Local Newspapers and businesses

Call it the era of death for newspapers. That's what we are witnessing in the USA. Too many wonderful, well respected newspapers are facing the brunt of the economy with dwindling advertising revenues.

Result - we hear mergers and closures of newspapers.

I've taken it upon myself to support the local newspaper in Fairfield, 'Daily Republic'. I feel it's important for these local newspapers to thrive, as they cover more of the local news.

The 'Daily Republic' covers a lot of news in Fairfield. I feel it's very important for my community.

I want to know more of what's happening in Fairfield since it's my hometown.

Now, where am I heading. I would request each one of you to support your local newspaper/publication.

To add spice to that, please support your local businesses. Eat and shop where you live and let the tax dollars go back to your community.

I read somewhere: THINK GLOBAL EAT LOCAL !!

My Favorites

Another Ilayaraja song this time. From the tamil movie Agal viLakku.

Came out in 1980. I was doing my 2nd year Bachelors degree at MCC Tambaram.

I remember singing this song for the college audition. Hmm...I was rejected !

Vijayakanth during his leaner times in life ( physically and during the start of his career I guess ). Looking at the bell-bottoms, and the pants that go up to his chest...makes me laugh...thinking..I've done that too. Not to forget his hairstyle.

Shoba - An amazing actress whose life was cut short by God knows what happened. They called it suicide. Suspicious that so many Tamil actresses commit suicide ( Silk Smitha , Fadafat Jayalakshmi, Deepa, Simran's sister - to name a few ).

Ilayaraja - I have no words for his music. Truly the Maestro.

Yesudas - What a voice..!!!

Not sure who the female singer is..but she has also done a great job

86 இல் சாதனை!

86 இல் சாதனை!

தமிழ்ப் பெயர் வைத்தால்

ஒரு கிராம் தங்க மோதிரம்!

அது சரி...

கிராம்

தமிழ்ச்சொல் இல்லையே!

My Favorites

'Mella Pesungal' was the first film for (Late) Vasanth and Banupriya.

I didn't watch the movie but I loved the songs from that movie, especially this one:

Deepan Chakravarthy who became famous after 'Poonkadhavae' from Nizhalgal has sung this song with Uma Ramanan.

The movie was directed by Bharathivasu ( SanthanaBharathy and P Vasu - who did a couple of films together ).

One of Ilayaraja's several masterpieces.

I am not sure why Deepan just faded away. I love his voice. Even these days I see him on TV his voice is good.

Magazines

During my younger days, we had wonderful magazines in India. I must say those were the golden days of Indian journalism.

I remember the very first issue of 'SUNDAY', 'SPORTSWORLD' and 'THE WEEK'. I used to wait every week to buy SUNDAY. Amazing articles, great photography and very interesting. SPORTSWORLD was edited by M.A.K.Pataudi. I loved the photos in SPORTWORLD. Looks like, THE WEEK is the only magazine that is still alive !

However, I have to admit that my favorites were ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA and THE BLITZ.

ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY OF INDIA - Khushwant Singh was the editor. Size was kinda 11 X 14. I always liked Khushwant Singh's writing ( Memories of 'Train to Pakistan' are still fresh ). His editorials used to be amazing. Sports and news coverage was outstanding !

BLITZ - Editor was R.K. Karanjia. It was also a 11 X 14 in a newspaper format. Had a lot of gossip, scoops besides some good editorials, articles. Lots of fun to read. Mr.Karanjia is long gone..but memories of his BLITZ are still fresh.

I wish I could have a copy each of the Illustrated Weekly, The Blitz , Sunday. I'd cherish them !!

If you find a copy of these magazines, can you please buy them for me? I'll be very thankful !

My Favorites

Vikatan Online Subscription

Most of the websites start to email you about an expiring subscription a few months before the actual expiration. That's my experience so far.

Ananda Vikatan is unique. I am not sure, if they don't care about the online subscribers. Or maybe it's an area they need to improve.

My online subsciption to Vikatan expired a month back. I've not got a single email till date from Vikatan about it. A message pops up when I login to the website that I'll have to renew my subscription.

I am still waiting...I am not going to renew until they wake up and ask me 'Hey, don't you want to renew ? ' .

Nostalgia - The Turntable

Pic coutesy: The WWW

During my elementary school days, I wasn't allowed to walk from Tambaram to Perungalathur.

School used to end around 3.15 PM. The next train to Perungalathur those days was at 4.30 PM. There were no PTC buses !

I used to walk to Tambaram railway station and wait for the 4.30 PM train. ( The monthly train pass between Tambaram and Perungalathur was 1 Rs. 45 paise ! ).

Every now and then, a steam engine would be turned on the turn table in Tambaram. It was a fantastic sight. The engine would come in from South to North and go South after it is turned.

It was manual labor. The driver and the helper used to get out after parking the train on the table. They used the levers and went pushing around in a circle turning the engine.

These days, I am not sure if the turn table is used anymore. I don't even know if they dismantled it.

However, great memories. Nostalgic !!

Rajiv Gandhi - 18th death Anniversary

Photo courtesy: The WWW

Tomorrow marks the 18th death anniversary of Mr.Rajiv Gandhi the ex-Prime Minister of India.

21 May 1991, that was the day his life was taken away ! He was only 47 years old when he was assassinated.

I was shocked and ashamed that it happened on 'Tamil' soil, in India, assassinated ruthlessly by a suicide squad from Sri Lanka sent by LTTE.

I remember the deserted roads, the shocked faces, the processions and the hours before TV mourning my beloved Prime Minister's death.

That was the day I lost any impression I had, about Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of LTTE who masterminded the assassination.

Today, we've come a full circle. The mastermind is also gone along with his family.

May Rajiv's soul rest in peace.

Let the world know that violence is no answer to anything !

Worldwide Photo walk

(With family - May-10-2009)

One of my friends at work mentioned about 'WORLDWIDE PHOTO WALK'.

This year it is on July-18-2009 a Saturday.

Photo walk is a social photography event where photographers get together, usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.. They finally meet in a Pub, Pizza place or a restaurant, socialize and leave. Of course there is a competition and prizes.

The best part I like in this, is the socializing. I am hoping to meet some good photographers and take some tips/notes.

I've joined the 'Santa Cruz Group' and I am looking forward to the event.

Here are some stats from last year's event:

8.324 photographers register for local walks
47 Countries had participating cities
44 States in the US had Photo Walks
We had a total of 236 cities worldwide
More than 1,017,125 photos were taken on walks that day


If there is a group in your city why not join and have some fun !

If you don't have a group please start one and participate !

வேஷம்

பிரபாகரன் இறந்தான் - ஊரெல்லாம் பேச்சு

நம்ம தலைவர்கள்

ராமதாஸ், வை.கோ, ஜெயா

தேர்தலில் செருப்படி வாங்கியதால் மௌனம்!

கருணாநிதி

காங்கிரஸிடம் அமைச்சர் பதவிக்கு கை ஏந்தும் நேரம்.

அதனால் அமைதி!

உண்மை நிறம் - இதுதான்.

தேர்தலுக்கு முன் போட்டது 'வேஷம்'

Exit polls - Joke !

This is not the first time exit polls have gone wrong in Indian elections. I am not sure how they do these polls. Looks like a big joke !

I didn't see any exit poll pundits on TV (so far). Would be interesting to ask them what kind of samples they used in the polls to get it so wrong !

I would advise these companies to shut up in the coming elections or maybe go to an Astrologer rather than waste time analyzing the exit poll data.

By the way - All of you who believe in Astrology - Did anyone predict these results ? I didn't read / see anything !

The weed is gone !

Congratulations Mr.Rajapaksa on going this far and wiping out LTTE to near extinction, thereby regaining your country back from the terrorists.

It takes a lot of courage and I am glad Mr.Rajapaksa did it right.

Forget the brickbats, forget the sympathisers of LTTE, I am sure a lot of tamils today would be happy !

The loss of innocent lives in this battle is very sad. LTTE now claims to have surrendered ( sic ) for this reason:

On the verge of defeat, the rebels offered to lay down their arms, saying they wanted to protect civilian lives. There was no immediate response from the government, but it has ignored rebel calls for a cease-fire in recent months.

What a shame! If they truly cared for the civilian lives, they should have put down their arms a long time ago, when they knew they didn't have anywhere to go. Cowards !

But..I guess they were waiting for a ship from India to go and rescue them, which ( probably ) never happened !

Whatever...Congratulations Mr.Rajapaksa. Get to work now and please don't let the LTTE to realign.

Please ensure that another group doesn't emerge from the ashes of the LTTE.

What I mean to say is :

Please take care of the Tamil population in Srilanka.

I want to listen to:

இலங்கை ஒலிபரப்புக் கூட்டுத் தாபனம்
தமிழ்ச் சேவை இரண்டு !

Rahul Gandhi

Pic courtesy: The Net

This is what the LTTE did to India a few decades back !!

Memories of that sad day still linger in my heart.

Pic courtesy: The Net

This is today.

I am happy to see and hear that Rahul Gandhi is one of the reasons for UPA's thumping win in this election.

This time, he will be a Minister for sure and I love it.

India badly needs a leader like him.

My hope is, he'll become the Prime Minister in the next elections !

Only time can tell.

Until then - Best wishes 'Rahul' !

Election Coverage - II

12:06 am Saturday

Dayanidhi Maran was on Headlines Today.

Here is what he said:

• Opportunistic Politicians like the PMK Chief will see their own demise.

Question - What about your Mr. Maran ? Why did you fight with and then join hands with Grandpa and kids? Wasn't that opportunistic too?

• It was media hype especially by Mr.Ram of 'The Hindu' - that ADMK will route the DMK.

Question - What about all the PRO DMK Media? What happened to those voices? What happened to Murasoli and Dinakaran?

• Achievements - 1 Kg rice and 100,000 TV Sets !!

Question - What about the Power situation in Tamil Nadu? After all TVs need power !!

Election Coverage

Courtesy: Adhithi via cellphone

It's now 10.34 PM Pacific time. I just realized I've been sitting in front of the TV watching election coverage from India, since 6.30 PM !

Very interesting indeed. I was watching the live feeds from Headlines Today and SUN TV along with Kairali, Aajtak and Samay.

Here are some points:

Why isn't there a Tamil equivalent for 'Breaking News' and 'News Flash'. Or was it SUN TV who used the English words.

As expected I didn't see anyone from ADMK being interviewed by SUN TV. I am sure the same would have happened in Jaya TV !

Questionable English as you would see from the photo above ( Telecasted ..!! ).

Many of the regional politicians mentioned Obama !! Even, Thiruma..!! God, I thought he was an illiterate, who knew only one word "EELAM".

Headlines today's coverage was good. Was nice to see leaders of all party talk decently. MJ Akbar was wonderful !

Overall I would give Headlines Today an A+.

My prediction - It's going to be Dr.Manmohan Singh again.

Congratulations Dr.Singh.

Nostalgia

Starting a series of posts titled 'Nostalgia'. Planning to pour my heart about my younger days. I'll be writing about those moments in life that make me happy whenever my thoughts fly back in time.

Flashback

Elementary school days
Christ King Convent, Tambaram ( 1970 - 1976)

I had to walk to Perungalathur railway station, take a train to Tambaram and walk to school. Sometimes my grandfather would go with me. Mostly I'd be on my own, following a group of kids who had the privilege of having a lady ( we used to call her Aayah ) take them to school. She was a kind lady. Though I wasn't a part of the group, she'd always make me feel a part of the group !!

I used to always carry my school bag and a lunch bag with water and lunch. The bags would have 'VR' embroidered on them. VR was V.Ramesh, which was my name those days ( Later got changed to Narayanan in High school ).

I would forget my lunch bag in the train every now and then while going home. And believe me, we used to run back to catch the train ( same train ) returning back in 30 minutes from Vandalur. The bag still used to be there..wherever I left it ( with the bottle and a stainless steel lunch box).

But, before we went to recover the bag.....I'd have gotten a few spankings !!

N O S T A L G I A !!

அவள் அப்படி ஒன்றும் அழகில்லை

Sometime back it was 'Ragasiyamana Kadhal' then came 'Kangal Irandal' and now this beautiful song 'Aval appadi ondrum' !

I am sure most of you who listened to all of these songs would have fallen in love with the melody and the words right away.

அவள் அப்படி ஒன்றும் அழகில்லை
அவளுக்கு யாரும் இணை இல்லை
அவள் அப்படி ஒன்றும் கலரில்லை
ஆனால் அது ஒரு குறையில்லை!

Simple lines - wonderful melody.

This song is from the movie 'Angaadi Theru'. Looks like music is by Vijay Antony and GV Prakash. However this song has been composed by Vijay Antony.

I like Vijay Antony a lot. He has a good taste for melody and rhythms. My favorite of his is 'Nenjankootil' from the movie Dishoom.

About the singers - I am really not sure who they are. Some websites say Prasanna/Ranjith/Janaki Iyer. Some say Ranjith/Vinith Srinivas / Janaki Iyer.

Whoever it is, this is one amazing song!

Reminds me of:

Kaatrin Mozhi - Mozhi
Vellaippookkal - Kannathil Muthamittal
Nirppadhuve - Bharathi
Kaatril varum Geethame - Oru naal oru kanavu

Diary of a wimpy kid

Not sure if it's a hit in India. But I notice that the kids here are going Ga-Ga over 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'.

A few weeks back, I asked Preethi if she wanted to read it. She said no...! Now she wants it and the local Costco is already out of the 1st book !!

Sometime back it was J.K.Rowling...now it is Jeff Kinney.

Way to go Mr.Kinney !

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே!

( Courtesy: THE HINDU )

தமிழ்நாடு நாறுது
உமிழ்நீராய் மாறுது

ஈழத்துக்கு கூவுகிறார்கள்
பாழும் அரசியல்வாதிகள்!

நிற்க....

இந்த தெருவிற்கு பெயர்

ENNORE EXPRESSWAY !

Hamsadhwani

I was browsing the net this morning for something when I found this wonderful weblog.

Honestly, I didn't know the details of the Raga - Hamsadhwani until now:

Ramaswamy Dikshita (1735 AD -1817 AD), father of Muttuswamy Dikshita is credited with the creation of this pentatonic raaga. However, this may be partly true.

The Ragalakshana appendix to Chaturdandi Prakashike mentions Hamsadwani. Although the main text of Chaturdandi was composed by Venkatamakhi (~1650 AD), the Ragalakshana appendix was added by is grand-nephew Muddu Venkatamuchi couple of generations after Venkatamakhi. He describes Hamsadwhani as a pentatonic raga, born of Shankarabharana mEla omitting ma and da. (S R G P N S - S N P G R S). The current form of Hamsadwani is exactly the same.

This brings the time when Hamsadhwani first appeared around the beginning of 18th century. It is likely that Ramaswamy Dikshita was one of the early composers who popularized it, and hence the credit that goes in his name.

18th century composers Tyagaraja and Muttuswamy Dikshita, each comosed two compositions in this raga. It can be safely said that the composition Vatapi Ganapatim Bhajesham of Muttuswamy Dikshita is the most famous composition in this raga.

I fell in love with Rashid Khan's voice and rendition when I saw this:

Desi Celebrities and Criticism

If you ever watched Jay Leno, David Letterman, John Stewart or Steven Colbert you'll know what I am talking about.

If you've watched CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS you'd know what I am talking about.

In fact you'd know it, if you read the newspapers , magazines and the Internet.

I am talking about about the Celebrities here in the USA. It includes every celeb from the President level on.

All of the above mentioned media criticize, comment, investigate and interview the celebs and pose so many difficult questions during interviews.

Nine out of ten times, the celebs handle it very well. They evade but they don't get angry. The politicians, don't use their power to manhandle the reporters or cause damage to the news agencies.

But...................

Consider the same in 'Desi Land'. How do the Celebs handle all this? Nine out of ten times, they walk away, go on the defense and even threaten the media ( If a reporter had the guts to ask some tough questions ! )

Politicians - OMG, I don't want to even go there. Many reporters for the fear of their lives would never go near politicians in Desi land. There are a few exceptions, though I don't know what happened to those reporters ( Does anyone know where Rabi Bernad is ? )

Bottom line

Desi Celebs can't handle criticism!

Chinmayi's love for Tamil

Chinmayi has written about a 'Frooti' commercial. Looks like Tamil words have been spelt wrong.

This is not new, I've seen several commercials, banners, hoardings like that and I don't like it either.

I wrote a comment for her post and as I expected she has ( until now ) censored it.

Here is what I commented on:

Tamil fans and music directors welcome Non Tamil speaking singers with open hands and hearts. Examples: Sadhana Sargam, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal.

( Please note that the reverse is not true especially in Bollywood ).

All of them are wonderful singers with superb voice. But...their Tamil pronunciation has several problems( For example all of them pronounce ga as ha....raa gam becomes raa ham ! )...and the music directors don't care about it.

AR Rahman, Ilayaraja, Harris Jeyaraj, Vidyasagar and the others use these singers quite often in Tamil films.

But look at this. When AR Rahman, does a Hindi film, his South Indian Singers get coached by Hindi pundits for proper pronunciation.

Isn't this hypocrisy? Shouldn't AR Rahman do this in Tamil also? ( Even to the native singers who can't pronounce Tamil words correctly !)

I understand why Chinmayi doesn't want to release my comment though she has written her heart via the FROOTI post.

I don't blame her. AR Rahman is her guru / everything.

But for me, I would like AR Rahman to do what he does in Hindi. ie.

Coach the singers to pronounce Tamil right !

Jayalalitha - stinks !

Jayalalitha - Talking thru the rear end !!

Watched her stupid POLL Talk today. What a shame.

She says, 'Didn't Indira Gandhi send troops to East Pakistan, to liberate Bangladesh ? I'll make sure the Indian Govt sends troops to Sri Lanka to win Eelam ".

What's next Miss.JJ, how about a Tamil state in the USA, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore? Any promises?

As long as there are people who fall for these stupid poll promises, there will be people who use the rear ends to talk !!

Unfortunately there is a long distance between the two ends !

A letter to Prabhakaran - LTTE chief

Hello Mr.Prabhakaran,

Hope you are still alive, to read this mail.

I read today that your terrorist organization LTTE, has agreed to a unilateral ceasefire. Though it looks good from the outside, good that innocents won't be killed, it only tells me how selfish you are, about your own life.

Now that you and your son are cornered, ready to be blown away soon, you had the guts, to call for a ceasefire. Is it guts? no...not, you are a coward.

Do you remember how you eliminated national leaders, innocent civilians, leaders of opposite Tamil groups and even the defectors from your own group?

If you are a true fighter for the SrilankanTamils, now is the time for you to come out and become a MARTYR.

Unfortunately, your selfish organization and your tyranny has taken LTTE away from whatever it was started for, several years back.

What have you achieved in the last few decades? How did you help the Tamil cause ? Actually everything went downhill from the time LTTE started its tyranny !

Srilanka - A beautiful country with a good economy has gone to dogs, thanks to you and your organization. It will take a long time to recover, but the earlier you are taken out, the better it is for Sri Lanka.

In my mind, you and Osama Bin Laden are just the same. For me, you are the mastermind behind Rajiv Gandhi's murder.

And I would like to see you go, just for that one reason !

Thank you
Narayanan Venkitu

Sept-20-2008 - Saturday

Pic courtesy: The Web

It was a Saturday. I was all excited. I had a 'Thillana' concert to attend that evening. Would get an opportunity to meet with Murali and Meera.

Was enjoying the concert and it was just after the dinner break. I felt a sudden pressure and discomfort in my chest. Very unusual kinda pressure I thought.

I rushed out of the concert hall, went to the restroom, bought some soda and gulped it, thinking it might be gas related pain. I walked outside a little to get fresh air. I was blaming the food I just had !

The pain and pressure got milder. I decided to go home. It was around 70 miles to home. I drove my car home ( never spoke a single word during the 90 minute drive ) and told my wife that I have to take PEPCID for my acid reflux.

Took some Pepcid and went to sleep, not knowing I was having a 'HEART ATTACK'.

I would know on Monday morning that I had a 100% block in my LCA ( Left Circumflex Artery ).

I was going to become a heart attack survivor !

...contd

Indian Media - Shameless, Spineless

India, Indian Media - copies the west from paper towels to pens and clips to pots and pans to Papparazi !!

Indian TV goes into the nostrils of the common man to get viewership. Indian TV covers natural disasters and other events just like how it is done here in the west risking the lives of reporters. Indian TV-shows take pride in making the famous Western shows for its own viewers. ( Kaun Banega ...etc..)

But, Indian Media doesn't do something which is done here. They don't expose the politicians and their activities especially during elections. I am sure all of you would have seen how Pres. Obama, Sarah Palin and John Mccain were whisked by the media.

John Kerry lost his election a few years back thanks to the Media !!

I am surprised that the Desi Channels, even Headlines Today ( an arm of the famous India Today Magazine), covers the IPL mostly !!

Knowing India, I am sure it's the fear they have, that stops the media from exposing politicians. Afterall , how can someone be alive, if they report the corrupt activities of a politician - especially during election times ?

It's shameful - But Politicians rule in India ! - Vande Mataram !

தலைவா !

வாயால் பேசி நாளாச்சே தலைவா!
நோயா ?

பேயாக வந்தெம் மண்ணில் - நெஞ்சில்
தேயாத படு கொலையை செய்த

நாய்களுக்கு, தெரு நாய்களுக்கு
வெறி நாய்த்தலைவனுக்கு
ஆதரவா?

போய் வாயை கழுவுமைய்யா!

பதவிக்காக பாய் விரிக்கிறீர்
சேயுடன் !

தாயக உணர்வு எங்கே?

ஓயும் நேரம் வந்தாச்சு?
போய் ஒரத்தில் உறங்கலாமே?

Congress Party of India - Missing fate line !

Palmistry - The Art of reading palms and predicting the future ! Amazing isn't it !

I know a little bit about Palmistry, ie. I know the lines in the hand !

Here they are:

Pic courtesy: The web

Now to the point. Have a look at the symbol of the Congress Party of India.

Pic courtesy: The web

Do you see the missing fate line and a weak life line !

Does it say something about the state of the party?

PS - I don't believe in Astrology, Palmistry, Naadi, Vaastu, Raagu Kalam, Ema Kandam, Sani Peyarchi, Nalla Neram, Ketta Neram, Sagunam, Horoscopes, God Men, God Women etc.

Who are they?

Do you know who these two are?

Aneesh Chopra

Vivek Kundra

I was surprised !

Barnes & Noble - ARMIK

I enjoy visiting the local Barnes & Noble store. Every now and then, when I feel like relaxing and reading something, I visit B&N.

I am not sure how they make money, but I see a lot of people just reading magazines and books sitting in the comfort of A/C and sofas, sipping lattes. Sometimes, I feel very guilty to just go there and read without buying anything.

I am sure, it is the same in all the bookstores across the US and maybe even other countries.

Considering the economy and the wave of store closures, I hope and pray that B&N stays alive.

B&N introduced me today to a great musician 'ARMIK' who is an amazing guitarist. As I listened to his music at B&N today, I was tempted to buy his latest album 'Serenata' and I have to tell you it's wonderful. So relaxing !

If you get a chance, please listen to ARMIK. You'll be happy you did.

Elections

I don't understand why elections go on for a month or so in India.

Aren't there chances of rigging? What about the bias that would occur based on exit polls from regions that had the elections earlier.

Does anyone know why ? I find it very funny. Why should it be this way?

I was listening to NPR this evening where they way talking about Mayavathi and the chances of a Dalit becoming the Prime Minister of India.

I have a gut feeling it can happen. Who would have dreamt that a black man would be the President of United States. President Obama created ( a well deserved ) history.

Now let's see if it happens in India.

Mayawati Kumari is the chief minister of one of India's largest and poorest states. She's also the richest woman in India and one of the best known. Now there's talk about her possibly becoming the country's next prime minister.

My 2 cents: It doesn't matter who comes to power ! Let democracy rule !

No brains

You might have oil

You might have money

But you definitely don't have brains

Nostalgia ! Oh those 80s and 90s !

வெத்து VIJAY !

வெத்து ACTING

வெத்து LOOK

வெத்து STUNT

வெத்து SCREEN PRESENCE

குத்து மட்டும் OK!


ஆக மொத்தம் வெத்து ACTOR

ஏதோ அப்பா தயவு..சில ரசிகர் தயவு

HERO அந்தஸ்து !

அதை ஏன் விஜய்

காற்றில் பறக்க விடுகிறீர்கள்?

ஒரு படம் ஓடிவிட்டால்... அடுத்த படத்துக்கே ஹீரோக்கள் சம்பளத்தை உயர்த்துவதுதான் கோலிவுட் கலாசாரமாக இருக்கிறது. ஆனால், இதைப்பற்றியெல்லாம் கவலையே படுவதில்லை நடிகர் விஜய். படம் ஓடினாலும், ஓடாவிட்டாலும் சம்பளத்தை மட்டும் உயர்த்திக் கொண்டே போவார். அந்த வரிசையில் இப்போது வேட்டைக்காரன் படத்துக்கும் ஏகப்பட்ட பணத்தை சம்பளமாகப் பெற்றுக் கொண்ட விஜய்,அது போதாமல் சென்னைக்கான விநியோக உரிமையையும் வாங்கிக் கொண்டாராம்.

(News courtesy: Vikatan)

Vaiko - Shut up !

Supporting the Tamil cause or the Srilankan Tamils is something but supporting LTTE is something else.

I feel that Vaiko is crossing that line here, by supporting Prabhakaran, who is a criminal.

He masterminded the killing of India's Prime Minister Mr.Rajiv Gandhi in 'Tamil soil', in 'Tamil Nadu'.

Him and his outfit LTTE murdered a lot of Sri Lankan politicians in cold blood.

Several Tamils who were against him or LTTE were erased.

How dare Vaiko supports Prabhakaran openly, in the name of all the Tamil Nadu people.

Mr.Vaiko, whatever little respect I had for you has gone down the drain !

Prabakaran had a place in the hearts of Tamils the world over and they would not tolerate the slightest harm to him, Mr Vaiko said, adding people in Tamil Nadu also would not have a different attitude.

தாய்ப்பாசம்

சமீபத்தில் ரசித்தது:

மழையில் நனைந்துகொண்டே வீட்டிற்கு சென்றேன்.

குடை கொண்டு போக வேண்டியது தானே என்றார் அப்பா !

எங்காவது ஒதுங்கி நிற்கவேண்டியது தானே என்றாள் அக்கா !

சளி பிடித்து சிரமப்பட போகிறீர்கள் என்றாள்
மனைவி !

என் தலையை தன் முந்தானையால் துவட்டி கொண்டே திட்டினாள் !!

என்னையல்ல... மழையை !!

என் தாய் !

IndiaGlitz - Ayan review

I was shocked to see IndiaGlitz comparing 'AYAN' to Dalapathi and Nayagan, two of the best movies ever made in Tamil.

I am laughing at how naive the reviewer should be, to make this stupid comparison....or maybe he is not naive...maybe SUN PICTURES or AVM paid some money to IndiaGlitz to write a review like that.

My crib is this : Let them compare AYAN to any other action movie..no problems...but not with Dalapathi or Nayagan, which are a world apart IMHO.

In my opinion AYAN is an average action movie with good camera work.

If Surya continues to act in movies like this...I am not sure where his career would go !

Here is a sample of the review from IndiaGlitz:

Reminding one of movies like ‘Dhalapathy’, ‘Nayagan’ and the much recent ‘Gemini’, ‘Ayan’ is a riveting and racy right from the word go. Produced by AVM and presented by Sun Pictures, the movie has magical moments enthralling audience.

Let me tell you something IndiaGlitz - Ayan is neither racy nor riveting nor does it enthral !

The next time, please don't review a movie while you are drunk.

அயன் - AYAN

அயன்

குப்பை
வாந்தி
கழுத்துல கத்தி
சப்ப படம்
சொதப்பல் படம்
டுபாக்கூர் படம்

பயங்கர மசாலா

GOOD CINEMATOGRAPHY

Happy Birthday - Hariharan

Pic courtesy: The Hindu

I was spellbound. I was at 'Udhayam' theatre in Madras watching 'Roja' the day the movie was released ! People around were asking 'Who has sung this song ?'. A refreshingly wonderful voice !

'Thamizha Thamizha' was the song, sung by the great Hariharan ! That was his first song in Tamil. And boy does he rock even today !

I am a big fan of Hari. In my opinion any song if sung by Hariharan would be a hit !

It's sad that he doesn't sing as much as he deserves. His latest hit in 'Vaaranam Aayiram' is enough to prove how solid he is even in his mid fifties.

Yes, today Hari turned 55 ! Gosh ! His voice sounds like he is in his 20s!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y - H A R I H A R A N !

What's your favorite Hari song?

Mine would be - 'Poi solla koodaadhu Kaadhali' from the tamil movie RUN

My Heart Attack

I suffered a heart attack a few months back (Sept-2008).

I've been wanting to write about it but I had to wait since I hadn't told my parents (fear that they will worry a lot ).

Finally a few days back, I told my parents and here you go:

This is not about self-pity. I would like to share my thoughts about how I fell prey to this and how most of you can avoid heart disease. Applies specially to Desis in the mid forties and late thirties.

Anyways - between Sept-2008 and now, I have come long ways. My blood levels are good, lifestyle has changed 100%, lost 15 pounds and I am on a healthy diet. I am in good hands with my doctors and I am staying healthy and fit !

The only thing that I am not able to take care is my stress levels. However, I am working on that too.

In the coming days, I'll write about how this happened, what I've learnt and how I'm applying it to my life these days. If it could help somebody...I'll only be happy !

CHEESE !

CEO cooks books. Company gets Cheese !

(::)

Wonder Kid !

Hmm...this girl is amazing !

And.. please don't miss the end !

Bill Gates and Mosquitoes

Photo courtesy: The WWW

When I was growing up in Madras, the mosquito menace wasn't as much. I remember the first days of the launch of 'Tortoise Mosquito Coils' !

Today, whenever I go home, I see hundreds of Mosquito products ! coils, mats, bats..etc.!

Today's mosquitoes in India I feel, are immune to all these chemicals. They continue to grow, patronized by sewerage created by the growing careless population and supported by a corrupted government that cares about nothing !!

My dad has filariasis thanks to mosquitoes. I am lucky I haven't got any disease ( so far ) due to mosquitoes.

A few years back when I went home, I remember even street dogs in Madras were scared about Chikungunya!!

Anyways, I was happy to read this news item about a NEW LASER to destroy mosquitoes. I hope it reaches the markets soon !

I was surprised to see that Mr.Bill Gates funded this project.

Hello, Industrialists in India, what's your answer?

Jon Stewart vs. Cramer

Wow...finally a head-on collision tomorrow.

Jon Stewart has Cramer in the Daily Show.

Waiting to watch !

Silence is Gold!

Photo courtesy: The WWW

I remember my first few days in the USA. Eerie!!

I could hear my own breath, my stomach churning, neighbor snoring, cat meowing somewhere, an ambulance, someone arguing loud and all kinds of sounds that you normally don't even think of !

It was a scary feeling.

After living here for a while now, I am so used to this 'Silence' and in fact feel threatened whenever I visit India. It's is terribly noisy! I request my parents to talk in a lower voice and they laugh at me. My friends make fun of me when I ask them why they are shouting !

I yell at my friends when they frequently honk in their cars/bikes. I curse other motorists who honk for no reason ! I even go out and scare away stray dogs ..that bark through the night in the neighborhood.

Today I experienced NOISE in the USA for the first time.

I was waiting at Dublin-Pleasanton BART station and my God..it was terrible. This particular BART station sits right on I-580 FREEWAY, in fact it's the median between East and West bound lanes of I-580 at Pleasanton. Terrible is not the word. It was so annoying. I felt totally out of place.

I was so glad when the train came and the doors closed. It was all quiet again !!

SILENCE IS GOLD !

Jon Stewart vs. CNBC

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

CNBC Gives Financial Advice

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

I've been watching Jon Stewart on Comedy Central the last few days. He is bent on doing damage to CNBC everyday these days and I feel rightfully so. Everyday there is something about CNBC that is hilarious!

He played several segments today to highlight how Cramer (Mad Money) asked his viewers to buy Bear and Sterns and how it crashed in 7 weeks after his 'Buy' statements.

Did you know that CNN cancelled the show CROSSFIRE after they came under attack from Jon Stewart? Amazing isn't it.

I am keeping my fingers crossed about Mr.Cramer and other programs on CNBC that are under attack now.

Watch Jon Stewart..you'll be glad you did.

TIPJAR - BY GOOGLE

TIPJAR

CHECK IT OUT

Being Green

Photo courtesy: APPLE

These days, I try my best to be green. I have my own cloth bags in my car that I use for grocery shopping, I use a porcelain cup at work instead of paper cups for my coffee, I drive a hybrid car, I turn off lights when not in use ( even my computer), I've changed the light bulbs in my home to CFL, well...I even read magazines via ZINIO!

These are only some examples. I have bragging rights here don't I?

I think it's a good idea to try and be green, considering what's going on around us.

By the way, I am very impressed by APPLE's New line of GREEN MACBOOKS. Look at some of the green features ..amazing !!

Arsenic-free glass
Mercury-free LED-backlit display
BFR-free internal
components
PVC-free internal cables
Highly recyclable aluminum and glass
enclosure
Up to 41 percent smaller packaging
Meets ENERGY STAR
requirements
EPEAT Gold rating

I wish APPLE brought down the prices of MACBOOKS ! Price is the only reason I am not buying an APPLE !

Hello Mr.Steve Jobs, are you listening?

General Musharraf

Photo courtesy: The WWW

I've always admired General Musharraf. Might not be as a leader but as a good daring pubic speaker. I've heard him speak on CNN and the other news channels and he also had an appearance at Comedy Central with John Stewart that was hilarious !!

I watched him at the India Today Conclave this morning. It came LIVE here via the 'Headlines Today' channel. And boy, was he as daring as ever. He dodged several questions which was expected, but the one quality, he had the guts to come to India and address such an elite gathering which is admirable.

I liked the way he handled himself, though I could see him getting agitated at times and running his hands thru his forehead and hair. Rarely do we see a leader from the Subcontinent with a sense of humor but I found it ( many times) in General Musharraf.

How many leaders ( Gen.Musharraf asked the same question ) from India would dare do this. Can they travel to Pakistan and talk in a conference like this? Can they address the Press and the people of Pakistan like what Gen.Musharraf did today?

He had some valid points about India which can only be answered by a leader from India. I wish someone answers to his questions about RAW etc.

His point about 'LET'S FORGET THE PAST AND MOVE ON', is what I liked the most.

Hat's off to you General Musharraf !. Long live peace !

விடியல்

அன்று

வெள்ளையனிடமிருந்து நடு இரவில் பெற்றோம் - சுதந்திரம்

இன்னும் விடியலை !

இன்று

வெள்ளையனிடமிருந்து பெற்றோம் OUTSOURCING வேலைகள்

இரவெல்லாம் பகல்தான் இப்போ!

விடியல் ஏது?

ECONOMY

உறக்கத்தில் ECONOMY
விழித்தால் ECONOMY
டீவியில் ECONOMY
ரேடியோவில் ECONOMY
நியூஸ்பேப்பரில் ECONOMY

இன்டர்நெட்டில் ECONOMY
பஸ்ஸில் ECONOMY
டிரெயினில் ECONOMY
ப்ளேனில் ECONOMY
போனில் ECONOMY
எதிர் வீட்டில் ECONOMY
ரோட்டில் ECONOMY
ஹோட்டலில் ECONOMY
ஸ்கூலில் ECONOMY
காலேஜில் ECONOMY
வேலையில் ECONOMY

கடவுளிடம் ECONOMY


எங்கெங்கும் ECONOMY

அடிக்கணக்கில் உணவு

Photo courtesy: WWW

தட்டு, இலை,

CUP, SPOON

எல்லாம் மாறி - இன்று

அடிக்கணக்கில் உணவு!

வாழ்க SUBWAY

!

Dividing lines

Even these days, it is hard to break the geographical barriers in India. Inspite of the techno boom, education etc. there is still that 'North Indian', 'South Indian' line that divides India.

Now, why am I talking about this?

I am thinking about A.R.Rahman, who managed to break these lines and become big in Bollywood which usually doesn't recognize South Indians as much as their very own. There are exceptions like Mani Rathnam, Shankar Mahadeven to name a few.

I remember a time when I was talking to someone from Bombay. Asked him why Hariharan doesn't sing enough in Bollywood and he answered 'He is a South Indian'! I was shocked.

Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Mamooty, Mohanlal, Yesudas and Vani Jayaram couldn't do well Bollywood thanks to the same issues.

That's brings me to Ilayaraja. IMHO - he was one of the best during his times if not -The Best-. Somehow he couldn't shine in Bollywood.

I would attribute that to the N/S divide that was so strong those days. Another point to note is the media, especially the unavailability of Satellite TV / Internet that sealed Ilayaraja's fate when he was doing so well in South.

Can someone else match Rahman and break the divide? I don't think so, at this point. I have slight hopes on Rahman's nephew GV.Prakash..but I doubt if others can make it. Let's see.

In the meantime, I read today that Ilayaraja is setting tunes to Gulzar's lines for SRK. They are getting together after 'Sadma', a 1983 movie that failed to impress Bollywood about Ilayaraja despite those wonderful songs!

Let's see how SRK turns out!

நெஞ்சு நிறைந்தது இன்று !

I am glad this happened.

Shame on you - Congress Party of India

Photo / News courtesy - The HINDU

This is the same guy who brought a lot of shame to Indian cricket a few years back. The 47-year-old cricketer , Mohd. Azharuddin was banned for life from Indian cricket after match fixing allegations in 2000.

I agree, he hasn't been convicted yet but I am also aware of the 'Law of the land' that prevails in my homeland ( especially for the rich and powerful ).

There is this curious case of a famous cricketer by name 'Navjot Sidhu', who managed to get out after (alleged) getting involved in a murder. FYI - This guy is also in Lok Sabha now !

People from the subcontinent will be aware of several members sitting in the State Assemblies and in New Delhi, who possibly have criminal connections. It's a known fact that they can't be convicted thanks to the power and money !

I am even more ashamed today, that Mohd. Azharuddin is contesting in Lok Sabha Polls under a Congress ticket.

Shame on you Ms.Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party for playing the Glamor card again, using a cricketer who brought shame to India and Indian Cricket not long ago.

PS - Why isn't there an outcome in this case ? Can't the courts say 'Yes' or 'No'? Isn't this a very important case in a country that is so obsessed with cricket?

President Obama's speech today

Photo courtesy: The WWW

It rocked. I don't have any more words to express my feelings !!

How often did a politician talk and I got goosebumps?

How often did a leader talk and I got confidence?

How often did a head of a nation talk and I got to nod my head saying 'YES' ?

Today I did. I am happy that Obama is the President of the USA.

History will tell one day that President Obama was the greatest.

History will tell the story about the recession of the 21st century and how we came out of it.

History was 'Live' today...I watched it on CNN.

Make History - If your nation is going to dogs...wake up !!

God bless America and the world !