MUMBAI.....

Beyond all the happy things in the world, Life Sucks.

[Im not able to Log on to Google Talk through keerthivasan@gmail.com
So, please add arudra@gmail.com to GTalk me. Thanks ]

Super Pulambal... sorry guys, for putting you through this.

I think I have the greatest ability to write stories, and as always, I think wrong. :)

In the blogs, I have been fascinated by people who write stories. I envy their flair and poise of Language and plot. I have this childish behaviour of doing what people are doing best. For instance, If Kamalhaasan's moush styles are very much impressive, then I will attempt to grow one like that. (Here's the proof )

So, after seeing great people on blogs write stories, I attempted to write some in the name of Story. Because of my inability to choose words, Characters and plots, I stand impotent to wite good stories which are in normal flow. So, I decided to write Short stories. And in those short stories, I've wanted to be different. Why ? Because tha would be a comfortable couch to hit on, in cases of Failure.

Here came the first one. TRANSFORMATIONS. This is still my favourite. Read it if you havent. Read slow. It is the transformation of a Human, who passes through different emotions on his birthday. There was hardly any feedback to this.

Then I wrote - The Essence of Friendship. This was about the Super-EGO and Friendship clumsily equated. This story turned out to be a Major flop. Venkittu sir, thought it was a real life incident and enquired what was wrong with my friends dad.

Happy Holidays ! This is a story (very small) that was well appreciated by a greater audience, that touched 3 or 4.

Then i wanted to cut this loose. I wrote Character Slaves. Just like Shankar, whos got the technique and wastes a movie for a technique... I had a very good plot, but couldnt expand it to a great story. It was appreciated for the attempt to write it that way.

There were few more stories, in between.

Then I wrote Untitled on first day, and Untitled Emotions on the second. I could feel the people who were thrilled ont he first day, were not much satisfied on the second day. Now at every stage I was learning. And did I improve ? No Way.

Despite all this Im still going to write stories and trouble you with this trash, now and then, simply because I like the way I end my stories, no matter how crap it is.

God Save you All !! :)

The Ultimate

Most of us have seen the Hollywood heroes logging on to the Internet and searching for a teacher in some school.. and the Internet gives them the details with photographs.. looks so cool. Even our Vijayakanth types commands on the Windows Media Player (in Ramana) and gets the details of all Govt Officials with photographs.

Am not sure if US has an Internet application similar to this (I've seen come applications to verify the Criminal Records of a person in the US). Here's something in India (besides checking the PAN)..

Check your name across the Voter's list. This may be a simple application, but the volume of data and the effort on the data entry is certainly note-worthy. Take a look and find out if your name is available inside this.

Fight for your Vote. Did you know India can be much better if more than 85% of the people voted ?

Information via Navanee (My Business Processing Manager)

Print ads and a stupid feeling

I like Print Ads that are very very intriguing and that are not direct to the point..

Last weekend I was hunting the best-of-best print Ads, and now my hard-disk has a huge collection of them. What will I do with them ? Simple.. show it to people who visit my computer room, and ask them if they understand, as if I created the Ad..

Its a stupid feeling.. For instance, I showed my friend some scenes from Hey Ram. The scene were Vasantha Mami, Bashyam Iyengar and Saketh Ram along with the driver, are going to Mythili's (Uppili Iyengar's daughter) house. Vasantha mami talks to Saketh Ram while going on the car, when all of a sudden the car jerks due to bad road.. and, Vasantha mami's reaction to that.. now, thats a class direction. I spotted various such scenes like this in the movie,I felt this pride and was smiling with a different feeling as if I myself have directed the film. (lets see if someone else has enjoyed this scene as much as i have done.. tell me the dialogue Vasantha mami says in this scene to the driver)

Getting back to the point.. I found this Ad from Unicef. See if you can appreciate the Ad.. If you share the same interest, email me.. there's a list of blogs you will need to visit.

Change Reporting

Me and my uncle were having a good discussion about the TN Politics. The nature of TN Politics, is that it makes us worry about the future of India. Thats when my uncle suggested a few methods that practically can be changed, and how it can make a difference.

What if the Police Departments in the State start reporting Centrally.. or even better, What if they belong to the Defense Ministry ? Will that do any good to the Country ?

Think about it.

Why the Defense Ministry - because People inside India cause more damage than the People outside the Border line. So the Defence Ministry should seriously think about havings its men on the streets controlling violence and misbehaviour in any form. This would help in great levels. The Militia Cops wont have the fear of getting transferred by the thought of the Local Dadas.. it would not be that easy.

They may not be influenced by the political situations. They will be young and Energetic. Thats something we need badly. The Militia Cops will bring out the value of punishment. The existing equation has Money/Bribe/Penalty on the other side of Crime. They can replace it with Punishment.

We all agree that politicians may not be interested in getting this implemented. This is of national importance where each citizen of the country is benefitted by the tax revenue. So elites like our president can do this. Or if any of you get a chance to become a President of the country, think of this important change in the constitution.


--

Iam not sure if this can be implemented, and , if implemented, will give the same results as expected. What are your thoughts on this.. ?

வல்லவனுக்கு வல்லவன் வையகத்தில் உண்டு !

Thee.. Pour.. Pie

You guys know I have Monday Morning Syndrome.. a sick feeling of missing the dead Saturday and Sunday badly. But Not Today :) Dachu saved my week... thanks to the Timing of God, i recorded it. Here's what Dachu said..

I just love the way he says "Ten".

Santhosh Sivan's lighting and Camera angles keeps you stunning. Click picture for the big one. Too Good

Coming Soon ! The Heroines of Iruvar !

Peace of Mind

Just in case you did not read this, read it .. :)

Venu Krishnan came home early. He was atleast 45 minutes early to home. He never had the house key with him as, by everyday pattern, Savithri was earlier than him. Today she was running late. Venu was informed earlier about her delay, and Venu wasnt some husband who would curb his wife's freedom. Its been six months since they got married, and not a single day Savithri came late. That means I did not have much chances to see Venu acting like a dominant husband.

Next house people always had Venu's residence keys, and Vice versa. Madras is not as people think it is. Friendly people are everywhere. Venu felt strange opening the house doors, he hasnt done that for long. He felt at that moment that he has grown up dependant on Savithri, to a considerable extent. Strangely, it felt good to be dependant.

The house was looking strange to him, dull and suffocating. He quickly removed the socks and put on the light and fan.

All newspapers and coffee tumblers.. breakfast plates.. wet turkey towels.. all the mess that he had carved into neatness, in the morning. It wasnt that peaceful living room, it used to look every evening. He felt irritated and uncomfortable by the chaos. He wanted to fall into the sofa as he used to.. but quite a few things were occupying the sofa not giving him enough space to flush his tiredness.

"This is Sick" he thought. A man working for hours together comes home and he cant have his peace of mind ? "Damn my money".

He reluctantly cleaned up the mess. He wasnt happy doing that. But one good quality with Venu is that he completes things. I mean it. He completely cleaned up the sofa. Folded up the paper and put the utensils in the sink (he actually threw them with force.. he was not in his moods). The living room was now looking good, except for some dust on the floor. Their house is the corner plot. Venu, with patience swept the floor. He was sweating like a swine. There was some good feeling somewhere that appreciated his work. He thought he was a heck-of-a-worker.

He went and took a shower. It seemed the shower had a meaning and sense. He came out fresh. He thought worshipping God would be a nice thing to do right now. Trust me, all these things are strange to Venu's set of protocols. He then lit the Kamakshi vilakku. One straight pattai and a smile in front of the mirror. He looked different in the mirror.

Venu came back to the living room, which he has cleaned himself. He was proud of his cleaning. He fell into the Sofa and kicked the TV remote to action. He then switched to his music system and played his favourite music.

He was slowly getting hungry and angry. Self-pity is the worst form of feeling a man should ever get (its actually a feel-good factor sometimes). He was feeling that Savithri should have arranged something for him. But then, this is the first time its ever happened. So, he started looking for something in the kitchen. After a huge exploration, Venu got out of the kitchen with a big plate full of dishes, drink and a ketchup bottle.

He slammed the fridge door, and emptied a few trays. All set for whiling a few hours. He should have been starving for the day, and I hate to mention the way he ate today. Just imagine he ate badly, and emptied everything except the ketchup bottle.

Slowly to sleep. He slept for sometime on the sofa. He then woke up and read a few books, here and there... weekly magazines. A evening without Savithri was so much of Vaccuum, he never guessed it would be so.

He was not ready to wait for Savithri to come. He knew she had a key with her. So, he went to the bedroom, locking the front door from inside. Venu's day was over.

Couple of hours later, Savithri came in. She was frustrated to see the dirty looking Hall, with eatables lying all over, and their covers flying in the air. Coffee tumblers and wet water bottles. Magazines here and there.

This was the same living room she everyday gets to see.

"Pcch !" she said, with a deep sigh.

I've pasted the Originals of the "Me, Gana, Sudharsan and Kamalhaasan" picture on the Photoshop blog. But then, Sudharsan asked me.. "You could have taken us to New York, instead of bringing Kamalhaasan to Top Slip".

Can you ? Give it a try.

Just a Forwarded SMS

"மகனே ! கடைசியிலே தாய் சொல்லை தட்டிட்டியே ! அந்த அம்மாவோட கூட்டு சேர்ந்த்துட்டியே !"

"அடப்போம்மா ! நீயாவது என்னை பத்து மாசம் தான் உள்ள வெச்சிருந்தே ... அனா அந்த அம்மா என்னை 19 மாசம் உள்ளே வெச்சிருந்தாங்களே !"

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PS.. Take a look at this - "Enna Kodumai idhu, Saravanan !!"

Music Out on Stands.. Hunting Season has Begun

வெண்ணிலவே ! வெள்ளி வெள்ளி நிலவே !
போகும் இடம் எல்லாமே கூடக் கூட வந்தாய் !

வெண்ணிலவே ! வெள்ளி வெள்ளி நிலவே !
நட்சத்திரப் பட்டாளம் கூட்டிக் கொண்டு வந்தாய் !!

Yahaeeey ! Semma pattu ! Trust me this is going to rock both your Music and TV systems soon. I would like to appreciate Gautham for extracting work from Harris Jeyaraj and Thamarai. They are becoming some team which wont loose. Mani used to extract the best out of a person, like this. But then, SJ Suryah also gets the same kind of work from Vali and Rahman.

This song was screened on the Audio Launch of Vettayadu Vilayadu. Know what ? Gautham dances in it. :)

There's one usual Bombay Jayashree song from Harris Jeyaraj, and sounds very similar to Suttum Vizhi Sudare.. and that means, it is equally peppy ! Kalakkal Pattu - Paartha Mudhal Naale !

Totally five songs, exculiding a Theme music. As Soonapaana said, they need some more hearing. Paarpom !

Vettayadu Vilayaadu கேட்டு மகிழுங்கள் !!


BTW, the photo (or photoshopped photo) has Me, Gana, Sudharsan (my colleagues) and Of course Kamalhaasan.

Condemning Varanasi Blasts

The President asks the people across the country to stay calm. Please do so. It is important to keep calm now.

The BJP and VHP have called a bandh in UP tomorrow. Is there a way they can read the Presidents plea ?

Let us pray for the innocent souls killed in the blast.

A for Avyukta
B for Blogspot
C for Com
D for Dots in between
E for Eppdi irukku ? :)

I was watching Iruvar today and Yesterday (!). And this is the best scene, i loved in the movie. I am making a collage of all the beautifl faces that appear on the movie. Will post them on photoshop blog, soon.

Vennilave ! Velli Velli Nilave ! Super paattu machchi !

I was there at the Audio Launch. It had a very innovative Invitation. It was at the Sathyam Cinemas, today morning 10.30.

Boy, you should have seen the posters. Mighty good. So very grand and majestic. Kamalhaasan Rocks.

I watched almost every single Film personality in just a few inches away. I even saw our fellow Blogger Chinmayi sing a very scintillating Kadavul Vaazhthu. She never replies my comments on her blog, so I better mention it here on my post, rather than leaving a comment on her blog.

They screened a song from Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu. A very simple song synonymous to "Ennai Konjam Maatri" from Kakka Kakka. But the Kamals presence in the picture (with style and poise added to his walk) - and the presence of such a great audience who went Ga-Ga about the song.. I was so thrilled. I wanted to whistle so badly.. damn my inability to do that. It looked like i was gifted to be on the function. I happened to hear 2 songs (which were alone disclosed to public), and Harris has done a redo of his old tunes. Not bad.

There was a music show prior to the audio launch. Karthik, Sriram, Shalini, Srilekha parthasarathy, Chinmayi, Unnimenon and Srinivas singing "Kamal hits" and "Harris-Gautham" hits. Karthik stole the show easily with Gajini. But I specially would like to appreciate (who cares if i dont) the female singer who sang "Thoodhu Varuma" from Kakka Kakka. Amazing performance on stage amidst all the shouts, when Kamal entered into the Hall.

When I was outside the theatre prior to the function, there was a guy standing next to me and asking someone on the cellphone about "Hari, Selvaraghavan, Lingusamy, Tharani..." and so on.. Then my neighbour (the main reason why i was able to go to the function, thanks to him) told me that he was Manickam Narayanan. He looked very much like a commoner, and he was working today like a Servant. I've never seen a simple person, who was so powerful enough to produce Kamals picture.

Kamal and Sujatha spoke much about Dasavatharam. Kamal's slightly changed his hairstyle. Move-on, thats his philosophy. Gautham was very much keen on projecting Sarathkumar, who is his next hero in Parunthu. On the whole, the director and the actor had moved on to their next projects. I know they believe the movie will take care of itself.

Thats how it looks. It will win.

The Andharbalti !!

Pic ctsy - MDMK.org

Vaiko - President of MDMK is now with AIADMK. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Grand opening event for TN Elections 2006.

Await for more to come.

Sun TV is on a Damaal-Dimeeel-Dishyum pulambals since the decision has been made. Im yet to watch Jaya TV.

Thogudhi Pangeedu is always a Pralayam in TN Elections, and I guess it has played a part in this shift of camps.

I was happy to see Vaiko's movements ever sicnce he got out of jail. All the good things he did, and all the good projections he made. I wish he stands separately without an Alliance, and wins a considerably good number of constituencies. We can do good to people, with just an MLA seat. Its not necessary to be in the Ministry.

MDMKs move is definitely a setback for the DMK. And many people would talk about his part of memory, where he was imprisoned under POTA. Well, I completely understand this move, and it is not required to think that way in the TN Politics. Alliances of any form, in that case, is built with compromises. Considering the kind of alliances Congress and BJP made, this is no big deal.

Hmm.. lets wait and watch.

Whats up Dr. Ramadoss ?

Post No . 500

There is always a subtle difference between a thought and a decision. Your mind/ body wont act by thoughts. It will act on decisions. Why am I saying this ? Because Im cut loose, and I've broken free and Im happy about the number that showed up on Blogger today morning. How many posts, so far ? 499.

I never thought I would write so much, and I never thought I could make it interesting enough (Now, Who told it was interesting, eh ?).

Thanks to my mom's early morning dark pure absolutely brilliant filter coffee, Im able to do this.

Thanks to your reading. And thanks for your comments.

We will go on..

Traffic Jam, Traffic Sandwich and Traffic burger

I was just a small droplet of water in the huge ocean of vehicles on Poonamalle High road, yesterday evening 7 PM IST.

After four tiresome days, i thought i would leave home early. And I did start early. I have a powerful bike that can Zap me home in 25 minutes. Yet I couldnt make home early. Why ?

Other people on road wont let me.

Its pathetic see people on Cars. They are resident on one corner of the road. While the two-wheelers walk past it. I wont buy a car, until the "Fifth Element" kind of traffic comes in.

Chennai is overflowing. So, this is how its going to be. Too many miutes wasted on traffic. God ! I cant imagine summer afternoons on a mount road signal.

Sometime i just think, I've grown into a dynamic-complaint generator. (And now, I start complaining about myself)..

Talking of complaints, here's something you might want to use effectively.

The Equation of Mr. P.Chidambaram

Navanee : Hey ! Sanjay... Did you see the budget ? The Cigarette prices have gone up... So, you better stop smoking..

Sanjay : Yeah Yeah !! But then, the Cancer Drugs' prices have come down yaar.. they will balance... :)



coming soon...... .. watch out !

Ananda Vikatan - Chee !

There was this review of "Kalvanin Kadhali" in Ananda Vikatan, where the magazine has blasted the movie and its crew for making a Shamefully-vulgar movie. I was very happy, that a magazine was bold enough to blast a un-deserving movie (which, Im not sure if it is). You can read the Vikatan review, posted on Lazygeek.

Ok, now.. this is the same treatment Boys got. It was a review on the First page with Just a CHEEE ! on it. Meaning that Vikatan was not ready to review such a movie, and it thought it was way below its dignity.

I dedicate this post to the Crew and Editor of Vikatan, to just make them aware... well, of the following.

I was allowed to read Ananda Vikatan quite a lot of years ago. My parents didnt care what I would read in there, because they knew it had Quality content, and was safe for children. But gradually, as I grew up, Vikatan also evolved. And its evolved now to a point that I dont want to read it anymore. (!)

Double Meaning Velaikkari Jokes, with cartoons of Velaikkari's showing their Cleavages and Thoppuls. (What, Thats what precisely SJ Suryah did in his movie ?).... And even sometimes a few short stories get such awkward paintings. I know Kumudam and other magazines are even worse Kuppais. But Vikatan was not like this until recent past. It was good 2 years before. I enjoyed reading all the 144 pages. Now, I have to hunt for good content besides Cinema and Sex.

One very bad thing, I noticed in Vikatan, is a few advertisements appearing like Articles. A few Jewel shops and a few Clinics, have their advertisement appear like normal columns in Vikatan. And Vikatan doesnt discriminate it with a Advertisement. Thats misleading people, and Im sure you know how wrong it is.

80% content of Vikatan is now Cinema. Not that i hate cinema, but thats not why I pay Rs. 10 for vikatan (Note the price. It was Rs. 4 very few years back..and a monstrous incline in price, and a blind fall in Quality).

Now that Sujatha's column wont come.. and many other interesting features wont appear.. Im seriously thinking about stopping subscription. Its simply not worth the money.

I wish someone tells them to pull up, break and resupply the Quality food, they used to.

Until then, a Kalvanin Kadhali review may look like a bold act of a magazine...
But to me, i can only say.... "Ivar mattum ozhungaa ? Perrsa solla vanttaaru !!"

வார இறுதி என்னை எட்டி உதைத்து வெளியே தள்ளியது !உறக்கக் கம்பளியையும் பிடுங்கிக் கொண்டது ! திங்கள் வெய்யில் முன் முகச் சுளிப்புடன் நிராயுதபாணியாய் நிற்க்கின்றேன்...

வழக்கமாக சுட்டு எரித்து, வாட்டி வதைக்கும் திங்கள் இன்று இன்னும் கோபமாக இருக்கிறது.. அனேகமாய் கொலை செய்து விடும் போல் தெரிகிறது ..

வார இறுதி என்னைப் பார்த்து எள்ளி நகையாடியது ! "அனுபவி மவனே ! இப்பொ தெரிதா என் அரும ?"

ஒவ்வொரு திங்களும் தவறாமல் நான் உணரும் பாடம் - "Weekends are heaven !"

Vadivelu Anderson !

Here's a simple photoshop I did today morning. (I also put my face in the place of Keanu Reeves.. it fits well, ahem !!)

Vadivelu is my pick when it comes to comedy. I know many of the audience Vote for Vivek, but to me Vivek does not appeal as much as Vadivelu does.

Vadivelu can rock your screens, as a village Dada - Soonapaana or as a college student Steve Waugh....It is sheer comedy, and no messages (not required at all)..

Vivek tries to put himself as a Genius, and a Man with forward thoughts and criticizes the events of the society (Though I agree with a few).. But Vadivelu is always one of our kind.. a man like you and me..

Only his cryings are awkward, that he can try and avoid it.

Imagine Vadivelu inside the Zion, fighting the machines....

"yei !! Vaada vaada vaada vaada !! Un thuppakkikkum En thuppakkikum sodi pottu parrpoma ! Sodi ?? Jeyil Paravaida naaanga !! yei ! "

Check this out !

Da Vinci Broken

Ha haaaa ! I unlocked it. !! Nothing very extraordinary.. but interesting to crack. The picture is a vague clue.

Take it on if you havent broken any, yet.

Two Sides of a Coin

'Award was declined'

New Delhi: The posthumous award of Bharat Ratna on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was declined by his family, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

- PTI (Source : The Hindu)

This was on News yesterday. I've seen many writers decline the awards. Arunthathi Roy declined the Sahithya Academy Award for her "The Algebra of Infinite Justice". Many writers have declined the Gnyanapeeta Award. I used to think, that it is their arrogance that makes them behave this way. That is like Insulting the Award, which many others, who have got it, rejoice at. I have read a few articles by Jayakanthan and few other writers who crib about the "Gnyana peetam". But I wasnt very sure, who was right and who wasnt.

But this Bharat Ratna Award - India's Highly Prestigious Award - has been conferred to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. But his Family declines it. Early in 1992, Subhash Chandra Bose was Posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna award. And it was obviously declined due to Technical reasons, as nobody was sure if Netaji was dead at all. This is one of the very few mysteries prevailing in India, an unnecessary one. And probably this is the same reason why it has been declined again.

The Award Committee could not give conclusive evidence of Bose's death and thus it invalidated the "posthumous" award. (1992 award cancelled - reason )

But then, there's been a Inquiry Commission under Justice Mukherjee, which has investigated about Netaji's disappearance. Expecting the report to be a part of the Budget series in 2006.

BTW, did you know, Mahatma Gandhi was never given a Bharat Ratna ? Hmmp !

Read very interesting article of the award, here and Netaji's wiki here.

Tolerance or Ignorance ?

You know about the Mohammed Cartoons that are creating Ripples and riots in the society.

Think of that in mind. Think of the Violent Protests happening.
Keep all this in mind and Click here.

Now, whats that dirty blanket on you ? Tolerance ?

Interludes of King Rahman !

These are interludes of two songs by Rahman. Pay attention to the detail of music.

Thanks to Narayanan for reminding the second song. Hope you guys guessed the song to which they belong.

Ice Thanni !

I used to be the "Go-Getter" for Ice cubes from next home, when I was a kid. Next house was a panakkara house, who had a computer in the late 80's. One packet of Rasna, and water and sugar. I can make my own heavens. It was a lovely way of evading the summer.

Now things have changed. Summer is no more the summer it was. It has grown with my salary. Fridge and Air-conditioners are now affordable to many. Last year's Air Con sales will easily explain that. Yet, summer becomes unbearable. So, the next best thing we can do is go to Ooty or Shimla or Switzerland, whichever is possible. :) Sounds good, but awkwardly impossible.

Now everyone in Chennai, expects this Summer '06 with a tint of scare. The signs are showing up already, in the sultry climate after noon.

We, at home, have cleared the fridge shelves, and made room for water-cans. So, there's always this "Midhamaana" water at a cool (not so cool) temperature.. someone said, "Water is the Elixir of Life" (think it is Emerson).. How true !

DIVINIE CODE IS BACK

This time, the Da Vinci Code movie website is loaded with a few Anagram Puzzles , and a symbol Sudoko kind of game, which we need to crack, to get inside the Gallery of the web-site.

It is really interesting to solve this, remembering the old-story. But unfortunately, a few Anagrams are about the actors in the movie. So, you might probably need this.

If you have read Da Vinci code, then you are sure expecting this. And am sure, you are thinking the movie will not be upto the expectations. Most people I spoke to, said "The movie mostly will not give you the interest the book gave.. " Hmm.. let us wait and see.. Meanwhile keep cracking this website, and let me know if you got into the Gallery.

BREAKING NEWS !

"A cooker burst out today morning at my residence and caused indefinite damage to the paint on the walls. No casualities reported, and the situation seems to be under control."

Well, this why bloggers like me cant make the mainstream media. :)

New Photoshop Effect on Photoshop Blog

There's No Free Lunch !!

And there are no free calls either !!

Here's BSNLs new Tarrif plan for the new scheme they are about to launch from March.

Nalladhukka Theriyale !!

I have one Perimma in Bombay !

Well, thats the only use i find of it.

For those who Didnt know !

Internet Explorer is back with a bang ! IE 7.0 Beta is available for download.

It clearly imitates Firefox in most of the aspects. And feels good. The UI is uncluttered and most of the Bars are missing. Even the Classic Menu Bar is customizable for appearance. The Zoom feature (including Picture Zoom) is now available on IE 7 Beta. I wanted this on Firefox (Firefox only does Text Zoom).

The Search Bar is placed next to the Address Bar, very much like Firefox and Opera, and a neat customization of that Bar is available. You are free to choose your Search plugins. I never saw IE offer so much. Ever. Microsoft's got the ideas from the right guys this time.

You can take a Tour of the new Internet Explorer 7 Beta Here.

Or you can download it directly from here.

WARNING : It may not install on your current Service pack version. Please check the pre-requisities before installing or downloading.. (11 MB Download).

Post Valentines Day Vayitherichal !!

"hey nethu enna candle light dinnera?"

me: yes.. current poyiduththu

":)"

me: me mom and dad had a candle light dinner

Im searching my soul ! What the heck !

Why do people get Crazy when it comes to name things, and even crazier when they want to give it a caption ?

For the past few days, I've been digesting and spitting a few titles of Blogs, and their Sub-titles. Most of the Indian Blogs have impressive Titles, URLs and Captions. Only it gets boring to follow a very similar theme.

Most of Indians, as understood from the Titles and Captions, seem to be searching their inner self through blogs. Without variance, their profiles will carry words like "Confused 24 year old Desi"..."Im a puzzled planeterian trying to find the meaning of life"... " Everything about nothing and nothing about everything.".... "Join me in My journey in searching my inner soul.."

Whew ! There are a lots more.. just accelerate your Blog-hopping, and you will find more such Here-we-go-again titles.

My Manager while taking Induction for the new Software Professionals used to say "Every kid that has learnt Java, comes into the Software company thinking that they are going to program the next Space Shuttle in NASA. Welcome to Ground Reality. Nothing of that sort might happen. You might end-up 20 years of your career with just One program written."

On Similar grounds, with the Surge of Blogs in the Blogosphere, and more and more Indian Bloggers coming out... They all think they are going to be the Next Best Hit Blog. Good thoughts. Congratulations. But the worst part is when they try and name it. They take it way too personal. They name the Blog it very differently. I have to mention the Engineering guys, who come out after all those Symposiums. They name their blogs in a very Sophisticated English. I have seen such blog titles, and thought they were Bengali. :)

And their captions... as i pointed out a few samples on the front.. most of us try to put our characters in the caption, and it hardly reflects the content of the Blog. Now thats my mistake to expect a theme on a blog, and I do not expect that way.

Only that, when you read the Title and Captions, you would start expecting something inside the blog. And you get disappointed reading the content. I understand Blogs dont work that way..

May be I dont deserve to say all this, as I aint perfect either.

Is my blog title just ? Nope.. whats this "Welcome to Your Senses" supposed to mean...? Heck, that yet another "Hey.. look at me.. impressive title, huh !!" kind of ones. (Mine is a News and Commentary blog, and I intend to reflect your feelings... Hence the Title. Did I succeed convincing you ? Man, Im a genius. BTW, Avyukta is the name of the Computer I post on this Blog. Hence the URL.)

Just a small suggestion to the world. When you name something, try to be simple.

PS - I dont intend to hurt anyone's feelings through this post. It is just an early morning Pulambal, and I wanted to break free on this. NO OFFENCE MEANT, AT ALL.

Weekend Perumoochu !

Yesterday was hectic. Today is going to be equally bad.. Tomorrow is going to be, well.. Im a little pessimistic.. so, let me not predict anything. Work is getting on nerves.

It seems as though the week has only three days.

Weekday, Saturday and Sunday

Weekday is however a little bigger than the other in terms of hours. But they are executed faster than the Weekends. It is like you wake up on Monday morning and End to Sleep on Friday night.

We execute 120 Hours of Monday to Friday, much faster than 24 hours of Saturday.

Just think that you are lucky, if you dont feel the above.

However, i feel the same frangrance among all the people working for IT. Sometimes you will be free, as though you are in bench... and all of a sudden you will be amidst an avalanche of work.. not realizing where the hell it came from. Work is that inconsistant. (in terms of Volume)

But the Punniyavans who accounted Saturdays and Sundays as Holidays, I owe them a lot. And thank you MNCs for incorporating that.

"sani njaayiru kaadhil sonnadhu ennadhu
mishinellaam manidhargalaagach cholludhu"

Hmm...
Weekend is 4 days away..
Next Monday is 6 days from now.
God Damn it !

I Wish !

You are
never given a wish
without also being given the
power to make it true.

- from Richard Bach's Illusions.

Thanks Srivatsan for suggesting the book.

Valentine vaangalayo Valentine !

Clik for big picture.

I wont need this, though i designed it. Feel free to use it.

New Wallpaper on Photoshop blog

Mazhai (Rain) II

Those who havent read the story earlier, please do so by clicking here.

3 Weeks Earlier

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

It is beginning to rain as i approach them. Mom is waving harder, with all smiles on her face. Mom's put on weight. I leave my trolly just like that and rush towards them, as if I didnt care about it.

Sangeetha is wearing an embarassed smile. I can understand that. I compelled her to visit me at Airport.

Whats this ? Rain starts poring heavily over. Whoosh ! Suddenly something.

I turn back, and run towards my trolly... Oh ! My god.. Think pad is geting wet. I grab the trolly, that was naked to rain, and try to accomodate it somewhere. I see a lot of people walking fast (or running) towards a place where there is shade. I walk fast in the same direction pulling along, my trolly.

Huh ! thank heavens.. i find a comfy place and park my trolly there. I dig my hand inside the laptop-carry case, and feel. Nothing wet.. good.

I turn back, and search for Mom and Sangeetha. There they are, not waving anymore.

There they are, Wet.

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

3 Weeks Later

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

Mom and I got seats in different rows.. we were the last ones to check in. We didn't care. We werent going to talk over the travel. We are waiting in Gate 3. Many here are upset about the flight's delay, as if something outrageous has happened.

I have 15 more minutes. I open my Think Pad and boot it. As the boot screen appears, the small scratch glitters and reminds . I softly touch and feel it. hmmm... Why didnt she understand....

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

Thanks a Ton to Monu, for this and this. Anand also gave an ending to the story. Hmm.

If you haven't read the story, its just one post prior. Go ahead read it and give me some thoughts.

Iam still squeezing my thoughts to show a simple course of action, that devastatingly changes the life path.

Let us see...

Update :: Lakshmi and Iris have written their story endings.. check them out..

Someone with Someone. Webcam photo of still photo. (will scan and post the actual later. Cant control the anxiety, yo know..). Trust me... no photoshopping here. :)

Velai-vetti-illadha Day !

Iam not a supporter for celebrating Valentine's Day. But the protests from BJP and VHP and RSS and Shiv Sena keeps me neutral. I want a good protestor to join with. Not someone who plans to make the Lover gang to get married.

Read this, and come back

How crazy can you get... ? It keeps me entertained to watch the build-up for every Valentine's day, every year. People do crazy things to celebrate, and few others get even wilder to oppose that. The opposition doesnt realize, that they add extra glamour to the day. Anyways..

Why is that only Hindu movements oppose this ? Or is it only my assumption ? Arent there any parents who oppose Love-marriage in Christianity and Islam ? I guess it is only a political game to send opposition and violently crush the valentines.


BTW. Here's something that interested me... and i think if people marketted this day, then it would be a bigger success than the Valentine's day.

from Wiki,

In Korea, there is also an additional Black Day, held on April 14, when males who did not receive anything for Valentine's Day gather together to eat Jajangmyun (Chinese-style noodles in black sauce).

He he he !!

Lokha Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu !
(May all beings be happy and free).

Style Up !

I've been using this for long, but never tried to go out of the box (than the themes that were bundled along with it). Yesterday, hit on a website - ThemeXP.Org, and found an irresistable theme that looked way too impressive.

Here's how it looked on Avyukta.



Click for big.

Style XP Rocks. I understand most of you dont like installing themes, and like it simple. But from time to time, i would like to experiment on my desktop. After all, we feel happy when one fine day we wear a Jigu-Jigu shirt. Illaya ?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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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 !!!