Of all the blogs in all the towns in all the world, you've surfed into mine.

Karunanidhi on improving Coimbatore (from my Facebook)

2010-12-15T22:58:00.000+05:30

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

2010-12-15T22:04:00.001+05:30

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

2010-11-19T07:10:00.004+05:30

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

2010-11-10T10:17:00.003+05:30

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

2010-11-08T10:29:00.003+05:30

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

2010-11-07T07:07:00.002+05:30

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"

2010-10-24T22:19:00.002+05:30

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

2010-10-23T07:17:00.004+05:30

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 when I decided to quit that I shall think about reconsidering my 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

2010-10-21T07:43:00.005+05:30

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

2010-10-05T07:29:00.002+05:30

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

2010-10-04T23:37:00.001+05:30

Coming soon

Unique ID for Indian Citizen - Another number game

2010-10-04T23:36:00.000+05:30

Coming soon !

Encounter with Traffic Policemen

2010-10-04T23:34:00.001+05:30

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!

2010-09-24T23:16:00.002+05:30

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

2010-09-11T16:04:00.003+05:30

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

2010-09-11T15:32:00.000+05:30

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

2010-09-02T11:11:00.002+05:30

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

2010-08-28T21:56:00.006+05:30

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

2010-08-10T08:00:00.008+05:30

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

2010-08-03T07:43:00.005+05:30

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

2010-07-28T07:31:00.003+05:30

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

2010-07-26T07:01:00.005+05:30

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

2010-07-14T07:57:00.005+05:30

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

2010-07-08T07:46:00.002+05:30

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

2010-07-07T07:21:00.004+05:30

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

2010-07-05T16:16:00.006+05:30

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

2010-07-03T22:50:00.004+05:30

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

2010-07-01T07:57:00.006+05:30

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

2010-06-30T23:15:00.006+05:30

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

2010-06-27T23:24:00.006+05:30

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

2010-06-27T23:14:00.004+05:30

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

2010-06-24T07:49:00.005+05:30

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?

2010-06-14T22:38:00.007+05:30

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

2010-06-14T07:44:00.003+05:30

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

2010-06-09T07:28:00.003+05:30

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

2010-06-08T10:02:00.001+05:30

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

2010-06-07T22:57:00.003+05:30

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

2010-05-31T22:58:00.004+05:30

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

2010-05-29T07:59:00.006+05:30

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

2010-05-28T15:57:00.000+05:30

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

2010-05-17T07:31:00.007+05:30

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)

2010-05-09T07:55:00.006+05:30

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

2010-04-29T22:53:00.003+05:30

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

2010-04-29T07:34:00.008+05:30

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!!

2010-04-28T08:14:00.005+05:30

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

2010-04-22T10:30:00.000+05:30

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!

2010-04-08T07:52:00.005+05:30

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

2010-03-21T19:39:00.000+05:30

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 .... !!!

2010-03-08T22:37:00.004+05:30

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

2010-02-25T08:02:00.000+05:30

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

2010-02-04T22:48:00.002+05:30

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

2010-01-21T14:17:00.000+05:30

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!

2010-01-11T18:33:00.001+05:30

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??

2010-01-09T13:50:00.005+05:30

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 !!!

2010-01-08T12:48:00.002+05:30

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.

More benefit for Useless MPs – More Taxes For Salaried

2009-12-23T12:33:00.005+05:30

oh Bloody screwed up country this is ....

The perk given to employee is going to be taxed and they want to implement it April 2009. The Govt should know that only the salaried are paying the taxes properly. They do not want even to wait to bring this in 2010 - http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-widens-tax-net-for-perks-applicable-right-away-for-entire-year/380059

But on the other side, the MPs are allowed to travel with any number of relatives, which earlier was restricted to their family alone. Mr Chidambaram says that there is no financial implication (see the link http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/21/stories/2009122159320900.htm)

Of course, he is right – when he taxes perks, the Govt. is going to get billions of money that will meet the travel expense of bloody, useless, non-contributing MPs

Karpagambal Mess @ Mylai - Mess of a place

2009-12-08T07:53:00.003+05:30

Last weekend, I visited the renovated Karpagambal Mess at Mylapore to get some Dosas for dinner at home. The earlier building was cramped, poorly lit with unclean wash area and third rated furnitures.

I thought the new building should have got rid of those unhygienic factors. But utterly poorly planned (borrowing Amul's Utterly Butterly delicious). Note down these. If you still want to visit, I pray to God to give you the patience to spend the time there.

1. Very poorly planned. The bill counter where that old thatha sits has a glass window with a small opening for giving and taking cash. One has to bend down to tell their order. If you bend, you are bound to bump someone with your back. Why can't they have a small opening like bank counters at the face level so that one can easily convey what they want.
2. No separate space for people who have come to eat but had to wait. They have to stand next to the table where they sense that the persons eating are going to complete thus causing uneasiness to those eating.
3. The parcel area can just accommodate one person to service. But there are 3 people. If one extends his arm, it bangs the other. Apart from that that area has a lady washing the vessels and other arranging something.
4. The food taste is nothing great. There is NO homely touch as it is claimed or reputed for. A Dosa cost 28 Rs for which one has to endure the time, crowd, hygiene.

Gone is the old Karpagambal Mess - Food costs like any other place. So it is no big regret if you cannot have food here. They can change the name to "Karpagambal Hotel" for being Mess(y).

Pratibha Patil Flys in Sukhoi - Who Cares?

2009-11-27T14:20:00.000+05:30

The President post is a waste in India. Except for few like Rajendra Prasad and Dr.Radhakrishnan, others have been mere rubber stamp - wasting country's money on foreign trips, needless meeting, living in that big Rashtrapathi bhavan.

If Dr.Abdul Kalam had flown the Sukhoi, there is some relevance - India's rocket man deserves. What has this lady done to deserve a front page news?

They don't contribute anything to common man (for that matter - no politician does). Pratiba Patil is the worst of the lot. It is time we abolish this post. Defense decisions can be taken by those who are in the defense - Major General, Navy Admiral and Air-force Chief and not a politician.

Unless our country stops these kind of news from becoming headlines, we will continue to be "we are like this only".

I've got Ration Card !

2009-11-12T13:31:00.000+05:30

This is a delayed post. I wanted to write on this and drafted, but I can say that I was so elated that I forgot until I picked the draft again today.

After a long wait, I've finally achieved what many Indians could dream of - getting a ration card (oh yeah - certainly tough task than owning a house). The problem is that you got only one govt. office to run to; whereas for buying a house, you got choice of builder, price, location, loan.

The submission of application form was not an issue. Once your application is checked and everything is right, they give you a piece of paper with a seal which is mostly illegible (and they call it as acknowledgement slip, but that's the only piece of paper that is accepted by Gas cylinder agencies to book and refill).

But while collecting (requests in the morning and all receivables in the evening), I found everything printed right except that they changed my area to Parangimalai instead of Nanganallur. When asked, the lady just smiled and said "saar - that's small printing mistake sir. What you do is to write a letter and submit to change the same". Bloody - I have to submit a letter for the mistake they committed. I just gnashed my teeth and started writing one there itself. Immediately she told that I have to come in the morning and submit as all requests have to be given in the morning. I did that the next day and waited one more week to get the updated card.

The cost - I almost spent one full day. But I am proud of what I managed to achieve - owning a ration card with my picture at the front and mentioning me as 'Family Head'(ache)

One good experience was that I wrote a request letter in Tamiz language after a very long gap. I then used Google's Indic to put in a word document and print the same

TNEB honors Transgenders

2009-09-04T11:38:00.006+05:30

The below registration form for payment of TNEB bills Online is self explanatory. Check the options available for 'Gender'

I haven't come across any government dept. application forms having this "unique" option.

Hmm ...Hope they don't bring another option to recognise 377 !!

Why Advani was not expelled for praising Jinnah?

2009-08-20T07:24:00.004+05:30

Advani praised Jinnah when he visited his tomb in June 2005 and described the founder of Pakistan as "secular" and an "ambassador of Hindu-Muslim unity". It is not my words, but from the link - http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050605/asp/nation/story_4828954.asp

So, why Advani wasn't expelled for praising Jinnah and poor Jaswant was done in? It will be one of the mysteries. Advani has shamelessly agreed to take this decision of expelling such a senior person like Jaswant whereas his praising of Jinnah was left untouched.

BJP - Bharatiya Jokers' Party. How else one can describe this national party which was considered as the best opposition for the Congress party and only alternative for a stable govt. at the centre? After Vajpayee, the only other person who was capable of holding this party's future was Pramod Mahajan. After his unfortunate death, the party started deteriorating (or decaying) and lost its way. The loss in general election was yet another step in the melt down. Unlike the Congress party, BJP totally lost it plot to stage a comeback even though it has a good mandate.

Dr.Kalam scores over SRK

2009-08-17T21:53:00.006+05:30

So much of fuss Shah Rukh Khan is making for getting detained. Yes, he may be an icon, but he is expected to go through checking process like any other citizen. What is the problem in it? Let him know the difficulty of thousands of others who undergo such experience. Being an icon may be of help in India where our people go to the extent of sacrificing their life, but it can't be the case everywhere. After all, I don't need to believe SRK is going to wear a Gandhi cap, hoist a flag and render the anthem at Chicago. Most likely, it will be just another "party", some felicitation and loads of fun!!

How decent Dr. Abdul Kalam had been when he was done the same by Continental Airline. SRK speaks as though he hates America and feel humiliated, but can't he take a leaf out of how Dr.Kalam reacted and be matured on his reaction? If SRK had just told "if this can happen to the most talented scientific pioneer of this country, why my case has to make so much news"

The bloody TV news channels have their tongues out - they got news for another one week - from how SRK packed his suitcase to what happened after he was cleared.

This country can never change until it stops treating cine people like larger-than-life heroes

Is India free of Racism?‏

2009-07-07T08:24:00.002+05:30

The recent attacks on Indians at Australia have brought the issue again with both the countries heavily involved in solving this.

Our news channels line up and flash pictures and videos of whatever they could get and repeat them, until they grew tired of it and get a fresh one. But honestly, does anyone think racism is happening only in Australia and not in India? It happens, in our country albeit in a different tone and manner. Let me cite few instances.

Whenever water sharing problem arises between TN and Karnataka, the same “friendly Indians” clash against each other, abuse public property and cause huge loss of time and money to everyone. Rajinikanth apologizes on what he thinks as a mild remark after his pictures are burnt and movies are stopped from being screened.

The North-East student / people were beaten and driven away at Mumbai, because Raj Thackarey and Co thinks they don’t deserve a place there.

Last, but the giant comes in the form of Government offices. The list of people seeking help after submitting forms at government offices are tested to their limit of their patience until the “officer” himself grew tired of this and “clears” the file or the well-to-do applicant “smartly” treats the officer and gets his work done. Not even one department is untouched. If you achieve what you wanted to do in one single day, in any of these below, it is a miracle

1. Property tax, water tax, Electricity Boards – Bribes are well-defined if you make a “smart” approach and still, they will make you visit their offices more than once to get your files “through”. By that time, apart from bribe amount, you would have also spent few hundreds to treat them with snacks and coffee at their canteen
2. RTO offices – Without a driving school, it is next to impossible to get a license on your own.
3. Ration shops – You need to bunk office for at least 2 full days to get some thing done. One for submitting the form and another time to collect. They will make mistakes (spelling, wrong address being printed) and ask you shamelessly to come again to correct it. And they don’t work on Saturdays!
4. Passport offices
5. Police station – At the Pazhavanthangal police station, my neighbour had a servant maid who was staying and working at their house. When she passed away due to health reasons and when the hospital declared it as an accident by mistake, we had to go to the police station to certify that her death was due to natural ailment. The police babu asked us to come one morning at 7 AM with 5 witnesses. We were asked to buy 20 A4 sized papers (because that bloody station didn’t have papers). Luckily, I had some A4 sheets at home which they used to type out the content.

Aren’t we ashamed having this and criticize another country? As long as our country is with the white clad, un-educated, rowdies in the name of political netas, it will never change. Yes, I do vote, but do I have an option to Say ‘No’ during voting? There is a form which can be filled and given. But it is not kept confidential and my life is dear to me as they will come to know with full details of the person who have said ‘No’ If the number of such ‘No’ reaches a certain number, will that politician be disqualified as he is not fit to contest?

Who will change these? The legislation has to be passed in the parliament to make this happen. But it is the same group of rowdies who are sitting there and deciding; how can we expect them to pass this legislation which will put them into difficulty?

"Aham Brahmasmi" - Better than "Jai Ho"

2009-02-15T23:04:00.008+05:30

After so much of news about 'SM' at the global stage combined with statistics of earnings in theatres across US and the recognition for Indians (AR Rahman, Russel Pookutty and Gulzar), it is natural for every Indian to feel proud and the urge to watch the movie. But SlumDog turns out to be a Damp Squib - a simple normal logical movie with so many glitches and a background music which was a kind of normal AR music and the characterisation just on par with some of the good Hollywood / Bollywood movies. First, the marketing arm of 'SM' has to be credited for lobbying such a below par movie to be recognised at BAFTA and Oscar level. Exposing the reality about slum life is okay, but would the same director dare to show NY's downtown (or) poverty stricken African's lives with the same amount of liberty he has done in this movie?

We have to accept that AR has been recognised for some good scores he has done for movies such as Lagaan or Swades. I don't think AR / Gulzar / Rusel would have got their names mentioned if the same movies had been made by an Indian production company and an Indian director. The Pathetic state is that, well made movie like Lagaan fail to win an Oscar whereas ordinary movie like SM made the win look so easy.

Naan Kadavul - a strong script and a daring one is well made. There is no flirting by the director to project the reality; expect the worst when you sit for the movie and you will like it. Maestro has come out on the top with the background score and memorable songs; the tunes ideally suited for the situations.

Raju (Caught and Bowled) 7000 cr. But what about the obvious others?

2009-01-11T22:26:00.003+05:30

Ramalinga Raju got into headlines and would be there till another breaking news gets caught with the media.

Yes, we do all agree that 7000 crore is a big money, worthy of investigation and need to find out the root cause of this scam. This should not certainly end up questioning the credibility of the entire Indian IT sector and must be an one-off case.

But, the puzzle here is that, there are so many other criminals in the name of corrupt politicians who are still out there with big scams against their name. They shamelessly go about like displaying a Param Vir Chakra. Their exploits in accepting bribe and getting their name mentioned is obvious to the entire India, but still, has anyone been treated like how Ramalinga Raju is being treated now?

The political scoundrels are still out at large and they would continue to do so because Indian law and order system is IMPOTENT when it comes to punishing politicians.

Human Chain in Tamilnadu (or) Children Torture?

2008-10-25T08:35:00.010+05:30

School children who don't have any information about LTTE, proper geography of Srilanka or Tamil Eelam were made to stand hours in heavy rain. The reason for forcing them to wait since the morning - The CM was scheduled to pass by 5 PM and wave at them by sitting in his comfortable cozy vehicle without a drop of water falling on him.

Bloody hell!! The behaviour of this idiotic & irresponsible government is becoming worse day by day.

We are talking about eradicating child labour, improving child education, reducing female infanticide and providing better food at government schools; but this is the height of torture. Will the CM and his "clowns" (read Ministers) take responsibility if many of the school children took ill because of continuous standing in the rain? Grrr ...they might give 1000 Rs to each of the "affected families" (truth is even that 1000 will not reach many of the families and goes into pockets of ward counsellors, municipality)

Shame on leading newspaper like 'The Hindu' who indirectly supported this human chain with the headline 'Thousands participate despite rain'

Will the stopping of alleged killing going to stop by this human chain? How long these kind of Great Indian Political Tamasha is going to be witnessed? God can only help the Indian public from the clutches of these rotten political system.

New steps to tackle power shortage in Tamilnadu

2008-10-21T08:09:00.005+05:30

Will the present chief minister, his cabinet minsters and past CMs, minister have the literacy to first save power at their offices and homes rather than charging the public for domestic consumption? It is agreed that the public need to be educated and disciplined for excess usage, but why not the same rule apply for politicians?

1. Why can't politicians be charged for wasting power for any political rally? (and additional charge for holding up traffic in many parts of Chennai).
2. Electricity is free for the ministers. Ok, they "govern" the state and have the "privilege" to get free electricity. But why can't a maximum consumption be levied and ask them to pay like public?

It is always public who have to pay out of their pocket while ______________ politicians (any bad adjective for the blank can be prefixed and would suit aptly) sit in their cozy couch and enjoy everything in life in the name of being "government servants" when they actually do nothing for which they get salary as well as bribe (the later much more in magnitude)

Thank God - Phelps was not born in India!

2008-09-10T07:59:00.004+05:30

After an Indian won the first gold for the country breaking its 124 year old record (of not claiming an Olympic Gold following the principle of "Secular stand" in allowing other countries to win), a flurry of offers made. The governments of various states came out with unheard cash prize amount. Sadly, this happens every time. But none of the useless politicians think about putting the amount to better use through the champion by setting up good infrastructure for producing more winners

Good that Phelps was not born in India. He may not have won so many gold medals if he had been born here which is a different topic altogether because we never allow anyone to achieve so much fame.

I am trying to imagine what our state governments would have done if Phelps indeed won so many gold medals being an Indian. Probably,
1. Donate the entire state to his name
2. Bring the entire nation to a halt by doing a hartal that the centre rename the state to sound something like 'Phelps'

Getting to see Jeffrey Archer

2008-05-26T19:18:00.003+05:30

Just midway through a gruelling cricket match at Pachaiappa's College (not because of the opponent, but courtesy heat), I got a call from my wife that there is a book reading session at 7 PM at landmark stores, Nungambakkam by none other than Jeffrey Archer on his latest book 'The prisoner of birth'.

We decided to somehow make it even though my limbs were slightly aching after playing in the hot sun for little over 2 hours.

We parked at a safe place and walked to the venue and true to the personality of the author, it was crowded. If we had gone by 5 PM, we would have got a comfortable seat and got to him much closer. Anyway, we cramped ourselves in the middle of two book shelves and got to see and hear him.

I had just finished his 'False impressions' and my favourite is 'Kane and Abel'. But I never knew he had such witty one-liners and amazing sense of humour. He kept the audience delighted through out his speech.

The best part according to me was when one of the audience asked about whether he follows Indian newspapers and how much he is up to date with what is happening. He said that the first 6 pages are about Bollywood and next 6 pages is about 20-20. What followed next was unexpected, but very true. He said "20-20 is not cricket. Cricket is VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid playing and defeating Australia in Australia" which received a thunderous applause.

Veerapan - Hero with Wikipedia

2008-01-31T22:32:00.000+05:30

He may be the most notorious gangster, smuggler, kidnapper and ruthless killer, but he is not considered such a bad guy among the vanniyar klans. In fact, he has been mentioned in a very dignified way. No, No ... It is not me who is making the claim; but the interesting link of "List of Prominent Vanniyars" in Wikipedia which I came across accidentally @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_prominent_Vanniars

Before someone picks this (definitely has to be a politician or qualifies to be one) as a controversial entry and seeks justice at Supreme court to take Veerappan's name of the "prominent" list, I captured the screen shot to preserve it. Here it is for everyone to take a look.

World's best cricketer in "Mentally Disturbed" category

2006-12-19T18:15:00.000+05:30

Cricket is one of sports where one is bound to show emotions. It can be a batsman who is ecstatic after scoring a century, bowler who is frustrated for not getting a wicket or a fielder with a sense of joy after taking a difficult catch.

But there are exceptions. How can you describe a person who always swears at a batsman irrespective of playing the ball according to merit / hit a boundary / get beaten? There has to be some basic behavioural problem with the bowler who is not enjoying the game, but rather hell bent on abusing the batsman however well he plays.

He can be a good topic for

Psychology - study of Human behaviour

An idiot's guide to loose respect

Funny character for cartoons & caricatures

You might have guessed - it's Andrew Nel

Lee - Hesh face-off: The best and worst for Indian Tennis

2006-12-14T07:46:00.000+05:30

Indian tennis seemed void after Ramesh Krishnan hang up his boots. Though there wasn't any olympic or grand slam propects, Ramesh Krishnan tried his best and brought few cheers whenever he played Davis Cup. The gap was plugged by Leander, who looked lot rustic and brought in a sense of patriotism to all those watched, by pumping his fist and waving the Indian flag. He looked so attached to the country.

It became more stronger when Mahesh Bhupathi also joined and the two started looking promising on the circuit. Perhaps, after Mark Woodford and Todd Woodbridge of Australia, these two seem to be the next best doubles pair in the making. Leander winning Olympic Bronze in 1996 Atlanta was a sweet surprise and it further enhanced his arsenal.

Just when these two started peaking, the dreaded ego clash came in. It is not sure who made the first wrong move, but certainly it started to affect these two as well as Indian tennis. Now, after the Asian games, it is confirmed.

At the Doha Asian games, Leander questioned Bhupathi's commitment after the first match. There wasn't any reaction from Bhupathi. After the finals, which was a thriller of sorts where Bhupathi held on to seven match points and eventually won, he remarked "I have lived with these comments and soap opera for 12 years and it's enough". Both seem to admit that they don't want to pair up again even for Beijing Olympics.

Why can't these two put their country on top and get over their ego? Everytime, when these two talk, they say that its great to play for India, et cetera. But the moment they talk about each other, one can see a visible shift in their emotion and kind of distanced feeling. The problem may not be that great as it looks from outside. It could be due to few difference of opinion. Both are matured players and have come through various ranks since they started playing tennis from their early ages. Why can't they bloody sit, talk and sort out when they have their inner soul wanting to play for India? They still have 2-3 years of active tennis left and they can achieve a lot for Indian tennis if they stick together.

Whatever they have achieved for India looked meaningless. If they think that playing for country is the top priority, then what the hell prevents them from sorting out their ego problems.

"Men in Blue" - Beaten Black & Blue

2006-12-06T22:55:00.000+05:30

This is about the set of gifted, privileged and grossly overpaid Indian cricket team who are fast loosing their honour as well as reputation after the thrashing at South Africa.

This is not the first instance of the team comprehensively beaten. It has happened in Australia and SA before, but I have never come across such kind of repeated humiliation. I still vividly remember the Indian team touring SA for the first time (after their ban was lifted) under Azhar's captaincy in 1992. In the first test match, we got all out for 66 and 100 in the first and second innings respy. In the second and third test matches, we improved and showed some amount of resilience even though we lost the series 0-3. Following that, in the 7 ODI games, we won two and showed some character in the other 5 which we lost.

This is the first time I am seeing the team getting badly beaten; failing in all departments repeatedly. Usually, there will be one or two who will be out of form; but this time, the playing 11 always seem to be out of form.

After Ganguly's exit, when the team regrouped against ODI series Vs SL and won 6-1, emotions ran high. Dravid was praised, Chappel was hailed, Sachin was touted as 'returned to form' and all three seem to have teamed up and created the magic formula. But all that remained till England toured India. With an inexperienced side, Flintoff men drew the test series. India lost the match in one of their favourite venue - Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai when the great Sachin scored just 6 runs and got out to a nothing delivery.

The team, with highly over-rated non-performing seniors and in-experienced juniors have to get their basics right instead of advertisement contracts and look forward to 2011 world cup than building hopes

Chappel made sure Ganguly is not part of the team; but has he used the same yardstick for the so-called 'Master blaster'? With the current form of batsmen, Ganguly and Laxman certainly deserve a place and rightly recalled

Dhoom-2: Different actors, Different sentiments

2006-11-28T19:46:00.000+05:30

Just when the movie was being released, the Coke ad starring Hrithik was telecasted during the Ind-SA ODI series. Coke has associated itself with the movie (with surrogate promotions in the movie itself) and thus hopes to increase its consumer base.

Hrithik, with cool looks and style, utters the punch line 'Coke utale, Dhoom machale'

On the other extreme, Abhishek and Aish were found worshipping at Sankat Vimochan temple amidst media news that they might get married soon.

They seem to be telling 'Dhoom macha liya, ab chup rahen'

Casino Royale - Movie with the new Bond is worth watching

2006-11-22T07:40:00.000+05:30

I am not usually of the type to watch new movie in its first week of release. But I got some free tickets to watch the night show of the the new movie on its second day and it wasn't disappointing. Having seen quite a number of Bond movies, I was keen to know how this movie has been made. If you wish to watch, please don't miss the first 20 minute of action - stunt thought in a different way, well planned and executed.

This movie was fresh and I saw a Bond next to Sean Connery who had a good physique compared to other Bond heroes - Roger Moore who was bit old looking and Timothy / Brosnan who were soft. The stunts Craig does seem to fit his age and body physique.

The little unusual thing about the new Bond was that he was always serious and little stiff; one can see a mischevious smile - a kind of cool and casual attitude reflected in all Bond movies. Probably the story line / Ian Fleming drew his character that way. So if you get time or ticket, don't miss watching this.

Trivia I observed:

Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines is appearing in a scene as a passenger being checked at airport security. I read that the scene was cut, but I did see him in the movie although it just appears as a shot taken when the camera sweeps over the place

The signature Bond music doesn't appear at the start, but only during the credits

On a personal note: I have just broken the shackles of keeping my blog idle for a long time and I hope to update it atleast once a week from now on :-)

Trip to one of the highest point in India - Rohtang Pass, July 2006

2006-08-07T22:34:00.000+05:30

Note: Click on the pictures to get a bigger and better view
Short Intro …

I went for a vacation with few of my family members during the mid of July covering Delhi, Shimla, Manali, Jaipur and Agra. Our first part of the trip was to Shimla & Manali and it all went according to the plan. We didn’t have enough time in our second part i.e. to cover Jaipur & Agra extensively. We had to be satisfied to have had a glimpse of couple of palaces at Jaipur and the seeing the great Taj Mahal at Agra. We missed the Bharatpur National Sanctuary and Fatehpur Sikri. Our trip to one of India’s highest point – Rohtang Pass was unforgettable. My advice to those who wish to make a visit to these kind of places is that to visit before age catches up (before 40 is an ideal period to visit) from the perspective of energy level and enthusiasm.

We went in the middle of July and it was an off-peak season. We had booked our accommodation at Snow valley Resorts, which is located at 3 Kms uphill from Manali bus stand area. We drove from Shimla (engaging a Qualis with a knowledgeable driver) to Manali starting around 9 AM and by the time we reached the hotel, stopping in the way for lunch, snacks, tea and photo sessions, it was 9 PM in the night when we checked in. The hotel was good and little expensive, but the good part was the food. It reduced lot of effort on our side to find out a place to have our choice of food (being pure vegetarians) and we also need to be careful on the quality. The hotel served as breakfast and dinner as part of our package and the food quality and service was more than our expectation.

Day at Rohtang …

Rohtang pass is located at 14000 feet above sea level. It can be reached from Manali by 2 and half hours drive through beautiful, breath taking and some times frightening mountain curves. The mountain road has been laid well and it goes all the way up to Leh a.k.a Ladakh. The roads are maintained by BRO (Border Road Organisation) and on the way, one can see so many cautions against rash driving and they were very enjoyable to read. The intention is convey the message in a lighter way. One such example - "if you are married, divorce speed".

Coming back to the Rohtang pass visit; we started the next day morning sharp at 9 AM as advised by our driver. He seemed to be making at least 10 trips a year to Manali and so he knew the places, timing of visit and was helpful. We reached the Rohtang pass roughly after 2 and half hours drive with mini stoppage at couple of places to stretch and have some light snacks and photos. Also, we had to rent the woolen coat, hand gloves and boots to protect ourselves against the chilly conditions that will be encountering at the Rohtang pass

Horse Ride …

Even though the season was supposed to be off-peak, we saw close to at least 100 tourists when we reached the place. We then discovered that we have to travel on horseback for another 1.5 KM to see the snow clad mountain peaks and feel the glaciers. The horse ride was not very strenuous and if you are the type of person who is not comfortable doing horse riding, I have to sound a caution that there is no better option. One can walk, but the walk won’t be comfortable as the path will be slushy, rocky, little ups and downs, and only the locals would be able to. More over, as the place is located 14000 feet, tourists from tropical places will feel short of oxygen and more walking will only add to the problem (soon we will end up panting for every 20 steps). So the ideal option is to go by horse back and there should not be any worry as the horseman will accompany us and the instruction while riding the horse is simple. There are three Hindi words that one needs to listen to and follow - Hold the saddle firmly, “Seede” (sit straight), “Aage” - push your body forward when the horse is on ascent), and “Peeche” - push your body backwards when the horse goes down a slope. The horse ride costs 350 per head.

Snow and Glaciers

Once we reached the particular spot, we were thrilled to see glaciers which we can touch and feel, and at a distance, we could see the snow-clad mountain peaks (of course, it was at a distance and at much higher altitude). There was a glacier ride (a worn out tyre as converted into a seat and max of 3 can sit inside and can enjoy a ride of 100 meters at a princely sum of 25 per head). We felt on cloud 9, as the clouds kept passing through us. There are plenty of trekking options and if one has stamina to walk uphill and come back; this is a good adventurous place. But around 1 PM, the clouds started staying and sighting was becoming bit tough. I have to warn the visitors that one has to be careful not to venture too far, as it is easy to loose oneself in the clouds and there have been instances of people getting lost and never traced (as told by locals).

Conclusion …

We though we had spent enough time (close to an hour and half) and decided to return by horse back to the place we had parked our vehicle. When we started back from Rohtang pass, the driver had to use head lights as the visibility was poor. We could still see tourists coming in at that time and we felt sorry for them as they had chosen a wrong time to make their visit. The best time was to start at early morning (say even around 7 AM), reach Rohtang around 10, spend easily 3 hours and then start back. The down hill journey is again 2.5 hours and if we add the time consumed to take photos (because we wouldn’t have time during uphill), it should take 3.5 hours to reach Manali.

The only drawback is the lack of any public amenities at that place. There are so many visitors every day (we could count at least 200 by the time we came back at an off-peak season) and there is not even a toilet facility and women feel most uncomfortable. When we ask toilet, the locals said ‘Pathar ke peeche’ meaning ‘behind the rocks’ and we discovered that it was a OTS (Open Toilet System) behind those giant rocks. It was pathetic to see such a beautiful, scenic tourist spot doesn’t even have this.

Expenses

Entry Fee - 50 Rs
Horse Ride - 350
Protection Clothes – 100 per person (rent)
Basic amenities at Rohtang Pass including a first aid or rescue persons – NIL or absolute zero

Message from Himachal Lorry walas'

2006-07-31T09:53:00.000+05:30

I had recently been on a tour of selected places in North India. On the way from Shimla to Manali, apart from the pleasant breeze throughout the drive and picteresque setting which made us frequently stop and take pictures, I came across the wonderful, universal truth written on the back of a Lorry; just above the number plate.

It was just in the nick of time I saw that and luckily I had my camera ready to shoot. If I had delayed even 2 minutes, we would have overtaken and missed this unique advice or experience.

The message is simple - "No Girlfriend, No Tension"

ICC (International Cricket Council) - Rubbish organisation filled with Racists

2006-06-16T06:07:00.000+05:30

Sachin cannot remove the dirt in the seam of the ball, Ganguly cannot see the replay of him given out wrongly in the giant screen in Australia, Sehwag cannot appeal for a legitimate dismissal - Indian and subcontinent players have to make sure that they ask the permission of umpires, match refrees and all other delegates of ICC before doing so.

But Brian Lara can snatch the ball from umpire's hands and thus making us forget who is the official, Glenn McGrath can spit on umpire's face, Damien Martyn can say F*** *** to the umpire, Michael Slater can curse any one on the field, Allan Donald can give a mouthful of abuse - but yet, these are just frustrations.

The players from subcontinent have been the bunny of ICC and don't know why the boards of respective countries don't react when their players are treated like pigs by ICC. Every bloody bugger in ICC so far have been a racist. ICC is forgetting that the four countries in Asia are the biggest revenue generators for cricket in this world and if they stop, there will be no cricket.

It was pathetic to see Brian Lara dictating the terms on field. If Dravid had done the same, he would have been fined 200% of the match fee, 50 match ban, seizure of his passport, and freezing of his bank accounts.

Hell with ICC (Idiots Cricket Council) - run by idiots and supported by idiots.

Succumbing to CAS

2006-06-13T23:51:00.000+05:30

Yes, finally, after much of deliberation, I broke my principle of standing against the use of the idiotic set top box and bought one last week. Only one aspect made me go for it - the return of DMK to power in TN which was earlier instrumental in Chennaiites alone suffering this disease. I felt I was missing my favourite movies, sports and channels like Discovery and National Geographic and so had to force a reversal of my ideals. Just the week before I bought (May last week), every channel was swamping with news of Rahul Mahajan and his drug case that I got so fed up with no alternate channels to watch. This just pushed me further to go for STB.

God only knows why Chennaiites (including me) were so inept and not agitate like people of North do when CAS was introduced. The recent agitation against reservation policy is a classic example of difference in the way people take up issue in the North and South. The Tamil nickname 'thayir sadam' suits us just fine.

The STB is black in colour and aptly, it will a "black box" in the history of Chennai life for ever.

Reservation Policy - Castration of Merit

2006-05-30T10:11:00.000+05:30

The UPA government, with their "Minimum Common Program" is so desperate to remain in power and secure their future in the next Lok Sabha polls by dividing the people of India on basis of merit. It is sad to see a person of stature Dr.Manmohan Singh dancing to the tunes of Sonia and sick ministers who can't even walk and talk properly (prouncing reservation as reJervaSion), but sitting at the helm and deciding about the future of the country. It is shame for a nation to go back to the dark periods after seeing unprecedented economic growth when Dr.Manmohan was the finance minsiter.

India is going to be divided on caste basis and no wonder if upper class and OBC clash on streets one day and fight like dogs. The HRD ministry may then intervene because they will fear that if they don't protect the OBCs who are fighting, they might loose their vote banks

If the Congress and its allies believe that this is done as a justice to the dalits, they are wrong. No genuine dalit is going to get benefitted by this scheme. The "rich" dalit will continue to be richer and poor dalits will continue to be poorer.

If a backward class person doesn't have facilities to study, provide him the infrastructure. Give him a place to live, food to eat, clothes and basic amenities. But please don't compensate on the marks. Our President APJ Kalam and so many innumerable stalwarts that India has produced in various fields didn't come up in life because they used OBC quota. THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL PURELY DUE TO THEIR MERIT.

The next generation will see heaps of useless idiots in top positions in all sections of the society. Imagine few places listed below where it would be interesting to see quota based system coming into force

The top software companies in India like Infosys or Wipro conduct should pick OBC candidates who scored just 10 out of 100 marks in their recruitment test whereas they may have to reject someone who would have scored 80 out of 100 because he is from an upper class and fell short. The same rule will be applicable during interviews - OBC may not take any interview whereas upper class have to go through rigorous 5 round interview

The head of premier investigation agency CBI

The head of ISRO

The Dean of IIMS, directors of IIT and heads of institutions such as AIIMS, JIPMER, XLRI

The Chief Justice of Supreme Court

The top 3 military positions - Army General, Navy Admiral and Airforce commander

WOW! India Shining ! Let the merit based selection go to hell and these kind of reservations lead India into darkness forever and let brain drain flourish pushing the country to 50 years back where it was.

Reservation Policy - Time for some comic relief

2006-05-26T11:56:00.000+05:30

Some creative ideas - as a mockery of Reservation policy.

Immortalised in "Deewar" and followed-up with a Graffiti

"Da Vinci Code" in India

2006-05-24T10:56:00.000+05:30

The "Da Vinci Code" finally got cleared from the most sacred institution in India - the film censor board aided by the so-called "secular" congress led UPA government at the centre. Our government (to make sure that their Christian vote bank doesn't decrease) put up a drama not to screen this. The comedy or irony is that even the most dominant catholic countries didn't had any such objections. If not for the publicity, the film would have been viewed as just another movie by the people here. Now because of our "secular" government, it would attract more audience who
will come just to see what the heck the controversy is about. The book, when it came out, was lashed at by the Vatican asking people not to read, but seeing the continuing rise in sales, Vatican choose to tone down than helping sales.

Whoever wants to see the movie, please do read the book before you watch. There are so many intricate plot and cryptic information which an individual may not be able to comprehend in the length of the movie. The book is gripping, with each chapter ending with a twist thus compelling the reader to read further. Once you start reading, you would like to keep it down only when you finish.

I came across an interesting link in howstuffworks.com -
How Da Vinci Code doesn't work, which clarifies some of the facts and numbers plotted in the story basically to tell the people not to take the fictional information as fact. This is equally important so that the fictional information is not used to educate or made popular quiz questions !!

Can you see the "TROUSER"?

2006-05-07T13:33:00.000+05:30

If you are thinking that the picture below looks like Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, you are mistaken. This is an ad for Italian clothing brand STANZA that appeared in the Sunday May 7th edition of Hindu (half-page ad in page 20)

The line below the words 'STANZA' in the picture (on the top left) reads 'Shirts and Trousers'. BUT WHERE IS THE TROUSER HERE? If you can't see the text, just click the picture and it will show up in a big size. You would then be able to see the text as well as a closer look at the model.

The picture reminds me of the story "Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Chsitian Anderson which we all would have studied at some point in our school curriculam. Thank God - they have printed the brand name without which it can be intercepted for various other things. Advertising has come a long way, but still, we have to put up with these kind of highly "abstract" advertisements.

Wonder Kid "Bhudia Singh"

2006-05-06T22:46:00.000+05:30

If you haven't heard about the wonder kid Bhudia Singh from the state of Orissa, read the details below to know about the prospective long distance runner who has the potential to make the country proud if shown right direction

He is 4 and half years old when this post is written

He was sold to a private group for a sum of 800 Rs by his mother as she couldn't maintain him with her income

He was observed to posses an appetite for running long-distance by his coach (to whom Bhudia was sold) when he punished him by asking him to run a distance which Bhudia completed without much fuss

He practices everyday running 50 Kms, 25 in the morning and 25 in the evening !!! (more than the distance of marathon which is 42.5 Kms)

He entered into the "Limca Book Records" on May 4, 2006 for running 65 Kms non-stop in 7 hours & 2 minutes

I sincerely hope that the media and agencies don't eagle on him as they do it on budding sportspersons, which actually makes the prospective persons go into a slump in their form because of not being able to sustain the continued exposure to media. Very few manage to keep their foot firm on ground like Viswanathan Anand.

Media (Ads / newspapers) is the two best way to reach the people. But please - allow Bhudia to grow up in his own way and let us not spoil a good future

Brand Sachin: Signs new marketing contract

2006-05-04T22:45:00.000+05:30

Oh - Not again. Will this man ever focus on scoring runs than being keen on his advertisement revenues? He had a whooping sum as contract with Worldtel (of late ) for a period of 10 years and moment it ended, he has got into a new one. Read the link http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/246127.html written at Cricinfo.com for more details on this wonderful new venture of Mr.Sachin where he is going to earn few more million dollars

It is true that cricketers need to have other sources of income, as they retire by the age of 40. But what's the problem for someone like Sachin? He can still command a good income by managing a cricket academy. In fact, he owns a restaurant in Mumbai.

Can't he make a big bang style comeback at this Carribean tour which will make the people feel that he is still the best batsman and brand in the world than just keep signing contracts? It is very unfortunate for some one like me to criticise Sachin after being his ardent fan till a couple of years back.

Lok Paritran - Could this be a turning point in Indian Politics?

2006-04-24T22:23:00.000+05:30

I heard the news close to six months back that few former IIT students have joined hands to start a political party and try achieve the impossible task of cleaning the rotten political system. But looking at its growing popularity among the younger generation who are so much vexed with the existing stupid politicians, I just get a feel that the educated elite from institutes like IIT are keen to change the scenario

Their ideas are simple - no fancy and insane promises like rice for Rs.2, free TV sets, and free electricity. They idea is to make India a corruption free country - many of us will laugh looking at the current politician barring few. But still, if given chance, if they can achieve 10% of their mission , I think that is going to be a significant milestone looking at the volume of corruption we have today.

Their campaigning style also looks very simple - without much fanfare or hooligan style people around shouting slogans. We have been seeing the same old faces, false promises, plundering of peoples money by the politicians and basically a do nothing when it comes to the welfare of people. Let us give chance to these fresh set of faces and help them to achieve their vision and wish that their ideologies remain unchanged irrespective of their growth.

The details about the party can be found at their website - http://lokparitran.org

Stinking Socks - Nanotechnology to the rescue

2006-04-20T23:08:00.000+05:30

I was watching the CNN-IBN news channel when I came across the piece of news that a set of professors and students at IIT Delhi have found out a way by which the socks will not stink after its worn for few minutes or hours and removed. It seems that nanotecchnology, the much acclaimed invention can be applied to manufacture socks that will not at all stink even after days of wearing.

The use of it in socks is certainly interesting. This will be a boon for people who wants to dress smart, but lazy to wash even their socks every day. I sincerely hope that nanotechnology doesn't make even the active people to get into the laziest of habits of not even bothering to wash their socks regardless of whether they wash their dirty linen in public :-)

For more info on nanotechnology, you can check out this link -
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm

2006 Assembly Elections - Liar Liar

2006-04-08T07:40:00.000+05:30

Time for political parties to forget the promises made in earlier election and come up with "innovative", unrealistic yarns that goes a long distance. A sample of the promises made by DMK ...

Rice for Rs. 2 a kilo

Colour TV set for downtrodden people

cooking Gas connection for downtrodden

No real meaning and conviction in what to say - this is like 'spin a yarn' competition. Our new entrant in the fray, Mr.Captain Vijayakanth is promising to build a new city that will replace Chennai and overcome the problems of basic infrastructure. After speaking lengthy and boring dialogs in films, he is now making them as election promises.

All political parties should remember that 'Action always speak louder than words'. All your promises looks like the saying 'Empty vessels make more noise'. Do something first and people will automatically believe you than talking which you have been doing for ages.

To all the people who read this article - CAN THE PARTIES BE TAKEN TO COURT OR SUSPENDED IF THEY DON'T IMPLEMENT THE PROMISES MADE? This will make them more accountable.

Latest addition to Indian Cricket selection mystery - Kiran More

2006-04-05T07:18:00.000+05:30

This piece is written after the news that Robin Uttapa has replaced Gautam Gambir for the remaining 4 ODI matches against the on-going home series against England.

Yes, it is time again to honour the most mysterious man we ever had as our Chairman of Selectors - Mr.Kiran More. If we were to come up with a list of famous personality with peculiar behaviours, Mr.Kiran More should find himself in top 10 for being the best split-personality India ever had. Modern day politicians should take a leaf out of him on how one can be as ridiculous as he is, even though he is not into active politics.

According to Kiran More, Gambir failed to capitalize on the chances given to him. He scored close to 30's in the two matches, took 3 good catches and been an effective team man. He is dropped. What about Sehwag? He has been failing consistently off late, no agility in fielding, and didn't even matched Gambhir's score in the two matches. If Kiran More and Chappal are looking at building a team, axing a promising yougster and banking on a batsman with past-glory will not help. As long as we have stupid selectors like Kiran More, we will continue to have absurdities in the team selection.

Ind Vs Eng Mumbai Test Match - Picture tells the story

2006-03-31T11:01:00.000+05:30

I managed to get some nice pictures and with the help of my friend and colleague Rafiq, got them into a nice sequence. How true is the saying 'A picture is worth a thousand words' for the third and final test match, England emerging victorious.

When the 'Wall' leads from the front, always scoring and taking some great catches on the field...

When the famed and promising batsmen fail miserably ... The captain no wonder is shocked and dejected.

Commonwealth '06 in Indian newspapers - True performers go unnoticed

2006-03-29T14:26:00.000+05:30

It is sad that most of the newspapers dated March 27th decided to splash pictures of so-called Bollywood icons' dance performance at the closing ceremony of 2006 Commonwealth Games. We should be ashamed of not having the pictures of real heroes behind India's success like Samaresh Jung, who achieved the distinction of securing 5 gold medals and would have set a world record in Commonwealth history if his pistol hadn't jammed and deprived him of the elusive 6th.

This once again reflects the sad state where our newspapers neglected the real heroes and resorting to much more glamorous things. Sameresh Jung definitely deserves to be remembered, celebrated and honored much more than Aishwarya Rai or any other cine personality.

As long as we continue to ignore these achievements, our performance in sports at Olympics or other international events can never improve. For God sake - please don't qualify Saif Ali khan / Aishwarya Rai / Rani Mukherjee as cultural ambassadors. Any decent dancer could have performed that show if given chance. We don't need our cine personalities to showcase that.

Prices of real estates in Chennai - is it worth investing?

2006-03-26T12:34:00.000+05:30

Thanks to extravagant and some times, disproportionate pay packages that software industries are offering, I don't know what good things that has happened, but certainly it has contributed immensely to the unnecessary bloating of real estate prices.

If my statement looks prudent, just look at prices of real estate over the past few years. A plot in outskirts of Chennai (much beyond Tambaram) now costs nothing less than 15 lakhs (100,000 is a lakh); it would have been less than 5 lakhs a couple of years back. A month after finishing this article, it would be no surprise if the prices have gone by another lakh. Two important contributors for this price hike - people working in software and NRI (Non-Resident Indians). Being in software, I feel sometime ashamed that we have indirectly contributed to this. Not just real estates, IT industry pay packages have made any types of rent affordable thus indirectly affecting common man who won't be able to pay that and forced to move to an outer area from the centre. This lucrative payment has made many of the house owners greedy when it comes to charging rent.

In the case of NRI, it doesn't make a difference if the constructor adds few hundred rupees per square feet thus resulting in a huge price. The difference between 35 and 40 lakhs is not going to bother a NRI because always they translate that difference into Dollars or other currency and feel that "Oh! It's just few thousand dollars difference". But in reality, if you go and bargain with the constructor, the prices can be brought down to a reasonably existing value. But this depends on factor that there is no one else to buy that. If there is another buyer, the constructor will remark "Sir - there are others who are ready to buy it at this price" indirectly meaning that "If you don't like, get out of this".

Another factor encouraging these two sects of people are the banks - particularly private and MNC banks - offering huge loans. This certainly doesn't look good and calling it as an economic growth is a stupidity. People will only realize when something catastrophic happens and then the prices back to what they should actually be. I am not trying to be a pessimist here, but this trend looks lunatic and I pity all the people who still want to invest very well knowing that they are paying more than its worth.

Traffic Policeman or Is it a Govt. Employee in uniform seeking alms?

2006-03-21T22:35:00.000+05:30

If you had guessed that this is yet another anguish on the conduct of a traffic policeman, you are right. Today, around 9:15 PM, in my bike, I crossed the Gemini circle signal (from Nungambakkam high road towards Cathedral road). The signal was green and turned orange when I had just crossed it. But a traffic policeman emerged from the shadows on the other side (in the style of gangster coming out), asked me to stop and claimed that it was red when I crossed. He didn't look rough or spoke in a rude fashion, but was hell bent on his claim. I shouted at the top of my voice that I didn't violate and it was the last second when I crossed. As usual, he kept on with his claim and I continued to deny.

While this conversation was taking place, an auto just zipped past (violating the signal) and this fellow tried to stop him which is next to impossible. He then came back to me, asked for my license and noted (or should I say scribbled) the number in a paper that he seem to be carrying for long years.

He asusual, said that there is a sergeant on the other side and I have to wait till he comes. I knew bloody well that there won't be anyone and sensed that this fellow was expecting some money. I then told 'Stop messing around. How much do you want? He said "give me 50 Rs". I said "fine. I am giving it because I don't want to waste my time in talking to useless people like you. Let this money be of no use to you". I gave a 100 Rs note and he gave me back 50 Rs. He kept his words. I just shouted at him on not being able to stop vehicles like MTC buses, lorries, trucks, cars who also violate, but he is capable of stopping only motorists and exploit.

I had to cool down myself before starting back thinking that I have paid money to a government employee which will be of some help to him and according to him, the amount received may not be referred to by the word 'bribe'. I was really happy about one thing - that I had shouted at him madly, and put some embarrassing questions which is the maximum I can do at that situation.

When my 75 year old father says 'Sachin Tendulkar is of no use to the team' ...

2006-03-20T23:02:00.000+05:30

My father has never been a keen follower of cricket, but still, whenever India plays, he sits for few hours and watches and tends to blast at the players when our team loses the match without a fight. Today, in the third test match against England at Mumbai, after watching India slowly pulling off the follow-on, courtesy Dravid and Dhoni and then nudging close to 280 with key contribution from Kumble and Sreeshanth, my father remarked "If Munaf Patel can score 7 runs which included a boundary, then bloody, why Sachin manages just one run of 21 deliveries and got out to a nothing ball?" This clearly shows the angish people are getting over Sachin's continous and consistent failures.

Is it time that Greg Chappell says to Tendulkar - "Look, you have not been playing well and it is increasing the pressure on the team. I think it is time for you to step down." He did this to Ganguly and the people supported his decision and frankness in doing so. Will he do the same to Sachin?

The remuneration for players representing Team India is Rs 2.50 lakhs for a Test and Rs 1.85 lakhs an ODI on foreign tours and Rs 2 lakhs a Test and Rs 1.60 lakhs an ODI for a home series. This is not out of my hat - but from the Sportstar magazine. Check out the link - http://www.sportstaronnet.com/tss2907/stories/20060218001001700.htm to read in detail

The way Dravid is playing, the amount of consistency he is showing, I don't remember when was the last time he got out on a low score. At the same time, I don't remember when Sachin made a healthy contribution to the Indian score. Their scoring pattern has been at either ends of spectrum. Sachin's 35th century came against Srilanka, a side that was low in confidence and the innings was such a slow and painstaking I have ever watched. It was equivalent to the century made by Ganguly against Zimbabwe just before he was removed from the team.

It is time for Sachin to honour his own statement - "I will step aside when I feel that I have become a burden to the team". You have certainly entertained this game and played some great innings when you were so young, the type of innings many couldn't even think off.

He still seem to have something left in his one day cricket. But the time has come for a great cricketer like him to retire from Test cricket.

Rang De Basanti - Message - kill all corrupt politicians

2006-03-18T18:58:00.001+05:30

Rang De Basanti or 'Colours of Spring' - a blend of pre-independence and modern times, reminding the audience that the time is still ripe to clean up Indian political system. If possible, watch the movie 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' before you watch RDB.

RDB takes the backdrop of Flight Lt. Abhijeet Gadgil, who died due to a MIG 21 flight malfunction in a routine take-off exercise. The first half of the movie presents a completely playful mood. The group of collge students reluctantly agree to do a documentary on Bhagat Singh.

The movie gets into a serious tone when this group of people sit down to watch the full documentary. They are overcome by the mental make-up of the freedom fighters whose role they donned. They start talking about doing something, but then the conviction to take it forward keeps them away.

The news Lt.Col.Ajay's death during his routine MIG 21 take-off and the defense minister getting a clean chit comes as a shock. The rest of the story is about how thse people plan the killing of minister, sacrifice their life before broadcasting their ideals to the public and how that stirs the entire nation. It is bit disappointing to see the young men sacrificing their lives, but their mission to spread the message of corruption and to do something for the country stands out.

Good music by AR Rahman and lyrics by the ad-man Prasoon Joshi keeping up with the situation and adjusting the tempo. RDB might get positioned as a cult movie of this generation - no family drama, no cinematic stunts and no lengthy dialogs.

Hope this movie drives few people conscience - one need not sacrifice their life, but at least try not to disrespect the sacrifices made.

Movie Review: Legend of Bhagat Singh

2006-03-18T18:25:00.000+05:30

Although the movie came cose to 3 years back, I took up writing on this after seeing RDB. Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekar Azad - the two men who struck terror in the hearts of British Empire, though finally succumbing to the British power, almost showed the British how powerful revolutionaries can be.

If one ever likes to see a movie on Independence struggle and the sacrifices made, he or she should watch this movie.

Ajay Devgan suits into the role of Bhagat Singh, the perfect match when he wears the hat and sports the mouse tail size trademark moustache. The music is directed by A.R.Rahman and of all the songs, “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai…” set in Desh raga stands out. The movie is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, who aptly ends the movie asking the question whether the sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh stands relevant when the country is gripped with corrupt politicians and scandals.

If you are interested in knowing about these heroes – visit the site which I stumbled upon - http://www.shahidbhagatsingh.org

Jaihind

"Dishyum" - Story of a Stuntman and a Sculptor

2006-03-15T23:02:00.000+05:30

A character who risks his life performing stunts for movies, a girl who believes in boy-girl friendship and with them throw in few family emotions, stunt scenes, decent comedy, and a mix of melody, folk and disco style songs.

The good things about the movie is about showing the hardships a person undergoes as a stunt artist. Another pleasing aspect of this film is that there is no gravity defying fight sequences, which is good and different from few of the Tamil movies where the 40 plus actors flying and hitting 16 people at a time.
The two songs - "Nenchankootil neeye nirkirai..." set in a melodious tone and "Dialomma dialomma .." set in a disco style were appealing. The other numbers were also good except that for the pain of listening to a Hindi playback singer rendering 'Kitta Irangivaada ..." a dabbanguthu. The songs is sung by Sukwinder Singh (Chaiyya Chaiyya of Dil Se fame). God only knows why our Tamil music directors get these kind of idea and why those people too agree for the sake of money. "Dishyum" is the story of conflict between friendship and love, the later finally winning over.

BCCI - Board for Complete Comedy in India

2006-03-08T22:43:00.000+05:30

The inherent quality that a cricketer or non-cricketer gets after being elected as a selection committee member of BCCI is that they get mentally out of balance with immediate effect and transform themselves into a Jekyl and Hyde personality. Remember that one DOESN'T need to have played cricket for being a selection committee member. All he needs is to have good rapport with the BCCI president.

Kiran More drew much praise when he dropped Ganguly for the ODI home series against SL as it was believed that Ganguly was the only one to blame as he made public his spat with Chappel.

The day before the test team against SL was announced, Kiran More was reportedly saying that Sourav wasn't playing well in the recent past and been sluggish in the batting department. But the next day, Kiran More did a splendid volte-face. Ganguly was in the 15 member team when announced and Kiran More was saying that Ganguly's experience and his quality test records paved the way for his selection. This was as close to being ridiculous.

And then the BCCI elections came. The new selection committee dropped Ganguly. It evoked lot of protest. For the third test, Ganguly was again picked !! so that the ODI match at Kolkatta happens as per plans without any protests.

Ganguly scored decently in the third and final test against Lanka, better than Sachin's snail paced 35th hundred. Ganguly was selected for Pakistan tour. Kiran More was cited saying that Ganguly's vast experience could be valuable.

Ganguly couldn't get to bat in the first test as Sehwag and Dravid played till the end of the match. Ganguly wasn't picked for the second test to accommodate a fifth bowler. In the third test, when every other Indian batsman failed, Ganguly and Yuvraj alone showed some class and made decent scores. Ganguly was not out overnight when the selection of ODI team got announced. No place for Ganguly. He hasn't got a chance to play in that series and was batting at an overnight score, building an innings, but the selectors still decided to axe. A predetermined step.

Ganguly did just one mistake - he made public his argument with Chappal which resulted in a series of events that finally resulted in Ganguly being indirectly given retirement. But in the case of Ganguly, I feel that the BCCI insulted him beyond the limits, dishonoring him as a person and as captain, who brought and instilled fighting qualities in the Indian team. The people of India may not remember BCCI much, but will surely remember Ganguly.

51 Crores for a dead man's head

2006-02-20T07:25:00.000+05:30

The immature announcement made by a minsiter of UP government on the Prophet cartoon row would have shaken everyone in the world, even some in his own community.

Does the minister know how many zeros are there in a crore? In one of my earlier article on the Sethu Samudram project, I have explained in detail the simple mathematics. Let us take the practical situation when some one actually kills the Danish cartoonist and produces the head (dripping with blood) to the minister. Now, the question comes on how he will give the reward. I am sure the salaried and lower class people in India would certainly raise their eye-brow on the money the minister should be having to announce such a huge reward. Apart from that, he is also giving equivalent weight in gold to the man who is performing this brilliant work.

These kind of childish statements by a minister shows that he wants to keep his community people provoked and their focus diverted from critical day-to-day issues that are pending to be addressed in the state. Let the people be awake and not waste their time by following his advice.

Cartoon controversy & MF Hussain

2006-02-20T07:21:00.000+05:30

The recent cartoon on the prophet by a Danish newspaper has created widespread protest among the Muslim community. The Muslims have every right to condemn the cartoon as they consider depicting prophet in a wrong way is a punishable offense. Though I respect the sentiments on wrong portraits, let me throw open few controversial things which surely will make one think on why Hindus too can't involve in such protest.

The first issue is about the painter M.F.Hussain. He claims himself as an artist and has been insulting Hindu goddess of worship in the name of paintingg. Why can't the Hindus also reward similar to the one as announced by the Imam on Salman Rushdie or the recent case of UP minister offering 51 crores for the head of the cartoonist?? Are Hindus taken for granted? We don't require a painter who doesn't care to respect other religion sentiments. If the Muslims feel sensitive about portraying Prophet, then MF Hussain dare not provoke Hindus. Let him go to hell with his painting and his Maduri Dixit obsession.