The Nelson Manickam Road of London.

"Porambokku ! Bemani ! Orama poda !! Vootla sollittu vandhhuttiya ?"

"Ayye !! Moodhevi ! Signal vuzhundha naan yen Runwayla ninnuttu irukken.."

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

Click picture for the bigger version. You've gotta see this BIG. So Click and view it full, first.

I was doing this on Saturday night. Going places on Google Earth. Airports are always a fantacy, for me. I have visited almost all the big and interesting airports on this earth, of course through Google Earth.

And this view of Heathrow Airport, London was Whaaw !!

With all the cheap airways rushing into the Indian skies, We could find a similar surge of Air traffic soon on the domestic airports of India. Thanks, Air Deccan.

What change Reliance did to the algorithm of the mobile market, Air Deccan has done it on the Air Travels.

I wish someone changes the Plasma TV markets like this.. :)

Kavi (means Kurangu in Tamil) Arangam

Howzaaat !! I opened MS Paint and a few strokes.. Black and Yellow splashes... I had successfully made a Karunanidhi.. Gawd.. Im creative. (Kashta kaalam.. hmm).

Blame it on Mumbai.. i was watching some TV yesterday.

I used to long for these occasions, early days. But you know, Plenty makes things unworthy (I wanna copyright protect this phrase ;).

Sun TV usually has Pattimandram. Solomon Pappayya is the Aasthaana judge, and it used to be a lively and interesting discussion forum. But off late, its just a comedy show. Raja comes and talks about his wife and then about Namitha, wins some claps and goes off.

Im not sure if yesterday had a similar Pattimandram, but i saw Vaali, Vairamuthu, Abdul Rahman and Pa. Vijay along with Karunanidhi on a Kavi Arangam. I was ignorant enough to assume that the program would be good. But a few lines from Pa. Vijay made me realize it was a cheap political meeting. They vehementally criticized Jayalalitha and the Govt, in poetic Tamil.

Read the story of yesterday, here, if you missed it on Sun TV.

Kavidhai Variyin Suvai, Artham Puriyum Varai :) All the poets were in high praise for Karunanidhi. It looked so cheap. Pay four poets and ask them to praise Karunanidhi, and buy votes. Frankly speaking, I have heard people praise Karunanidhi's Tamil, but I havent witnessed some extra-ordinary speeches from him. They were all too political. May be he spoke well, before i was born. I like Vaiko in that aspect. Sense or Non-sense.. the way he expresses is admirable. Straight to point.

I wonder when Sun TV will stop using the media for showscasing DMK. Im not against it. I dont want any media to be un-biassed. I like biassed news. But DMK is simply not worth for a media like Sun TV to patronize.

Happy New year - Viya !

Noodhanam !

"Hello !"

"Yes.."

"Im calling from AirBell. This is for your address verification.. You card is marked for deactivation.. Can you please come to the AirBell office, before 2 PM today.."

"What ? No, Im busy right now.. i dont understand why it is being deactivcated.."

"Sir, its just a simple formality.. if you are busy can you send someone else with your address proof"

"No. thats not possible.. why the hell are you deactivating my connection.. I have to know the reason now.."

"Sir, Im just a helpdesk executive. Can you atleast tell me over phone your address details ?"

"Yeah.. thats better"

"You can just tell me the details, and i shall verify it. Your Full name as you gave while enrolling for AirBell ?"

"Bharat Kumar Selvamani"

"Your Address is "

"F2 RTS Flats East Mada Street, Ayanavaram"

"Your Company Name and Full address.."

"Infowares Technologies, Teynampet, Chennai."

"Since when are you having this Conenction.."

"Feb 2006.."

"thank you sir.. I have verified the address and they are right. I will communicate to the communication center.."

"yeah.. whatever.."

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

a few days later

"Hello.. Can i talk to Mr. Bharat..."

"Yes. "

"Bharat, im calling from Nixor People Management services. We learnt that you are a Software Engineer at Infowares.. How many years of experience do you currently posses ?"

"3 Years.."

"Well, We have an opening that suits your profile. This has an onsite opportunity for six months and then extendable based on the performance... If you dont mind can you tell me your current CTC ?"

"4.5 Lacs per annum"

"And.. what would be your expectation, Bharat ?"

"ill be happy with anything above 5.4 lacks.."

"Can you please tell me your email id.. Bharat.."

"s_bharatk@yahoo.com"

"Thanks Bharat, I will get in touch with you later.."

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

and a few more days later

"Hello.."

"hello Sir.. can i talk to Mr. Bharat"

"Yes.."

"Good evening Mr. Bharat. We are calling from IVKI Bank. Sir, you have been selected for our Gold Card program. Sir, would you like to enroll for a lifetime free gold card offer ?"

"No .Thanks.. Im not interested"

"Sir, Please let me brief you on the key features of this card. Sir, this Gold card from IVKI Bank is a Lifetime free card. Sir, we are offering you very very low interest rates, and you can pay after 45 days of purchase.."

"Look.. im not interested.."

"Sir, we are offering a 1 week trip to Colombo as an introductory offer. You can also win a Maruthi Swift on a lucky draw.."

"1 week trip to colombo.. for everyone who sign up ?"

"Yes sir.. It is a very limited offer sir.. a win-win game. Would you like to join.."

"Yes.. but i dont want to hurry.."

"Sir, I can ask our representative to contact you in your home... Assuming you are in office right now, when will you be at home.."

"Can you ask him to come to my office.."

"No. sir.. we can ask him to visit home anytime you want.. "

"No.. I reach home only by 11.30 PM... "

"Oh.. I can have him drop the broucheres to anyone at home, today evening.. You can fill it up, and drop it in any of our banks..."

"Well, no one is at home... You understand my situation ? please ask him to come to my office.."

"Alright sir.."

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

Just 3 calls will do. Whats your number ?

Can you take the order..

Yes sir, what would you like to have ?

yes..
1 Aloo Mutter (gas)
2 Butter Naan (cholestrol)
1 Crispy Veg Fry (High Oil Content)
1 Coke (Super !)

And please take this water away.. and get one Bislery Bottle (Health Concious Indian)

Aarambichuttaangayya ! Aarambichuttaangayya !

Pic Ctsy - The Hindu

The DMK Don has begun his campaign from his ever favoutire Chepauk constituency.

I wish the Lok Paritran had contested here. Anyway, they are contesting in 1000 lights where the "Vito Corleone" is appearing.

More news on Lok Paritran's TN Election Agendas here.






Hey ! Stop.. look at this picture on the top. Look at the outstretched waving hands.. and look at the smile on Karunanidhi's face.


Lok Paritran ?

மாவீரனும் ஒரு நேர்மையும் கை கோர்த்துக் கொள்ள
அகராதியோ அது ராகவன் என அர்த்தம் சொல்ல !
அதிகாரமோ ஆர்ப்பாட்டமோ இவன் பேச்சில் இல்லை
முன் ஆய்வதில், பின் பாய்வதில் இவன் புலியின் பிள்ளை..

-----------------------------------
மச்சான் பேரு மதுர !! நீ
நின்னு பாரு எதிர... நான்
றக்க கட்டி பறந்துவரும்..
ரெண்டு காலு குதுர !!

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

No inferences here.. Just a funny feeling.

"Innaikku Sri Rama Navami.. Nooru dhadavai Sri Ramajayam Ezhidhapporen..."

"aaha.. Sri Ramajayamnnu Type pannittu copy-paste pannidungolen... "

:)



Coming Soon !

Google Talk Me !

Google Talk takes an upgrade. More features.. and you know how google leaps on upgrades.

The look and feel, all of a sudden looks much enhanced.

We still need the conference, and the Webcam feature. Thats all Google needs to incorporate, and them not doing this for long keeps me confused.

If you arent using Google Talk yet, I'd suggest you start using now.

Get Google Talk here.

You all know why i like google talk.. Speed. God Speed.

In Yahoo messenger, I get responses lapsed, and also very late.. It will be like answer the first question, when the second question is asked.

Their move to pull in more people to Google Chat is a half-success with the coming of Google Chat through GMail. It is difficult to pull in the majority of the public who believes in just Yahoo !

My friend was taught in a leading computer institute in Chennai, that internet means Yahoo.com

Happy Birthday Dude ! (the lazygeek style ;)

Sri Rama Navami today.
Pic ctsy - Hindu Web Graphics

VV - Coming Soon Coming Late !

What is that i hear ?

Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu wont be releasing as per dates. No April 7th and not even April 14th. Only close to May end. OMG ! Thats really bad.. the movie is been suffocating with many troubles ever since the beginning. And pushing the dates subsides the hype.

The Audio is already rocking, and "Manjal Veyyil" is played even in Mumbai. (Guess who plays it;).

I was telling my friends early on, when the movie shifted across various producers.. "Machchan ! neeyum naanum aalukku noothambadhu roova pottudhaan indha padaththai mudikkaum pola irukku.."

I see chances for that.

Everyone is Someone's Fool

Nithya had a comfortable feeling looking at Ajay. She always had wanted to impress him. He is a cute guy. At 29 not many people look this young and handsome. To her, he was the dream man.. the Handsome.

Leela was Ajay's mom. She had to wait every night, before she sleeps. Ajay would come late and have his so-called dinner and sleep with his future worries. Ajay, who was Leela's pride had grown into her sense of tension and irritation. She wanted him to get married. "Let her wait for him.. he will be her headache then..". She had Nithya in her mind. Sweet girl.

Vishvat, the next door kid was always afraid of Ajay. The kid refrained from playing in Ajay's home whenever he was inside. Ajay would yell at him and commend him "Do this.. Dont do this".. No one's like Leela nani. To him Ajay uncle was a terror.

Very far away from them all was Kalyani aunty, the inevitable NRI relative of Ajay. She used to make a conversation with Ajay involved in it, whenever the topic was about education. Ajay was a State rank holder, and her daughter wasnt much of an educationalist. So, she would talk like.. "even such a great State Rank holder couldnt get a proper seat in college.. then think about Suchitra.. Education these days have become business..hai na ?".. To her Ajay was just a subject.

Prabhat Uchat was always with a proud smile, where-ever he takes Ajay with. He will introduce Ajay to any person. "State Rank Holder. Now working on the Top MNC.. what company is that, Ajay ?"... He wont remember the name Virtusa, no matter how many times Ajay told him. It wasnt important, however. Prabhat was also searching for a good girl for Ajay. Ajay was a proud trump card for Prabhat, which he will never throw off.

Suchitra (remember Kalyani Aunty ? Her daughter.. actually, Her dull-head daughter) never liked Ajay. he was just too much. Though Ajay didnt do anything intentionally, whatever he did will result in a ill-speech from ma. She would deliberately compare Suchitra with Ajay. "I give you better facillities than that Leela does to Ajay.. still you wont study.. Next mid-term.. i want marks.. otherwise ill slaughter you.. ".. Damn you Ajay. Damn you.

Randolph was six months old to India. "Has Ajay verified it ?".. "yes Sir, he has..".. "well then Go ahead !". He never doubts Ajay's works. And Ajay has never given a chance. He has been exuberant in his work. Smart chap. Randolph wanted to give Ajay a good raise this year. He wanted to keep him. He didnt want to loose such an employee. He should pay two resources for this volume of work in the US. Ajay was cheap and good.

Tamil girls easily fall for North indian guys. I have seen that happen. For example, Vishnupriya who was on a assignement to Pune for just 3 weeks, fell in love with Ajay. She will be proposing to him next friday. She will leave to Madurai, the next day. Happy or Sad, she couldnt predict. Hmm. Ajay.

Debarana couldnt even stand Ajay for a single minute. He has teased her in the beginning of college days. Then something happened and he fell in love with her. After that he has been mad after her. She openly cut him off, and started insulting him in public. He even misbehaved twice. She could only slap him ith her slippers. Ajay was an arrogant little trouble maker.

Ajay just thought about himself. Iam a creative person he thought, staring at the painting he had just finished. He then thought of defining himself by his attributes.. he was struck.

Ajay was now kneeling down in front of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. "Swamiji. Who Am I ? "...

Most of you guys got it right.

Tejaswini is the name of my niece. Kinda cute, aint it. The baby is cuter than the name, believe me.

I was in Mumbai today, missing the Naming funtion. However, I was using my cellphone to tell the name of the kid in its ears.

"Tejaswini... Tejaswini... Tejaswini"

It would have been the best commercial if Hutch had sponsored it :)
"You and I... In this beautiful world. "

BTW, I watched Crash. I am having this delicate feeling.. It somehow reminded me of Anbe Sivam.. If Crash can win an Oscar, so can Anbe Sivam.

T E J A S W I N I
T E J A S W I N I
T E J A S W I N I

Being Cyrus.. just the way i feared

This was the first time i was inside the Fame Adlabs theatre in Andheri. Quality theatre and the ticket counter asked me and my friend, if we were sure that we were above 18 years of age. I just smiled at him, and he nodded.

I was shocked when they played the National Anthem in the beginning of the movie. Im not sure about the use of it, but I know it existed in Chennai theatres too. Why was that removed ? hmm..

Then they screened Being Cyrus. Oh Holy Crap !

The movie is technically very good.. but has a very simple Illogical story. Tamil audience have seen it many times as a sub-movie(a flashback part in a movie). Im not sure if this kind of story telling is new to Bollywood, but I wasnt impressed.

The Director, Homi Adajania, has taken a very easy story and trusted it on Saif Ali Khan. He's got a very good acting skill, but that isnt very necessary in this movie. Dimple Kapadia, Naseerudin Shaw, Boman Irani and most of all Honey Chaya have acted their part well. Only unfortunately the story isnt that thirsty to suck out their potentials.

There are twists and turns in the movie. Intellgent audience will find easy-and-sloppy logical mistakes. The other normal mass like me will find it extremely confusing. This movie speaks English completely and some bad-words in Hindhi. The editing and camera works well.

The Soundtrack is the most awesome department in the movie. Amazing music in the background. World-class.

I get sick when some mediocre effort like Being Cyrus gets so much of attention. Just becuase the movie speaks english, and just because the movie is close to reality, it cant be called a great movie.

It is the Debut effort of the director. People ! Dont give him the wrong idea.. Fail him :)

If you remember my previous post, I read a review which said "Being Cyrus is an obsessive, inconclusive, disorderly, and strangely humane story about an outsider struggling to get inside himself. " - What the heck.. Either he went to a different movie, or I was out of minds.

Gudi Padwa here

Today is Gudi Padwa... Meaning Maharashtrian New Year..

Whats so good about it.. ? The production server will not run, so we work for extra hours on the Development server. What a Holiday ! Damn.

Its also Ugadi !

How many New Years we have in India.. Hmmm !

I told my Taxi Driver.. "Happy Gudi Padwa..."

He said "Yes Sir.." :)

Being Virus !

Any comments on the movie ? Am plannign to watch it this weekend.

I've read reviews of this movie, and they are not very interesting though. It says the movie has an Interesting twist. Who likes interesting twists anymore ?

One review says - "Being Cyrus is an obsessive, inconclusive, disorderly, and strangely humane story about an outsider struggling to get inside himself. ".. Damn, I hate these stuffs..

Other review says its a Black Humour.

Hmmp.. Even though tons of Sleazy movies get produced, a one or two like this regularly comes from Bollywood. Very good.

By the way, my colleague says Pattiyal is extra-ordinary. He says the Audience remains silent for the last 15 minutes, and the climax is very impressive. Well, thats adding to anxiety.. He also said, the movie somehow resembles Kuruthippunal.. Appdiyaa ?

Ponniyin Selvan

Vallavarayan Vandhiyaththevan climbed on his vehicle. It looked like a Platform with a tiny podium, like a flat scooter with no tyres. It had a display over which Vandhiyaththevan made a thumb impression.

"Welcome Mr. Vandhiyathevan.. Where do you want to go today ?"

"Take me to Aazhvaarkkadiyan's residence. I need to be there for the Secret meeting.."

"Yes Mr. Vandhiyathevan. We might need to stop at the Mechs. I had communicated and ordered for a replacement battery. Approve ?"

"Alright.. But please make it quick. I need to be there at the meeting on time.."

"I understand.. It will be done in a giffy."

The Pushpaga Vimaanam (that was the sticker pasted on its hood) rose up to 80 feet, and whoozed into a flash.

Vanthiyathevan enjoyed the travel at this time of the day.. when the city was tired at homes with all the glittering lights. Very less traffic on the skies.

The software sounded... "Would you like to stop by at the near by Mc Donalds for a Happy Meal. One full square for just Rs. 120, Sir ?"

"No. Just take me to the place i wish to.. Damn you trial version vehicles. Is there a setting in you, i can turn off these Ads ?"

"Negative Sir. You could turn off these ads, by regisatering this product. Would you like to register now, or.."

"No. Stop that. Just drive the god damn thing.."

The Viamanam reached the Mech shop. There were no Humans there, as usual. The battery was replaced, and they drove out.

"Incoming message from Aazhvarkadiyan's residence. Read now ?"

"Yes.."

"Its a parking instruction.. never mind. Its for me"

They descended and the ship travelled elsewhere to park itself.

It was a bloggers meet.

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

Inside

There was a huge spherical crystal ball. It was some kind of receiver, and display unit. It was a remote surveilance unit. They were surveiling over the Pazhuvettarayars conversation with Nandhini. The Crystal Ball was streaming videos from the sky-spy cams (like the ones that come in Deception point) hovering over Periya Pazhuvettarayars residence.

They both had cracked the plot that they were planning. Vandhiyathevan messaged to Sendhan Amudhan to come there.

Sendhan Amudhan was a veteran Blogger, whos blog had great hits.

Aazhvarkkadiyavan laid out their strategy.

"Sendhan amudhan will podcast the surveilance video on his blog. Everyone will link to it.. and we will bring a huge uprise..."

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

To Be Continued


PS : Just took out the name. No intention to pull the Novel.. Im a great fan of the book and the character names there.

Sketch Up your Dreams

How long did you want to design a home of your dreams.. ? But, you have failed miserably with the rigid softwares like 3d home and many other things.. I had all those animation softwares from my friend.. but they are not as easy as the end product appears.. and are certainly not fun working with.

Now, here's relief to that. You just need the thought.. and a few simple mouse clicks and drags will build anything 3D.. just like how I've designed this house.. Well, I did not have proper breakfast.. kindly excuse me.

I used SketchUp (Sounds like Ketchup). This is the next Google Application that can easily rock your minds if you have the need. Go Here..to get it (Trial Version)

Not just houses, you can easily create 3D objects and apply textures and mend it with other photo editing applications. You could also export into .dwg files so that other Design applications can understand your creation. Perspective views are good.

31 MB.. If you have free internet, just give this a try. Get freaky. Send me your dream home.. Lets see how creative (or Wierd , whichever the case may be) you can get.

Vadu Maanga is Super Star ??

Read the source here, or the gist here.

Vijay is the 'Super Star in Waiting' in Kollywood, said veteran director K Balachander.

The master director, who brought out the 'Super Star' in Rajinikanth, taking part in the audio release function of the devotional album Aanaimuganae Aarumuganae rendered by Shoba Chandrasekar (Vijay's mother), said 'Vijay has all it takes to become a super star. He is sought after by the masses'.

I understand there's already a War between Bala and others in the previous post on Sivaji (Ubayam : Thennavan). But soon after that, now i have a furious disagreement to make on this statement. K Balachander might have foreseen his disciples Rajinikanth and Kamalhaasan's future. But on Vijay, I think he might go wrong.

The way i see it, Vijay will loose himself if he follows the same trend.. He should not fear failures, for trying differently. People easily make lame excuses. I have heard that KS. Ravikumar has said "I made Puriyaadha Pudhir and Cheran-Paandiyan.. But people appreciated Cheran-Paandiyan much much better than the other. I understood the People's taste.. and so, I switched to Masala from then on..."

Same way, Viay fears to take risks on different roles. I wonder how long people will watch the same type of movies.. I can say the name of a movie by watching a scene. (Not bad, anyone can do it..) But Vijay's movies, off late, I simply cant guess which movie it belongs to. Same kind of intro songs..

One Word : STEREOTYPIC.

However, this is just what i think. But I have seen high-spirit Vijay fans screaming and rejoicing their God. Thats a great factor for the making of a Superstar.

I dont have the math to disprove K Balachander. But I somehow feel, VIJAY CANT.

The Pleasure of Growth

"நீ ஏண்டா என் பேனாவை எடுத்தே ?"

"அப்படித்தாண்டி எடுப்பேன்.. என்ன பன்னுவ ?"

"டீ யா ? அம்மா பாரும்மா என்னை டீ போட்டு கூப்பிடறான்.."

அம்மா வந்தாள்.

பளார்.. !! "டீ போட்டு கூப்பிடுவெ ? இனிமே கூப்பிடுவியா ? " பளார்..

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

அக்காவும் தம்பியும் தூங்கியிருந்தனர்.. "ரெண்டு பேரையும் சமாளிக்க முடியலைன்னா.. நாழிக்கு நாழி சண்டை.. ஓயாத சண்டை.. இப்பொவே இந்த கதி.. பெரியவாள் ஆனப்பறம் ரெண்டும் என்ன பன்னப்போறதோ தெரியலை.."

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

"அச்சிச்ச்சிச்ச்ச்சு... என் செல்லமே.. செல்லக்குட்டி.. பட்டுக்குட்டி..." ... விசு விநோதமான பாஷயில் குழந்தையைக் கொஞ்சிக்கொண்டிருந்தான்...

குழந்தைக்கு ஒன்றும் புரிந்ததாய்த் தெரியவில்லை.. கை காலை உதரியது.. ஒரு கை அவன் பேக்கட்டில் மாட்டிக் கொண்டது...

"பேணா வேணுமாடி தங்கம்... மாமா பேணா வேணுமா ? ந்தா ந்தா ந்தா.... புடிப்புடிப்புடி..."

லதா சிரித்தாள்..

More than Happy

I was stressed and pissed off for the past week..
One niece came into this world (My World), and relieved all with her first smile..

Please buy One Mysorepa and have a bite.. Iam Keerthi Mama :)

Lets Take Chennai to the World

This Movie Will be a Legend, whether its a hit or not.. You know why ;)

Mumbai Statistics

3 of 5 drivers with whom I drove to Office, were named Sharma ! Should be a co-incidence or should be their last name. I spoke to them in my MALALAI (Not read as Mazhalai) hindhi and they responded in their MALALAI English.. If you knew both the languages and were sitting in the front seat, you would have died of laughter. Just imagine Pasupathy's english in Majaa.. that types.

Most of my talks was about Raj Thakarey.. and the Dharavi area slums. I take a almost 2 hour journey to office.. so I make conversations, which neither of us understand.

Every corner of the street has a glossy banner of Raj Thackarey thinking in different poses. All his gestures were majestic, and he has the poise.. i feel. The Taxi driver told me that he was really powerful and has very good image built over the Student community. That sounded like real power. I have also heard that Bal Thackray had similar Auro over the student .. wonder what the student community is doing in Tamil Nadu.. (I know they cant even win the protest for the Cell phones and Color codes)..

FYI - Raj Thakarey is Bal Thakarey's nephew.

Guys, One good thing about Mumbai is the Taxi and Auto system. Not as corrupt as Chennai is. Simple example.. when I leave home at night (close to midnight).. i wont hear "Saar.. midnight aayidichu sir.. emptyaa return varanum saaar.. paathu pottu kodunga saar..".. Instead, this Taxi driver (most probably his name is Sharma) screws the meter in style and steers his 20 year old Premier Padmini car. Hmm.. i wish this happens in Chennai too.

Hey, dont think Im becoming a traitor to Chennai. Scroll down to see my pulambals on Mumbai.. But Nalla vishayam irundha solli thaane aaganum (? Dhoda !!)

A sunny day inside the Taxi

Story !

The taxi stopped in the same old clumsy street of Dharavi. Im not a rich guy.. only because my company pays my travel Im on this taxi. I usually keep my car windows closed for the fear of those eunuchs who will "Raasa ! Raasa " and get money. That somehow keeps me embarassed. So, i dont even mind the suffocation inside..

Todays got unusual traffic jam. I mean, just this place.. usually its a free ride here. But not today.

I was sitting cursing the Sun and the traffic. I concentrated a little outside.. This city Mumbai is a little different. The poverty is very obvious here. Both the sides of the road, you will find people on platforms taking bath, eating food, washing clothes and the rest of the things. They are clearly homeless. There are others who have built two story huts. They are capable of living with their so called income in Mumbai. Chennai has poverty, but not this visible. We've gotr sky-scraper huts here in Mumbai.

I was thinking all this, as if I was the Financial Minister who wants to reform all this on a single signature. Thats when I noticed that lady in Red saree watching me for a long time. She should have been watching me ever since the Taxi halted. She had a kid standing close to her. Should be her daughter. Or Son ? I couldnt make out. Should be a son. He was wearing a dirty trouser. His face was showing that he hasnt had good food.. since days. I always feel bad about hungry people. In Iruvar, Karunanidhi will say "Rich people should not come to politics.. Caste system should abolish.. There should be no brutality" and so on.. but MGR will tell him "No one should be Hungry.. there should not be a situation that a family suffers from hunger..".. I liked that scene for that dialogue from MGR. Im probably forcing myself to feel bad about this.. but im usually not a guy who is so kind and donate a lot to charity.. just that now i have time for that.

Now this short guy looked like coming towards me.. I closely watched him. He wasnt coming himself. He was being pushed. By her.

I wasnt sure why.. but i think it was going to be for begging.. what else could be it.. My hand involunteerly made sure the Window lever was fully turned.. and quickly pretended like sleeping. I made sure the transition wasnt deliberat.. but why am i reacting like this.. I can simply say no ! but i hate to do that. I wish no one comes up to me, begging for money.

I slowly watched out of my closed eyes. The boy hadnt progressed. He was reluctant. He has not done this before and looked like he feels bad, as him mom was compelling him to do so. This is cruel, i thought. Forcing a kid to beg.. attrocious. He ran back.. but was caught by his hair. The child should have shouted.. couldnt hear any sound from behind the windows. She slapped him twice.. he broke into tears.. She then pushed towards me.. now the kid came walking fater towards me. My pretention was already over when the kid was beaten.

I wished the traffic cleared and the taxi started. But it did not..

Knock knock..

I was already looking at him. I was staring actually. He made some gestures.. he wanted money.. he was showing his stomach. Boy.. he was hungry. There wasnt a lie in his gesture. Poor fellow. I had already decided to give some money. Only how much was the dielemma. Sometimes i have wanted to be very generous. (Dont be dismayed, its a matter of 2 digit cash.. thats all). I had planned as of now for Rs. 10..

But there was also a parallel thought. This guy will start begging from now. All the more if he was successful on his first attempt he will choose the same gesture.. the bread winning gesture. He will not attempt to get money in a proper way. I dont reccomend education. But not begging. However he is going to be begging.. but why should i inaugurate.

Not listening to my mind... i opened the window.. "sikkudhunna.. anna anna! rendu naala saapidalanna.. pasikkudhunna.." Tamil.. yes. Dharavi is mostly the residence of the Tamil people.. most of them very poor.

Only two things.. I dont give him any money.. that will disappoint him and chances are that he wont beg anymore.. Or I give him money and dont think too much.. I helped him to eat once.. why do i care if he begs further or not. Im least bothered.. i just would get a great feeling about the donation..

Ok i have decided to give the money to the crying kid. The woman who had sent her.. she could not even be his mother.. was about to have a smile with pride..

I was digging the pocket.. thats when it dawned on me. I did not have change. Only a few hundred rupee notes.. not even coins..

"anna anna.. ! pasikkudhunna.. "

The traffic just cleared..

"Chillarai illappa !! ", i said sadly. The woman was now disappointed..

I sadly watched his face go back through the window, as my taxi progressed.

Oh yes.. a few good things about Mumbai

Shopping.. Me my friend and a Canadian colleague went around the streets of Colaba.. the Leather Market and the Book shops.. the Marine Drive and the Taj. Because we had this Canadian friend, the decorated elephant made of wood which usually costs 200 bucks costed Rs. 650.. from then on, when he sees something interesting, he tells that to us, and he goes and hides somewhere. We get him things cheaper.. Hmmp.

We went to the Prince of Wales museum.. Foreigners are charged Rs. 300 per ticket and Indians are charged Rs. 10. I was proud and safe to be an Indian. Duh ! We went through the museum and were delightfully bored instantly. We went into a art gallery there.. after few minutes of starting at the ambiguous art we said to each other "The Air conditioning is really very good here.."

Books.. I got some books really cheap here. I got a few of Paulo Coelho books (I need some spiritual uplift when Im emotionally broken).... 3 of them for 200 bucks.

Food.. I hate mumbai for the Sweet Sambar they make and the Enormous impotency to make good coffee. Lots of Family Restaurants and Bar. I still have no clue of this culture. Yesternight dinner, i saw a man with his family drinking hot drinks. He and his wife drinking while their kids are watching them. Is this a foolish culture, or Am i so immature to accept these things.. am not sure. I wish these things dont come to Chennai.. or are they already there ?

Traffic... whoops.. guys i gotta leave now..

Tharai Ticket !

When I was on the Escalator to Gate 4 in Chennai Airport, one Kid in Gate 1 asked

"Ammma ! Ivaallaam Balcony ticketaaa ?"

Kids say the darndest things.. oh yeah..

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 !"

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

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.