Slumdog Millionaire - How would I?

Slumdog Millionaire gets 8 Oscars. India erupts in joy.

Very well deserved. I am happy too. Happy for each of the awards that SDM won !

For a movie that was written off by Warner Bros, which probably would have seen a DVD release, to reach this height is unbelievable indeed.

Let's all thank Fox Searchlight for releasing this movie !!

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As India(ns) erupt in joy there are a few thoughts that I have in my heart.

How would I react if a child begs on the streets the next time I see one?

How would I react to child prostitution?

How would I react if a blind child stands on a street corner begging?

How would I react to the killing of innocents in the name of Religion?

How would I react when I see slums ( even the cities ) with no public toilets / dirty, unmaintained ones?

How would I react to Politicians who don't care about all this ?

How would I react to the 'so what' attitude of the people?

How would I react to Desis who live in a world of denial about the conditions in their homeland and curse people who talk or write or make a movie about it?

How would I? How would I?

Saudi - Maturing !!

This is a joyful occasion for Saudi Arabia. Every man and woman in Saudi must get out and dance on the streets !!

That's how I feel about Ms. Noor Al-Fayez , Saudi's new deputy minister for women's education.

This is one small step towards equality for women in Saudi ..which is unprecedented !!

I've lived in Saudi for a few months and I know first hand how women are treated.

My hearty congratulations to Ms. Al-Fayez along with my best wishes.

King Abdullah - What can I say. I am proud of you !

Slumdog Millionaire - A Masterpiece

Photo courtesy: The Net

Having read all the negative reviews among Desi Bloggers, I decided to go see SDM today. I have to tell you that it was a wonderful experience.

The director has told the story wonderfuly...letting the viewers all over the world see the other side of India..via a wonderful story. Though cinematic here and there, I have to tell you it was a thrill ride...indeed. Amazingly well made movie.

Wonderful narration of the story, excellent dialogues ( Example - But for Ram and Allah, I'd still have my mother alive !! ), wonderful performance by the team. I enjoyed the scenes where tourists' shoes were stolen and sold ! I could relate to it, as I have lost my sandals/shoes like this while in India.

AR.Rahman..what can I say, I didn't like the songs on the CD, but I must say the songs go well with the movie and Jai Ho - is wonderful...though sadly in the end..when people walk out of the theaters. Wonderful re-recording. I think only an Indian Music Director could do music for this movie..and who else other than ARR !!

As I left the theaters, I felt happy that I watched a good movie.

After watching the movie, I am very hopeful that SDM will get an Oscar or two. If it goes to ARR..I'll be very happy. Let's see !

LTTE - Criminals

Pic. courtesy: Jalagam

When I read magazines and newspapers from Tamil Nadu I feel angry and sad.

Angry that people fall prey to politicians who don't care about the country. Sad that the people don't have the brains to understand the truth.

I am talking about LTTE and the support that is extended to this Terrorist outfit.

For me, LTTE is nothing but a bunch of criminals who murdered India's Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. I am sure any patriotic Indian would be by my side for that. I have sad memories of that day. It happened in the very soil where all this propaganda and support for LTTE is loud..aka Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Government must take serious actions against all the Politicians and Political groups and even celebrities who support the LTTE.

Why should anyone treat the terror groups that fight for Kashmir different from LTTE ? That is the question I ask anyone who supports the LTTE.

My soul won't rest in peace until the LTTE leaders are brought to justice for murdering late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

I feel sad for the people of Sri Lanka who are caught in between, as collateral in this war launched by the Sri Lankan government against the LTTE.

To the Tamil Nadu Politicians/groups/people who support LTTE:

Do you also support the Kashmir separatist groups and other terror outfits in this world ?

டால்டா - ஆராய்ச்சி

நன்றி - தினமலர்

இன்னும் 100 வருஷத்திற்கு பிறகு சொல்லுங்கடா...மடப் பசங்களா !!

ஆராய்ச்சியாம் !! அறிவிப்பாம்!!

DALDA உபயோகப்படுத்தினால் HDL குறையும், LDL ஏறும்! DALDAவில் TRANS FAT! உடலுக்கு ரொம்ப கேடு!! இது எனக்கு தெரிந்து 20 வருஷமாக பரவலாக பேசப்படும் விஷயம் !!

அறிவியல் சுற்றுச்சூழல் மையத்துக்கு வேலை இல்லை!

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Despite tall claims by companies, the stark truth is that one can never be sure if the oil selling in the market is healthy enough. “In fact, the oil that you eat believing it to be the best for your health, could probably be swimming with trans fats, which could lead to heart diseases and cancer,” said a CSE release.

Pres.Obama - Hats off Sir !

Photo courtesy: The WWW

How many 'Heads of State' can you count who have accepted their screwups? I applaud President Obama for what he did today. This speaks volumes about what kind of person the President is.

That aside, I am shocked at the tax problems of Mr.Geithner, Mr.Daschle and Ms. Killefer. I as an ordinary citizen do my taxes sincerely...but these guys .....what can I say. I am glad Mr.Daschle and Ms.Killefer dropped out.

I hope the President is more careful with his future nominees for top positions. Basics like tax evasions have to be scrutinized more thoroughly before considering nominations.

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Another victim of the economic meltdown. I was shocked to hear about 'Elephant Pharmacy' abruptly closing all its stores today. I've heard a lot of good things about the pharmacy, especially in 'Holistic Medicine'. Sad to see them go !

My Mom's book

I am happy to announce my Mom's first book on South Indian cooking in Tamil. The book was published in Chennai, India a few weeks back.

Mom told me that the main difference between her book and the other cookery books that she has read is this:

She has taken one vegetable at a time and has given a few recipes using that vegetable, which I thought was a good idea.

APPUSAMI.COM has a recipe from my Mom's book. Please check it out.

The book is on sale in book stores in Chennai.

Publisher's details:

New No.129/3, Old No. 73/3
Kumarappa Street
Nungambakkam
Channai - 600 034
Phone : 044-2823 5821 / 6519 5760
Mobile : 98412 97901
E-mail : shivambokks@yahoo.co.in

My mom also has a blog that she plans to maintain regularly.

Congratulations AR Rahman and SDM crew

Photo courtesy : The WWW

From a young boy who carried his dad's keyboard to renters !! to the proud winner of the Golden Globe award today, Dileep Kumar alias AR. Rahman has come a long way indeed.

I couldn't control my emotions when I saw him winning the Golden Globe award for the best Soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire.

I felt very proud and happy indeed. I was able to tell my kids...that someone from India is finally knocking at the Oscars!

I am sure ARR / Slumdog Millionaire will win an Oscar this year ! GGs are usually the precursors for Oscars!

As I go to bed I ask myself, what would be the one top song I like from ARR's collection !! Very difficult I must admit.

But my vote would go to 'Thoda Thoda Malarndhadhenna' from Indra.

Congratulations to ARR and everyone who made 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

My prayers and best wishes for an Oscar.

I can't finish without thanking Manirathnam who introduced AR Rahman to the Film world

GV Prakash

I am a hardcore Ilayaraja fan. Possibly because I grew up listening to IR's music. Till date, I consider IR as the king of melodies.

As IR faded away...thanks to AR Rahman, who conquered the tamil music world with his foot tapping numbers, I began to wonder if the Melody of IR would be gone forever.

But Rahman, Vidyasagar and to some extent Deva filled in for melodies. ARR continued..but he was more on the Rhythm side ...and Vidya Sagar, who was a mix gave us some amazing melodies. Deva, whom I respect a lot too..gave some wonderful hits.

IR showed his face every now and then and kept proving that melody still ruled in the Tamil music world !!

Then came Harris Jayaraj who is also impressive..though I feel he repeats himself a lot..!!

Enter GV Prakash...ARRs nephew. A young kid who impressed the tamil music world via 'Ottagatha kattiko'..he began to impress me with his hits.

I feel GVP has a good balance of Melody and Rhythm all thanks to his wonderful keyboard skills, solid knowledge of digital side of modern music and his natural tilt towards good melody.

My most favorite album of GVP is 'Veyyil'. Very impressive. One of my favorite songs in recent times is 'Veyyilodu Vilayadi'. Kailesh Kher, Jassie Gift..what a combo. Wonderful lyrics as well. I also liked 'Uruguthe' and 'Kadhal Neruppin'.

These days, whenever I see an album by GVP I immediately listen to it. And I have to tell you he always impresses me.

Way to go GV Prakash.

University Honda - Davis California

Photo coutesy: The Web

The last few weeks I've been shopping for service for my Honda Civic Hybrid. It was a B13 service.

• Oil, filter change.


• Rotate tires.


• Transmission fluid change.


• Inspection.

The quote I got from various dealerships in a 50 mile range ranged from 200-300 dollars. Finally 'University Honda' in Davis was the one I chose since they quoted 181 dollars.

To my surprise the final bill was 162 dollars !!

Moral of the story - Considering the economy, would be a good idea to shop around for just about anything !! Saving a buck or two would add up !!

Thank you - University Honda. I would give 5 stars for your service and the value for money not to forget the courtesy of your staff.

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே !

Photo courtesy: The Hindu

Happy New Year

Another year bites the dust in 5 hours.

2008 was a very eventful year for me. Life taught me a lesson this year. A lesson well learnt.

I hope and pray 2009 will be a Happy, Healthy and prosperous year for all of you and also for me and my family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Abhiyum Naanum - Must see

Every now and then a Tamil movie comes out that warms your heart and stays in you for a long time.

A while back it was 'Mozhi' and now it is 'Abhiyum Naanum'.

Both these movies are the brain children of 'Duet films' a wonderful movie making company that has to patted on the back.

I had the opportunity to watch 'Abhiyum Naanum' a few days back at IMC6 in the Bay area. I am glad I took my daughters along.

These days, movies rely on a lot of commercial elements for success but 'Abhiyum Naanum' directed by Radha Mohan has rewritten the rules of the game ( once again ). There is absolutely no blood, navel etc. in this gem of a movie.

Simple story, superb acting by Prakash Raj / Trisha / Aishwarya and especially 'Ravi Shastri', wonderful dialogues and beautiful photography are some of the hallmarks of this film.

I am not going to write about 'Ravi Shastri' in detail though he IMHO stole the show. He is a wonderful character nicely done by someone ( don't know his name). I couldn't control my tears on one occasion where he first calls Trisha as 'Mom'. Very touching.

Biggest letdown is Vidya Sagar. I didn't like any of the songs, though the one by Kailash Kher sounds a little different and is listenable.

I am very happy to see such films come out of Kollywood. Thanks Prakash Raj / Radha Mohan and team for a wonderful movie.

PS - My daughters gave 99.5 for Abhi and 100 for Mozhi !!

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே !

India behind !!

These are not my words:

"India may stand to loose its competitive advantages against the other countries in long term if corrective measures are not taken to strengthen the Indian education system qualitatively," Assocham President Sajjan Jindal said.

There is also a silver lining in the survey by ASSOCHAM. Check it out.

Like I said in my earlier post, India has to take care of its Cheese.

Automakers woes - A lesson

I've been closely following the bailout discussions for the automakers in the USA. Washington in my opinion, will pass it but with a lot of strings attached. i feel that 'Strings' are definitely needed for the arrogant automakers.

Why do I call them arrogant? I should actually call them foolish and arrogant. They were foolish to sleep when the whole world was talking about fuel economy and saving money, not to forget GLOBAL WARMING. Japanese were smart. They took the lead and crushed the US Automakers to dust via their Hybrid cars.

We all know about the quality of the American cars. If one followed the ratings of the cars in Consumer Reports magazine, it would be easy to notice where the American cars stand in quality and reliability.

I called the automakers arrogant because they didn't budge to the government's request for fuel efficiency standards. They even sued the Govt. on greenhouse emissons (Even the Japanese participated).

Now...they are on their knees begging for money.

** - **

I think about India..as this drama unfolds. Today, India is entirely dependent on its booming IT industry. Well deserved , no arguments. But..! What about the other sectors ? Any action plans if the IT PIE is lost or becomes cheaper ? What will happen to the economy of India if IT starts to fade ? Can it sustain the growth? ( 8% is the claim). Scary thought indeed !

Unless India takes sufficient steps to cement the success and grow wisely ...it will lose to China and other countries pretty soon.

I had a question for Wipro's chairman when he was here. I asked him 'Are you afraid of China?'. He said 'Yes' and that's why they are opening offices in China.

Always stay on the cutting edge is the Mantra here. If you slack....someone will eat your cheese.

In fact this applies to the entire world even to you and me !

Chennai 2009

(Pic courtesy: The Hindu)

IT BOOM ..blah..blah..blah....where does all the money go? Why can't it be spent on sanitation !

Blogswara - 5 - Dec-12-2009

Blogswara-5 is ready for release on Dec-12-2009. A big variety of songs this time. The teasers are wonderful. There are some good melodies.

I've not been able to complete any of my songs..! Hopefully will have a song in Blogswara-6.

Please visit BLOGSWARA and check the teasers out !

Ghajini songs

(Pic courtesy: Bollywood Hungama)

Aamir Khan and Rahman combo. I thought the songs of Ghajini would be good. But alas, I was very disappointed. I didn't feel like replaying any of the songs !

Am I the only one, I am not sure. It's been a while since A.R.Rahman came up with an album like this.

Pardon me Rahman fans.

Foggy days

This is the scene from my window yesterday morning. This is exactly how I feel about the US economy as it is today. I hope we don't end up in whiteout conditions before spring breaks out next year !

Though the money managers of the nation come out and assure us that things will get better, I feel that things are getting worse by the day. Lots of job loses ! Huge layoffs all around.

Silver lining is the 1.60$ gas price which really doesn't help if someone doesn't have a job to feed the family and pay his bills.

I hope Obama and his team would come up with intelligent plans to rescue this economy.

We need jobs here in America.

வாழ்க ஜனநாயகம் !

(நன்றி: www.tamileelamnews.com)

தாத்தாவும் பேரக்குழந்தைகளும் இணைந்தனர்.

பகை மறந்து கரம் இணைத்தனர் !

முதல் பக்க செய்தி!

இவர்கள் சண்டையில் பறிபோன மூன்று உயிர்களுக்கு பதில்?

அவர்கள் குடும்பங்களின் கதி?

கேட்க யாரும் இல்லை...!!

வாழ்க ஜனநாயகம்!

பீலா மன்னர்கள்!

TATA வுக்கு நேரம் சரியில்லையாம் !!

ஜோசியர் சொல்கிறார்!!

ஜோசியரே - நானும் சொல்லுவேன் நடந்து முடிந்த கதைகளை!! உம்மால் ஏன் சொல்ல முடியவில்லை - ஒரு வாரத்துக்கு முன்...மும்பையில் தீவிரவாதம் நடக்கும் என்று?

ஏன் என்றால் - ஜாதகம் ஜோசியம் எல்லாம்..பீலா!!

ஊரை ஏமாற்றும் வித்தை !

நாட்டில் எந்த ஜோசியராவது மும்பையை பற்றி சொன்னார்களா? இல்லையே!! ஏன்!!!

மக்களை ஏமாற்றும் கலை - ஜோசியம்!!

பாரதி பிறந்த மண்ணில் பேதமை!!

கேவலம்!!!

Major Sandeep - RIP

This is not the first time and will not be the last time either. It's a shame that the fighters of India are neglected by the politicians ! I've seen this happen during the Kargil war. I've seen this happen to the IPKF soldiers...not to forget the day to day losses on the borders and in other terror attacks.

Shame on the Kerala Govt. for not sending a single Minister to Major Sandeep's funeral.

Hat's off to Major Sandeep's dad for staying firm !

The politicians are spineless blood suckers. They won't budge until their next to kin are affected. Time is not far away ...if the security situation is not revamped.

I pray to the god almighty for NSG commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's soul to rest in peace. The same applies to every commando, police officer and public who lost their lives.

Bombay Blasts - IV

I strongly recommend this piece in IBNLIVE. I see a lot of valid points in this.

AK 47 versus a revolver: it's no match. While the terrorists who held Mumbai hostage were said to be equipped with the latest automatic weapons and ammo, the Mumbai police battling them did not even have as much as a helmet. NSG commandos had to be flown in from Delhi. M N Singh said civil police was no answer to terrorism. "This is the first time there's been a face-to-face combat between police and terrorists. For that, the police are not equipped," he said, adding the state should have a commando force to itself to plug the time lag.

Deora concluded the debate by saying that the root of terrorism was ill-sentiments against each others' community. "We must ask ourselves before we go to a community - do we harbour band sentiments against a community? Are we biased?" he asked.

Here is another wonderful piece from the NY Times.

A parliamentary investigative panel found serious gaps in the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s ability to monitor sea routes because of a lack of long-range surveillance equipment, including aircraft, according to The Indian Express.

Ill-paid city police are often armed with little more than batons. Even the elite commandos heading the charge against the gunmen this week were slowed by old, bulky bulletproof jackets and had no technology at their disposal to determine where the firepower was coming from inside the sprawling hotels.

Sharpshooters had neither protective gear, nor the high-powered telescopes that their counterparts in Western countries would most likely use in a standoff with terrorists. On Saturday afternoon, a sharpshooter who had spent over 60 hours perched outside the Taj Hotel said neither he nor his partner had fired a shot because they were not sure how to distinguish the gunmen from ordinary civilians trapped inside the hotel.

Bombay blasts - III

As I saw the events in Bombay unfold, I couldn't help but to think about the following:

• The sloppy job of the local police.
• The unpreparedness of the State/country to handle a calamity.
• The big hotels / public places and the security situation.
• The reaction time / speed to handle a crisis.
• An intelligence force that's only on paper.

It's high time.. ( Well...if this is not the ultimate eye-opener I don't know what would be ) the politicians put religion, caste and money aside and think about the country. There is a lesson for the corrupted politicians and the police here. If India goes down..everyone goes down !!

What's next?

India must not forget this as another incident and moveon as is usually the case. The law makers must act fast and spend the necessary money to strengthen the security.

It's not worth the cause to just blame the neighbors for everything. India has to prove the involvement of whoever she claims is responsible for terrorism.

India must take Israel as a role model. Surrounded by hatred all around ..the small country manages security and intelligence so well..that her enemies are scared of her.

India is much bigger than Israel with a decent economy. It would be wise to put the dollars to constructive use and tighten the belts and the fences...so that no one can break in.

For that, India needs good leaders, free police / Intelligence and a public that knows and understands the stakes.

The public must start thinking that they are 'Indians' and not hindus or muslims or christians. A wise society would put the Ramayan, Bible and the Koran aside and have India and only India in its heart and soul.

This is the time to act.

Bombay attacks - II

As I see the NSG commandos being dropped from choppers into the Oberoi hotel my heart bleeds. These noble souls are on the line...thanks to our stupid policy makers. These young men live salaried and have to fight all this while our politicians swindle the country !

I wish our politicians starting from the President to the PM to all the ministers including the State Chief Ministers could dropped into Oberoi to deal with the terrorists.

Where is the AH Raj Thackeray ? What does he say about the NSG commandos from the other parts of India ?

Look at these terror acts on Indian soil:

• Indira Gandhi's Murder
• Rajiv's Gandhi's Murder
• Coimbatore blasts
• Bombay Dalal street blasts
• Rashtrapathi Bhavan attacks
• Bombay train blasts
• Bangalore attacks
• Attacks on other smaller towns
• Latest Bombay attacks

How many of these crimes have been solved fully? Has Justice been served in any of these cases ?

Bombay attacks

May the departed souls rest in peace.
May the injured heal fast.
Let justice be served.
My heart goes to the people of Bombay !!

I have a couple of questions:

• After every attack the hands point at Pakistan and nothing happens after that. Why?

• Intelligence agencies - Where were they ? They now say that the terrorists were from Pak and they came by boats !! What kind of intelligence agencies are these ? And they came by boats and drove Skoda cars in the city ! Didn't the RAW and Intelligence have a clue? How is that possible ?

India needs to revamp RAW and Intelligence agencies. Looks like amateurs with titles !!

Shame on the Police / Intelligence forces for not being able to stop this.

Bad that Bombay has to put up with all this !!

Obama ASAP Please !

The economy is in a pathetic shape crying for help. I see it everywhere around. Job market is scary. The shops / malls are not crowded at all !! Bad news everywhere.

Fairfield has lost quite a few businesses: Linens and things, Mervyn's, Circuit City to name a few. I hope it doesn't become a ghost town.

That said, I found this wonderful piece by my favorite Tom Friedman in NY Times today. Reflects exactly my thoughts !! Here is an excerpt:

Now you know why I don’t get invited out for dinner much these days. If I had my druthers right now we would convene a special session of Congress, amend the Constitution and move up the inauguration from Jan. 20 to Thanksgiving Day. Forget the inaugural balls; we can’t afford them. Forget the grandstands; we don’t need them. Just get me a Supreme Court justice and a Bible, and let’s swear in Barack Obama right now — by choice — with the same haste we did — by necessity — with L.B.J. in the back of Air Force One.

Home sweet home

We moved to our new home in Fairfield, California during the last week of August.

Took a while for me to dust my camera and take some pictures.

சட்டக் கல்லூரி - சதுரங்க மேடை

சட்டக் கல்லூரியில் கலாட்டா, அடிதடி. இது இன்று நேற்று தோன்றிய கலாச்சாரம் அல்ல!

நான் பள்ளி கல்லூரியில் படிக்கும் பொழுதே தொடங்கிய ஒரு கேவலம் தான்..நாளாக நாளாக பூதமாக வளர்ந்து இன்று இந்த நிலைக்கு வந்துள்ளது.

இதற்கு காரணம் யார் ? முக்கியமாக அரசியல்வாதிகள் மற்றும் அரசியல் கட்சிகள் தான். கல்லூரிகள் அரசியல்வாதிகளின் பகடைக்காய்கள். அவர்கள் ஆட்ட ஆட்ட ஆடும்..மாணவர்கள் (பல ரவுடிகள் மாணவர் வேஷம் அணிந்து ) நூலில் ஆடும் பொம்மைகள் தான் !!!

இடையில் மாட்டிக்கொண்டு தவிக்கும் பொதுஜனம்.

சென்ற வாரம் நடந்த அமளியில் போலீஸ் வேடிக்கை பார்த்தது கண்டு பலர் சீறுவது புரிகிறது. அங்கும் அரசியல் ஆதிக்கம் தான் !!

இந்தியாவில் இன்று போலீஸ் ஒரு கை இல்லாத பொம்மை!! பல கொலைகள், பல சட்ட விரோத செயல்கள் யாரும் கேட்பாரற்று இருப்பது எல்லோருக்கும் தெரிந்த கதை தான்.

சரி...இவை மாற என்ன செய்யலாம்.! முதலில் அரசியல் மாற்றம், மக்களிடையே விழிப்புணர்வு (மாணவர்கள் உட்பட) எல்லாம் வேண்டும்.

இந்த அவலத்தை படம் பிடித்து, எழுதி மக்களுக்கு அளித்த தொலைக்காட்சி மற்றும் செய்தி நிறுவனங்களுக்கு பாராட்டுக்கள். ஜனநாயகத்தில், செய்தி நிறுவனங்களுக்கு பெரும் இடம் இருக்கிறது. பத்திரிக்கை சுதந்திரம் ஜனநாயகம் வளர ஒரு முக்கிய இயந்திரம்.

எனக்கு இந்த தலைமுறை இளைவர்களிடம் இருந்த நம்பிக்கை கொஞ்சம் கொஞ்சமாக தளர்ந்து வருகிறது. இருந்தும்...மாற்றம் வரும் என்று ஒரு சிறு நம்பிக்கை இதயத்தில் ஒளிந்துகொண்டு தான் இருக்கிறது.

விரைவில் வந்தால்..நாட்டுக்கு நல்லது. இல்லையேல்.....!!!

காலத்தின் கோலம்

அன்று

ஆடல்

பாடல்

ஒடல்

இன்று

HDL

LDL

TGL

காலத்தின் கோலம்!!

Saravana Bhavan in trouble again !

(Photo courtesy: The Web)

A few years back it was the DAD in trouble and now looks like the SON is in the same boat, though not exactly for the same reasons !

It's been a while since I ate at Saravana Bhavan (Sunny Vale), thanks to their deteriorating quality. Now there is one more reason to not go there.

Personally I don't support businesses that break the law ( If I come to know about it ).

For me, the best restaurants in town are 'Spice Hut' at Fremont and 'Viks' at Berkeley. For Pizzas I'd go to 'Cheese Board' at Berkeley.

These days though - It's mostly home food !!

மஞ்சள் துண்டெனும் மடமை!

பூணூலையும், விபூதியையும் எதற்கு என்கிறார் கருணாநிதி!

இதை பிற மதத்தினரிடம் சொல்லட்டுமே ...ஏன் ஒரு மதத்தை மட்டும் சாடுகிறார் கருணாநிதி?

அது சரி - மதங்களை விட்டுவிட்டு - பகுத்தறிவுக்கு வருவோம் !

சமத்துவம் பேசும் முதல்வர் -

தோளில்
மஞ்சள் துண்டை எடுத்து விட்டு பேசட்டுமே - பார்க்கலாம்?

ஏன் நீலத் துண்டு, பச்சை துண்டு கிடைக்கவில்லையா?

படிப்பது பகவத் கீதை இடிப்பது பெருமாள் கோவில்

கேட்க யாரும் இல்லை !! என்ன செய்ய !!

Back after a gap

Back after a gap.  Feeling fresh, happy and lighter.  Yeah, I've lost over 15 pounds the last month !!.  Big time wardrobe change !!

Some thoughts:

• Felt happy today after Obama's big win last night !  Change is on the way !
  
• Sad to read about the passing away of Michael Crichton, the famour author who wrote 'Jurassic Park'. My favorite: 'The Terminal Man'.  
• Happy that Aravind Adiga won the Booker prize.  Waiting to read the 'White tiger'.
• Currently reading 'The Man who mistook his wife for a hat' by Dr. Oliver Sacks.  Please read it if you get a chance. Wonderful book.
• Breath of fresh air in the Indian team, thanks to Vijay and Mishra.  Best wishes to both of them.
• Good to see Kumble and Ganguly retire.  Good for them, Good for Indian cricket.
• Listening to 'Ippave Ippave' from Raman Thediya Seethai.  Great song.

Short Selling to be banned

(Photo courtesy - The Web)

I was hoping that this would happen and finally here it is. The Feds and the Securities Exchange commission are planning to ban short sales temporarily ( might be Finance stocks). ( Britain has already banned shorts in Financial stocks today)

In my opinion, 'Short sale' must be banned totally. I've always felt stock markets are authorized gambling dens and Short sales are the crown!

For those of you who don't know what a short sale is - It is to sell a stock you don't own and then buy it back at a lower price, pocketing the difference. Though there is a lot of risk, market players who have tons of money can easily manipulate the market by shorting ! Today we know how markets are driven !! Mostly manipulation by big time players !! ( MHO).

There was a controversy a few weeks back that commodities trading was driving oil up and not the actual demand/supply situation. There was a talk about banning oil trades. It died down..but suddenly oil fell from around 150$ to now around 100$ ! Was that a coincidence? ( I still wonder...why this steep drop !! )

I don't know why these transactions were allowed in the first place. Glad that the Feds are looking at this at least now.

Let's see where Dow goes tomorrow. I speculate - atleast 100 points up !!

FDA bans Ranbaxy drugs in US

I was shocked to read this news today:

FDA on Tuesday announced that it has banned imports of more than 30 generic drugs, including antiretrovirals, manufactured by Indian generic drugmaker Ranbaxy, citing manufacturing deficiencies at two of the company's plants...

The last few refills of my prescription medicines were made by Ranbaxy !  I even wanted to write about how 'India proud' I was and wanted to post a picture of the medicine bottle.

I remember a few months back when a cardiologist ( Desi ) told me he wouldn't trust medicines made in India, when I asked him if I can get my Cholesterol medicines from India.  I was a little upset when he mentioned about poor Quality Control by the Indian manufacturers.

Today, I realized that the doc. was right. 

Looks like Ranbaxy's share price nosedived on this news today. 

Ranbaxy's response from their website.

Life

The last few weeks have been extremely hectic in my life.  I've never felt so overwhelmed all these years..but here I am...trying to catch a breath !!  Essence of life I guess.

Finally we moved to our new home on August-27th which happened to be my birthday as well.  

I wonder how my parents and my friends felt/feel  when they bought/buy their home.  It's a mixed feeling in my case.  Wondering about the economy, ability to pay the mortgage  etc. 

Weekends I am mostly at HomeDepot or Lowe's doing some shopping. After that it's the yard work etc. 

Finally today, I thought I'd write a few lines.  

I felt so bad yesterday that I missed the SPB/Chitra concert here. Never missed SPB's concert the last several years.  Somehow couldn't make it !   

Planning to attend Thillana's concert this weekend.  Hope to meet Murali / Meera /Bharath and other Blogswara friends.  Let's see how that goes.

தசாவதாரம் - 3

தசாவதாரம் - 2

இசை ஞானியையும், உலக நாயகனையும் பற்றி எழுதியது பலரின் மனதை நெருடி விட்டது போலும் ....என் பிறப்பையே சந்தேகித்து விட்டனர். It's OK ..பெயர் இல்லா தெரு நாய்கள் குறைக்கட்டும்.


SOFTWARE ENGINEER செருப்பு தைத்தது போல் - என்பது பழமொழி !!

அதே மாதிரி தான் கமலின் அஷ்டாவதானம். கதை, இயக்கம், வசனம்..எல்லாம் கமலுக்கு எதுக்கு?

சமீப காலங்களில் கமலுக்கும் ஏனைய இயக்குனர்களுக்கும், இசை அமைப்பாளர்களுக்கும் தகராறு என்றெல்லாம் படித்திருக்கிறோம். புகை இல்லாமல் நெருப்பு இல்லை..!!

கமல் நடிகனாக மட்டும் இருந்தால்...எங்கேயோ போயிருப்பார். EGO பிரச்சினைகள். DIRECTION, வசனம் எழுதுவது...இதெல்லாம் தானே செய்யணும் என்று ஒரு வெறி. பலன் - சுவை இல்லாத படங்கள் !!

இத்தனை இதனால் இவன் முடிக்கும் என்றாய்ந்து
அதனை அவன்கண் விடல்

என்றார் திருவள்ளுவர்.

கமல்...நடிப்பை மட்டும் செய்யணும்...மற்ற செயல்களை விட்டு விடவேண்டும் ! அது மட்டும் இல்லை...இயக்குனர்கள் சொன்ன படி நடிக்கும் நடிகனாக இருக்கணும் ...!! MICRO MANAGE பண்ணக்கூடாது. செய்தால் எங்கோ இருப்பார்.

கமல் என்ற நடிகனை பாலச்சந்தர், பாலுமகேந்திரா, மணிரத்னம் இயக்கத்தில் பார்த்திருக்கிறோம்...மெய் சிலிர்த்திருக்கிறோம்.

ஆனால்...அவர்...சமீபகாலங்களில்...இயக்குனர்களை...DUMMY ஆக்குவதால்...பல பிரச்சினைகள். GAUTHAM MENON சொன்னதை SUDISH KAMATH BLOG ல் படித்து இருப்பீர்கள்.

தசாவதாரத்தில்...K.S. ரவிக்குமார். ஒரு DUMMY என்றே..நான் எண்ணுகிறேன் !!

தொடரும்..

தசாவதாரம் - 1

சமீப காலத்தில் வாந்தி எடுக்க வைத்த திரைப்படங்களில் 'தசாவதாரம்' முதல் இடத்தில் !!! உண்மை தான்.

தலைகர்வத்தால் அழிந்த பிரபலங்கள் வரிசையில் இளையராஜாவுக்கு அடுத்தது கமல்தான் என்பது என் சிந்தனை. இருவருக்கும் இன்னும் தலைகனம் குறைந்த பாடில்லையோ என்று அடிக்கடி நினைக்க தோன்றுகிறது.

இளையராஜாவின் பேச்சுகள் மற்றும் கமலின் பேச்சு செயல் மூலமாக இன்னும் அவர்கள் ஒரு தனி உலகில் இருப்பது புரிகிறது.

கமல் தன்னை பெரிய அறிவுஜீவியாக நினைத்துக்கொண்டு அறிவியல் கருத்துக்களை தசாவதாரம் மூலமாக கொட்டினார். உதாரணம்.. CHAOS THEORY, BUTTERFULY EFFECT.

( நிற்க - அறிவியலில் தவறில்லை...அதை சொன்ன விதம், சொன்ன style, அவற்றில் தான் எனக்கு கோபம் ) .

கடைசி காட்சியில் பட்டாம்பூச்சிகள் பறப்பது சில்லறைத்தனம். NICKELODEON பார்த்த மாதிரி இருந்தது.

இன்று 10 என்ன? 100 வேஷங்கள் கூட போடலாம்...ரப்பர் mask, மற்றும் ஏனைய உபகரணங்கள் உதவியுடன் ! இதில் என்ன பெரிய சாகசம்?

என்னை பொறுத்த வரை...பல வேஷங்கள் இந்த திரைப்படத்தில் ஒட்டி வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன! 10 அவதாரம் என்று காட்டவா..!! அறிவுஜீவி கமலே..எங்க போச்சு உன் புத்தி !!

தொடரும்...

My thoughts on Kuselan's failure

தசாவதாரமும் குசேலனும் வெற்றி பெறாதது எனக்கு ஓரளவுக்கு மகிழ்ச்சியை தருகிறது.

தமிழ் ரசிகர்களின் தரத்தை தவறாக எடை போட்டனர் கமல், K.S. ரவிகுமார், ரஜினி மற்றும் ப.வாசு. இந்த மாதிரி தோல்வி கமலுக்கும், ரஜினிக்கும், வாசுவுக்கும் முதல் இல்லை.

இதை பற்றி எனது கருத்துக்கள். முதலில் குசேலன்.

வெற்றி பெற்ற ஒரு திரைப்படத்தை மூலமாக வைத்து ஒரு படம் எடுத்தால் பாதி வேலை முடிந்தது. கொஞ்சம் மசாலா சேர்த்து அப்படி இப்படி என இழுத்தால் முடிந்தது. அதிலும் பிரபலங்களை நுழைத்தால் கேட்கவே வேண்டாம். சுலபமாக பணம் சம்பாதிக்கலாம்.

இந்த திமிர் முயற்சியை சந்திரமுகியில் பார்த்தோம். மலையாள மணிசித்ரதாழை காபி அடித்து மசாலாவில் முக்கி அமோக வெற்றி பெற்றனர்.

அந்த வெற்றிதான் குறுகிய காலத்தில் குசேலனை உருவாக்க ஓர் அஸ்திவாரமாக அமைந்தது. சிவாஜியின் பெரிய வெற்றி இதற்கு துணையாக அமைந்தது.

கதபரயும்போல் என்ற பாதாம் அல்வாவை, ரஜினி மற்றும் ப.வாசு குழுவினர் வடகறியாக சமைத்தனர். நயனதாரவை இனிப்புக்கு நுழைந்தனர். வெற்றி நிச்சயம் என கற்பனை செய்தனர், கனவு கண்டனர்.

தமிழ் மக்கள் விசித்திரமானவர்கள் தான். வடகறியை, ரஜினி சேர்த்து சமைத்த வடகறியை தூக்கி எறிந்தனர். ( வடகறி தின்று தின்று அலுத்துப்போச்சோ? )

எனக்கு இதனால் மகிழ்ச்சிதான். இந்த மாதிரி படிப்பினைகள் பட தயாரிப்பளர்களை யோசிக்க வைக்கும். மக்களுக்கு நல்ல படங்கள் கிடைக்கும் ( ??) .

என்ன ஒரு வருத்தமென்றால், இந்த படத்தில் பங்கேற்ற வளர்ந்து வரும் கலைஞர்களுக்கு பெரிய அடி. முக்கியமாக பசுபதி. அவர் நடிப்பை நான் மும்பை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ், விருமாண்டி படங்களில் ரொம்ப ரசித்தேன். இந்த படத்திலும் நன்றாக பண்ணி இருக்கிறார் என படித்தேன். பாவம் !

இறுதியில் - உலகம் போற்றும் மலையாள கதபரயும்போளை தமிழில் சிதைத்ததை நினைக்க எனக்கு ரொம்ப வருத்தமாக இருக்கிறது.

யானைக்கும் அடிசறுக்கும் !! உண்மை தான் !!

இதோ சில ரஜினி தோல்விகள்:

குசேலன்

பாபா
சிவா
பாண்டியன்
நாட்டுக்கு ஒரு நல்லவன்

Britney Spears - Malayalam

I found this video very funny. Someone has done a marvelous sync. job here. Check it out.

வாய் உதார் உடாதே !!

Photo courtesy: The Web

ஹலோ பவுடர் யுவராஜ் சிங் !!

வாய் உதார் உடாதே கண்ணா !!
பேட்ல வேலைய காட்டு

கொஞ்ச நாளா ரொம்ப வழிஞ்சுகினு கீற
புரீதா !!

Recycling in Germany

Image courtesy: The Web

I was reading an article in today's SF Chronicle and was very impressed about the enforcement of recycling in Germany. Compared to this..US lags far behind I must say.

At the same time, I would like to applaud that efforts that are taken these days by the Government ,media, people and various organizations to promote recycling especially in the Bay area where I live.

Here is a sample of what is done in Germany from that wonderful Chronicle piece today. I am very impressed !

Everybody sorts paper, glass, plastic and organic waste. We don't think about it; it's just what is done. We are not allowed to throw old batteries, waste oil, unused pharmaceuticals and old varnish in the normal trash cans, but we can dispose of these products at every drugstore or supermarket.

If we have bigger electronic stuff, like a broken hair dryer or an old computer, we have to deliver it to a special trash station that is easy to get to and has convenient hours of operation.

Beyond that, the consumer has to pay a deposit for most of the plastic bottles and all soda cans. It is between 20 cents and 35 cents per can or bottle. Vendors who sell beverages in bottles and cans have to take back the empty containers - even small booths at local fairs or train stations.

Supermarkets are obligated to take back all kinds of packaging. Every supermarket has garbage cans for different waste, so we don't even have to take home so much trash.

For example, if I buy a new coffeemaker, I unwrap it in the shop, leave all the cardboard and Styrofoam packing there and carry home only the new kitchen utensil. The idea is not only to recycle, but to avoid producing so much waste.

What goes around...!

I wrote a few months back about IR's and ARR's songs that were lifts aka inspired by other songs/tunes from the WEST/EAST !! Actually I was shocked to hear some songs of IR which I had never imagined would have been copied.

Anyways...I saw this on YOU TUBE today. Have a look at ARR's tunes inspiring other artists all over the world !!

Airtel Super Singer - Sunitha Sarathy

Image courtesy : Star Vijay TV

I am a big fan of Airtel Super Singer that airs on Star Vijay. The current edition is No.3 and there is quite a bit of participation.

Good to see so many aspiring singers both young and old participating in the competition.

Good for music ...good for the audience.

This post is about the judge in the recent rounds Ms. Sunitha Sarathy.

I was watching an episode last week where he was yapping-off arrogantly at the singers. The peak was her questioning two girls and asking them if she looked funny etc.

The already scared young girls where visibly shocked, but later Sunitha took a U-turn and said ' I am joking...I am selecting you both' and that brought a smile from the shocked young girls and also me !

Sunitha can be a celebrity etc. but I don't think this kind of drama is essential for the program to be successful. The last two versions of Super Singers never had such acts. Why now?

Maybe Sunitha is trying to copy American Idol's arrogant Simon ..I am not sure. I would rather Sunitha be polite which would go well with the participants.

Check this link out Musings on Airtel Super Singer and let me know if I am wrong.

Calcutta News - Nice song

Nice melody !!
Thought I'd share it with you.

I feel Meera Jasmine is beautiful !!

Dileep is a handsome actor with good acting skills !!

I liked the Bengali bit towards the end and the filming of the song

Music director : Deb Jyothi

Male - Madhu Balakrishnan

Female - ?? ( Chithra ? )

அமெரிக்க ஜனநாயகம்

Photo courtesy: ibabuzz

நம்மூரில் ஊரறிய பல சின்ன வீடுகள் - பத்திரிகையில் எழுதினால் அடி ஒதை, ஜனநாயக நாடு !

இங்க பாத்தீங்களா - பத்திரிகைகள் அடிக்கும் ஆப்பை !!

இது தானப்பா ஜனநாயகம் !!

இது தானப்பா பேச்சுரிமை !!

இது தானப்பா பத்திரிகை சுதந்திரம் !!

( நிற்க - தாத்தா அடித்த கூத்தை வலைஉலகில் எழுதிய நண்பருக்கு என்ன ஆனது என்பது பழைய கதை )

SF Chronicle - Printed on recycled paper

It was a shock for me the first time I saw the Sunday Newspapers here in the US. So many pages, so many coupons, sale information....amazing I thought.

Later I realized and felt sad that a lot of trees go down just to take care of the Sunday edition of New York Times !! Add up all the newspapers across America and quickly we'll know that it takes a lot of trees.

So, I thought I'd go green and stop buying paper magazines/ newspapers. Internet came handy. I was reading the newspapers online. I subscribed to magazines via ZINIO...and came out of the guilt.

Then, last week to my surprise I found out that San Francisco Chronicle was printed on recycled paper !! ( It says so on the top of front page). I was thrilled.

So these days, I pay 25 cents everyday at the local BART station and buy the Chronicle.

Thanks SF.Chronicle for being kind to mother nature.

I am not sure if newspapers in your area are printed on recycled paper. If they are, please post the name of the newspaper in the comment section.