Karunanidhi on improving Coimbatore (from my Facebook)

Kalignar, during inauguration of "Meridien hotel" at CBE has said "Govt is committed to development of Coimbatore"! Does he mean CBE is under-developed? It has public infrastructure, industries, educational institutions, known as 'Manchester of the East', and lastly, it has also seen உலக செம்மொழி மாநாடு.
What is Karunanidhi going to develop newly? As long as they don't screw up CBE like Madras, it would be good

Vimala Ramanajothi: likes this

Saravanan Subburayal: According to politicians, Under developed means still there are lot of scope for digging(Surandal in tamil)...

Karunanidhi's sudden twist with Aye Raja

Karunanidhi has now started to slightly sidestep and utter his comments about Raja's scam. Previously, he used to start with periyar Kolgai and Dalit card to play down Raja's scam (paavam . enna irunthalum Raja is kind of his family member). Now, knowing that investigation is in full swing, he has to play in a safe manner so that he doesn't lose Congress or Votes

Vijayaraghavan Krishnan: ‎"Raja is kind of his family member".... no he is only a "சட்டாம்பிள்ளை .." a person in a house who will do all sorts of odd jobs in a house

Mahesh Sampath: Dai enda ean. tamilarakkukaga vaalra ore thalaivar avar thaan...athayum avare solli irukkar..

Vijayaraghavan Krishnan: karuna said in an interview yesterday...

கேள்வி:- சென்னை உயர்நீதிமன்றத்தில் ஒரு நீதிபதியுடன் ராசா பேச முனைந்ததாக ஒரு வழக்கிலே கூறப்பட்டதைப்பற்றி?

பதில்:- அவர் மீதான அந்த குற்றச்சாட்டை, ராசாவே மறுத்திருக்கிறார்; அவ்வளவுதான் எனக்கு தெரியும்.

so raja is ultimate authority and what he said is correct according to karunanithi...

IT companies in Chennai necessarily have to bring 'Work from home' option

Every day, as I travel from Velachery to Indira Nagar in MRTS, when the train whiz past the Taramani - SRP Tools - Thiruvanmiyur stretch in the MRTS, I see uncountable vehicles piled up on either side waiting to reach their respective destination. In rainy days, the piling is more and in the absence of traffic signals, the chaos is more.

Useless ministers garlanding some statue in Marina / Teynampet, makes thousands get stuck in hot sun or pouring rain. If Dr.Kalaignar has to go to newly opened Anna Library, then traffic is snarled around 5 Km stretch in every direction. In JJ's regime, this was no different. If parties talk about bringing Kamaraj rule, let them follow this first.

With so much advancement in IT where PC cost and broadband cost have shrunk, why our bloody IT companies are still expecting employees to be physically available in the office between 9 & 6? Some companies even work for 8 hours and 30 minutes and claim that they are ensuring to meet clients' requirements. Buffalo-shit: this is just to bill more and get more revenue. The managers and employee will work the same way.

If an employee effectively works for 5-6 hours a day, it is enough. It is the responsibility of the corporates to discipline the employees instead of extending working hours. Some 'military' style IT companies still insist on strict rules such as salary cut if an employee walks in half an hour late (just on single day) refusing to consider the traffic on that day or city's infrastructure. They never bother to check what time one leaves the office.

I wonder why many IT companies (especially those located in OMR stretch) not offering work from home as an option. Let them define new rules and track and penalize employee accordingly. Let the employee be asked to physically be available in office for some important meeting or calls on certain days of a week. By this way, they directly contribute to the environment and improve health of the employee as well.

Obama - Please visit every Indian city

Indian seem to improve or showcase only when foreign delegates come for a visit. When the president of USA visits, we need not ask for more.

-> A platter named after him
-> Our MPs displayed their best behaviour in the parliament. i.e. they were not allowed to talk or raise objection. Silence is the golden behavior and that is the only way
-> Unprecedented security
-> Under-previleged children spending time with the couple
-> Clean roads that showcases how India has improved

I have only one request to Mr.Obama - Please visit nook and corner of every Indian city. At least, we will get better roads, better lighting, well-behaved politicians in your name.

VVS Laxman & Tendulkar do it again

In the on-going first test match between India and NZ at Ahmedabad, Tendulkar has once again come up with a brilliant performance - i.e. not raising hopes of Indian fans for a rare match winning second innings. His cover drive was lauded by Gavaskar & co in the commentary box that it is the best one can see in the world. He then got out trying to do the same - this time it was the most gaping gap between bat and pad; he got out cheaply yet again for just 12 runs.

Tendulkar plays only for record particularly in test matches. He never brings himself to rescue when the team needs. His post match talk like 'it was a team effort, VVS is something special, kudos to the tail-enders" are just BULLSHIT.

Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan have done at least one match winning fourth innings knock. Why can't this bloody reputed fellow do at least once?

While I write this blog, VVS and Harbhajan are doing a resurrection and possibly on the way to post a challenging total for NZ to chase in the final day.

"Ban on plastics" - can never be implemented

Every time I hear or read that a particular city or state is planning to ban use of plastic bags, it only sounds more of a fashion statement than a reality, because plastics have become an integral part of life. Banning carry bags while shopping is just a part of the problem solution, but not THE solution.

"Alandur Municipality" is supposed to have issued a directive to all shops not to provide carry bags and we can see the notice stuck at the shops. But still, all shops give away when customers ask for it - people are also idiots; why can't they just bring along a bag and try to reuse?

Every item in super market shelves comes in a sealed plastic container e.g. kitchen groceries, milk packets, oil packets, baby diapers to name a few. Is there any other form in which this can be made available? Every cracker sold for Deepavali comes in a plastic wrapper.

Even if we start re-using carry bags for shopping, how about these bags? These are countless in number if we take the number of shops that sells these items. I am not sure about hard items such as bucket, mug and other household items made from plastic. If they are reused in some form, it is okay at least.

Until we find a solution for stopping the use of plastics in all the forms, "Banning Plastic" can only be on paper. It should rather titled "Reduce plastic usage".

Thathuvam on "Change"

I got a SMS from my friend with the quote - "Change will not come to you; only you have to bring the change"

On scrolling down, I couldn't stop laughing as it read - Said by a Chennai MTC conductor on tendering exact change while buying ticket.

This is good innovation and mockery on traditional quotes given by popular personalities on TV, when asked to comment on present global situation.

'The Last Lecture' and Leaving iSOFT after almost 9 years

I wanted to write this piece a month back about quitting iSoft (located at Chennai) after spending close to 9 years. It was good to hear pleasing comments on my last days from many of the innumerable colleagues and friends who I had acquired there. On a lighter note, they might have felt happy that I am finally calling it quits :-) But yes, I wanted to be very clear that, when I decide to quit, I shall never think about reconsidering the decision.

One of the best parting gift (I would cherish this ever) was given by my colleague named Chandrasekar R. He presented me the book 'The Last Lecture' and I just finished reading it. I am not going to talk about Randy Pausch as the whole world knows about his last lecture delivered at Carnegie Mellon. Each chapter was a nail on the head - the ones that made me very emotional talked about family, social & ethical values, parenting and being responsible. I wish I could follow few of them and make life better for me and others.

This is a must read book.

Temple Elephant - an attraction forever

Recently, I had been to my native town Srirangam for one day and had a worship at the temple.

The temple elephant Andal was busy blessing people and providing an indirect entertainment to children. I got my 2 year old daughter who was looking at its sheer size without blinking her eye to do the customary offering of money and get the trunk to pat her head. For adults like me, an elephant still makes me take some moments off and enjoy God's creation.

As usual, I skipped the main sannidhi of Lord Ranganatha for two reasons - I didn't want to stand in he long queue (its not that I will not stand in the queue, but I was not quite prepared on that day to spend the entire time in queue) and second reason is that I don't want to pay THIS temple an amount of Rs. 250 for getting the quickest darshan. I would rather pay temples which are less cash rich than Srirangam to get the darshan as I have a strong feeling that THIS temple is not justifying the amount it collects to make many process simpler for common man to worship. One can see the management people standing and literally pressing us to donate in the main sanctum.

Tendulkar stands between Aussies & Victory

Oh No - I don't want to keep my hopes on Tendulkar. Poor fellow - The nation has been pinning hopes on him every time (in crunch situations) and he has always obliged by getting out soon and back to dressing room (and thereby reducing tension for the people who watch).

The last such innings I could recollect was his 136 against Pak at Chepauk. Before or after that, I haven't seen one match winning fourth innings knock by the "Maestro". Gavaskar better stop describing his cover drive in an exaggerated manner - if one is playing cricket for 20 years, cover drive should be that way.

Coming back to the topic - Actually, Dravid & VVS Lakshman have done it on innumerable occasions for India - they have rescued the team from disaster to strong position.

Still, the world believes Sachin can do. That is the problem with cricket obsessed people & media. Why can't they write - "Sachin, Dhoni & VVS stand between Aussies & Victory"?

Let us pray that Sachin doesn't build hopes again and falter mid-way. We would rather take the defeat and proceed to next match.

The Quizzociates, Trichy - 25th Year celebration

Coming soon

Unique ID for Indian Citizen - Another number game

Coming soon !

Encounter with Traffic Policemen

Have to write my "encounter" with 3 traffic policeman who were trying to do moral policing on my driving and the words they ended with because I argued and cursed them !

PS1 coach in Pallavan - A journey to remember!

PS1 - Canteen + Passengers coach

When you book tickets in Pallavan Express, specifically tell them not to book in PS1 coach unless you are desperate to travel. I know this is not possible online; but even if it is about losing reservation charges, try to re-book and get a different coach.

Last weekend, I happened to travel in this coach. One half of the coach is pantry and rest is for passengers (60 numbers). Slowly, we were able to constantly feel the oily smell and kind of mild heat. In-spite of the keeping the windows open, the smell or heat continued to be there. After crossing half-way distance, one of my co-passenger asked the railway staff to keep the main doors of the coach open for which they objected saying that someone might trip and fall if kept open. But without keeping the door open, we were not going to get relief and so after lot of argument, shouting and fighting with the pantry staff and TTE, the door was kept open and one staff stood to alert people to take care of the open door when they pass through. Once the door was kept open, it made huge difference.

The bloody TTE says we have to write a complaint about this coach to the authorities. But isn't this a common sense? Why someone would wait for a complaint to take action? Which idiot railway authority approved this kind of having pantry and passengers in the same coach? If some fire accident happen in the pantry, it will put the entire life of the passengers in that coach at risk.

Assuming Rs. 100 per ticket, railways gets Rs. 6000 for the 60 seats in that coach. Why railways have to stoop to beggars - pushing every nook & corner to be converted to seats and make money? The staff who came and argued, but then gave in to our argument said that this is how the system is, since 1983 ! Only when railway authorities travel, they would know the real problem. But then, they have every thing free and so why would they chose a second class; they will comfortably travel in Ac coach. The common man seem to be the idiot.

மேல் அதிகாரிகளுக்கு complaint எழுத சொல்றாங்க - I doubt whether it is a human or a கழுதை or பண்ணி or சொறி நாய் sitting as authority, unmindful of the ill-effect of this.

Switching from Suburban trains to MRTS

For almost two years, I was comfortably taking the Suburban Train First Class for my (earlier) office iSOFT, located near Palmgrove hotel. But shifting to new office in LB Road, Adyar posed only one problem - commuting. I just couldn't bring myself to think about driving by bike all the way. I hate to use my car for 2 reasons - it is criminal to use it for single man purpose and if there is a public transport facility, that should be availed. Of course, I don't include crowded buses as mode of public transport - they are just not ideal to travel with laptop and backpacks that too in peak hours.

I went by bike the first day. Instead of taking the known devil of Guindy route from Nanganallur, I tried to act smart by taking the Velachery route. I mentally prepared not to get agitated all the way and sure, there were lot of triggering points. The 5 minute wait at SRP Tools junction and 10 minute wait to take right towards Tiruvanmiyur from Tidel side almost got me. While coming back, I decided to take Guindy route, but got stuck near Raj Bhavan for 5-10 minutes. I decided it is not going to work and so took the MRTS option the next day.

From my place, it is just a 4 Km neat straight road to Velachery station. The new road would connect with the Mount station and then to GST as per the plan in few years time. It is quite a free road (at least now). I took the train and got down at Kasturba Nagar station (12 minutes journey) and from there, it was 10 minute walk to the office. I came back the same way and didn't feel any strain or stress. I took a season ticket - quarterly pass up to Beach. So excluding my bike ride up to the station, parking and reaching the platform, it is only 30 minutes to reach office from the time I board the train.

One biggest advantage is that MRTS are neither crowded nor permit foot-board traveling unlike suburban trains. The little drawback is the frequency in the non-peak hours; have to track the latest timing and reach the station. Otherwise, spend up wasting 20 or 30 minutes in those big stations.

Samsung Mobile - My experience

I was a staunch Nokia user, but when my one month old Nokia 3110C got pick-pocketed, I had to chose Samsung M200 because it was the only mobile available in that price range with similar features. Just four months into use, I found it restarting often without any specific sequence. I took it to service centre where they replaced the software but again the same problem kept occurring. I took it the second time and told him to either rectify or replace as it was within warranty period of one year.

I was told that there is indeed a mother board fault and so, they will get it replaced - either with a new mother board or set. I was asking for a set as replacing MB is going to be same as new one. Luckily, they didn't have any M200 in stock and so they offered C3212 Dual SIM model as replacement. I was asked to bring the old mobile with the box and accessories to the Samsung office at Radhakrishnan Salai and was given the new one. The unfortunate part is that the warranty start date of the new mobile is same as the previous one (it takes the date of old mobile purchase date).

So, if your mobile is giving some problem in the first year, insist on getting it replaced and don't easily accept the "software re-installation" solution. Why should a software problem occur in the first year of purchase and who knows it that would solve? We, as layman wouldn't know and have to rely on them. Why not insist to give a bug free product.

In my case, I was curious to know why they offered C3212 as replacement. I was told that they will try to give a new model whose price is same as the problematic mobile (and ignore if the difference is Rs. 100 or so).

Grammar Guru - A must read for anyone who wants to write better English

The article that appears in 'Times of India' every Monday gives useful insight into understanding the English grammar. It is written by Dr.Saraswati in simple manner that anyone could follow. Last week, I read on the usage of the definite article 'the' and I felt myself bad on not having understood 'the' completely.

I don't know if this article is read by the people who require it most - the English students' and those in industry who interact with external customers. Importantly, if these are taught in schools and colleges by the English teachers' in the form of weekly activity, it will enrich the student and make teachers' also to learn more.

In India, we don't teach the essentials or the practical application of a theorem. Exams are for the sole purpose to score high marks and proudly display certificates.

Street Dog Puppies

A week back, a stray dog delivered 8 puppies (octuplets?) and was using the the decommissioned ironing vehicle (lying opposite our apartment) as its abode. It used to growl when we go near to check. But once we started to feed her food (as the mother looked very skinny), the growling stopped. It realized that we will not harm its family !

It started raining the next day and so one morning, we found the mother and puppies have moved into our car park (which is just near the apartment main gate and the flats are inside) and sitting comfortably below one of the cars. Whenever that car was taken out, it will move to the adjacent car. The advantage is that there will be always one car in the parking lot. But one of the new born died possibly due to the rain. But the other 7 were doing okay.

Now, the mother dog has become very friendly and almost started expecting food and knows who gives at what time - it even follows us up to our flat entrance. Anyway, we all feed something from our meal everyday for the sake of puppies.

Some pictures

இயற்கையுடன் இரண்டு நாட்கள் - Short & sweet vacation at Yercaud

After much planning and without any last minute surprises, I, with my wife and kid went for a vacation at Yercaud. The resort was Lake Forest Hotel, an affliate of Mahindra Resorts, located at the centre of Yercaud. We had a very good break and felt living with nature in all aspects.

இயற்கையுடன் இருந்தால் எவ்வளவு நன்றாக இருக்கும் என்பதை, இந்த மாதரி இடங்களுக்கு சென்று அனுபவித்தால் தான் உணரமுடியும் என்பது இன்றைய வாழ்க்கையின் நிலை ஆகிவிட்டது.

We realized the important role, the resort's location and accommodation plays to enrich the stay. If we had taken normal rooms in other hotels, I don't think I would have ever
enjoyed as much as I had enjoyed in the LFH resort

For an elaborate detail on the trip - Read at
Short & Sweet vacation to Yercaud

Highway Toll - Taking a toll in purse

What seem to be a good, beautiful, smooth ride in our highways turns out to be heart-burning when it comes to toll amount that is charged. Recently for my trip to Yercaud (Chennai - Krishnagiri - Salem - Yercaud route), I paid Rs. 242 each way thus Rs. 484 in total plus Rs. 15 for climbing the Yercaud mountain way. Rs. 500 spent for toll alone.

The perplexing aspect is the amount that is levied - it purely seem to be whims and fancies of the toll agency. There were totally 6 toll booths. The amount collected goes like this - Rs. 30, 25, 35, 45, 60, 47. The last one 47 is the most bizarre of all - they can very well charge 50

These highways are supposed to be built like this with the tax payers money as part of basic amenities. Now, we are given a picture as though these are built at very high expenditure and thus collect money from people

TOLLS are nothing, but just HIGHWAY ROBBERS

Fuel price hike won't affect consumers: Deora

For these kind of donkeys and 'useless citizens' of India, everything is free. Only when an individual earns by doing some work and pay from that earning, he / she will realise the pinch of price hike and coping with the same.

See, how unabashedly, this nonsense fellow has made comment that Rs. 35 hike should spread out as Rs. 1 per day for family that consumes 1 LPG and so it is not at all a hike!!

Fuel price hike won't affect consumers: Deora

Wearing shorts to Temples

Wonder why guys who come to worship wearing shorts as though they treat it as a picnic spot. One might ask - What's in a dress? Then we can have exemption for everything. Why can't they just stick to tradition at least to th temples - by coming in dhoti or full pant? These guys think they were born and brought up in US.

I saw a guy yesterday at a Narasimhar Temple (at Moovarasampet near Nanganallur). This temple is most revered and supposed to be centuries old. The 'Pavithrotsavam' was underway and none of the typical elders in the temple management seem to be bothered about stressing some dress code. Hmm ..If a girl would have worn a shorts and entered the temple, they will think that it is abacharam and raise a big issue. Dress code should be uniform and strict like how it is done in Guruvayurappan style temples.

Wearing Shorts has become a de-facto in our current life-style - at office outings, beaches, picnics; but I think we should have some line drawn between partying and temple visit.

Kareena Kapoor Strip-tease & Sony Vaio

If the advertisement had just said that Sony Vaio is available in different flavours or colours, that would be sufficient. I don't need Kareena Kapoor doing a strip-tease to make me buy that product. No IDIOT buys a laptop (or for that matter, electronic gadgets like these) because it is endorsed by a popular personality.

It is still a wonder why advertising agencies (and the companies) believe that star endorsement is still a selling point for these kind of products? Why waste huge amount of money on a person (for doing cat walking and displaying the product) when people buy that product out of respect and performance of the brand?

Is there a Financial clause by which money spent on advertising can be shown as an 'Expense' (or 'loss') and claimed deduction from paying tax? Not sure.

People don't remember who endorsed Sony Vaio 10 years from now. They will still look towards 'SONY' for its legacy, usability, pricing and features.

'Live Traffic' gadget in blog

This gadget at least helps us to know who has been visiting our blog and what they have been reading. Whether the writing or article makes sense or not, we can feel happy that someone in this world is dropping and reading our jottings.

GMail ID - Dots insignificant

Ever realised GMail treats your mail ID with or without dots as the same? Know this so that you don't delete some mails thinking as spam!

My ID doesn't have a dot. I have sometimes wondered how mails sent to the same ID as mine (with a dot in the middle) land in my inbox. I ignored couple of times as spam, but the third time got me curious to check. Back of the mind, I thought GMail had a bug :-) which I can write to them about and get it fixed.

But I when I carefully looked at the mail header part (sent to my ID with dot), I saw a small snippet "(Yes, this is you.) Learn more. When I clicked that 'Learn more', it took me to a page and explained why it is so

Gmail doesn't recognize dots as characters within usernames, you can add or remove the dots from a Gmail address without changing the actual destination address; they'll all go to your inbox, and only yours
homerjsimpson@gmail.com = hom.er.j.sim.ps.on@gmail.com
homerjsimpson@gmail.com = HOMERJSIMPSON@gmail.com
homerjsimpson@gmail.com = Homer.J.Simpson@gmail.com

PS: Having a dot to show clarity in your mail ID is of least significance for the mail server!

Argos.Co.Uk - Sand at a Price

I was searching a suitable play item in Argos for my 1.6 year old daughter. Few of my colleagues are there at UK and I thought I will ask them to get.

I discovered an Interesting "Toy"
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3650574/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CToys+and+games%7C14417629.htm

Sand for a price? whatever they term it - refined and safe to play with, no bacteria and properly filtered, blah, blah. Still, I just cannot imagine how still sand is packaged and marketed ! Or did I get it completely wrong?

I think our local politicians would be delighted to introduce this as a play item in India - anyway, all sand quarries are under some politicians control - legally or illegally, though the latter is the usual norm.

"தாய் மண்ணே வணக்கம்" என்று சொல்லி கொள்ளை அடிப்போம்

FIFA 2010 - Observation on the QFs

Brazil showed excellent defense in the first half in their QF against Holland. But they could not even maintain even 50% of that in the second half. Frustration was growing evident in the Brazil camp as they kept losing the plot.

Germany, in their QF against Argentina showed excellent defense throughout the match. They also scored a very early goal like Brazil, but they didn't allow their defense to get weaken and kept attacking.

Pele and Maradona were (and are) at war of words. Two greats throwing brickbats in childish manner (Pele was throwing more). Both their countries are out.

Hotel Palmgrove - No more a place for middle class

The food prices are way too above for a middle class to think about affording. Having such a large group of Hotels (and real estate), the hotel can offer a competitive price on food menu. Till 3 years back, South Indian meal used to be Rs.55 inclusive of service tax. It has been jumping slowly ever since and now it is R.98 (with service tax). The quality & quantity remains same with zero improvement and there are no other change to ambiance as well (in order to justify).

Let Palmgrove not quote the rising inflation as the reason. A largely or commonly consumed food certainly cannot jump from Rs. 55 to Rs.98 (an increase of Rs.43 in 3 years). It puts Palmgrove in line with some of the Mutual Fund dividend schemes except that it is in reverse.

Many of us have stopped or avoid going there for lunch as there is no value for money. To top it, the waiters expect a tip for their service - stand their scratching their head or giving a smile (or salaam) at you indicating that the job is not done.

Why the hell they charge service tax separately and encourage waiters also to receive tip?

Southern Railways Website

This is one of the most prominent yet useless website if you are looking to lodge a complaint / suggestion to the India's greatest employer.

If we type www.srailway.com, it directs us to http://southernrailway.gov.in. But there is still a link "Please use our new official website address : www.southernrailway.gov.in" !!!


There are two supposedly important links if we scroll down to the last - Public Relations & Public Grievances. Guess what is displayed (see below image)

Nanganallur to Nanganallur Via Nanganallur

Last Saturday, 26th June, I took out my car to go to Kodambakkam. I usually take the Pazhavanthangal subway to reach the GST. It had just started drizzling and then developed into a steady rain. Here is the interesting sequence of events. People who know this locality will be able to understand more easily on the routes mentioned.

1. When I reached the subway, I could see vehicles moving slowly as it was water-logged up to knee level (for half an hour's rain). One vehicle was stuck and hence it took more time to overtake by turns (as it is not a big subway in terms of width).
2. I realised that it will be worse when we come back as all 3 important subways connecting Nanganallur is prone for water-logging. Hence decided to come back via the Thillai Ganga nagar subway.
3. It was in worst state already. I could see 5-6 cars waiting in the downward slope just to see if they can wade through the water. I decided to take a U-Turn to come back home via Pazhavanthangal subway itself. Many other followed the same. We warned all incoming vehicles (from GST side) that there is no point in going forward.
4. I took the left near Trident and drove for 25 meters or so and stopped. I could see a long queue of vehicles trying to cross the subway.
5. I again took a U-Turn and decided to reach home via AM Jain College gate. I had to wait for 15 minutes, but it was better than wading through water with the fear of car getting stuck

For half an hour's rain, this is the situation. These bloody political rascals don't even bother to sort out major issues like these which puts common man in difficulty frequently.

Kannadasan - Legend ignored by Tamizh channels

இந்திய தொலைக்காட்சி வரலாற்றில் முதன் முறையாக ...
(first time in the history of Indian TV channel...)

Hope everyone knows the boredom of listening to the above cacophony on every special occasion like Vinayaka Chathirthi, Independence day, Republic day, Pongal, Deepavali. But on June 24th, the birth day of legend Kannadasan, no channel were ready to pay respect or at least showcase his works even for an hour.

I came across a program in Podigai Tamizh Channel about him and his compositions around 9 PM for an hour's time. At least this channel took some effort in honouring this great legend, at least on his Birthday.

Poor DMK and its leader - if the CM had not been busy with Tamizh conference (Tamizh is more important than Kannadasan), he would have paid his respects by placing a garland at his statue (and thus make public suffer in the heat by stopping traffic)

Semmozhiam Tamizmozhi - செம்மொழியாம் தமிழ்மொழி

While listening to the recent "Theme" song of DMK party (err ..sorry ...Tamiz Conference), I wonder why many singers chose to SHOUT rather SING? I dislike AR Rahman in this one aspect - he sometimes goes overboard and tries to render in a high-pitch (which is still okay). But he need to see if the people can render it without shouting.

The Tamiz Theme song resembles lot of Western style of singing - may be the "Shouters" grew up listening to lot of Western music and think that only if they shout, others can hear.

WHERE IS THE MELODY IN THE THEME SONG OF SEMMOZHI? செம்மொழி இல் மெல்லிசை இல்லை

May be as per AR Rahman - எல்லா கத்தலும் இறைவனுக்கே!

Google Vs Bing - Who provides the right answer?

I started 'how to' and Google came up with a list. Topping that list was 'How to get pregnant'. I was curious to see what Bing produces and it had 'how to tie a tie'.

I tried Bing in IE as well as Chrome. The same trial was done with Google in IE and Chrome. Luckily, there was no difference (as it should be).

Cuil, whereas came up with 'how to choose'.

Not sure how page ranking is applied and why Pregnancy should be something on top in Google's search !

Dev Anand - Ever Green

While going through the 'Magazine' of the Hindu newspaper on Sunday, I came across the article about the 'Gregory peck' of India - Dev Anand; article on his new upcoming film and a short recount of his past days. I liked the below para about him.

"No other actor could romance heroines as effectively without touching them as Dev did. In fact Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor and even Aamir Khan have unabashedly copied him in romantic scenes"

It goes without saying that ROMANCE is a word that can be associated with ONLY old movies of that genre and not a term that can be used for current days movies as the meaning has been stretched (and stretching far too beyond).

Karunanidhi Turns 87 - Screws up Chennai Traffic

On June 3rd, DMK party cadres chose to celebrate their "thalaivar" birthday in a manner known to all of us - disrupting traffic in main parts of the city thus putting all office goers into utter difficulty. While the people waited in the hot sun, Laddus were distributed to mark the special occasion. Luckily, I escaped by starting early to office and evaded getting stuck on road since I usually take the suburban train.

DMK believes in Tamiz as foremost language and raise a huge cry for Tamiz such as உடல் மண்ணுக்கு உயிர் தமிழுக்கு(roughly translates to - this body for Earth and life for Tamiz). It is a known fact that many such quotes are publicity stunts.

Then, why they chose an ENGLISH date i.e. June 3rd to celebrate? They could have chosen a date based on Tamiz calendar and distribute "Halwa" packets to every Tamizan.

Lord Venkateshwara & “Sarakku” Music

For Tamiz and non-Tamiz readers – “Sarakku” is slang for liquor which is not necessarily Toddy.

Last Friday (4th June) around 10 PM, my friend Thiyagu and I were heading towards Kodambakkam railway station to go home. There has been kind of spiritual activity in a temple nearby (loud speakers blaring some pooja slokas and mantras for couple of days). But on that day, the spiritual activity had ceased. There was a 30 feet or odd Lord Venkateshwara cut-out with all fancy lighting around him. To add effect of Friday evening and to probably cool down the spiritual effect, loud speakers were pouring out liquor based hit songs from Tamiz movies. A tent was erected nearby for people to showcase their dancing skills – not sure if Sarakku was served or not and whether people danced with its effect or not.

One could have spared the God from all these non-sense. It was very sure that no one could object to it as it must have been organised through the local political "dadas". No resident would wish to get a mouthful of abuse by intervening.

This is Kali Yuga and as per Hindu mythology, the world will undergo a clean-up once this fourth Yuga ends. The way I saw that activity, I could sense that the end days are not far behind :-)

LORENZO GO-LIVE @ Morecombe Bay Trust

This healthcare product of iSOFT has been under development for quite a few years and criticized a lot for the delays in implementation at NHS Trusts, UK. I have been associated with various versions and various roles in various teams in its life cycle.

There has been lots of delay - due to constantly changing requirements, market uncertainties and product stability / acceptance. But any product goes through that phase to attain maturity.

Last week, the first go-live of the original vision of the product was achieved. We had go-lives earlier in the year 2009 (close to 7 or 8 sites), but all those have been with the very minimal functionality.

This version is supposed to be replacing our legacy Patient administration software as well as provide Clinical functionality, support concurrent users and integrate with other systems.

It was happy moment for everyone who had been associated with this product for long, long time.

Gmail Attachments - Unique Feature

This is in Chrome Browser

I haven't noticed this before, but was pleasantly surprised on this good feature. I am sure, many would be able to save themselves from embarrassment.

After composing a mail which is supposed to have an attachment, I had totally forgotten to attach a file as I was busy composing and restructuring the message. When I clicked send, it prompted me with a message your message contains text 'I have attached', but there is no attachment. It saved me from resending the mail with attachment.

No wonder Google is considered as an Innovation paradise.

Maoist - A Message

1. This group formed because they didn't like the way some of the decisions were made on their homeland, labours' exploitation, blah and blah.
2. The intention is to make politicians understand their problem and arrive at an amicable decision.
3. For many years, this has not happened as politicians in India are never known to have solved any major crisis like this.
4. Started adopting violent methods to convey the message - killing CRPF men (many of them not even connected to Maoist political agenda) and recently, the Train sabotage killing common man

My question is - WHY CAN'T MAOIST KILL THE POLITICIANS DIRECTLY?

Three services get rendered by this way
1. Some of the rotten and worst politicians will be eliminated (which is a good thing if India has ever to claim it is incredible)
2. Make the remaining politicians to act quickly to solve the problem (so that they can save their lives)
3. Civilians are spared and they can be safe in this country

Google Indic - Hail Google

I had been trying hard some time back to get some Fonts installed / Editors / keyboard support, to type contents in Hindi. I wanted to help my father who writes articles in Hindi on topics related to spirituality and targetted at spreading awareness about Hindi contributors to South Indians or vice-versa. If that line sounds too complex, leave it. He generally writes for magazines such as Manjari (Tamiz) and Narasimha Priya (Tamiz magazine predominantly related to Vaishnavism topics)

One recent example is that he has undertaken a work, to provide an overview and meaning of selected verses of Vedantha Desikan’s work titled ‘Paaduka Sahasram’ in Hindi. This was taken on request from few of his friends who live in North India – to create awareness and reach Vaishnavism related works to North India.

I hope the above paragraph is better than the first (I assume). My father has compiled the work (in written format) and had sent them to the concerned person who in turn provided us back the same in a PDF format. My father is a complete novice to computers (and I can’t educate him as he is 79 and not used to gadgets) and so I offered my help in sending the results of proof-reading. There were close to 90 odd spelling errors and few insertions, changes and deletions to be made. I told him that it is better to send in Hindi itself in typed format so that it is easy for them to incorporate the changes. It took 2 hours a day for 6 days to type out the content, but when the publisher called and expressed his thanks on the clarity, I felt very happy.

I installed and used Google’s Hindi Indic for carrying out the work. A beautiful software and I found it absolutely user friendly when searching for combination of letters or spelling. Though my father sat near me to check if I am typing the right one, I was able to type even some complex characters with minimal effort. All you need to know is to think and search for different combination of English letters for complex Hindi letters. I have got Google’s Tamiz as well and found it too useful if we wish to write some thing in Tamiz (for me, the usage of small ன and big ண் always confuses) and this software provides the right one for the word.

Hail Google – the inventor of useful applications – no wonder why Google is so revered, loved and used by many

Saree's fate - புடவை படும் பாடு

Deepika Padukone wearing Saree at Cannes because she thinks she has a responsibility to uphold Indian tradition. No Saree in India, but she wants to showcase at Cannes. And how - only the Saree to be the entire dress and other accessories are “barely” or “Scarcely” visible.

இவ அங்க புடவை உடுத்தி கொண்டு செல்ல வில்லை என்று யார் கவலை படுகிறார்கள்? இல்லை கட்டி கொண்டு போனதால் நாட்டுக்கு எதாவது பெருமை வந்து விட போகிறதா?

CANNES இல் புடவை கட்டி நம்மை கேனையன் ஆகாரன்கப்பா!

Virginity - Nothing sacred or scary about it (as per Khushboo)

I never thought I would get to write on such a controversial or sensitive topic. Now that the SC has quashed all cases against actress Khushboo citing that it is her personal opinion and has right to express, I thought why can't I have my personal opinion and that too in MY blog!

According to Khushboo, virginity is not a big issue to be really questioned about- "No educated man should expect his bride to be a virgin" was her statement to the PUCLIC which is now termed as PERSONAL opinion

Yeah - may be true in your cinema world which is world's biggest sex industry. It is an open secret that the movie world is a Many-To-Many affairs world (as in the Computer Language's Modelling relational term)- be it marial, pre-marital, post-marital; barring the child actors !

The affairs may be claimed as gossip, but people are not fools to believe that, as everything comes out in the open. From the divorce cases, we know who was the root cause. Let the actors / actress not express their opinion to media or public if it is their personal opinion. Keep your mouth shut and go about your "business" - which is acting as the public face and "chee poonga" as the private face.

Airtel Super Singer Junior – with Chief Guest as MS Viswanathan

Though I have not been a regular viewer of this program, I always had great respect for the professional approach and the quality of the judges especially Mano and Chitra who are in my favourite list of singers.

The program does the setting and outlook according to the theme of the week.
On April 28th, for a person of stature of MSV, I found the program abysmally low in every aspect. Except for the hair-style and song selection (to suit the songs composed by MSV), the girls who rendered the song had bright eye-lashes, artificial flashy smile and needless jumping around or ‘abhinayam’ for the songs. It was just too much of make-up. They should observe singers like P.Susheela or S.Janaki on the composure while rendering the song.

To top that, the ladies who does the co-ordination part didn’t even attempt to speak sentences fully in Tamiz (at least for MSV), but were comfortable in using maximum English words. The organizers and importantly, the judges better watch out for these nuances. They should remember that HUMILITY and HUMBLENESS are important aspect to be maintained (at least to some extent) when a legend like MSV is around. Pampering around, needless style and flashy words will not help the singer.

Panel proposes Rs.30 per hour minimum wage for house work

I read an article in today’s “The Hindu” about fixing minimum daily wage for domestic servant / maids / workers at http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/26/stories/2010042659260300.htm

Though I agree that they should not let themselves be exploited, there are few nuances to note.
1. Does this apply to the agencies who supply maids to houses or offices?
2. The rules for houses and offices must be kept separately. The same rate cannot be applied as the work nature is different.
3. If it is domestic, then we have to see the nature of job. Most houses employ for cleaning (sweeping and mopping the floors and cleaning the bathroom floor approx twice in a week) (or) cleaning the windows, doors and tiles (or) washing utensils (or) washing clothes (or) taking care of the baby from 9 to 5 or full time depending on the family needs (or) all of them.
4. Assuming that a wage per hour needs to be paid – how do we ensure that the maid completes the work in stipulated hour? If the sweeping and mopping of floor usually takes only one hour, and if the maid deliberately delays it and demands the next hour’s wage, who will settle the dispute?
5. Most of the so-called domestic maids come to work because of their family circumstances and to earn an additional income. Only few of them are cultured and the rest speak the language of slum which is typical of Chennai. Should families take the headache of listening to such filthy language and shouting of words and whom they should go for settling?

It is quite unfortunate to read that a wage of Rs. 30 per hour being suggested. The system of fixing wage is a flawed one. May be, it can be made applicable for agencies who supply work force to companies or corporate.

Natural MAN Made Disaster!!

I was stunned when I came across Chennai City Traffic Police website - http://www.chennaitrafficpolice.in which has a link named "Natural Man Made Disaster" !!!

It was as puzzling as how cops have big tummy (or) how cops don't catch the thief (for small robbery) even though they know who would have committed that crime in that area (or) collecting bribe even from small petty shops on the road side.

Well, I think they must have intend to mention 'Natural OR Man made disasters". Not sure as the website seem to be completely outdated

Here is the picture of that page. Notice the link just above the traffic signal picture

IPL – Black Market of Cricket

Shashi Tharoor – Turned out to be whistle blower without the intention of being such one in the recent IPL fiasco. What would have made Shashi Tharoor do this – he is naïve to Indian politics and haven’t got deeply corrupted unlike many others who know how things can be made to work for them without their name coming out (popularly known as Binami account or hawala case) . Unknowingly, he has led IT department to IPL

I have had long running suspicion that some of the matches definitely seem to be fixed – either by the way bowlers feed the batsman (or ) batsman getting out in unnecessary situation (or) fielders dropping catches. The last of them is least likely option as it depends on various parameters. One need not fix all the playing 11; just the captain and couple of crucial players are enough.

I am waiting eagerly to hear some tainted remarks about IPL, possible match-fixing that can get proved and corrupt face of Modi presented to the nation. Now,

1. Who was Modi before IPL
2. Whom does he report to? Surely, he must be having a boss – if not anyone, at least Manmohan Singh must be there
3. Who controls or monitors the IPL apart from Modi?

Apparently, Modi has served 2 years of prison service in US for possessing drugs (source: Wiki), with charges of assault and kidnapping. And we are all applauding him for creating a brand called “IPL” and getting India a “Proud” status with all these heavy weight business man buying teams with their black money and suspicious stakeholders thus fooling people around.

Totally Rubbish …

A day at Vandalur Zoo - People's etiquette!

Many of the youths (appear to visit purely for a pastime) jump inside the first level fence (the enclosures where the birds or fowls are kept) and stand close and take pictures. There were no authorities to instruct them. Few would poke their hands and fingers as though they are trying to play with the monkeys or peacocks. Even if I turn a blind face to those unruly young fellows, it was more disgusting to see families doing the same asking their kids to stand inside the first level fence and shoot a picture

The places where the instruction board reads "Do not sit on the lawns or walk over" is comfortably ignored as I could see even educated families sit there having lunch or chatting around or resting in an inclined pose (like Swami Ranganatha or Srirangam). I got irritated at first on seeing these, but then decided not to get my tension up and instead could only wish for a better and improved etiquette from our people. Post independence, we have gone from rags to riches in few departments, but basic discipline, cleanliness is far from standards. Hope we mimic these from Western countries than the needless ones

More on Tweeting

I thought I would still be able to write on my blog even after I started tweeting. But putting thoughts to mind and converting to an article seem to be much tougher thing to do with the arrival of Twitter. Every news / update is available in twitter and no wonder, it is catching up fast.

I regularly Tweet about the progression of my sweet little daughter (her learning and uttering of new words, actions). She is 1.5 years now). I comment about Sundry items which catches my attention and worth giving an update

நான் என் உழைக்க வேண்டும்? - தமிழகத்தின் இன்றைய நிலை - இது இப்படியே தொடர்ந்தால் .... !!!

ஒரு நாளைக்கு 18 மணி நேரம் உழைக்கும் என்னிடம் ஒருவர் கேட்டார் - எதற்காக இத்தனை கஷ்டப்படுகிராய்?
நான் கேட்டேன் - கஷ்டப் படாமல் எப்படி வாழ்க்கையை ஓட்ட முடியும்?
அவர் சிரித்தபடி சொன்னார் - நான் யார் தெரியுமா?
தமிழ்நாட்டின் குடிமகன்

என் நாட்டில் உணவுக்கு அரிசி கிலோ 1 ரூபாய்
சமைப்பதற்கு கேஸ் மற்றும் அடுப்பு இலவசம்
பொழுது போக்கிற்கு வண்ண தொலைகாட்சி பெட்டி மின்சாரதுடன் இலவசம்
குடும்ப்பதுடன் உயிர் காக்கும் சிகிச்சை இலவசம்
எதற்காக உழைக்க வேண்டும்?

நான் கேட்டேன் - உன் எதிர் கால சந்ததியின் நிலை என்ன?
பலமாக சிரித்தபடி சொன்னார்
மனைவி பிள்ளை பெற்றால ௫௦௦ 5000 இலவசம் சிகிச்சையுடன்
குழந்தைக்கு சத்துணவு பள்ளியில் இலவசம்
படிப்பு சீருடையுடன் இலவசம், மதிய உணவு முட்டையுடன் இலவசம்
பாட புத்தகம், படிப்பு மற்றும் பஸ் பாஸ் இலவசம்
தேவை என்றல் சைக்கிள் இலவசம்
பெண் பருவமடைந்தால் திருமண உதவி தொகை 25000 ரூபாய் இலவசம்
பவுன தாலியுடன் திருமண செலவும் இலவசம்



PS:
English: The content is not mine; I got it in my mailbox and found it absolutely matching with what happening in Tamilnadu. The credit goes to whoever has thought and written. No copyright violation :-)

Tamiz: இது என்னுடைய சொந்த தயாரிப்பு அல்ல.மின் அஞ்சல் மூலமாக வந்ததை இங்க கொட்டி இருக்கேன். இதன் சொந்தக்காரர் கே இதனுடைய copyright உரிமை சேரும்

"Save our Tigers" Aircel campaign

Actor Surya may be a very good actor, but look at his English delivery and facial expression when he utters "We have to something about this - Right?". It sounds more like a soft sentence than being a firm appeal. No where one could get a feel of his emotions.

Apart from the above, I don't know what Aircel is trying to do, by this campaign. Are they going to take this issue with WWF and Govt of India? Are they going to stop poaching and arrest culprits? Are they going to import Tigers from other places and breed them here?

What is an individual like me can do when people are threatened or killed for using RTI or raising issue about politicians or exposing scams in the country?

This seem to be more towards projecting a good image for "Aircel" than the real serious issue of preserving Tigers.

Getting drawn towards Twitter

I used to think why people are so crazy about communicating in <= 140 letters. I lazily created a Twitter account (just to make sure that someone doesn't throw a surprise look at me for not having one). But after writing couple of messages, I felt like I am getting drawn to write more on Twitter instead of blog which requires some more thinking, content and relevant links (as evident with this paragraph!)

My Twitter @ TvVijay

"The Great Indian Novel" – Nothing great about the Author’s Present Political motive

This is a delayed post, but I waited to complete the book

After long pending years, I read ‘The great Indian novel’ by Shashi Tharoor a month back. There is no doubt about the way the story is pinned with the characters in Mahabharata linked with the Congress party of pre-independence and the fall outs after Independence. At many places, “human beauty” is needlessly expressed in Khajuraho style. May be, it is his fantasy to write in such a way or trying to appear like Khushwant Singh style. In my opinion, they didn’t add any value except some ‘Kamasutra’ effect to the story.

Few main characters (whom I could recollect while writing this post) around which the story evolves

Dhritarashtra – Nehru
Bheeshma – Mohandas Gandhi
Karna – Mohammed Ali Jinnah
Vidur - Sardar Patel

Having written so satirical about the way the Congress party has handled the country’s pre and post independence and with almost direct references to some of the in-explainable decisions that was taken by Nehru on the Kashmir issue and India-China conflict, it is shame to note that Shashi Tharoor finally found only the Congress party, for his home-coming, boosting of personal image and foray into Indian Politics. Whatever respects I had for him, got tarnished by his act.

Thus, Indian politics stands out as splendid example of how one can tarnish something or someone to the core, but soon join them in the name of ‘Service to country’ and people will forget all

Review comment on my blog - After a long time!

I hope and I think that my blog is being visited and topics read. But haven't seen any comments for a long time. There used to be; but mostly they are like spam (standard links to advertisements/ marketing) and not specific to the topic.

It took a topic on Maestro Ilayaraja to get comments. Though they were little on the negative side, I felt happier that a topic on him certainly is read and has influenced the individuals to push their remarks.

Ilayaraja's music - is not free anymore??

Ilayaraja has gone into a contract with Abi Music which will decide to give license to use Maestro's music to be used in live show performance, radios, remixes and whatever not covered earlier.

In this age of Internet, it looks little crazy on Ilayaraja's decision to be very stringent with so many of his lively compositions. It is true that any music director would like to be identified with his compositions, but not sure if would be be to the extent of what Ilayaraja has done. He may be a Maestro, but doesn't seem to be so at Heart when it comes to having copyright (which may be correct, but not in all forms). It is not known why he fears that his music should be protected so much.

As a person who grew up listening to his music and his amazing creativity in composing film songs based on Carnatic raagas, I feel disappointed that a person of his stature decided to do this. What happens everyone follows this idea - MSV, SPB, S Janaki, Yesudas, Chitra, AR Rahman trademark the songs they have sung or composed ! There may be no place to hear the lovely melodies except in our Home PCs.

As per Tamilnadu Tourism - Lord Vinayaka is mythical half-man and half-bird Garuda !!!

It is not known who actually owns and maintains these Tourism websites which gives awfully wrong information on important tourists spots.

Check the below link http://www.tamilnadu-tourism.com/tamilnadu-cities/tiruchirapalli-tourism.html and read the text for 'The Rockfort Temple'. It says "The temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (the mythical half-man, half-bird Garuda who is Vishnu's Vehicle, famous in the Epic Mahabharata)".

It should have been half-man and half-Elephant. The second error is quoting Garuda as in the Mahabharatha !!! At least stories of Vishnu's Avatars would have been somewhat relevant. How can errors like these be unnoticed? This is another example of having quota based people managing government sites

Being from Trichy (particularly born and brought up in Srirangam), I didn't knew a Jambukeshwarr Temple exist ! Tiruvanaikoil is where Goddess Akilandeshwari and Lord Jambukeshwarar are worshipped. The peedam that has the linga, is surrounded by water and the level of water depends on the level in the river Cauvery.