Monday, August 04, 2008

தமிழ் திங்கள்

இனி திங்கள்தோறும் தமிழில்...தமிழ் இலக்கிய இலக்கணம் பற்றி எழுதவேண்டும் என முடிவெடுத்துள்ளேன்.

ஏன் இந்த முடிவு ? சும்மா தான். தமிழ் மொழி தேய்ந்து அழிந்து விடுமோ என்ற பயம் எனக்கு தோன்றியுள்ளது.

இனி உலகம் உருண்டை இல்லை என்ற நிலை உருவான பின், நம்மூரில் பல மொழிகள், அவற்றில் இலக்கிய இலக்கணங்கள் படிப்பார் அற்று பேச்சளவில் மட்டும் வாழ்ந்து வருவது ரொம்ப வருத்தத்தை தருகிறது.

இது போன்ற சின்ன சின்ன முயற்சிகள் ஒருவேளை இளையவர்களின் ஆசையை தூண்டினால் அவர்கள் துணைகொண்டு நமது தமிழ் இலக்கிய இலக்கணங்கள் மீண்டும் உயிர் பெறுமோ என்ற பேராசையில் இதோ :

திரிகடுகம்



காலம் நாலாம் நூற்றாண்டு

திரிகடுகம் என்பது சுக்கு, மிளகு திப்பிலி என்னும் மூன்று மருந்துப் பொருளை குறிக்கும்.



மூன்று மருந்துப் பண்டங்களால் ஆகிய திரிகடுகம் என்னும் மருந்து உடல் நலம் பேணுவதைப் போன்று, இந்நூற் செய்யுட்களில் மும்மூன்றாக உரைக்கப் பெற்ற அறங்களும் உயிர் நலம் பேணுவனவாம்.



இதனாலேயே இந்நூல் திரிகடுகம் எனப் பெயர் பெற்றது.

( இதோ ஒரு செய்யுள் )


காக்கப்பட வேண்டியவை


சில்சொற் பெருந்தோள் மகளிரும் பல்வகையும்


தாளினால் தந்த விழுநிதியும் - நாடோ றும்


நாத்தளிர்ப்ப ஆக்கிய உண்டியும்


இம்மூன்றும்காப்பிகழ் ஆகாப் பொருள்.



{பொருள் தெரியவில்லை - தெரிந்தால் தயவுசெய்து எழுதுங்கள்}

Kuselan Masala

Kadha Parayumbol - Malayalam
Mamooty, Meena, Srinivasan

Masala Kadha Parayumbol - Tamil
(Kuselan)
Rajinikanth, Meena, Pasupathy, Nayanthara


( Based on reviews )

Friday, August 01, 2008

Rajini begs for Kuselan !!

Photo courtesy: The web

TN govt. used the Tamil film industry to project the Hogenakkal water issue a few months back.

In fact I read somewhere that there was a rollcall !! Every one from the Tamil film industry ( sangam I think ) had to attend mandatory. I even remember actress Asin getting into trouble for not attending !

Traditionally, the film industry in Tamil Nadu (I'll stick to where I grew up) has been a pawn to the Govt. They never had and will never have a back bone to stand up and fight.

Let me ask you a question. What happened to the Hogenakkal water issue ? What was the resolution ?

The politicians of Tamil Nadu wanted to project a picture that they care for the state and the people. Their aim was not water...but fame! Their aim was votes and money ! In fact half these stupid politicians don't even know the problems at Hogenakkal ! I even doubt if they know where Hogenakkal is on the map !

But the poor public and the film industry ...they are helpless. They have to ...whether they like it or not..bear with this nonsense.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Kuselan - Not for me

Photo courtesy: Kollywood Today

That means I won't go !
I am sure it will come down to 8$ soon.
I'll wait until then.

P.Vasu butchered "Manichithrathazu"
and created "Chandramukhi" after stealing it from Malayalam. Atleast, in this case, due credits have been given to the creators of 'Katha Parayumbol'. Let's wait and watch how Vasu has handled a great story !

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Arjith Jayaraman

(The match in progress)
(Dad and son before the match)

(Arjith Jayaraman)

Arjith Jayaraman is my younger brother's son. He is a 10 year old boy with an amazing talent. He is a wonderful tennis player.

I had an opportunity to watch him play this morning and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a tennis tournament at La Fayette, California. He lost it, but I liked his attitude, his style and his technical tennis skills.

Later after the tournament, I watched him play with his dad Jayaraman Venkitu my younger brother, and I got another surprise. Jayaraman, unlike me, is very fit and played wonderful tennis with Arjith ! I also played with my brother and got some valuable tips from Arjith !

Arjith, I feel, will definitely become a great tennis player one day if he continues his practice and focuses on his tennis.

I wish Arjith the very best.

Posted by Picasa

Friday, July 25, 2008

In Love

You are in Love if you...

  • Wake up every morning looking forward to meet your beloved one !
  • You enjoy the togetherness !
  • You are in bliss being together !
  • You go to bed thinking of the next day !
  • Weekends are hell if you can't meet your sweetheart !
  • Down the heart somewhere you pray you should stay together forever !

I think I am in Love !!! Yeah I am !!

I am in love with ******** !!!

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

I MIGHT FORGET WHAT YOU SAID

I MIGHT FORGET WHAT YOU DID

BUT

I'LL NEVER FORGET - HOW YOU MADE ME FEEL

( MAYA ANGELOU )

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Saudi and Gas prices !

Photo courtesy: Saudi sucks

4.00$ plus a gallon. This has done a few changes to the attidude of many here. I see a lot of people taking public transit. In fact I am one of them too. I take the bus and the train these days to work. It's an amazing sight here to see buses and trains full..but that's the reality.

So, among all the bad things for the economy...this is one good thing ....possibly for the earth too...I mean the 4.00$ plus a gallon gas!

Sorry for being an 'AL GORE' here.

This post is really about the Oil rich countries, especially the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia. I know how life is, in Saudi. It's sad that US lets the Saudi royal family thrive even though our Govt. talks about democracy and freedom for the world.

Having lived in Saudi for a few months, I can tell you that there is absolutely no freedom. It's all in the hands of the Mullahs who are the ruthless religious police under control of Saudi.

Now, what will happen to Saudi if the world finds 'Alternate Energy'. It will be shocking but I think the citizens of Saudi Arabia ( the kings and their 1000 wives and families have enough money to live another 1 mil. years ) will have to beg.

The world knows about the education system in Saudi. Colleges / Schools ! It's a shame.

It's all going to happen. In my opinion only the countries that have a decent trading economy like say UAE will be able to thrive. Others...I think will end up begging !

Will it happen soon ?

I think it will, in another 50 years.

Remember
'Necessity is the mother of all inventions'.

Monday, July 21, 2008

கேவலம் - 14 பேர்


தமிழ்
தமிழன்
தமிழ்நாடு - என

வாய் கிழிய
உமிழ் நீரை கொட்டி
மணம் கமழ
பொய் பேசும்
அரசியல்வாதி சாக்கிடைகளே!!

நமது நூற்றாண்டில் - ஒரு
தமிழ்க்கவிஞன்

நாம் போற்றும் - ஒரு
தமிழ்ப்புலவன் சாவுக்கு

சிதை எறிக்கும் காட்டுக்கு
போனது
கேவலம் - 14 பேர்
என

சொல்வீர் தமிழ் இனத்துக்கு

செய்வீரா?

Sunday, July 20, 2008

My little Vibuthi


Preethi and Adhithi were fascinated by girl named 'Vibuthi' in the movie Sivaji.

Here is Preethi dressed up today as Vibuthi !

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Timex - Perpetual Calendar

( My Timex watch )

I am a big fan of TIMEX watches. I like the 'INDIGLO' light, the bright easy read dial and the price value of TIMEX.

I am also a big fan of new technologies in gadgets, as long as they are affordable and that is the reason I bought a 'TIMEX PERPETUAL CALENDAR' watch last week.

Changing the date at the end of the month is a task that I won't have to do anymore.

Thinking about it, this is a great feature isn't it ? Wonder how TIMEX came up with it and how they've done it. Have to Google it I guess.

I read that these kinds of watches made by SEIKO/ROLEX sell for a few hundreds / thousands of dollars.

Looks like TIMEX PERPETUAL CALENDAR watches are
available in India too. Not sure about the prices though.

I bought mine at the Vacaville outlets for a wonderful price of 29$.

Check the Timex Perpetual Calendar watches out. I feel it's a cool technology available at affordable prices.


Sunday, July 13, 2008

Dasavatharam for 8$

IMC6 has reduced the ticket prices to 8$ for adults and 5$ for kids. I paid 29$ for my family and watched Dasavatharam this evening.

What a let down. But for the Naidu and Boovaragan roles, the movie is absolutely a waste of time. Asin has been wasted too !

KS.Ravikumar would have probably learnt his lesson by now, better do..Mr.KSR.

Kamal has to change. This movie could do a lot better with just the Naidu and a solid storyline.

What is the point in introducing 10 avatarams..just for the heck of it !!
My advice to Kamal:


Don't try something new. You are not in your prime.

Put down that huge ego...would be good for you.

Act to the director's tunes.

Don't force the directors to dance to your tunes.

Producers invest in movies to make money. Not for charity.

If you keep failing at the box office, nobody would put money on you. You'll have to fund your own movies.

Last - Your grammatical Tamil sucks !!


PS - This review if by a diehard Kamal fan
now
looking for
Greener pastures !!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Accidents in Chennai

I was ashamed when I read this report. I remember a peaceful Chennai with good roads. I can only live with my memories going by this report.

Here are some highlights:

In my opinion Chennai probably is one of the most corrupt cities in India. I've seen first hand how licenses are handed out to applicants. A majority of the people don't care about traffic laws, and that includes the mandatory Helmet rule.

ER and ambulance situation...I need not write about it. People's attitude is another issue here. People just watch an accident scene and drive by. Some even honk !! What a shame !

Friday, July 11, 2008

Melody King - Ilayaraja does it again !



( Kallai irundhen - Uliyin Osai, Dhanyaa, Sriram Parthasarathy )

The last few days, I am hooked to the song above from the film - ULIYIN OSAI. Music is by Maestro Ilayaraja. Fantastic melody, though it has shades of IR's old songs.

Some of the songs that come to my mind when I listen to this song are:

Maancholai kiLidhaano - Film - Kizhakke Pogum Rayil

Maalaiyil Yaro - Film - Chathriyan

Both the songs above are masterpieces IMHO by Ilayaraja.

About this song: I think it is set to the raaga - Hindholam, though I am not 100% sure. Both Sriram and Dhanyaa ( who is she ? ) have done a good job, though I feel that Ilayaraja could have taken care of Dhanyaa's tamil pronunciation. I see shades of S.Janaki in Dhanyaa's voice.

Sriram Parthasarathy is amazing - He has a fantastic voice, well trained. Superb emotions and great pronunciation. I like the way he throws his voice...nice to listen to !

By the way - If you like Classical songs, ULIYIN OSAI is a must listen. All the songs are good. Please check them out.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Desi IT company - another experience

I had to write about this after what happened yesterday.

I am in-between jobs now, starting my new job on July-14. My previous employer was a Desi-IT company, a well established and well known company, with offices worldwide.

I had earlier written about my last experiences with them.

I fell sick yesterday. Called my ex-company and asked them if I still have medical coverage. I was told that my coverage ended at midnight of my last day.

I was shocked and angry. There is the COBRA option but I still haven't got the forms. Looks like it will take 20 days to get the forms to even opt for COBRA.

FYI - My earlier employer 'INOVIS'/'QRS' gave me one full month Medical coverage after I left them. INOVIS is a much smaller company compared to the Desi-IT-Company.

People who live in the US with kids know how important it is to have Medical Insurance.

It's a shame that companies play such cheap tricks to make a few bucks !

Where is the ' Take care of your employees ' gone ?

PS - Ever worse...the new company I am going to, told me, they don't start coverage until Aug-1-2008 !

And....yeah, it's not a Desi company.

Bottom line
Don't quit your job during the middle of a month !

Me - God willing, will never again go near any DESI IT companies.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Ajantha Mendis - Finger bowler



I couldn't watch this match today, but I am sure this guy is going to go places.

Ajantha Mendis, I read today, tore apart the famed Indian batting order winning the Asia cup Solo for Sri Lanka.

His analyis today - 8 Overs 1 Maiden 13 runs 6 wickets !!

His Victims - Sehwag, Raina, Yuvraj, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, RP.Singh.

I got goosebumps while I was reading his bowling highlights in CRICINFO.

  • People of a certain vintage will most likely refer to him as a finger bowler.
  • The ball was squeezed in the kind of grip Jack Iverson had, or for locals, similar to how you would strike the striker on a carrom board.
  • On pitching and regaining its original shape again the ball would shoot through, with sharp spin either way, predictably leaving batsmen none the wiser.
  • Mahendra Singh Dhoni said later that he just couldn't be read at all.
  • Mahela Jayawardene admitted he'd been bowled a couple of times facing Mendis.
  • Kumar Sangakkarra spent an hour a day in the nets before the tournament keeping to Mendis, trying to pick up his variations.
  • It's one thing, Jayawardene said, to read him from the hand, another altogether to then play him off the pitch.

PS - Let's not forget the great Jayasuriya for his 125 today ! This guy amazes me everytime he plays. 114 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixers for his 125 runs !!

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Kodungaiyur dump - Good Job TN Govt


It's a perennial problem, thanks to uncontrolled development of wetlands and indiscriminate dumping. The Govt. has to come up with good recycling/disposal plan. It's plain stupid to just burn the garbage. Considering the growth of population and westernization of the urban societies, if garbage disposal is neglected, pretty soon ,the ill-effects will be wide spread ( if it is not already ! )

I've witnessed this first hand whenever I went to Chennai via the Velachery Road. At a point, not sure what village is nearby, there is a huge dump on the road and it's always fuming. People cover their noses and go along. Rag pickers, mostly kids make their rounds, trying to make a few rupees for their livelihood.

The wind carries the smoke and the toxins all the way to some of the best neighborhoods in the Chennai city. I am sure, asthma cases are on the rise in the city ! The toxins also get into the soil and the water bed is affected which is hazardous to health.

I felt happy today when I read about the TN.Govt's plan for Kodungaiyur. I hope the plan gets executed well ( which I doubt).

Here are a few things I would do:
  • Carry my own bag when I go shopping.
  • Won't let the store give me a plastic bag for small items.
  • Won't buy bottled water/soft drinks.
  • Won't burn garbage.
  • Educate atleast one person on the ill-effects of dumping / plastics.

Friday, July 04, 2008

One way Ticket - Malayalam Movie songs

I was listening to the songs from the new Malayalam movie 'One way ticket' this evening.

Looks like, this is the first movie in 2008 for Prithiviraj. Mammooty has also acted ( as himself ) in the movie.

The songs are wonderful. I haven't heard about the Music director Rahul Raj. So I was a little sceptical.

But, I was surprised. Songs were very nice to listen to.

My favorites:

Muhiyudeen - Jyotsna and Santosh Kesav
Pinneyum Ninnile - Rahul Raj and Srinivas
Atom Bomb - Jassie Gift and Sam Shiva

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Desi IT Company - Experience

March-2008
Me
Please revise my salary, I've been with you for one year.
Them
Sorry, we are in a reorg situation,
You'll have to wait for the New company's cycle - Oct-2008

April - 2008
Me
Can you please consider atleast a Token Bonus.
Them
Sorry, talk to your Unit Head.
Unit HR
Sorry we don't have any extra money for Bonus

May - 2008
Me
New release of Cognos - Can you send me for training?
Would help in projects with client.
Them
We can't give you a dime. Client has to sponsor.
Me
Can you atleast give me a week off.
I'll pay out of my own pocket.
Them
You have to use your PTO.

June - 2008
Me
I am leaving your organization. July-03-2008 my last date.
Them
Why ?
What do you want ?
Please let us know, we'll do whatever you want !

Me
GRRR.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Pathetic - Perungalathur

Courtesy: The Hindu

I was shocked to see this photo in 'THE HINDU' today. Shocked because Peerkankaranai is a suburb of Perungalathur, which is my hometown.

I know for a fact that this is not a stray incident. Actually even in Chennai city, there are lots of places with open sewers overflowing in the streets.

You go to Perungalathur and ask the people about their hometown and they'll be proud and say.."IT'S WELL DEVELOPED NOW"
.

Is this Development?

This is shameful

BROCCOLI anyone

Courtesy: WHFoods
Courtesy: The Web


BROCCOLI - My first encounter with this wonderful vegetable was in October-1993. I had not seen or heard about Broccoli until then..which was already 1/4 of my life ( hopefully).

Since then, I've seen and eaten a variety of dishes made out of Broccoli. My kids love it. I love it too.

It's easy to cook and even if we cook it the South Indian way...it tastes good. Simply boil it add some melted butter and it is so...soothing !

Best part is, it's very..very healthy.

Now to the point, SIFY reported today about how Broccoli helps in Prostrate cancer. Great research I thought ( as long as did not involve any animals...like what I wrote yesterday!!).
My question if you live in India - Do you get Broccoli these days in India? Have you eaten it? Have you cooked it?

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Deer Pe**s !

Tigers vanishing
Sharks vanishing
Emus vanishing
Rhinos vanishing
(Not sure about other insects/animals/birds)

All due to health claims. The latest to make the rounds is 'Deer' thanks to folk medicine from China.

The pharmaceutical companies work hard to find cures / bandaids using science and these people come up with Deer Pe**s !
What's next....I wish they came up with something like:

'Politicians's n**s cures Diabetes.

That way we can get rid of all of them !

Sunday, June 29, 2008

மெய் சிலிர்த்தேன்!

நன்றி - Internet

கையில்
ஒரு கோப்பை சிவப்பு திராட்சை ரசத்துடன்

பாரதியை

இளையராஜவின் இசையில்

ரசித்தேன் இன்று..!!

தனி ஒரு மனிதனுக்கு
உணவில்லையெனில்
ஜகத்தினை அழித்திடுவோம்!!

மெய் சிலிர்த்தேன்!

Northern California - Smoky

Smoky Northern California
Photo courtesy: MODIS


I've lived in Northern California since August-2000. I've experienced the following events that shook me up:

  • A 4.5 Earthquake that hit Napa in Aug-2000
  • Heavy rains cutting off I-80 near Fairfield, on Jan-1-2006
  • A major fire in my area that almost came near my apartments
  • A couple of small earthquakes, the latest a few weeks back
  • The current wild fires and smoke
I must say that this has been the worst till date. I wrote last week about the smoky sky and even posted a photo. Since then, the fires have grown and NORCAL is under a cloud of smoke. Health experts are asking us to stay indoors as much while recirculating the air at home.

Today, looks like another dangerous day with a lot of Lightening strikes predicted. I hope and pray we don't have any new fires.

I'd like to salute the fire fighters and other organizations who are on the lines fighting the fires.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Field Marshal - Sam Manekshaw passes away

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
1914 - 2008
(Photo courtesy: The Web)

Field Marshal Mr. Sam Manekshaw is no more. I felt very sad to read about his death today.

I have good memories of reading about Mr.Manekshaw during my High School Indian History classes.

The India I know of, doesn't respect Men in Uniform. They are easily forgotten and are only honored in History books. I am not the only one who feels that way, I learnt. I listened /watched a recent show in NDTV where there was a debate on this issue.

Countless lives are lost everyday on the borders. How many died during the Kargil war? How many during the other wars. How about the IPKF ?

How many War memorials do we have in India? What is the biggest one and where is it? We have memorials for our politicians everywhere ! Please tell me, do we have a holiday honoring the soldiers ? Why not ? When we have holidays for politicians' death anniversaries !

I remember a dialogue in 'Kandukondein Kandukondein' where actor Mamooty laments that no one came to welcome the soldiers home after the IPKF mission.

Anyways

I pray to god for Mr.Manekshaw's soul to rest in peace.

WALL-E - Awesome



Pixar/Disney magic again.
Wonderful movie.
Watched it last night with my family.


I always wonder, how they come up with such wonderful themes.

Wall-E is a must see.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

James Vasanthan - Subramaniyapuram

James Vasanthan - Who is this guy?

I didn't know anything about him, until I got a comment today from a good soul 'Balaji' for my
Reethi Gowla Post.

Balaji, thanks for letting me know about this song.

James Vasanthan is the Music Director for the movie Subramaniyapuram. I listened to the song Kangal Irundal and got a good feeling about James. I feel that he has a good taste for melodies. I liked his ReethiGowla presentation.

The singers Belly Raj and Deepa Mariam have done a great job indeed. Lyricist Thamarai's lines are very nice. I felt that James could have made the interludes a little more grand. Wondering how ARR / IR / VS would have handled this song.

Personally I love a few raagas and ReethiGowla is one of them. Gives a great feeling when you listen to it.

Here is a list of songs that I am aware of in this Raaga.


Chinna Kanna Azhaikkiraan - Ilayaraja - Kavikkuyil
Azhagaana Raakshasiye - A.R.Rahman - Mudhalvan
Thalaiyai Kuniyum Thaamaraiye - Ilayaraja - Oru Odai Nadhiyagiradhu
Meettadha oru veenai - Ilayaraja - Poonthottam
Kaadhan Neruppin - GV.Prakash - Veyyil
Sudum Nilavu - Vidyasagar - Thambi
Raman Kadhai KelungaL - Ilayaraja - SippikkuL Muthu
TheendaTheenda - Vidyasagar - Thulluvadho Ilama
Mugilinamey keladi - Bhavatharini - Amirtham


Please help me find the one by Bhavatharini. I heard raving reviews about that song..but somehow couldn't find it.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sun and smoke

(Nikon D50 - Nikkor 18-200 VR)

Summer is fire season in California.

I went to Vacaville Premium outlets this afternoon. The sky was grey. For a few minutes I thought it was a storm but realized soon, thanks to the smell of smoke that it was a fire somewhere nearby.

The sun was still high at 7.30 PM, but it was a glowing orange due to the smoke


Not sure if any homes were lost due to these fires, but it looked very scary indeed.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Hotels.com sucks

What a bad experience..I will never use this website to book my hotel again.

I am in LA this week on training. Booked my hotel room via Hotels.com. The operator assisted call ( had a lot of questions on the Internet access etc.) was very sweet. I was asked about the floor I wanted to choose, smoking preference and a few other preferences before my room was confirmed. I was even told that I will get a room with a desk !!

I landed at the hotel yesterday evening and found out that all non-smoking rooms were gone. I showed my reservation to the hotel staff. They showed their confirmation..and it said 'SMOKING' while mine said 'NON SMOKING'. I was frustrated. I was too tired and decided to move to the room and then call Hotels.com.

I called them and to my shock and surprise they told me to 'Read the fine print' on the reservation. They added that only the room is guaranteed...not the preferences. I checked the fine print..didn't see anything about all this !

What a shame, HOTELS.COM. I will never again use your website. I am also going to write to BBB about this.

I am glad I don't have my kids/wife along, in a smoking room!!

Friday, June 06, 2008

Comment Moderation - Off

I was debating the last few days, if it is good idea to moderate comments.

Finally today, I decided that I shouldn't do that. I respect your comments be it harsh or whatever as long as there are no curse words which I don't encourage.

Sorry about enabling comment moderation the last few days.

I am boycotting 'Dasavatharam'

ஆம்பலை ஓம்பினோம் !!

என் நிலை ( நான் கமல் ரசிகன் தான் ) இன்றும் அதேதான்!

15$ கொடுத்து பார்க்க நான் தயார் இல்லை.

DVD வரட்டும் பார்த்துக்கொள்கிறேன்!
--*--
This is an organized plan by the group that buys these movies for screening here in the US. In my opinion we should fight this.

We pay a big tag ( I will have to pay 60$ for my family) , the people who screen the movie make money, finally it goes down the food chain. Considering the economy and the recession we are in, I strongly recommend each and every one of my readers to please consider this.

Let's teach the distributors and screeners a lesson here. Don't watch the movie in theaters if possible ( atleast the 1st few weeks ) !

I am sure that if this trend continues, movies like KURIVI, KAAKA, ELI, PANNI, NAAI, NANDU etc..etc..will all cost us 15$ soon. So please...let's reverse this bad trend !

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Numerology

A friend of mine recently changed his name from 'JAYARAMAN' to 'JEYARAMAN'. I asked him why ? He said someone advised him to change it based on Numerology.

I being me....asked him ...Did you change it in your Mother Tongue Tamil also ? He said ...No ! It is still ஜெயராமன்.

I laughed and...he got the point!

My question for all the people who've changed their names in English like S.Ve.Shekar etc.
All of you have the same names in Tamil isn't it ?
And your mother tongue is Tamil.

Tell me how the name change in English...helps you ?

Monday, June 02, 2008

No SSN , No Stimulus



I had a brief conversation with an IRS rep. on Friday ( after being on hold for 20 minutes ) about the Stimulus payment for my younger daughter who did not have a SSN.

I've been paying taxes using her Tax Identification Number, which was issued by IRS in-lieu of the SSN ( The last few years SSN's are not issued for spouses / kids ). The IRS took my taxes the last 8 years with my daughter's TIN but now, they can't pay the stimulus check since she doesn't have a valid SSN.

Prabhu
sent me a link yesterday which explains this pathetic situation. This is plain nonsense. I wish the AILA or some other organization here in the US takes this case up.

Personally, I am writing a letter to the Senators from the Bay Area explaining the situation. Let's see what happens.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

வேஷம்..!

Photo courtesy: THE HINDU

பெரியார் கொள்கை
கடவுள் இல்லை
மூட நம்பிக்கை கூடாது
என்றெல்லாம்
பறை சாற்றிவிட்டு

கழக தொண்டர்கள்..
தலைவருக்கு, பிறந்த நாள் கொண்டாடுகின்றனர்

அதற்கு தலைவரும் போயிருக்கிறார் !

முதல்வருக்கு பிறந்த நாள் கொண்டாடுவது OK என்றால்
பெரியாருக்கு திவசம் போடலாமே இறந்த நாளன்று?

US Economy - Recession ?

Photo courtesy: The Web

US Economy is slowing down...US is probably heading to a recession. We've all heard it loud and clear.

Prices of almost everything has gone up. Gas price is around 4.15$ per gallon here in the Bay area.

The stimulus checks have arrived. So, will this help the US economy ?

Looked like that today! I went to a couple of Bay area stores and just could not get out...the lines were long and the parking lots were all full.

Not sure what it means, but thanks to the crowds, I saved my stimulus check money and came back home tired.

PS - What am I planning to do with my stimulus check ? Hmm...I am eyeing the SB-600 FLASH and a 18-200 VR Nikon Lens for my D50.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Indian TV - No creativity?

A few weeks back I wrote about my favorite music director Ilayaraja, lifting tunes from all over. I was saddened.

Today, I read about this TV show in India '
Kya Aap Paanchi Paas se Tez Hain'.

Looks like a copy of the show '
Are you smarter than a 5th grader', that is on here in the USA.


I wonder where the creativity has gone !

Everything from the West is copied...and now even TV shows !

I am happy for the audience who'll get a break from those pathetic soaps !

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Shyama Sastri's descendants - Poverty

Photo courtesy: The web

I was shocked when I read about Sri.Shyama Sastri's descendants in GANESH's BLOG today.

I had tears in my eyes when I read this THE HINDU.

Carnatic music fans living anywhere in the world have Sri.Shyama Sastri in their hearts for his brilliant compositions. It is sad to see his descendants in poverty.


I am not sure how to help though my heart aches for the families !

I wish some blogger in Chennai goes home, meets the family and organizes a fund raiser.

Please write to me if you can help.

specialdosa at gmail dot com

Sunday, May 25, 2008

BJP wins in Karnataka

Top agenda for BJP

Blackout cheerleaders in IPL

Not so important:

Everything else !

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Victoria's Secrets - For Men in Tamil Nadu

BREAKING NEWS

is
opening exclusive outlets in Tamil Nadu, India
for Men !

Can you guess the name they've chosen for the outlets ?


சிதம்பர ரகசியம் !

Thanks

Jay Venkitu !

Friday, May 23, 2008

ஏன் எனக்கு இறைவா?

ஒரிரு வாரங்கள்

மனசுக்குள் மத்தாப்பு!

நெஞ்சு பஞ்சாக!

தேகம் தெம்பாக!


பொறுக்கவில்லை

இறைவனுக்கு !!


இன்று..


மத்தாப்பை ஆப்பாக்கி!

மொத்தமாக

OFF
அக்கிவிட்டார்



இறைவனையும் உழைப்பையும் மட்டுமே நம்பும் நான், இது போன்ற நிகழ்வுகளை வாழ்வில் சந்திக்கும் பொழுது..

ஏன் எனக்கு இறைவா ?

என்று கேட்பேன்.

இன்றும் அதே கேள்வி தான்.....

ஏன் எனக்கு இறைவா?

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Gold and India

Can you distinguish between a 14,18,22 Karat Gold ornament ? I can't.

I ask the question to many of my friends and most of them tell me they can't either just by looking. ( Honestly I can't even distinguish the different varieties even if I feel them ).

That said, we all know that India is the maximum consumer of Gold in our World today. And Indians never go near what is branded as less than 22 Karats.

How many stores in India sell authentic Gold ? I've heard and read a lot that most of the Gold sold in India is only 18-21 Karats..though they are branded 22 karats.

I know there are a few stores like Tanishq who have an instrument to check the quality of Gold , not sure if it's available everywhere.

My questions here:

  1. Why are Indians still crazy after 22 / 24 Karat Gold ?
  2. Will Indians ever come out of this Gold craze ?
  3. If India reduces Gold consumption will the prices fall ?
  4. Would that be a good thing ?

PS - I hear and read about a lot of breakins into Desi homes here in the USA because it's common knowledge that most have a lot of Gold !


Saturday, May 17, 2008

Yaadein by Somas

What can music do to a person ?

I realized it today, when I listened to Somas's Yaadein song.

So soothing, I fell asleep.

Somas has a wonderful voice, nice control, superb emotions !

Please listen to Somas and let him know your thoughts.

Thanks to the Internet we get to listen to beautiful voices like Somas's !

My sincere thanks to Jo for showcasing these
amazing artists via audio India


What's your weakness ?

I've heard this question thrown at me several times during my career. If it were outside of career I can easily answer it.

Yesterday, I got into the same situation. I was asked about that one point that will make me stand out at work and also one point that would be my weakness. Did I stumble...not sure, but I was uncomfortable !

This question always bothers me. What is your experience? How would you answer this?

I remember the early days of my career when a few colleagues of mine had said 'Girls' as a response to this question !

Thursday, May 15, 2008

God Men / Women - Frauds

Looking at terror and natural calamities happening all over the world, I wonder where God is and what he is doing these days?

Sometimes I even wonder if there is a superpower that we call 'God'. Well...let's not go there.

This is about the so called GOD MEN/GOD WOMEN in my homeland India. I always felt that they were nothing but 'Frauds'. It is a shame that there are tons of them in India. I don't know if other countries have such human beings who have the so called ' Super powers '.

If these GOD MEN/WOMEN have real super powers as several people claim why can't they help the world out. I can give them a big list of what they can do to India and to the world as well.

Let's go from back, they could have saved a few hundred lives in Jaipur if they had the powers as several claim. They could have saved thousands in Myanmar and China ! They'll have their hands full...if indeed they had the super powers !

IMHO - GOD MEN/WOMEN are all super frauds. I am glad my parents gave me education and I am happy to report that it has helped me in this matter.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Jaipur Blasts

80 people dead
200 people injured
That's the status as I write this.

May the departed souls
rest in peace.

May the injured
recover fast and full.

God, give the families the courage
to
face this terrible tragedy.
**-**

Monday, May 12, 2008

IPL Cheerleaders - perverted camera crew

I agree 100% with what Mandira Bedi says. I've been watching IPL matches the last few days and I even saw a shot of the Cheerleaders dancing, where they were shown upside down !

What a shame !! These perverted camera crew must be sacked for portraying these beautiful women in such poor taste. They add fire to the controversies that are going around. These idiots must learn from the camera crew here in the NBA / NFL.

I wish IPL spoke a few words to these idiots aka. IPL camera crew.

IPL Cheerleaders

PIZZA வேண்டும்

ஆனால்..

SAUCE வேண்டாம்
MUSHROOM வேண்டாம்
CHEESE வேண்டாம்
TOPPINGS வேண்டாம்

மாவு போதுமென்றால்

அதற்கு பெயர்

PIZZA இல்லை


DOSA / NAAN / ROTI !

Sunday, May 11, 2008

IPL Cheerleaders

நன்றி - IBNLIVE

அமெரிக்க / மேற்கத்திய
உணவு, உடை
பணம், பொருள்
ஆதரவு
லொட்டு லொசுக்கு
எல்லாம் OK
ஆனால்
Cheerleaders வேண்டாம் !


லஞ்ச லாவண்யம்
வன்முறை
மதவாதம்
சின்ன வீடுகள்
ஆபாச திரைப்படங்கள்
எல்லாம் OK

ஆனால்
CHEERLEADERS...
ஐயோ..ஐயோ!
வேண்டாம்..வேண்டாம்
கலாச்சாரம் அழிந்துவிடும் !