bus poita bus stand angayae thaan irukum
aana cycle poita cycle stand koodavae poogum.

Tell me If you did not get any of them. I can email you. ::)

Dinamalar ePaper

No matter what. We have news everywhere on Sify and Rediff. Aana Dinamalarla paarkara maadhiri varuma ? Here's Dinamalar offering ePaper. It is classic and free. So grab it now. News, in the way it is on paper (including advertisements). Now this is interesting.


Here's another link - Check this song. MS Viswanathan and SPB. I've never heard this song before. Thanks to Narayanan for introducing me this song.

Chennai is now expecting a heavy rain. Atleast the meteorological department guesses it. See to yourself how it looks like now.

God save this world

Of Emotional Movies

Junior Vikatan says : "Every Successfulday of Thavamai Thavam Irundhu will close down an Orphanage".

The movie seems to be too good. And people are emotionally aroused. Srivatsan had seen the movie and has a review on it. I spoke to him about it. And he said that Nuclear families are criticized (or) spoken about.

I have developed an aversion towards Cheran, simply because of his movie "Autograph". It wasnt that Great a movie. It wasnt worth so much of praise. But Cheran acknowledged the praises and made it looks like a High Quality movie. Sorry ! It isnt. Please dont talk of "Being realistic alone" in movies, make a Quality movie.

I will watch Thavamai Thavamirundhu, this weekend. And if he had spoke "City life is bad. Village life is good".. "Nuclear family is bad. Joint family is good.. What life are you guys having in nuclear families ??".... if thats all there, im spending all my money to meet Mr. Cheran and have a talk.

POST NO. 400

You would have got lots of eMails about Chennai becoming the most wanted IT Hub. Quite a lot of companies are starting their operations here. Am not sure about the truth, but the recent mail says that the way Chennai handled (?) the recent rains makes the companies think about Chennai.

Forget the IT Operations... The way Chennai handled rain was ,indeed , impressive. I have seen water stagnations after 5 days of rain, few years back. But this rain missed it, even the next day.

After the rain, last month, the Electricity board guys cut down all the trees hovering over the Electric lines. Thats a safety measure. And it worked out. A short power outage during the next rain. Looked to me, as if I lived in a responsive society. The situation was not so, even few months back.

So, my friends say, these measures are taken only considering the TN Elections in mind. Hmm.

Whatever said and done. The Electricians and Metro Water guys who worked days and nights, and worked on poring rains, Thanks for making our days better.

I've called the EB and Water board and said that. You can do it too, if you feel so. Or do you think, they were just doing their Duty ?

Few Hindus ; Few Muslims ; and a lot of Humanity died, this day.
It seemed to me as if the Blogger was down to mourn the December 6th day.

KNM - Here's to people who love realistic movies

Kanda Naal Mudhal has not put me down. It stands to my expectations. And those all who bet against me, "Pay me back" :)

It was a pleasure watching every inch of this movie. I was coming back home with a surprise, that I could watch a movie without heroic punch dialogues and fights. And everyone on theatres walked out, without a bad-comment. I would definitely want everyone to watchi this film. Its a good entertainer. It doesnt leave you a message. It is like something that comes and soothes you and then vanishes in the air, leaving a sweet smell all around you.

First things first. Appreciations to the Producer. Prakash Raj has been consistantly giving movies like this.. Soft. "Azhagiya theeye" was not a big hit, but got him a good name among "Thiruttu VCD" Viewers. This time Prakash Raj has emplyed a very good crew. And the crew has took a movie to a height that Me and Srivatsan were struggling to get the tickets to this movie for the past fwe days. Housefull ma !

Story of Kanda Naal Mudhal is so very big, and cannot be give on a Jist, which will do no justice to the story. It is a huge story, entangled in the bush of emotions. A lot of emotional changes to both Hero and Heroine, in the course of the movie.. and surprisingly, the director makes it edible. Prasanna and Laila are the major players and Prasanna quickly steals the show. He is a bundle of talents. He should make an award out of this movie, for sure. Laila - we've seen her frown and fight and shout in a lot of movies... yet, she has done a good job.. and has taken care in acting.

PC Sriram was a little disappointing for me. The useless picturisations of songs are added irritations with dark lightings. You might appreciate it separately, as a photo shoot. But with the movie, it just doesnt fit. A very ordinary effect.

YSR - The KING. He rules he movie with good Background score. I've already began a hunt for KNM's BGMs. The music keeps the mood of the scene intact, and it is very essential for a emotional movie like this. I wish YSR continues this way.

Priya - the director, has given us a promising movie. Worth watching many times. Worth watching with family.

This is what you can do when you have a good story line - make a good movie out of it. You cannot make a good movie from a single line story like "Vijay is a mechanic. He fights society".

New Picture on Photoshop Blog

Before the power cuts-off again...

Have to figure out what to do on "Ada Raama" days.

Ada Raama days are those days, when it rains like it will never stop. No power. No Access to any news media. nothing.. Chennai is now getting a lot of these days. But this day, I've felt something really obvious.

Aananda Vikatan Sucks. These guys have to change a few things seriously and bring it back on hold to the classic audits of the earlier Editor. Its almost a movie scrap book. Useless - petty - sill - sick jokes. And all jokes have a lady with a low hip saree.. Awkward.. Why claim it as a family magazine.

Few articles are good. Yet, if they tend to follow this trend...we are to loose another quality media source.

யாமறிந்த மொழிகளிலே !!

I've posted this before. But I've got emails from many people and yesterday, Mr. Partha Krish had left a comment on my blog about using Tamil on his computer. I would go to his home and install the following for him, for I've already missed an opportunity of meeting him on the Chennai Blogger's meet. It is a pleasure making a conversation with such a personality. Thanks to Mukundan, for inviting home.

For others, here's some information.

There are many Tamil Applications that talk of simplicity, starting from Murasu. But off-late, I've been using an application, that really makes sense.

And it is called KURAL, and its Word Processing Software - Kavithai Seyali ( i like the name) !

Of Course, Kural, is yet another Transliteration enabled software, where you need no Knowledge of Tamil Typing. Big Advantage - it allows you to save the document in a RTF format, so that you could do more on Word. Actually, Kavithai Seyali incorporates most many of the features of Word.

Installation is simple, and using it would be a piece of cake. I would easily reccommend this software, eyes shut.

You could Download the software here.

Good thing is that they have also mentioned the Installation instructions on the same page. If you have a good Broadband connection, you could better download the Professional Edition.

Let me know.

PS: For those who want to add Tamil to their Blogs, you can easily do it on the fly using this. Just Type, Copy and Paste.

Tamil was only difficult in the Classrooms. :)