Nother Quality Wallpaper - My Photos

This was taken from the Marina again. As I told you, whenever I go to the beach, I get some very good pictures. Click here for Full Size.

Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 8.9 mm
ISO Speed: 125

POGO !

POGO is not anymore within the TV. It is in Dachu's hands. I guess the name is Tele Tubbies, and wonder how these names alone enter the kiddos mouth, when he still calls me keeythy !

I find these stuffed toys in a lot of homes, and a lot of kids are now citizens of the POGO kingdom. I never thought, when POGO entered, it would replace Cartoon Network. But clearly in CAS Chennai POGO is next only to the SUN TV mega serials.

Even adults are amused by Just for Laugh GAGS. Mr. Bean is invariably a favourite show among all ages. Although I dont watch all these, I get regular updates from every kid I meet.

I dont think Disney made a huge impact as expected. By the way, is Toon Disney a free channel ?

Character Slaves / Stranger than Fiction

I wrote this story way back, last year.

This Story.

And now, there's a movie very similar to this (of course an improved version !).

This movie.

Any chances that i can fight for Royalty, like the Dasavathaaram issue ? :P

KK - VV - HJ

powered by ODEO


powered by ODEO

Post No. 700

pic ctsy - Hindu ePaper

I Agree with this. COMPLETELY. Morning is the time !

Creativity is one word I like to add as an attribute to my name, all the time. But unfortunately, Im not creative. I've struggled to become a creative person.

You cant become creative. You have to be creative.
Appdiya ?

Machchan Enge Da irukke !

Meeting point - The most time consuming place.

When people ask me to meet at some public place, I convince them to turn down that plan. Instead I offer a pick up at his home, and journey forward to the place together, rather than meeting at a place. Why ?

Thats because, I've wasted a lot of time waiting for others. I'm too very punctual, that I'm atleast 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the mentioned time. And then, the other person comes nearly 10 to 15 minutes later than the mentioned time. Thats close to half an hour wasted. Well, I have no use for 30 minutes of a day. But yet, it is a pain to move your neck around and look for people on the road, to identify our Late Man.

Especially Movies. When people dont turn up and you have their tickets, you turn restless. You almost walk like walking outside a Surgery hall. I've seen Cellphones in maximum use, only outside the theatres. Even terrible is Train Stations and Bus stops.

The photo on top, is another bad example of a meeting point. They are in the middle of the beach sand. They didnt have cell phones, and they were waiting for some more of their friends. Obviously, they couldnt meet and left the place after some 40 minutes. ( I was sitting close with my friends having a great chat ).

Sandhippoma ! Iruvarum Sandhippomaa ?
July Kaatril, Jupiteril iruvarum Sandhippoma !

Ketka nalladhaan irukku. But Wait panni paarunga, kashtam puriyum !

----- Photo Details -----
Camera : Sony DSC-H5
Exposure : 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture : f/3.2
Focal Length: 6.9 mm

Hmmmmmmmmmm ! aka Perumoochu !

Engirunthaalum Vaazhga !

Sorry, I cant comment anymore on that. I'm emotionally @$***@D up. I know many of us are. Lets join the Varuththapadadhor Vaalibar Sangam and start up with something.

Alright. The picture you see here, on the left, is from the Digital Version of the Hindu. Thats right. Looks like The Hindu is forced into this game, after Dinamalar and many other dailies started offering ePaper on the net.

It is free for the first three months and might require a payment after that period. You can register here, and access it here.

This is particularly of great interest to me, because the Advertisements can be archived from the ePaper version. I collect Print Ads that are interesting.

It is a small cultural change, that has already evolved. Home internet users, waking up and sitting in front of their Computers and read morning news, sipping a cup of hot filter coffee.

Unfortunately, reading today's ePapers - both Hindu and Dinamalar made me upset. You know why !

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !

Yesterday @ Marina Beach

ஊதி ஊதியே இளைத்தவன் !
சுவாசத்தையே மூலதனமாக்கி
வண்ணங்கள் விற்க்கும் இவன்
வாழ்வில் நிறங்கள் இன்னும் நுழையவில்லை !

வறுமையின் நிறம் சிவப்பென்று
யார் சொன்னது ?
காற்றாடிகள் முன் சுழல
பலூன்கள் பின் பறக்க
நடுவில் பெடல் மிதிக்கும்
பலூன்காரனைச் சுற்றித் தெரியும்
அனைத்து வண்ணங்களும்
வறுமையின் நிறங்களே !


Sony DSC H5 - Aperture - f/3.5 Exposure - 0.017(1/60) sec

Some photos on the Photoblog !

You've Got to See this !

Check this out

I'd like to see Bush's reaction to this compilation. There are a lot of such compilations on YouTube with a tag Dubya. Our Dubya - George Bush is adored and celebrated with so much glory, that I laughed out loud and woke up my sleeping dad. Not so many times you laugh loud on humour. Only good humour does that, and this makes George Bush a natural comedian.

Why couldnt we make some of these with our politicians ?

A Quality Wallpaper from Avyukta

I've felt most of the movies from 90's deserved a very good Wallpaper. So, here's a hunt for making some good wallpapers from those movies. To start with, Aandavar's classic - Kuruthippunal.

Which other movie had a classic Logo like this one ? Very few. Alaipayuthey is one. Any others ?

Appaada !

After Five days of continuous Activa rides on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, Saturday looks like heaven.

Ippadi oru pozhappu thevaya ?

Its taking time to get a Bus Pass for the Company pick-up and drop. Until then, I need to vroom with my Honda. It is an advantage on one hand, and a disadvantage on the other hand and the other two legs and even the whole body. Pain on the ***, you know ! Literally !

This is why, the blog isnt getting too much of updates,... and even the story is dangling. Ill complete it before the weekend.

You know what Im doing ? Playing a full-throttle AR Rahman, from Jeans

"Vaaram Aindhu Naal, Viyarvayil Uzhaikka..." :)

Bakki lyrics naane pottu paaditu irukken !

Fireworks - RKV

Fireworks like these used to be my wallpaper, way back in 1997. It used to be a fantasy, something that can never be seen in our country. I wanted to go to US, dip my feet into the water and watch July 4th ceremonies. Then one fine day, I saw it on a distant sky. Should have been Triplicane Sky (I was seeing from Villiwakkam !). Adn after that occassionally, I've been seeing such fireworks on some Temple Celebrations.

But since last year, this kinda fireworks is exhibitted in the sky above every home! Guess this firework has gone cheaper. My friend got one last year, for Rs. 5000. It displays spectacular fireworks for 30 minutes and after that you can start cleaning the ashes. Deepavali Over.

Since then, a lot of fireworks like these are seen. A lot of them, actually. And this Pillayar Chathurthi was another instance where almost all the Pillayars going to the sea, had someone ignite the sky.

Anybody know, how much this thing costs ?

Vande Matharam ! Celebrate ? or Not ?

கல்வி

சமயபுரம் போவதென்றால் எனக்கு கொள்ளை இன்பம். முழு ஆண்டுத் தேர்வு விடுமுறைகளில் மட்டும் போகக் கூடிய இடம். வேறு நாட்களில் அம்மா அல்லது அப்பா மட்டும் போய் வருவர். சில சமயம் ராமன் சித்தப்பா அங்கிருந்து வருவார். சித்தப்பா பெரும் செல்வந்தர். வரும்போது நிச்சயம் ஏதாவது விளையாட்டுப் பொருள் வாங்கி வருவார். கடைசியாக கயிற்றில் தொங்கவிட்டால் பறக்கும் பறவை பொம்மை வாங்கித் தந்தார். சித்தப்பா பொம்மை வாங்கும் போதெல்லாம் இரண்டாக வாங்குவார். ஒன்று எனக்கு. இன்னொன்று சாமிக்கு.

-----

நாளை தொடரும்/முடியும் !

Andra Mess Strategy

On the Old Mahabalipuram Road me and my friends went out to lunch in a nameless Andhra Mess. Fairly decent food considering the location. Me and my friends, each of them from each IT company located contiguously met at a point and searched for a eat-out place.

Lots and Lots of Andhra Mess were found. Why were all of them Andhra Mess ?

By default, any IT company here has more than a lot of people from Andhra. And most of these guys prefer to eat outside. This is not a guess. The proof is inside these messes. Full house. Gongura Packed (not jam-packed). You will find these places just outside CTS, TCS, Accenture/Wipro/Sathyam. These are not regular hotels. They are small houses converted into Messes. Naalu chair oru table potta hotel. Avvlodhaan.

But not all of htem are authentic Andhra messes. They just give it that name. It is all Tamilnadu taste. Sambhar Rasam and Poriyal arent as Kaaram as a Andhra mess has. Been to Supriya ? In T-Nagar, close to the Power house bus-stop. Thats one authentic Andhra mess.

What we went yesterday was a 2 bedroom house. We were in the Second bedroom having lunch ! Anyone with an idea of making easy money, can buy a small house and start cooking. No big deal. You will meet your ROI in months.

Approximately Rs. 30 per lunch. 30 is too much for it. It is worth the money, but it would cost very lesser inside the city. Aththuvaana Kaattukulle idhu kidaikkaradhe periya vishayam !

AD On !

This is a Johnson and Johnson Ad for the Digital Glucose level checker ! Can you read it ? Without trouble ?

Cool Ad !

Opening an Account was never this easier !

I was inside a room, very similar to the one that I was in three years back. A room full of strangers carrying mildly archive-smelling papers (aka certificates). Lotsa paperworks. I wish my address was something like "1600 Pensylvania Avenue". My biiiig home address made me feel bad. Every form had a comunication address and permanent address (places where I couldnt say "Same as above").

Certificate Verification / Forms verification / Relieving Order verification and so on. After that, three guys came in. Stancha (Thats how they pronounce Standard Charted !), HDFC and ICICI banks made a presentation on their products, and canvassed to capture our salaries into their banks. People inside that room, made varied choices, and in a matter of 20 minutes we all had our Debit Cards in our hands.

Instant Kits with Debit Cards , PIN for the bank , PIN for Netbanking , Cheque book and what not. Debit cards wont have your names embossed over it. We can do it at a later point of time (which in most cases would be Never).

I was given a Kit, and I struggled to open it. The Bank guy came to my assistance. I told him, "Opening an Account was much easier than this" (Again, any ad company using this tag line must pay me Royalty!).

They asked me to apply for a Credit Card and I told them I already had one from the same bank. They suggested me to convert that into the corporate account. Mine was alerady a HPCL card, and had most of the normal card benefit.

"Whats the benefit ? ", I asked him.

"Well, Sir.. When you show this credit card, you will be allowed into the Airport free of cost, No entry fee !".

Adappaavi makkka ! I came into this company to go into the Airport as a passenger. But this guy is giving me a Platform ticket, in the name of a Credit Card ! I associated it with Libi.

You guys know what a Libi is ?

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

- some JRR Tolkien

Image of the week is back after a break !

Categories and More

New Blogger Beta had been on the web-roads for sometime now, but I was a little reluctant to loose the existing template style of Avyukta. I had to compromise with a lot of Pixels to choose the new Template style. So, I waited for the Raw-HTML Edit feature to be on. And today I find the HTML editable. Here's Avyukta, back in the same template style with the new Blogger Beta template.

The only added advantage I find is being able to Add categories. But then, after writing this post, I should think about what Category I have to put this into ! Makes blogging more professional.

Yikes ! I dont like it that way !

Sathyam Vs The Universal Set

Sathyam is showing Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu on a special 7:30 Show (Also in Shantham). Doubtless, it was a full house, and mostly it housed Pattu Pudavais and Veshtis. People came wtih their families early in the morning to see Rape and Murder. Well, I'd been there to watch Kamalhaasan one more time, and to listen to the dialogues that did not make it to Abirami Speakers.

It isnt a good habit to compare between theatres. But who cares about habits.

Most of the background score and some minute-atomic-cute dialogues in the movie, never came out of Abirami Speakers. I had watched "Manjal Veyyil" song in Sathyam during the Audio Release function. It rocked the very minute. But after nearly 5 months watching it on Abirami proved disappointing. The song didnt have the effect, it had in Sathyam. The very moment, we decided to watch it again in Sathyam. And Janma Sabhalyam today !

The Second time didnt alter the first opinion, however. But Ravivarman and Harris Jayaraj showed up. There is a difference in Color. Subltle difference in Sound.

What is the point in having a technically superior movie run in ordinary theatres, when the effect which it means is not felt ? Why should The Sound Engineer and the Cameraman toil ? For screening on Sathyam alone ?

I wish the theatre owners put a part of the money they earn, back into the theatre.

Solitary !

Used to be my workplace !

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

- Richard Bach

Richard Bach is my dubbing artist. He speaks behind my ears, at important moments of my life. Although I quit reading anymore spiritual / philosophy, I consider Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions as books that have something for me in every page. I keep those books in my front and read random pages, occassionally.

I strongly reccomend you read these books. Warning : Im not an authentic book-reader. I have a very little knowledge on books. But whatever be it, these books are worth a read and remembrance.

Few more quotes from Bach:

The simplest questions are the most profound.

Where were you born?
Where is your home?
Where are you going?
What are you doing?

Think about these once in awhile, and watch your answers change.
- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

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

You may have to work for it, however.
- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

Every person, all the events of your life, are there because you have drawn them there.

What you choose to do with them is up to you.
- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.
- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such a speed, it feels an impulsion....this is the place to go now.

But the sky knows the reason and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons..
- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"

The gulls who scorn perfection for the sake of travel go nowhere, slowly.
Those who put aside travel for the sake of perfection go anywhere, instantly.
- from "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"

For most gulls, it is not flying that matters, but eating.
For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight.
- from "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"

If our friendship depends on things like space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we've destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?
- from "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"

The gulls who scorn perfection for the sake of travel go nowhere, slowly. Those who put aside travel for the sake of perfection go anywhere, instantly.
- from "Jonathan Livingston Seagull"

That's what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we've changed because of it and what we take away from it that we never had before, to apply to other games. Losing, in a curious way, is winning.
- from "The Bridge Across Forever"

We're the bridge across forever, arching above the sea, adventuring for our pleasure, living mysteries for the fun of it, choosing disasters triumphs challenges impossible odds, testing ourselves over and again, learning love and love and LOVE!
- from "The Bridge Across Forever"


If it's never our fault, we can't take responsibility for it.
If we can't take responsibility for it, we'll always be its victim.
- from "Running From Safety"


Can miles truly separate us from friends?
If you want to be with Rae, aren't you already there?
- from "There' No Such Place As Far Away"


You have no birthday because you have always lived; you were never born, and never will die. You are not the child of the people you call mother and father, but their fellow-adventurer on a bright journey to understand the things that are.
- from "There' No Such Place As Far Away"


Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever, and we'll meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that never can end.
- from "There' No Such Place As Far Away"


Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. A meaning behind every little thing, and such a meaning behind this. Part for you, part for me, may not see it all real clear right now, but we will, before long.
- from "Nothing By Chance"

Check this out !

Kakka Kakka - The Crow

Who said Only Gautham Menon can only take Kakka Kakka !
Here's my version of Kaakkaa Kakkaa (taken on my DSC H5)!

Esaipaattu for "Oru Oooril Azhage Uruvaai Oruththi Irundhaale !"
would be "Kakka ! Kaakka ! Nee romba Azhagaaa Ikke ! Oyu Paattu Paadu !"

Sparkles *

Many were disappointed reading my post on VV. Many thought I was harsh about the Title. Please understand it isnt a review, and is not neutral. It is a perception of a Hardcore Kamalhaasan fan.

Alrighty.. Dont even think for a moment that the movie is a piece of trash.. It is not upto the expectation level, and its only a mistake on the expectation level. Simple.

Here are a few sparkling dialogues, that I loved in the movie !

Aaradhana : "Are you some sort of Nostradamus ?"

Raghavan : "Much wiser.. Policeman !"

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

As Raghavan is about to break into the suspects house
Anderson : "You cant break into a house without a proper warrant."

Raghavan : "Mhmm.. We do it all the time in India.."

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


Aaradhana : "What are you doing in New York. ? Software ?"

Raghavan : "Illa Hardware.. Deputy Commissioner of Police. Crime Branch"

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

Thanks to Arun J for commenting the following dialogue.. this got a huge applause, not for the meaning.. but for the dialogue delivery.

Raghavan : I hate crime against women, even if it is not my jurisdiction!

Change Skin !

Have a rare mobile ? Or a mobile thats out of production ? Or a local brand mobile ? Then you must face the problem, that I do.

I got this Samsung C100 last year, after being impressed with the Key pad. Still i believe, this is the most beautiful keypads of all mobile phones.

Unfortunately, I used my mobile extensively, and the key pad decomposed like the way you see it on the photo. Then I went searching for a panel for the phone.. and Nobody had it.

All Nokia model panels ar available everywhere. But what about others. Sony Ericsson and Samsung and LG ?

Burma Bazaar is a solution.

They got all possible mobile phone panels, duplicate ones, all for under a 100 bucks. But they dont change the panel for you. For few models it is simple. But for models like mine, Its really difficult. I spent one afternoon doing this work, and atlast my mobile looks new again.

Try Burma Bazaar. They got a whole lot of important things for real cheap. Just check your Sani position in your horoscope before going there. :)

Ganpati Bappa !

Pic ctsy - Times of India.

I was in Mumbai when the festival aroma was out in the streets. Places were being reserved for huge Idols of Lord Shri Ganesha to be placed on the day of Vinakaya Chathurthi.

I've already seen this earlier, the way Mumbai celebrates Pillayar. I had also felt it in Chennai, few years back. It was a joyous occasion to go to the market to buy Pillayar made of clay. But Chennai doesnt seem to have the spirit Mumbai does, in terms of celebrating this festival.

WHY ?

VV - Vendaadha Velai !

Thanks to Shankar, My neighbor (better known to you as Dachchu's dad), who got me the tickets for the very first day show. I wanted to review the movie, and go ga-ga about it. But certain things prevent me from doing that. Read on.

What is the fate of Sequel movies ? Except Terminator II and a very few exceptions, most of them failed. Not even Spielberg was successful with a sequel to Jurassic Park. Why ? May be because the expectations are accumulated and eventually hyped up. People are sure, the director or the actor would have done a lot of hard work to come up with an excellent movie, that would be more than exciting than the first one.

I belong to that category of people. What did Gautham Menon do ?

He begins the movie with a Caption "Another Episode in the Life of a Police Officer". I say "Wow ! That is Isshtyle !". But little did I realize at that point, it was completely a rework of his latest Blockbuster - Kakka Kakka. Gautham had tried Reusability in terms of Story line, Actors and even Character Names. But he may not be able to duplicate the appreciations.. atleast this time. Especially from a Kamal fan, like me.

Sorry Mr. Gautham. You should have realized how big an actor Kamal is, and should have taken extra care in the story-line. We all understand this movie had taken wild and unfortunate turns. Yet, if the project had began with this story, then I guess the bad luck was planted right there.

After a Super-cool introduction fight and a song, Kamalhaasan - Raghavan DCP flies to Madurai to investigate a murder, on Special request from his Ex-Boss Prakashraj. Raghavan is treated with more shocks as more and more killings happen, which take him to New York for investigation. There he uncovers a string which has a Serial-killer on the other end. The killer gets personal, and decides to take revenge on Raghavan. Raghavan's chase to catch the killer and the Killer's plight to smash Raghavan is what Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu is all about.

Jyothika has a very difficult name - Aaradhana. Something doesn't gel, everytime Raghavan says this name. Aaradhana is just another girl in New York who incidentally meets Raghavan, and eventually both of them fall in love. Jyothika scores when she cries. Professional acting. She doesn't overact like how she does in other movies. Kamaline Mukherjee - Kayalvizhi appears for a very short duration, as Raghavan's wife in a very short flashback and to me the pair looked like Father-Daughter. However Kamaline Mukherjee wins a lot of hearts with a beautiful smile.

New techniques in Editing, and technically advanced cinematography don't really help. Fast moving scenes dont make a fast movie. You need to add tempo to it. First half was too elongated. And the entire theatre, however, enjoyed the second part. It was furious. Lots of Sex and Violence sprinkled across, and some Gross Language.

Kamalhaasan - is an actor with so many years of experience in acting. You cannot run an Acting factory with just a spike buster. You need more power points. Depth. It is different in the case of Vasool Raja MBBS or Panchathanthiram. They are meant to be comedies, and hence a story line is not important. It expects Kamal's spontaneous comic sense to play. Mind you, it is difficult to act comedy. Plus - Kamal interferes in the directors job and gives more inputs to it. We have heard C. Sundar and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao are just shadow-directors. But Vettayadu Vilayadu was a Gautham movie, and it clearly shows up that Kamal hadnt interfered.

Vettayadu Vilayadu requires a small hero like Surya. In fact, that would have added strength if this movie was completely explicit as Kakka Kakka - 2. If the movie continued on that story, it would have added value to the Director.

Think whatever, but here's what I commented on Lazygeek's Blog, when the movie was announced, way back in 2005 April.

But Gautham needs an Obidient Actor, and Kamal needs a Silent Director. Lets see if the Polarities match.

Here's what Gautham said in his interview (Uncut version) to Sudhish Kamath.

lots of stuff happened between me and him because of the production. He was pissed off with change in producer, the film was not taking off, his time was getting delayed all. He was very unhappy and hesitant initially. He was like "Bunch of kids, what are they gonna make" and stuff like that.

Yes. A lot of places in the movie were childish. And you could guess till the end, what would happen next. Kakka Kakka wasnt like that entirely. It had a composure. If Tamilnadu had not seen Kakka Kakka earlier, they would rejoice this movie.

I thought I would write a review about this movie, but ended in a post like this. I forgot to mention Harris Jeyaraj. Thats because he never showed up, anywhere. Songs are all good, but none of them well picturised. May be because of Production sodhappals. We can excuse that.

Uyirile Enadhu Uyirile - My favourite song of the movie, thankfully has come out well.

Anyways, dont take my word. Dont trust me. Watch this movie. It is good to watch. Only dont expect too much out of it. I may like Gautham's next movie, because I will not be expecting anything new in it.

But the good thing about it is, the movie is released in So Many theatres so that they get back the money faster. They will. No Doubt. There is one innocent man by name - Mr. Manickam Narayanan. By my instincts, never in his lifetime will he decide to take up projects like this. I sincerely wish him good luck.. and can help him by watching it a coupla times more. I wanna see if I missed something in it, amidst huge whistles and applauses.

However, I dont expect any thrill or happiness in it.

Allright... Dasavathaaram guys.. Lets start the worship !

The most biased review of Vettaiyadu Vilaiyaadu..Coming soon on Avyukta.

Dont expect a Neutral one from me :)

GURU

Guru was/is rumoured to be a story of a successful man who came from point zero. More rumours that it is Dhirubhai Ambani's story. And the Official web-site has this picture on it. And a intriguing music played by Rahman, for the movie -website. Only this team can make things like this ?

Iruvar had a similar shot. Mohanlal's hands wave to a bigger wave of people. What a scene.. You will taste the power. Guru follows !

As the web-page says, Guru is up for December.

Identify ! Can you ?

ேஹ................ ! தந்தன தந்தன தன்னா ! !!

What a World Class (?) song !

Get Ready !

My friend in Mumbai buys Kungumam.. and he came to my room and gave me the book. He knew how important a news about Kamal is, to me.



One line said it all. "Pori Parakkudhu !". This movie has created a lot of expectations, and disappointments in my case. Songs and Promos and everything else raised the expectations, but the delay in release is something that pulled down the movie, even before it came out. Not for a Kamal movie.

Alright..get ready .. book tickets. Invite me. Im ready to watch it N times.

UPDATE : Happy and Disappointed at the same time.

Madras Day - Aug 22

Im missing it.

Im tired. Why ? Narayanamurthy Retired. Thats why !

Forget all the corporate rules. Why would a man get out of the Fort that he built ? Too much of ethics in here. Does this put Asim Premji in an embarassed situation. Ah.. heck i dont care about them all.

What pissed me off is the media. News channels yesterday screamed about Infosys Saga. Probably I would have expected the News channels to talk about it, had they not. Well, now they have. So, Im taking the other side. They took a mic to an employee and asked an age-old stupid question.. "How do you feel !". The poor employee, working on a Sunday, wasnt sure how to react. People think they are super genius, when they say "well, Im happy and sad". :) well, the reporter just got a scoop.

---------

Just as i left the news channels, I saw the Pakistan dressing room at Lords. And ESPN did not change the feed. Soemthing was fishy.. and actually it was catastrophic as time went by. Even the kids who come to play in the ground next to my house, will never have a cheap fight. Umpire Darrell Hair penalised the Pakistan team for Five runs. Pakistan team reacted by not coming out of the dressing room to play. So, the umpires called the match off and awarded the victory to England. But someone convinced the Pak team, and after quite some time, Pak wazlked into the field. I could imagine how bad it would have felt within Inzamaam, when the crowd went Boooo ! as they walked into the ground. To make things worse, the umpire adds a big Booo ! and stated that the match was already awarded to England and Inzi had to walk back with a nasty insult.

What a game ! Dont tell me you missed it. If you had, read it here.

Being : Ram Gopal Varma

Having lost touch with HBO and Star Movies, I wasnt even browsing through these channels in Mumbai, where there is no CAS.

Past week, besides work and sleep, I hardly found time for other things. Luckily I didnt miss this program on CNN-IBN. This channel is doing good. Though all the National news Channels do the same things, I feel IBNLive is doing it with flair.

Being : Ram Gopal Varma was a program that ripped RGV. He was damn good and sharp with his answers. Right or wrong, you need guts to answer like that.

For instance,

Anuradha Sengupta: What was the best film that came out of that phase?

Ram Gopal Varma: If you ask from my productions? Nothing.

Anuradha Sengupta: Not even a single one?

Ram Gopal Varma: No. See some might have worked like Ab Tak Chappan but I think it could have been done in a far better way. I wasn’t happy with that project either.

Anuradha Sengupta: Do the people who have got their first break by you, get annoyed when they hear statements like this?

Ram Gopal Varma: By making these statements I am only being critical of their work.

I am critical of myself as well. Eventually if I’m making the film, endorsing it and taking responsibility for it not doing well, I have every right to say what I think about the film.

Please read the interview here (you can actually see it as well)

This guy is really being straight forward, and looks like we may not get movies of other generes from him. But yet, he is right. He lives his life for himself.

I loved the following part of the interview, though it is debatable.

Anuradha Sengupta: You have said that when you look at strong, powerful men the way they are, you feel attracted and inspired. Today as the filmmaker, director and producer that you are, do you feel powerful?

Ram Gopal Varma: I am very strong and powerful. Being strong and powerful to me is to be able to get up in the morning and doing what you want to do.

As long as I can remember I have always done what I have wanted to do in life. No one including myself can stop me from doing what I have wanted to do. What more can I ask for?

Yeah.. What more can anyone ask for ?

BTW, Anuradha Sengupta - the interviewer was terrific, in terms of spontaneous and sensible questions. Keep the show rolling.

Koyil illadha Ooril...

My saturday habit gets ruined if im in Mumbai. Very hard to find a temple in Colaba. Atleast not as easy as you can find a Family Restaurant and Bar.

Indha makkalukku Bhakthiye varaadha ?

10 A starts with 100 Es

Dasavatharam shooting beginsd with 100 Elephants. This would be the introduction scene for Kamal. And they are spending 8 crores for this scene that runs for 3 minutes. Another Kalaippuli Dhaanu in the making. :)

Adangokka makka ! Idhellam remba over !

BTW, can you guess what Kamal is holding in his hand ?

Dasavatharam is spotted in the city and all Kamal fans are rejoicing the poster.

Vettaiyadu Vilaiyaadu is up for August 25th. Im not believing this one.

There are news leaks about Kamalhaasan and Charan making a new movie (is that titled Marma Yogi ?).

Avyukta Bundle

There are two PCs that I have intimate relationships with. 73DJC1s at office and Avyukta at home. Both these PCs are loaded with applications that are of comfort to me. But, whenever Iam out on someone else's PC, I get lost in the uncomfort zone. I get a feeling that I couldnt do something without the software that I use, and my mind refuses to use the Alternative Software available. For instance, Firefox(infact along with some of the extensions). Having used to it for long, I hate when I see multiple windows getting open. So, If my work on the PC is more than a few hours, I just download and install it before I do anything else.

Similarly I cant digest when i play music on Windows Media player. I need Winamp to survive. So thats another application I download and use. In specific, I also download the MMD3 skin.

I am not used to Notepad. I use Key Note. This is a neat notepad like scrapbook that gets autosaved. So, whenever I press Ctrl+C, I miss Key Note very much if it is not there. So, thats another download.

Google Talk is more comfortable than the GMail Talk. I somehow prefer that. So, Adi oru download.

And there are more comfort-applications that I wish to download, each time I sit on a Alien system. I wish I have my own setup file, which on download and install, would install all my applications of my desire on a single click.

Is there a way I can make a setup of setups ? Installshield or something ? Let me know if you know how you can do it.

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

Happy Birthday Avyukta ! (Happy Janmashtami !)

Independance Day

Dear Media and People,

From this Independance Day, stop thinking innovatively about ways to celebrate this day. Too much of artificial patrotism isnt looking good.

Podhum ! Nothing to get emotional about it. Watch what our President has to say. Watch the Parade. And just dont get too much in, and watch Vijay and Thrisha.

Another day - Madras Day coming up and Chennai people are getting crazy about it.

Ennamo Ponga !

Have they succeeded ? There's fear here in Mumbai !

Fly Kingfisher !

Back in Mumbai, and how happy am I to see Mumbai on Al Qaeda targetting this city. Cops and Guns everywhere, and Security checks in my office entrance has increased to a greater extent.

Iam not really bothered. I am eagerly waiting for next Sunday to fly back on the Kingfisher. My company, for a change booked Kingfisher on my current Mumbai trip, and I thought I would miss the Jet Airways care and affection. NO !

Kingfisher services (may be a marketting strategy for a limited time.. but this one's good) include picking up your baggage from the entrance. Bell boys take your luggages, the moment you show a Kingfisher ticket, and take you to the Check-In. Not many Kingfisher counters, and so Indian Airline counters had been invaded.

Get into the neat plane, welcomed by RED-Airhostesses with a bright smile. This part of Kingfisher, most people would feel the difference. All seats have a TV at the back. I thought this was just another gimmick.. but it was really useful, when they gave a welcome kit, with a ear-phone (A very poor quality earphone.. loose contacts). No torturing Abhinayams in the name of Secrity exercises. Instead, Yana Gupta flashes on the screen, and gives Safety Instructions. Novel Idea.

Having used to Taj food with Jet Airways, Kingfisher food was very inferior comparatively. For a small Chennai Mumbai trip, i really wouldnt mind it. The television comes with 15 channels, including NDTV, Sahara One, TEN Sports and few other video and Music channels. Most importantly, there's a facility to track the planes directions and speed. Well, we got absolutely nothing to do with that data.. but you can show a mild shock when you see the plane zzzwwwing into 180 KMPH from 30 KMPH in a matter of seconds.

On the whole, Kingfisher can be a very strong competitor to Jet Airways if they could sustain the care and increase the food quality.. (Did I tell you, the leg space was very good on the economy class even) !

whoosh !

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
02/01/2006 - 02/28/2006
03/01/2006 - 03/31/2006
04/01/2006 - 04/30/2006
05/01/2006 - 05/31/2006
06/01/2006 - 06/30/2006
07/01/2006 - 07/31/2006
08/01/2006 - 08/31/2006

Chinna Chinna Mazhaithuligal !

சிறு பூவினிலே விழுந்தால் ஒரு தேன்துளியாய் வருவாய்
சிறு சிப்புயினில் விழுந்தால் ஒரு முத்தெனவே முதிர்வாய் !
பயிர் வேறினிலே விழுந்்தால் நவதானியமாய் விளைவாய்
என் கண் விழியில் விழுந்ததாலே கவிதையாக மலர்ந்த்தாய் !

- Vairamuthu ! (En Swasa Kaatre - Chinna Chinna Mazhai Thuligal !)

Photo taken during yesterday's inconsistent rain

Though this picture has Jo centered, I find Bhookia's Dominance in this very beautiful site for Sillunu Oru Kadhal (I prefer to call it, Jill Endru Oru Kadhal Kadhai).

If patchi's say that Jo's given lesser importance in the movie, Im boycotting it.

Abaththams

Sorry. It isnt a photo worth anything. But it was just an attempt to shoot pictures, like how the Pro's do. These kind of attempts lead to self-realization. Realize impotency :)

There are some great photos which are shots of moving traffic, and they show just the fast travelling lights. I tried taking the same shot on Mount Road, when the bikes speed-started from the signal. I gave a mild shake and extra exposure. Didnt work much..

Dear Cameramen/women of the world, lend me your suggestions.

Toy Story

Yesterday, Dachchu came out with a Cap. Quite a fascinating one (atleast for me), it had a cap and a sun glass, which can be slided up, if unnecessary. It was cool, and looked good on the kids face (doesnt it ?).

Its refreshing to see the novelty in the toys that Dachchu plays with. Intelligent Cars. Fancy Spiderman Gadgets and many more. The last thing i remember playing with, when I was a kid, was a "Naanai Bommai". And today, my friend tells me there is a Toy Car in Life-Style that costs Rs. 30,000. Holy ****. I wonder if even rich people might buy it.

Dont know if you understand the term Choppu ! We used to bring all the wooden Choppu's from each persons home and assemble at a house and play with the wildest possible imagination. Everything being static toys, that are enamel painted. No battery toys. The greatest skill was to carefully take home back the Choppu's that I took from home. Half the play time was spent in packing and unpacking in that box.

Even my cousin brother's kid days didnt have too much of technology in toys. Just a battery operated toy. Goes forwardf and backward. Thats all. The greatest hype was given to a Remote operated car, which I have seen in most of the houses.. and most of them were broken. A remote car hardly stands a week.

Gone are those days. The new generaion kids have Cellphones of all models. Helicopter toys that really fly. Cars with all possible functions. Cool Sun glasses. Expensive and cool apparels. And oh yeah.. the Foot wear.

Everyone of us wants to be a Kid again.. For many reasons. Be careless.. innocent.. and lots of non-billable hours. :) ... One more reason could be to enjoy the toys of these days. Just too good.

Image of the Week - Yesterday Night at Anna Salai !

Fahrenheit 9/11

People have told me about this movie, and I know it was circling around September 11. But not like this. Oh My ! I'm dumbstruck by the research made in the movie. Adds up to the list of reasons why I like America (now, dont jump out with whats wrong with India.. peace..)

Iam used to corrupt politicians. I am not shocked seeing Bush's being connected to the Binladen's. I wonder if TN politicians and Indian Politicians also might have a connection. Who knows. What Im shocked is to see the movie getting released worldwide without a hinch !

I was an innocent guy, wondering how did the then DMK Government allow Iruvar to get released. Iruvar however was not as punjent as Farenheit 9/11 is, and probably not worth comparing even (in terms of Real Incidents). How could Bush keep silent to such a movie ?

Did Bush react to this movie, at all ?

How does America have so much of freedom of expression ? Why has Indian media taken it the all-wrong way ?

Our Media people are Cowards, who cant dare ask a proper question to some politician. Thay can only talk to Kushbu and make news. The useless Sting operations can be redirected to researches on the Properties of politicians, and find out the inner connnection. Some movies like Fahrenheit 9/11 on Mr. Karunanudhi, Miss Jayalalitha, Mr. Ramadoss can make great stir.

Every single soul in Tamilnadu would rant "Veerappanai arrest panna maattanungada !! Eallarukkum connection irukku !!".... it was almost believed like truth. Not a single media person dared to make a thought on it.

You know whats the top news, the media is all interested in ? Surya Jyothika getting married on September 11 (thats a coincidence). And the media'd say people are interested, thats why we publish.

Damn. Indian Media.. you could do much better than this. Cant you ?

New Pic on Photoblog

Varalakshmi !

Happy Birthday, Mahalakshmi !

Dhaanyam Dhanam Pasum Bahu puthra Laabham Satha samvathsaram - Deergamaayuhu !

Thats the ending of Srisuktham. People those days knew what to ask. (The best request form being the Chamakam). Now, people ask only for mercy ! We need to learn how to pray. We need to learn to ask the right questions.

Be it Google, or be it Mahavishnu.. Ask the right question, and you will get the answer.

Light note : There was a kid, who used to pray every night and request for a bike. He never got a bike. Then he realized God doesnt work that way. So, he stole a bike and asked God for mercy !

T.H.I.N.K

Jillendru - Jillunu - Sillunu

The movie has undergone title changes, and the last one is awkward. Pudalangai Tamil names.. to hell with them. Some tamil activists and hardcore tamil bloggers could explain the funda behind naming movies in Tamil, with all the western culture within.

There was a good satire about this in Pulikesi - where Vadivelu would say, you could do anything in the content, but the name has to be in Tamil. Otherwise my people will insensibly start to fight. Point.

Shoo.. shoo.. wave that out. Infact wave everything out. Tune into Raaga.com and listen to the preview songs from Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. "Munbe Vaa" and "New York Nagaram" are cool songs that we are going to begin to chant on the Anna flyover very soon.

Psss... come here. Give me your ears. Did you see the right hand of Surya ? Doesnt it look very similar to his left ? :) There was a logo on it. Get the point ?

Click Pic for Big

I left my cousin brother walking on the beach, and took this picture

Revamped

I thought this blog was being overloaded with my photos and to predict the future, I guess my photos will need their own space. Hence, I planned to accomodate my photos on the photoshop Blog, and would continue to post photos there.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the All new redesigned Avyukta 2
(Thanks Blogger Templates)

It was a very good exercise Monday morning to change template and struggle.
I begin my mondays by thinking positively. The Worst is yet to come !

Sun Rise

Im sorry for the torture im taking you through, but I couldnt really help bragging about my fast growing photography talents. Appoint someone good to kill me if you want.

Been to Marina, yesterday.. and you know what I did.. dont you ?

After that I tried hitting the sun, inspite of a warning from Sony and my friend Navanee. They both said that the CCD would Damaal if exposed to direct Sun. Infact Navanee's Canon's CCD was completely damaged on exposure to Sun. Luckily the kind Canon people cover the CCD under warranty, and gave him a free replacement. Not knowing if Sony has such a warranty, I tried this picture on Auto mode.



Very disappointed with the quality of the picture, I sat over and turned the knob into Manual Mode. Thats when the fire got ignited. I changed the exposure timings. 1/6th of a sec to 1/1000th of a second. And then it clicked. Or I clicked.



I was so very happy to see the way, this picture came out. After that, the beach, the Sun and my Sony H5 screamed like hell.

So dear GVB, Magic Lens, Kaleidoscope and all the photo gods, Wish me luck ! Im going to take it further.

Announcing a Photoblog ! The Photoshop Blog will serve my photos.

Sondha Padam

Cool video, that I took on my camera today morning at Marina Beach.

More on this - Here.

Camera Classes

Learning photography.

Sony DSC H5 allows a lot of manual intervention, in terms of focus and aperture. But I dont know why and when they should be used. So, am trying to learn them, with the help of my friend. Wikipedia has been very useful to understand terminologies. Feels good to learn Physics. Used to be the first chapters in Sixth Standard. Light !

None of them made sense then, and now they seem to. Most of them asked me the f Number, when I told them I got a new Camera. I was so ignorant, that I knew only the f Word, and not the f Number.

When you realize that you are not aware of something, do you get insecure in a place ? I dont know, you tell me.

I also have a mystic feeling of how people are so brilliant around me. They are new to something and quicker than sooner, they talk hi-end. For every concept or activity, there is a Novice level. Then you progress through various levels to reach Expert level. But, knowing just the techie words and their meanings make people talk like Experts when they are novice. May be they grasp quick. It becomes dangerously shameful to show yourself ignorant. You either talk your way out of the conversation, or do what I do the most. Blink.

Hmm.. forget that. Now,
What is SLR ? What is dSLR ? What is Aperture ? What is Optical Zoom ? What is Focus ?

Learn. Learn. Learn.

Was there at BR Mathsya restaurant for lunch. And Venky and Alamu were there.

Many of us felt it is a mistake. Few of us said this is right !

Whats the mistake ? or Is it right (or left) ?

Yaheeeeey !

Sony Cybershot DSC [Digital Still Camera] - H5 Black

7.2 Million Pixels
12 X Optical Zoom
2 X Digital Zoom
3" LCD / Electronic View Finder
36-432mm Carl - Zeiss Vario Tessar
Super Steadyshot

and more...

Classic Actor - Vadivelu

Had been to Imsai Arasan this saturday. The movie wasnt funny. My friends had already warned me about the sluggish course of the movie. I usually dont take the risk of watching a movie which is reviewed poorly, except for a Kamalhaasan Movie. But this time, the instincts said I've gotta watch this movie. I shouldnt have missed it.

You shoudnt miss it too. Watch it !

The story is plain and simple. The comedy is mediocre. Direction is sloppy. Very lengthy. Irritating songs. And many more.

The Music is very good. I actually started listening to "aasai kanave" frequently after watching the movie. Mind you, the songs are very difficult to be composed like that, and Srikanth Deva has won in his effort. Special Appreciations to him.

And the Hero of the movie - Vadivelu. You guys know that I like Vadivelu next to Kamalhaasan. He is such a potential actor and is capable of acting any role given. Imsai Arasan may be easily overlooked as a movie where Vadivelu performs rib-tickling comedy. Actually, the movie is not a laugh-a-riot movie as most of the online reviews promises, and Vadivelu has not done much comedy. But the acting skill of Vadivelu is overflowing with a professional aroma. Throughout the movie, you will find Vadivelu on the screen, with very difficult dialogues spoken on a high pitch, with varied expressions.

Asathal ! It is impossible for many actors to perform like this.

Mr. Simbhudevan, for your directorial venture, this movie is a peak performance. But remember, you got a great banner to work under. I really admire the satires in the movie. "Akka Mala" and "Gapsi" campaigns.. "Caste War Play Ground".. and many more Nayyandis were very very novel. We need satires like this, and not irritating ones like what Sathyaraj does.

Question : Will the Government dare to give a best Actor award to Vadivelu ? This performance is equivalent to Pithamagan Vikram's. People who fail to see the similarity are blinded by emotions.

Hats off Vadivelu ! You've done a great job, than what you possibly could.

Give him a Benz !

Have you ever Gifted someone something ? Who ? What ? Recollect the events ? Now, these questions are not what interest me. The question i'd like you to answer is How did you choose him that gift ?

To me it has always been a painful task to Gift. You should basically have a heart to Give. I am not sure how much good my heart is. Most of the times, I gift someone out of compulsion. Ideally, when you get an invitation, whether or not you visit the occasion you participate in the Gift Contribution (I dont like this word). It would look close to a punishment.

Also many feel that giving the money collected as it is as a gift would be an Insult. So, people are forced to buy an article for the money collected. This is where the intensity of insanity increases.

There are two types of Gifts - Useful things and Useless Things.

Ethical people tend to buy useful things. Say, a mixer-grinder for a wedding.. a branded formal shirt for a birthday and so on. However, they wouldnt dare to give a Needy Gift. Have you seen the Wallclock Gifts for Grahapravesam. The house wouldnt have that much walls to accomodate one per clock.

There is something these kind of people can do. If they really want their gift to be useful, they could be straigt forward and ask the friend / relative what they want or what might be of great use to them. But there is no charm in it, except that the money is spent properly.

Talking of Useless things, people buy a show case article worth a lot of money. I feel irritated buying them. They are of no use. Yet, they are long remembered. Trust me. Useful things are all perishable. But these Show-piece items keep telling your name. Like a small Venkatachalapathy from Divinity - Gold plated and all that would cost Rs. 900 and more. It would be smaller than the size of a pocket calendar. The Ceramic dolls are now the hot selling gifts. They easily get a "Cho Chweet" comment. Safe choice.

I've seen some people print in their invitations "No Gifts Please". But thats a delicate stand, and it stands very close to an insult. How would you go to a function or celebration with empty hands ?

I think the best solution to this problem is Not to think about it too much. There's always a Landmark Gift voucher.

Telescope Game

May be you've tried this before. If not, you've got to.

Play this first.

Then play this.

Then if you are done with both.. You have to play this.

Let me know how far you can go !!

Sony Cybershot Digital Still Camera - H5/Black

I've almost got this camera. Do you have any comments/ suggestions ?

This one is a 7.2 MP - 12 X Optical - Super Steady Shot - 3" LCD all packed in one camera. Loaded with a 1 GB Duo Pro media, this can take Video for about 1 hour (we could use Optical Zoom when video-recording). More on this when the cam comes on hand.

Untitled Emotions

When Doordarshan has technical problems.. they do a Maru-OLibarappu. We call it REPOST in blogs. Here's a story i attempted, sometime back. Will be back with a post tomorrow. Hopefully, the Blog Block is out, by then.

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

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.

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

Dont blog no more !

Indian ISPs block Blogspot sites. Why ? May be blogs spread terror.

Whatever reason.. Wordpress sites are still accessible. Induvidual domains still exist. We can still blog from there. But why would the Govt. think Blogs are harmful. In India, Blogs arent that powerful, as yet.

So, what ? Is this the end of everything ?


BTW, Im here.

Pudhu Pazhakkam

ஒன்னரை மாதமாய் ஒரு புது பழக்கம். சர்க்குலேஷன் லைப்ரரி.

நேற்று.

"என்ன புக் தேடறீங்க ?"

"சாண்டில்யன் - யவன ராணி !"

ஒரு மாதிரி சிரித்தார். அது அவரது இயல்பான சிரிப்பு அல்ல என்று தோன்றியது.

"இப்பொல்லம் யாரு சார் அந்த மாதிரி படிக்கறாங்க ? இதோ ... புரியுதோ புரியலையோ.. இந்த புக்கை எல்லாரும் வாங்கிட்டு போறாங்க..."

அவர் கை காட்டிய இடத்தில் "த டா வின்சி கோட்" இருந்த்தது.

நான் நிறைய புஸ்தகம் படிப்பவனில்லை. இருந்த்தாலும், இதற்குள்ளும் இளையராஜா-ஏ.ஆர்.ரகுமான் சண்டை இருப்பதாகத் தோன்றியது. அவரிடம் ஒரு அசட்டுத்தனமான சிரிப்பை உதிர்த்துவிட்டு அடுத்த ரேக்குக்கு சென்று தேடலைத் தொடர்ந்த்தேன். மறுபடியும் புலம்புவார் என நினைத்தேன்.

"இப்பொல்லாம் சார் ....!" என்று நான் நினைத்தது போலவே ஆரம்பித்து என் பார்வைக்காக Pause விட்டார்.

பார்த்தேன்.

"ஆரம்பிச்ச புதுசுல நிறைய்ய மெம்பர்ஸ்.. ஆன இந்த காலத்தில் யாரும் படிக்கறதே இல்ல. பொழுது போக வசதி இல்லதவங்க மட்டும்தான் லைப்ரரி வராங்க.. வசதி இருக்கரவங்க டிவிடில பொழுதை ஓட்டறாங்க. சில பேர், பெருமைக்காக Landmark போய் புஸ்தகம் வாங்கி ஷோ-கேஸ்ல வெச்சுக்கறாங்க.. ! ஹ்ம்ம்.. என்னமோ.. எல்லாம் மாறிப்போச்சு !"

ஆஹா ! தவறான வேளையில் இவரிடம் மாட்டிக்கொண்டோமே என்று வடிவேலு கணக்காய் மனம் சொன்னது. அவசரமவரசமாய்.. ரிச்சார்ட் பாச் "Running from Safety"யும் பாலகுமாரனின் "அப்பம் வடை தயிர்சாதம்"மும் அகப்பட்டன.

பாலகுமாரனைப் பார்த்து "ரொம்ப ந்ல்ல புக் !" என்றார்.

அடுத்து அவர் ஏதாவது சொல்வதற்கு முன் வெளியேறினேன். வீட்டில் அமர்ந்து யோசித்தேன்.

பல பேர், புஸ்த்தகம் படிப்பதை ஒரு மகோன்னதமான காரியமாக கருதுகிறார்கள். படிப்பவற்கள், படிக்காதவற்கள் அந்த இன்பத்தை இழப்பதாக எண்ணுகிறார்கள். படிப்பவற்களுக்குள்ளே, தி.ஜானகிராமன் ஜாதியினர் ராஜேஷ்குமார் ஜாதியை வெறுக்கின்றனர். "என்னடா ராணிமுத்து மாதிரி படிச்சுண்டிருக்கே ? ரா. கி. ரங்கராஜன் படிச்சிருக்கியோ ? அருமையா இருக்கும்". நான் என்ன ஜாதி என்று யோசித்தேன். போன வாரம் சுஜாதா. அதற்கு முன் ஜான் க்ரிஷாம். அதற்கு முன் அகிலன்.

"போறான் பாருங்க ! படிக்கறானா இல்லையான்னு தெரியலை... ஆனா வாரா வாரம் ரெண்டு புக் எடுத்திட்டு போறான். கொண்டு போய் வெச்சுக்கிட்டு, யார் கிட்டவாவது படம் காமிச்சிட்டு இருப்பான்.. இந்த காலத்து பசங்க எங்கே சார் படிக்கறாங்க !!" என்று என்னைப்பற்றி யாரிடமாவது சொல்லிக்கொண்டுதான் இருப்பார். அவர்.

WorldSpace ad video featuring A.R.Rahman

It used to be Jana Gana Mana beeping always, whenever a Car goes reverse. But now, its been almost replaced by the Airtel tune. Either it is the super-power of Airtel Marketing or it is the magic in the music of the Genius - The Airtel tune is a hilarious hit.

Now, Rahman has become a brand-ambassador for Worldspace. He features its Ad and even more, he has composed a Signature Ad music.

I like what Rahman says in this Ad. Music. There's so much to listen.

Vadivelu kooda solli irukkaar.
"Isai enbadhu - Kaththara Rayilla irukkum.. kuththara kolai kaaran kitteyum irukkum" :)

Veyyil - Mandayai Pilakkuma ?

Veyyil - is Shankar's next production, and thats almost nearing completion. Vasantha Balan is the director. Except for Pasupathy, the pictures look very similar to Balaji Sakthivel's Kadhal. However, I hope the movie is good and successful. If this movie is successful too, we would get a very enthusiastic producer. GV Prakash is the music director. This guy in his childhood sang "Chikku bukku Chikku bukku rayile!" and yesterday sang "Kadhal Yaanai - Remo !" in Anniyan. AR Rahman's vaarisu. Paarkalam.. I mean Kekkalaam.

I've not liked much of Shankar's direction. Romba kozhandhaithanama irukkum. But his productions have some flair.. and maturity. I did not like the movie - Kadhal. And still dont.. But i always wished it to be a hit. We need producers like this guy and Prakash Raj. Prakash Raj did a very good job with Azhagiya Theeye and Kanda Naal Mudhal. Shankar's Imsai Arasan is a very novel effort, and has to be appreciated for trusting Simbhudevan for it.

Shankar has also promised another movie to Balaji Sakthivel, who is currently assisting his boss in making THE BOSS. Adhu enna gadhi aagappogudho !

I have one question hovering.. People who liked Kadhal so much, please answer this question. What was there in that movie ?

Zara Rain me, Zara Train me
Yeh hai Mumbai, mere jaan !

Do you belong to Chennai.. Whats your reaction for this ?

The Death of the Innocence

Does it make any sense to write a post on the internet Condemning the Mumbai Serial Blasts, ? Makes sense or not.. it is important to let out the anger.

Remorseless attitude.. Killing innocent lives for someone's purpose. Seven blasts cannot be overlooked as coincidence. This is a terrorist attack. How brutal is their plan ! Bombs detonated at the peak hour traffic. They want to kill more people. And they have.

There are extremists and there are terrorists. Extremists are the ones that fight for a purpose, and do anything to substantiate their stand. Terrorists are rogues. They dont have a purpose. They are cowards. They kill and fight to show their existance. They dont need anything to be done. They like fear implanted.

It is impossible to have a tight security control on the local trains, but the Railways will be forced to check the bags. Innocent public will have to face this and more. They will now have fear. Fear is a deadly disease. Not that it kills, but it takes off the peace of mind. No Train travellor will have a peace of mind till he gets out of the Killer-machine, which was just a train until yesterday.

What have they achieved by doing this ?

You ASSHOLE, whoever you are, who did this... You will not win.

Metblog Chennai

Chennai Metroblog is screaming at Full Throttle. Im sure you already noticed. If not.. just close this page and go there.

The Blog (as young as five months) has 300 posts already. Great posts at right times from the team. I'm supposed to be on the team, but am not effectively contributing there. (Makes me think, im contributing nowhere... Im in this period of life, where most of the values in life are NULL).

Various flavours of Information and varieties of topics worth discussing..
Looks like Chennai's got one more reason to be proud of.. Bloggers. :)

Two upcoming movies of Jo.

I should get into acting or direction soon, before Surya marries Jo. Somehow.

Any financiers ?

Embarrassment on the fly

On my ride back home, from work, it rained.

I got wet along with the 15 bikes and 30 to 40 people walking on the road. But as I progressed towards home, the rain stopped abruptly as if the valves were closed. As I accelerated heavily so that I can hit home, before the next shower.. the 15 bikes that got wet along with me began to detour. Heck, they were going to their own homes, and I was isolated on a empty road.

Clean road (thanks to the recent election). Trees on either sides of the road (Kilpauk Tank Road). No stopping my Activa that zapped at 75+. Imagine.. you are already wet, and wind against you... heaven is exacltly 2 Kms long.

Signal.

Have you noticed the theory of insane accumulation.. When you are riding on a solitary road with nobody else to share the road, you will be surprised to see so many getting accumulated on a Signal at the end of the road.

It happened. A lot of bikes and cars, came from nowhere and accompanied me on that signal. Invariably, everyone looked at me, and quickly corrected their vision and began to stare.

I was wet, and they were not.

I could understand that.. but could they ? One Old Thatha, removed his spectacle and gazed at me. "whatever happened to this guy ?". I had different expressions to choose, but i wore the ignorant mask and began looking at the Red Signal.

When the color changed to Amber, I got an idea. Why dont i take a U turn, go back to the beginning of the road.. and revisit the heaven !! Another speed run. Another time. Same cool wind. It would be thorough fun.

Green.. !

Nah.. wont be as good as the first time.. I was going home.

Most of us know how to be happy. Only we dont choose to be. Is that to be called Irony ?

Amen !

Aran - quickie

Major Ravi is the guy who appears in Alavandan as Menon ? He direct this movie Aran, casting Jeeva and Mohanlal. The pictures and trailers are promising. Thiru is the Cinematographer (remember Hey Ram).

There is one song, "Poonjolai Kiliye", where Joshua Sridhar stresses his necessity in the field. Sounds like a introduction song for a mega Serial, but very neat. Karthik and Asha have voices like Reynolds 040. Asha Menon has a very bright future in Tamilnadu, if she charges lesser than Sadhana Sargam !

Other songs are simply not worth a mention. Malayala Nedi..

I guess the story should be about a Pleasant Love at the midst of some Army Situation.

Dear Directors, Please think out of the box. There are a lot of youngsters who wont fall in love. They are all fed up with every single movie about a Love story. Think and make different stories. Not Different Love Stories. Different Stories. Please.

Idhu Enna Pudhu Kadhai ?

Marma Yogi is rumoured to be Kamal's next movie before Dasavatharam. Charan's Home Production. Dont know the rest of the Cast and Crew. Will update you, as and when i learn.

Sperm run of Speculation !

How to make a breaking news from a Raw Information ? Here's a first lesson with Illustration.

Mango juice off CM's menu

There is intense speculation as to what kept Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi from attending the meeting organised to thank voters in his constituency, Chepauk, last week.

A glass of cold mango juice was found to be the culprit. He developed mild flu by evening. From now on, there will be no mango juice on his menu till the prolonged summer gets over, it is learnt.

Thanks to Hindu for the news. But this is no way to make news. Lets rephrase.

Karunanidhi Quits Drinking Mango Juice. (You know the long gone Subject Predicate formula !)

Let us go further. Generalize.

The Rising Sun denies Mango. (Udhaya Soorian, Maambazhaththai Niraagarikkiradhu !)

After generalizing, lets get specific.

DMK and PMK friction, rumoured.

Then add the masala flavour, and your Breaking News is ready. Just dont forget to add a question mark before you sell.

DMK - PMK Split ?

If you have this skill, you can start a newspaper by 11:00 AM today. You will be popular over the weekend, and a millionaire by next week. And most of all you will become a political Analyst by month end.

Iam. Already.

Spot the name

My friend got a mail from Renugaparameshwari. Think. How many future kids will get that name ?

Nowadays, names dont go beyond char[10]. Modern, hifi sounding names. You can no more identify the religion of the person from his/her name. (many modern people dont think it is necessary).

Top names i like the most..

Visalaakshi
Ananthapadhmanabhan
Swarnaambal
Vishwanathan / Visuvanathan
Raajam
Seetharaman
Padma* (Top most!)
Amrithavalli
Poonguzhali

I bet the last 10,000 kids that were born in Chennai, would never have had a name similar to these. Atleast 30 to 40 would have been named Aishwarya. Most of the names would end in A. Almost all of them will have a SH sound.

Nothing wrong in naming kids like that.. only we are loosing some good names. But I see 3-Methoxy-1-Propanol kind of names would evolve soon. We are running short of names, and we wouldnt look back at Amirthakatesan.

Why is a track and life closely related ?

Fellow Blogger Gowrishankar's photo is featured on IRFCA's SPOTLIGHT.
Kalaasitteenga Gowri !

Fan of the Match

Did you see the Grand Germany Aaappu ! Today's thaththuvam..

"aaappunnu vechchuttaaa aandavanaala kooda Onniyum Panna mudiyaadhu" - Klose Miroslav (German Team).

Watch Highlights here..

Like i've told you, my interest on sports is very limited, there is something else that caught my attention recently. This.

Enjoy !

Here's Desikan on the lines of Sujatha ! Read it.

Opera - Still developing

Opera 9.0 is cool ! You might wanna try this.
The picture is a screenshot from various Widgets from Opera on the desktop (Out of Browser).

Features include..

• The Usual Tabbed Browsing
• Retrieve Trashed Pages on a click
• Neat Skins
• Customizable Contents (I could kill a lot of bars, and keep the browser clean)
• God Speed (Illusion)
• Widgets

Fun. ?.

Go ahead ! this is wrong.. that is wrong

Sometime back, I certified (Duh !) the Human-species as the ones that dynamically generate complaints that look close to legitimate. I wrote that without an example or illustration. But, ever since I wrote that, I've been witnessing innumerous complaints that look very authentic. Complaints about Kamalhaasan. Complaints about Indian Army. Complaints about eMail senders. Complaints about school teachers (this was by me !).

I was chatting with a friend, who was at peak anger about a social happening... "Avana pudichu Nongu Nongunnu Nonganum !"

I told her "Kamalhaasan baashaila sollanumna, ungalukku Samudhaayak kobham irukku.. illaya !"

She told me.. "aamam.. Kamalhaasanayum pudichu nonganum !"...

Everyone of us have a kind of frustration about many things that are happening around us. Some are irritated by the neighbor who litters.... Some are pissed off by the policies of Condoleeza Rice.. You want to hear the best of complaints ?? Just talk to your friend while reading a newspaper. The All-perfect Mr. Right will being complaining about Esteban Cambiasso of Argentina who was responsible for Germany's win. "PM's decision on Nuke, made me puke !".

Im no different.. and I belong to our gang. The gang who whines at just about any door of opportunity. As i look back at posts of mine, in the last one month I have showed my frustration about Journalists, Topper-kiddos who renounced TV to get good marks and Arjun Singh. Not that I have any reason to complaint, but that I have a lousy blog and a ridiculous assumption that Iam entitled to free-speech.

Makes me think we are developing into a person, who would be very difficult to please.. while the subject isnt trying to please us at all. We assume it is the other person's necessity to please us and not to do things that irritate us. As and when we update our knowledge level, we expect everyone else in the same knowledge level, and criticize the ignorance. We just cant change from here.

Finding fault is an art, only we've got more of such artists. What good is this post ? Finding fault with people who find fault in everything ? Recursive Hypocrisy, huh !!