Aaromale - Song of the Year

I have a strong feeling that the song 'Aaromale' from the movie 'Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya' (VTV) is going to win a few awards this year.

Every time I listen to this song, I get goosebumps. Alphonse's rendition, his emotions and the wonderful BGM by Rahman makes this song a classic.

This is the first song of Alphonse that I am listening to. He is a great talent. I read that he has done a few films in Malayalam. I am not sure though if he has sung in Malayalam or any other language.

Here are the award possibilities:

1) National Award

• National Award - Song of the year
• National Award - Best Singer
• National Award - Best Music Director

2) Tamil Nadu State award

• Best Song
• Best Music Director
• Best Singer

3) Kerala State award ( This is funny )

• Best Malayalam song - From a Tamil movie?
• Best Singer
• Best Music Director - Tamil movie but...a Malayalam song !

I have a feeling that option-3 is most likely. Why?

• AR. Rahman was born in Kerala but he doesn't do music for Malayalam films. It will be a pride to honor the Oscar and Grammy winner.

Option-2 is unlikely - Why?

• Sheer Tamil pride. How can an award be given to a Malayalam song ...though it is from a Tamil movie.

Have your Vitamin-D tested

Courtesy: WWW

My doctor called me a few months back and put me on high doses of Vitamin D after a test revealed very low levels.

I was lucky enough to have it tested...after knowing that my nephews and cousins had all tested very low.

Optimal levels are 30+ and most desis I know of are in the 5-10 range.

So, I asked my mom to have it checked in Madras. Voila...her levels were < 4.

Vitamin-D is discussed a lot these days. Please Google and you'll know the effects of low levels of Vitamin-D.

Please have your levels checked and stay healthy. Please check the Website of the Vitamin-D Council.

PS - My wife told me that my 'Mental' issues are all due to the low levels of Vitamin D. Hmmm..I had to agree.

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே

தமிழ்ப் பெயர் வைத்தால்
தங்க நாணயம்

வீட்டில் சோம்பேறியாய்
வயிற்றை வளர்க்க
OC TV

ஆனால்

மூச்சா போக..?

சிங்காரச் சென்னையாம்

......வெங்காயம்

Heathcare reform

What's wrong with all these Senators and Congressmen who oppose the Health care reform bill.

Anyone who loses his job in the USA also loses the health coverage. It's very scary and extremely stressful. I don't understand what is wrong with all these public representatives who oppose the reforms proposed by Pres.Obama.

In my heart I feel that the people who oppose these reforms must be exposed to these conditions to really know what this is all about.

Finally today, USA Today wrote an OP-ED piece supporting my views. Here is the last paragraph:

Make lawmakers experience the insecurity. Our final proposal has nothing to do with political reality, but everything to do with accountability and fairness. Members of Congress enjoy some of the best health insurance in the nation. It's a job perk, heavily subsidized by taxpayers. In some cases, members with as little as five years in Congress can keep the medical coverage even if they're voted out of office.

So while millions of Americans have no insurance or risk losing it if they're laid off, senators and representatives feel none of that fear themselves. We suggest they agree to forgo using taxpayer money to pay for their insurance until they make sure every taxpayer can get covered. That might increase their sense of urgency a bit, and it strikes us as eminently fair.

Ilayaraja's EGO

Courtesy: WWW

இறைவனிடம் சரண் அடைய எப்பவும் விருப்பப்படுகிறவர் நீங்கள். ஆனாலும், நீங்கள் ஈகோ உடையவர், அதிக இறுக்க மானவர்னு உங்களைப்பற்றிப் பேச்சிருக்கு. இந்த இரண்டு அம்சங்களுக்கும் முரண்பாடு காணப்படவில்லையா?

உங்களுக்கு இருக்கிற ஈகோவால்தானே இந்தக் கேள்வியையே கேட்க முடியுது. இந்தக் கேள்வியே உங்களுக்கு இருக்கிற ஈகோவைக் காட்டுதே தவிர, பண்பைக் காட்டலை. இருக்கட்டும். ஈகோ இல்லா மல் நான் எப்படி வேலை செய்ய? உங்களுக்கு ஏன் ஈகோ இருக்குன்னு ஈகோ இல்லாத ஆளுதானே கேட்கணும்? அப்படிக் கேட்டால், 'உங்களை மாதிரி ஆக முடியலை சாமி!'ன்னு சொல்வேன். சரியாகச் சொன்னால், 'உன்னை முதல்ல பார்த்துட்டு வாய்யா... போய்யா!'ன்னு சொல்லணும்... சொல்லவா!'' (மீண்டும் சிரிப்பு)

Courtesy: Vikatan

Prisoners of the past

Just the other day, I was talking to my mom and this topic of 'Glory days of India' came up.

Talking about Tanjore Temple, Taj Mahal, Gandhi, Ramanujam, CV Raman, Akbar, Babar, Sivaji etc. warms every Indian's heart. That's good. I am proud too.

Indians also feel happy about Venkatraman the Nobel Prize winner, AR Rahman's Oscar and Grammys, the growing economy etc. and feel unhappy about 'Slumdog Millionaire' exposing the slums.

I've always felt that India is too much about 'Old Glory'. This article in THE HINDU is closer to how I feel.

“We Indians are prisoners of the past,” he said. Mr. Subrahmanian is perturbed by the quality of teachers today. “Most of them are just a day ahead of students and they know only to teach from textbooks”.

Toyota Recall

Toyota's recall of several of its models is in my opinion good for the company. I am sure they'll come out well after this major issue and will never land in this mess again.

I have owned a Toyota, Honda and Nissan and I have to say that my vote for quality goes for Toyota.

That said.....

Have any cars/vehicles/anything ever been recalled in India? I never liked the Ambassadors, Fiats and the Standard cars and vans when I was growing up.

The awkward seats, the shape, those windows that were hard to roll, the noise inside, the stupid trunk, wiper blades like toys .etc..I can name a lot of things.

I would say that the Fiat was slightly better when compared to the other two junk cars ( Ambassador / Standard ).

Have you seen the finish in a brand new Ambassador/Fiat/Standard car or van? It sucked big time didn't it? I remember being able to see the road under my feet from new cars/vans !! Those bumpers were the biggest joke !

So much for quality.

I was very happy when the Maruti-800 was rolled out in the 80's !

I am glad the junk Ambassadors, Fiats and Standards have gone for good.

VTV - Thamarai not very impressive !

Pic courtesy: The Hindu

After listening to the songs of 'Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaya' aka VTV for the last few weeks I am compelled to say that lyricist THAMARAI is not very impressive with her lines.

In my opinion, none of the songs has standout lyrics. Even minus the music, I didn't see a 'Nenjukkul Peidhidum' or an 'Anjalai' kind of song in VTV !

Not sure why.

I was watching a discussion in Jaya TV a few weeks back. Thamarai, Muthukumar and Harris Jayaraj were discussing songs. Thamarai mentioned that Harris always makes sure that the words standout in his songs. Looking back, I think it's very true.

Take both 'Nenjukkul Peidhidum' and 'Anjalai' in Vaaranam Ayiram. Amazing lines..very well brought out by Harris.

I am not going to blame AR.Rahman for this. I think it's probably a combination of Gautham, ARR and Thamarai.

Am I the only one, I am not sure !! Let's see

UK brands in India

I was reading an article a few weeks back in FT about the UK brands that are long gone there but still popular in India.

Spencers
Higginbothams
Lawrence & Mayo
Thomas Cook

Cox and Kings

Wills Cigarettes

Brooke Bond Tea
Royal Enfield
Pears Soap

Crompton Greaves

Ambassador cars

Brittania biscuits

Raymonds

Horlicks

Woodwards Gripewater

Exide Industries

Congratulations - Gautham Menon !

Pic courtesy: THE HINDU

'Varanam Aayiram' has bagged the National Award for the best regional Tamil film.

'Congratulatons Gautham'. In my opinion you have the most class among Tamil Directors..maybe you and Manirathnam share the class.

Though I haven't watched Varanam Aayiram so far ( Is it out in DVD?) I listen to the songs every day!

எக்குத்தப்பு ஏகாம்பரம்

பிரபலங்கள் வீடுகளில்
IT RAID

செய்தி!

ஏகாம்பரம்:

ஊம்ம்...அரசியல்வாதிகள் வீடுகளில்...எதிர்கட்சி ஆகும் வரை..RAID வருவதில்லையே?

இந்த பிரபலங்கள் எல்லாம்..தொலைக்காட்சியில் பண்டிகை காலங்களில் குடும்பத்துடன் வந்து புலுத்தும்...புலுத்தலுக்கு கொறையே இல்லையே !

ஒத்தையிலே நிக்குதே!

ஒத்தையிலே நிக்குதே
பனைமரத்த பாத்தியா?
கொத்து கொத்தாக் காய்க்குமுனு
கதை இருக்கே கேட்டியா?

காலம் மாறிப்போச்சு
தேகம் ஓஞ்சுப்போச்சு
கொத்துக்கொத்தாக் காச்சதெல்லாம்
கட்டுக் கதை ஆகி போச்சு

---

இரவும் பகலும் தனிமையில் வாடுது
உறவை எண்ணி அங்குமிங்கும் தேடுது
மழையிலும் குளிரிலும் நடுங்குது ஏங்குது
விழிகளின் வழியே, கண்ணீர் வடிக்குது

எட்டு பத்து வருஷம் முன்பே
வெட்டி புட்டான் அதன் இனத்தை
ஒன்றை மட்டும் எனோ இங்கு
தன்னந்தனியே விட்டு வெச்சான்!

--

மனைவி, மக்கள், பேரன் பேத்தி
மனித இனம் மட்டும் வளருது,பெருகுது
காடு மேடு - வீடு என்ற பேரில்
பாலை ஆகுது மரங்களின் அழிவினால் !

தப்பு தவறுன்னு அறிந்தோர் சொல்லியும்
வெட்டுது உலகம் சொத்துக்கும் பத்துக்கும்!
குத்தம் என மேடையில் அரசியல் பேசியும்
மொத்தமும் வீணே என உலகமே ஏசுது!

--

தடுத்திட இனி இங்கு கடவுள்தான் வரணும்
படைத்தவன் அவன் தான் மக்களை மாத்தணும்
அதுவரை பாவம் - பனைகளும் பயிர்களும்
உலகில் இடம் இன்றி மெல்ல மெல்ல அழியும்

--

$ = 46

டாலர் ஜிகோல்டு பாட்டி சிக்ச்

$ = 46

COMING SOON !

Inspired by £ = 75 joke

by UK Balaji

Kairali - WE / PEOPLE channels in USA

I was happy when I saw a ticker running on 'Kairali TV' today. It was a ticker for the launch of 'WE' and 'PEOPLE' channels in the USA.

'Kairali WE' comes on Channel 785 in Dish Network. 'Kairali PEOPLE' comes on Channel 786.

PEOPLE is a News channel while WE is targeting the youth.

I am very impressed with 'Kairali WE'. Hats off for an attempt to target the youth. WE has a good variety of programs. I have to watch WE a few more days before I really come to any conclusion. Let's see what the youth in Kerala get to watch in a channel branded 'For the youth'.

My question to people in Tamil Nadu: Is there a comparable channel in Tamil? If there is one, what kind of programs do they have?

Living in the USA we ( I ) crave for a serial-Free, not always movies/movie related, not affiliated to any political party Channel. Unfortunately in Tamil we get only VIJAY TV, JAYA TV, SUN TV and Kazhutharuppu TV aka KTV! Vijay is decent but it has so many repeats that it gets boring.

I not longer subscribe to SUN because i feel it's only for serial watchers and nobody in my family watches SERIALS. I got out of VIJAY because of the repeat telecasts.

The last few months, I am trying out JAYA TV whose only agenda is to talk about 'Minority DMK Party' in between decent programming !

PS - I am surprised to see the Mom/Dads visiting the USA from Tamil Nadu craving for SUN TV !!

Celebrity status vs. Waistlines

Pic courtesy: WWW

Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, AR.Rahman,Benny Dayal

What to these men have in common.

1) Wonderful musicians
2) Waistlines that grew as their status grew

I was looking at some pictures of AR Rahman this morning and I had to write this. He is beginning to look like Adnan Sami (who is now losing weight .which is nice to read)

Rahman has consistently added weight all around him..slowly over the last few years.

Rahman has to take care of his weight and waistline. No matter what one is, it's important that they take care of their waistlines. India and the world needs a healthy AR Rahman another 100 years for his music.

Hariharan is another similar ( sad ) story. I was in YouTube watching Colonial Cousins..and was comparing a Hari in the late 90's and now. Oh boy, he has added a lot of fat.

Shankar Mahadevan - A great musician...again the same problem. As he grew in the music world..so did his waistline. I did watch in him Kairali TV a few months back where he mentioned he is working on losing weight !

Benny Dayal - His weight gain is dramatic. From a young kid out of college just a few years back, this young man has become so obese if you look at his latest pictures in the net.

Dear ARR, Hari, Shankar, Benny - Let 2010 be the year you all start reducing your waistlines. I am sure the fat melt would only help you and we'll have the pleasure of having you all healthy so that we'll get to listen to some wonderful music for years !

Dear Adnan - I love your music. I am happy that you are taking care of your health. Very motivating indeed.

Obesity, especially the fat around the waistline is the leading cause of Cardiac problems among men. This is well documented and ask any cardiologist and he'll warn you about this.

VTV - Rahman delivers

It must have been in his mind..while he was composing songs for VTV. A big burden.

Harris Jayaraj had set a trend. 'Hit songs' always for Gautham. AR.Rahman inherited the burden thanks to the breakup of Harris and Gautham.

After listening to 'VTV' songs, I have to say that AR Rahman has delivered.

The album has peppy numbers, almost all of them are bound to be hits.

I am not very impressed with the Naresh Iyer song, the song by Karthik and also the duet by Shreya Ghosal and AR Rahman. Maybe it's just me. Let's see.

My favorite is 'Aaromale', which I feel is Rahman's answer to southern fans who wanted a 'Rehna Tu'. Very daring attempt to have a full length Malayalam song in a Tamil movie.

Next comes the Benny Dayal song closely followed by 'Hosana' and then the song by Devan/Chinmayi.

For now, it's 'Aaromale'..beautifully sung by Alphonse, which is haunting me.

I will write again about 'Aaromale' !

HAITI - Any help from Corporate India?

Read in FT this morning about a list of companies helping 'Haiti'.

Digicel (Cell phone company): $5 million
Amgen Foundation (Biotech): $2 million
Cisco Foundation (Consumer electronics): $1.25 million
Microsoft: $1.25 million
Coca-Cola: $1 million
Goldman Sachs: $1 million
Google: $1 million to Unicef and CARE
PepsiCo and PesiCo Foundation: $1 million
Lowe's Companies Inc.: $1 million
Morgan Stanley: $1 million
JP Morgan Chase: $1 million
UPS: $1 million
Bank of America: $1 million
Abbott and Abbott Foundation: $1 million
Nestlé Waters North America: $1 million worth of bottled water products

I am searching the NET to see if there are any Indian companies that have announced aid for Haiti.

I read that the Indian Government has announced a 5 million dollar aid, which is a very noble gesture !

VTV - Digital Bliss

Pic courtesy: WWW

I am a big fan of GAUTHAM MENON. His style, his team, his techniques, his story, his choice of actors...everything impresses me.

From his first, 'MINNALE' to his last 'VAARANAM AAYIRAM', he has impressed everyone !

I remember writing a review about Gautham's 'PKMC' a while back.

That said.....today I was listening to the songs of 'Vinnai thaandi Varuvaayaa' aka VTV, Gautham's next movie. AR Rahman is the music director.

I will write later this week about the songs, but, for today's post, I have to say the entire album is a .......

'D I G I T A L ..... B L I S S'.

I am very impressed. Let's hope it turns out to be a big hit like Gautham's last movie 'Vaaranam Aayiram'.

Good Job Mr. ARR !

கடவுள்

'There is no one, nothing, no medicines,
no explanations for why my daughter is going to die'
Jeudy Francia, outside St. Esprit Hospital in Port-au-Prince

Pic /News courtesy: NY Times

கடவுள்

மனித இனம் உருவாக்கிய
ஒரு அப்பட்டமான பொய்!

உண்மையிலே கடவுள் இருந்தால்...

HAITI யில் பல லட்சம் மக்களுக்கு
இந்த கதி வந்திருக்குமா?

கடவுள்...

மனித இனம் உருவாக்கிய
ஒரு அப்பட்டமான பொய்!

மனிதா...

உன்னை நம்பு
உன் உழைப்பை நம்பு

கோயிலுக்கு போகாதே..
இதயக் கோவிலில் அன்பை வளர்த்துக்கொள்

வாழ்வாய் நீ...
வாழும் நம் உலகம்...

எக்குத்தப்பு ஏகாம்பரம்

இன்று போகி

பேப்பரை எரிக்காதே
குப்பையை எரிக்காதே
டயரை எரிக்காதே
அதை எரிக்காதே
இதை எரிக்காதே

என

விஞ்ஞானிகள் சொல்ல
அரசியல் ஊத
போலீஸ் எச்சரிக்க

ஒரு வழியாக புகை கம்மியாச்சு

வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

ஆனால்...

ஓசி TV
ஓசி நிலம்
ஓசி சோறு
ஓசி அது
ஓசி இது

என்று

அரசியல்வாதிகள்

பொது மக்களின் வயிற்றெரிச்சலை
கொட்டிக் கொள்கிரார்களே..

அதற்கு

என்று தான் விடிவோ!!

Piracy - Why now Sarath?

I find it amazing that a century old tradition called PIRACY...is suddenly becoming so big in Kodambakkam and in Tamilnadu.

Sarath Kumar and Radhika who produced the movie 'Jaggubhai' were in a meeting weeping and pleading to the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu when their production hit the Internet before the release of the movie. ( I also heard that there are no takers in the NET for that movie..! )

They wanted the culprits nabbed. They wanted justice. The other artists joined together and created noise !

My Question :

Why now Sarath? This is been going on for ages. Piracy has existed in some form ,size or shape for a long long time. It bit you hard..maybe because you are vested too much into 'Jaggubhai'.

All you Kollywoods Kolis...how many of you opened up when 'Mudhalvan' was released in CABLE in some parts of Tamilnadu while the movie was just released?

How many of you came out when 'CHANDRA MUKHI' was blatantly stolen and remade in Kannada and Tamil without any credit to the original creator of 'MANICHITHRA THAZHU' in Malayalam.

Our muscians (old to new) copy western tunes. Due they pay any credit to the original creators ? Isn't that piracy ?

Every other Hollywood, Bollywood, TollyWood, Mollywood, Lungiwood movie is pirated and sold in the streets of Tamilnadu....Who cares ?

Why now Sarath ? Why now Radhika ? Why now Kollywood ?

PS - I author of this blog is not a Pirate.

Sub Inspector Vetrivel - Rest in Peace

Shame on the Tamil Nadu Government !
Shame on the people !
Shame on the Government of India !

If someone is injured in a road Accident in India, he/she will probably die, with Soda or water as the last drink.

Nobody cares about transporting the injured to the hospital for immediate attention.

Soda / Water looks like the life saver for a dying person even in the 21st Century.

I felt very bad to watch this video on TV the last two days. Comeon, this is a Police Inspector. If he doesn't get the due attention who will !

Where are the other Policemen? Where are the Lawyers ? Where is the public? Who is going to agitate for acts like these ?

Well..Well...Democracy rules !

Ruchika case

I've been reading about the Ruchika case the last few weeks in the Indian media. It disturbs me a lot that the largest democracy on earth (sic.) let's these things pass and wake up one fine day...to condemn it and take action ( In this case after 19 years) !

Is Ruchika the first? Would she be the last? As I type this, who knows how many innocent girls/boys are being molested/raped ? How many Politicians / top officials / Cops/Common men and women are involved ? How do these criminals evade being caught ?

How many in India, can touch their heart and tell me they trust the Police when they go and complain about molestation ( or for that matter anything ) ? Or would they even attempt to do it? Do they believe the justice system ? Does it work?

If you are lucky to be a politician's relative/friend or a police officer's relative/friend you might see some justice. If not, there must be a Super Hero to take care of you. It's pathetic and scary.

Long live Democracy. Vande Mataram !

எக்குத்தப்பு ஏகாம்பரம்

Courtesy: WWW

Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen எல்லாம், நம்ம ஊருக்காக..சின்ன கார் பண்றாங்களாம்!

கேக்க நல்லாதான் கீது ....!
ஆனா..

சின்ன சின்ன காருங்க பெருக பெருக...
ஒட்ரத்துக்கு பெரிய பெரிய ரோடு வேணுமே?

இக்கீதா?

MJ - Melody King!

Pic. courtesy: WWW

M.Jayachandran

One of the top music directors in Malayalam today. My favorite these days.

Every movie that MJ does has a melody that rules for a long time.

Today, while I was watching 'Gandharva Sangeetham Teens' in Kairali-TV, I was mesmerized by one of MJ's songs, superbly sung by a young kid.

The song is 'Urangathe' from the movie 'Gowrishankaram'. MJ got the best music director award in 2003 for this movie. Very well deserved.

I think it's in raaga 'Hindholam' one of my favorite Raagas. Please correct me if I am wrong. Check it out and enjoy.

Mystery fever ?

I wasn't surprised while I was reading this about my hometown. Every time I go back home, I feel sorry for the the unhealthy conditions.

In the name of DEVELOPMENT, this small town, is a stinking garbage can these days!

Another incident from the outskirts of Chennai showed how grave the problem is. A two-and-a-half year old boy Dhaksinamurthy in Perunkalathur died of the mysterious fever recently. Residents feel that perennial sewage overflow in their locality had led to mosquitoes breeding which in turn has caused the spread of the disease.

After their repeated demands went unheeded, residents of Velu Nagar at Perunkalathur proposed to constitute ‘Velu Nagar Residents Association’ shortly to attend to their problems,’ said Mohammed Dastagir.

வாழ்க ஜனநாயகம்!

Chennai, Dec 10 (IANS) All the 17 accused for burning three employees of the Tamil daily Dinakaran in the Madurai office in May 2007 have been set free by a Tamil Nadu court as the key witnesses turned hostile.

The accused were acquitted by the principal district sessions court Wednesday.

Vettaikkaran

Not sure what the audience, reviewers, world etc....expects from a Vijay movie.

To me, it's a waste of time/money.

FYI - I've not seen a single Vijay movie in theaters till date.

This review only reaffirms the quality of Vijay movies !

Usually, Vijay doesn't give much strain to critics who write about his films, and continues in the same manner with his latest offering 'Vettaikkaran' too. The film, coming after a string of failures in 'Azhagiya Tamizh Magan', 'Kuruvi' and 'Villu', only reiterates the fact that Vijay doesn't want either to review his own performance or make an attempt to produce a quality film!

கிசு கிசு - நம்ம ஊர் Style

சாம்பாரில் கரைக்கும் மெல்லினத்தின் காதல் லீலைகள் அம்பலம். மனைவி மட்டையுடன் துரத்த, நன்றி தெரிவிக்கும் நாளில் ஒரு விபத்து!

புடித்துக்கொண்டது சனியன்! மொத்த குட்டும் அங்கும் இங்குமாய் வெளியே வர..திருமணம் அறுபடும் நிலை!

புளிய மரத்தின் கதி என்ன..! பந்தை குழிக்குள் போடுவாரா? இனிமேல்?

Freedom of Press

A few months back, one of my favorite writers in Tamil, 'ஞானி' moved from Ananda Vikatan to Kumudam.

No reason was given for his move but several guessed it ! Anyways, I am bringing this up to write about the 'Freedom of Press' in India.

Look at the American media. They have brought out so many celebrities' scandals, exposed so many corrupted officials and all of them are facing the consequences. Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards, The Senator from North Carolina, the bragging California congressman and now, Tiger Woods.

I watch Jay Leno regularly and his jokes on the President and the other Celebs, highlights the 'Freedom of Press'. Dave Letterman was ridiculed a few months back for some comments on Sarah Palin ! The tabloids like 'The SUN' and 'The National Enquirer' thrive due to the 'Freedom of Press'.

I remember a few years back in India, a report by 'Tehelka' stirred the hornet's nest, but nothing came about. It was all washed away.

People from TamilNadu know about the incidents involving SUN TV, Dinamalar, Maran, Azhagiri, Karunanidhi. Any investigations? Any convictions? Any reports on media ? They won't...it will cost lives ! Who cares about the innocent lives lost in politics ?

I read a few days back some one's comments in 'The Hindu' that the press should work for the Democracy. In a country like India, it is absolutely not possible today.

There is a new brand of politicians. Awareness is slowly creeping up. So, possibly in the next century, Indian Media will be free.

Until then, let the Politicians and the Celebs, enjoy at their will. Let them own their own TV stations / Newspapers/ Magazines and do the propaganda.

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே !

Pic courtesy: The Hindu

Downtown Bangalore !
India's Silicon Valley !

Dubai to fizzle

Looks like - Dubai - is driving the markets down the last few days. It is all over the place, along with the Gate crash couple! Media needs a story to sizzle, the Stock markets need a story to fizzle !

My opinion on Dubai and the stock markets - Yet another chance for the big money to accumulate , while bringing the market down.

Me - Range bound !!

PAA - Music - Average!

I was expecting an outstanding album from Ilayaraja. At this point, after listening to the songs from the Hindi Movie PAA a couple times, I have to say ....

'It's just Average - Nothing special'.

Being a Ilayaraja fan, this is a big letdown for me!

Mr. IR - Why do you recycle and why Bhavadharini ?

Mr. Balki - Please try Harris Jeyaraj the next time, if ARR is too expensive.

Once in a century

"A Tendulkar is born only once in a century" tells Dhoni.

My I add: He will play for the entire century and won't retire until he is pushed out !

He will score a century once in 50 matches later in his career and will continue to hold his place in the team !

What about the other aspiring cricketers? Are they born several times in a century? When will they get a chance?

I've always been a strong advocate of Tendulkar retiring with grace. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it's not going to happen.

Third world diseases

The so called 'Third World' besides its poverty and other socio-economic issues has some diseases that the so called 'First World' doesn't have to worry about.

Mosquito borne diseases are an example. I have family members who have been affected by mosquito borne diseases. My dad had an attack of 'Filaria' and his leg is swollen ...for life, with no cure ! My brother recently had an attack of 'ChickunGunya' while in India on vacation.

The multinational drug companies are more concerned about finding cures for diseases that are common in places where they can make money. They will probably outsource the manufacturing of these drugs to the 'Third world' but will rarely attempt to invest money in 'Third World Diseases'.

The law makers of the 'Third World' would be more concerned about Switzerland ! The people in the meantime, will have to suck their thumb and wait for the planets to change positions.

The 'Third world' produces tons of scientists who move out and work for the Big Pharma ..while the local pharma companies are more interested in copying the popular medicines rather than invest in research. Bottom line is money again, easy money in this case.

It's a vicious cycle. Anyways, hopefully in the future, when the 'First World' becomes the 'Third World' and the 'Third' the 'First', things might change.

It might take another 100 years...who knows.

Until then, it's heartwarming to read stories like this.

One last time

All of us would have gone thru some kind of 'Last time' episodes in life. Some good, some bad, overall emotional !

I went thru this, while I listened to 'BOB PRICE', in KCBS 106.9 FM this morning.

Today was his last day before he retires. I am a regular listener of KCBS and I don't miss his piece on Finance especially the 7.55 am. and the 8.25 am. reports, when I drive to work.

Today when he announced 'For the last time, this is BOB PRICE, KCBS', I felt very emotional! I've never seen BOB ( until today via the web ) but somehow, that 'Last time' sentence made me feel sad.

I will definitely miss BOB's reports.

Wish you the very best in life BOB !

Newsworthy?

This news item cracks me up.

But it bothers me that 'The Hindu' publishes these stories. Is this newsworthy to be published ? For me, the answer is a big 'NO'.

'The Hindu' was once read by aspiring IAS and IPS candidates just for the English language. These days, I feel it's like reading 'Dhinathandhi'...not that I have anything against the Tamil newspaper.

I've pointed out the quality issues in my blog every now and then.

Here is one and here is one more.

I think it's the changing times. Hope the editors realize it and bring back the quality news reporting that this newspaper was once famous for.

CHENNAI: The Fire and Rescue Services personnel rescued a man who was trapped in his bathroom in Nungambakkam on Thursday night.

According to police sources, Suraj (34) of Pycrofts Road went to the bathroom and found himself locked. After repeated attempts to open the door failed, he raised an alarm. Neighbours alerted the police who informed the Fire and Rescue Services control room.

A team reached the spot and rescued Suraj.

Maestro's latest

Pazhassi Raja, that's his latest, Wonderful song !



Here is Raja's own..just like his latest...This came in the 80's.

Dream Girl Bhanupriya.



Here is one great song - possibly same raaga - from the Oscar Winner

Finally, here is the classic in Aberi !

Happy Deepavali !

Give me the headset and play Ilayaraja songs and I'll go to heaven listening to them !

Very true...but.....

Every now and then a song comes out of AR Rahman, that mesmerizes me. The last few days, I've been listening to one of ARR's best songs.

Song is 'Udhaya Udhaya' from the movie Udhaya. Sung by Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam.

Thanks to my Zune and a great noise cancelling Sony headset I could enjoy the instruments that ARR has used in this song. It's out of this world I have to say. I don't have words to express the joy. ARR is just amazing with his BGM.

Of course, my praise won't be complete without a 'Hats off' to Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam..wonderful soulful singing !!

If you get a chance, listen to it in private, with no distractions using your headset, and you'll know what I am talking about.

Happy Deepavali !

நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே

கங்கையில் இறந்தவர் உடல் !!

நன்றி - The Hindu

இறந்தவர் சொர்க்கம் போனாரா ?

கடவுளுக்கு தான் தெரியும்!

இருப்பவருக்கு இந்த காட்சி

நரகம் தான்!

என்ன மூட நம்பிக்கைகளோ!

சிவ ராத்திரி

அருகில் உள்ளோரின் குறட்டை

மர வீட்டின் கர்..முர்ர்..!

பக்கத்து வீட்டு குழாய் சொட்டல்

மூன்றாம் வீட்டு பூனையின் மியாவ்

நான்கு தெரு தள்ளி போலிஸ் சைரன்

பக்கத்து ஊர் செல்லும் ஊர்திகளின் சர்..புர்ர்..!

காற்றுடன் சண்டை - இலைகளின் திட்டு

பனி விழ - புல்லின் முனகல்

நேற்றைய PIZZA - வயிற்று உறுமல்

அமெரிக்க இரவில் ஒரு சிவராத்திரி !!

Maestro - Ilayaraja - Aakhir Bhairavi

The songs above are set to the Raaga 'Aakhir Bhairavi' !

I never knew about this until my mom mentioned this today.

Looks like 'Mano' the male singer in the movie song, mentioned this in the Super Singer (Vijay TV) program recently !

Maestro Ilayaraja - What a composer !

உன்னைப்போல் ஒருவன்

நன்றி - WWW

வெள்ளை அடித்து கலர் சாயம் பூசின நொள்ளைகளுக்கு பதினைந்து கொடுத்து மகிழ்ந்ததுண்டு !

கருப்புகளை, வெள்ளையாக, அருமையாக! சவுக்கடி போன்ற வசனங்களுடன், நடிப்பில்லாமல் வாழ்ந்து, அறவே சதையம்சத்தை துறந்து, மறக்கவே முடியாத ஒரு ஓவியத்தை வடித்த

கமலுக்கு நன்றி !

லாலுக்கு விருது நிச்சயம்!

ஸ்ருதிக்கு எதிர்காலம் சத்தியம்!

தமிழ் சினிமா வாழ ஒரு கமல் !

Battle Class !!

Pic courtesy - WWW via P

This scene is from 'New Delhi' the capital of India. This has been a curse in most of the Indian cities. Sounds like 'Sashi Tharoor' is absolutely right ! To me this looks like 'Cattle class' with a Capital 'C'.

The State and the Central Government, thanks to the influence of the 'Canine Class', never think or bother about de-congesting the cities, to spread the population around. I am sure the great minds with IAS and IPS will accomplish this easily if the 'Canine Class' is de-toothed and de-clawed!

I've seen the Software companies moving their offices to the suburbs of big cities, but that IMHO is good but not the BEST. I would rather they move their offices to the smaller towns all over the state.

This would attract local talent and help the local economy besides 'de-cattlising' the people thanks to decongestion in and around big cities.

But ultimately, even for this to happen, the Govt. must ensure infrastructure. 90% of the 'Canine Class' are empty tops and they really don't care about all this as long as they get sufficient 'Canine Food' that they store in the Swiss banks !

Indian Railways

I've always been a big admirer of the Indian Postal Services and the Indian Railways.

The volume both these handle is just unimaginable.

The Indian Railways - I simply marvel the reservation system of the Railways. It was implemented in the early 90's, if I remember right, using a State-of-the-Art VAX system. Today, reservation offices that are well connected exist in every corner of the country. I hear that the system is pretty stable too. I am not sure how the 'Internet Reservation' works, but it's amazing to see this feature implemented ( Has it been hacked anytime ?).

Every Indian should be proud of the Techno Savvy Indian Railways. Just imagine the havoc it would cause if the reservation system fails !!

So, today, when I read this , I had to write about the Indian Railways!

TAMBARAM: Commuters, who on Friday travelled by the brand new EMU rake fitted with Global Positioning System-based information display boards, in each of the nine compartments, welcomed the “user friendly” initiative of Southern Railway.

They wanted similar boards to be installed in all suburban and long distance trains as well. The Tambaram–Chennai Beach local (B 26) EMU left Tambaram station at 7.56 a.m on Friday, without any fanfare or flagging off ceremony.

Cattle Class

Pic courtesy: WWW

Shashi Tharoor made an innocent remark on 'Cattle Class', and the 'Canine Class' woke up asking for his blood.

I'd like to ask the 'Canine Class':

• Don't you use the people as cattle during election campaigns?
• Don't you see school kids travelling in vehicles dumped like cattle?
• Don't you treat the people like cattle?

Then why is your blood boiling when someone makes a remark about 'Cattle Class' ?

Teen thrown out of train !

In August, Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh admitted his country was faced with "pervasive corruption".

Thanks Prime Minister, I know it and I have experienced it from Birth Certificate to Death Certificate. Nothing new here !

So, what's the action plan Sir?

China's H1N1 Vaccine

It's a known fact that America is afraid of China. In spite of its human rights violation etc., China still enjoys the MFN status!

And this is not without a reason !! From underwear to the space station, China has something in it!

I was reading today about the homegrown H1N1 vaccine from China ! China has spent money on research and come up with a vaccine for H1N1.

Looks like unlike the vaccine developed in the West, it will work with just one dose !

If it works...just think about it !! China need not spend all the money importing the vaccine from the big western companies ! And, it will end up making tons of money by exporting it !!

Who will benefit from all this ? The citizens of China and the World !!

Hats off to you China !!

Time !

Pic courtesy: IndiaGlitz

Oh my God!
Can you guess who the gentleman is?

Good Job !!

This is a wonderful bill and hope it gets passed and implemented soon. Not sure why it had to wait so long.

I know that there could be problems in implementation, but it somehow, needs to be done.

Good quality testing is very critical this day and age when diseases are on the rise and accuracy is very important to diagnose and render proper care.

Hats off to those who proposed the bill (not available in India I think, unlike here in the US where the name is published), but I am happy…very happy that there are politicians who have the brains to think about all these ‘Real issues’ rather than FREE COLOR TV and other stupid schemes!

The Central Laboratories Establishment Bill, to be introduced in the next session of Parliament, once passed, will mandate all testing laboratories to register with the QCI. “Only a handful of labs are accredited. Most others are merely registered under the Shops and Establishments Act. Anyone can start a lab today, with no formal accreditation. This poses a risk to the public at large", he told the audience at a seminar on quality control in diagnostic labs.

Pudhiya Mugam - Waste of time !

Pic courtesy: WWW

I wasted 35 $ along with 3 precious hours today !

Yeah, I watched a Malayalam movie 'Pudhiya Mugam', which I thought would be good, based on just one Super hit song 'Picha Vecha Naal'.

Learnt a well deserved lesson ! The movie was nothing short of 'C**P'!

But for the songs, re-recording and cinematography, not to forget decent acting by Prithiviraj, this movie is not worth watching.

The movie started with a bang and then within 30 minutes, right after the super song 'Picha Vecha Naal', became stale. Typical Masala !!

Bhavana - Beautiful and Down to Earth

Pic courtesy: Indiaglitz

I was watching Surya TV this evening. It was a Onam special program, an interview with actress Bhavana.

I've seen her in a Tamil movie, forgot the name, it was a Madhavan movie. Thought she was pretty and homely.

I have also seen her in a few Malayalam and tamil movie songs. I watched 'Chinthamani Kola Case' and thought she did a good job.

Today I found out that she is also down to earth and quite open in her conversations. She spoke 99% in Malayalam, unlike some celebrities who mix a lot of English ! Her body language, expressions and her smile were very appealing.

I've seen very few actress talk like her, open and frank ! Khushboo might be the one closest!

Though I didn't understand 100% of what she said, I sat there watching the interview until it ended.

She mentioned her Thrissur connections in the interview but I didn't realize that she was born in Thrissur until I googled her !

Another beauty from the land of Nayanthara and Asin!

There is something about Kerala's water and air !!

Is this necessary

CHENNAI: The government has declared a general holiday on Friday under the Negotiable Instruments Act for all educational institutions, offices of the State government, public sector undertakings and government-controlled bodies as a mark of respect to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who was killed in a helicopter crash near Kurnool. The Madras High Court will remain closed. Instead, December 19 (Saturday) will be a working day. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi appealed to commercial establishments and private industrial units to declare a holiday.

Is this really required ? Everyone is sad about what happened and that's about it. Life has to go on isn't it ? Why declare a holiday to pay respects ?

Why is the Chief Minister requesting commercial establishments and Industrial units to close? This is crazy.

During bad economic times, productivity has to increase and holidays have to be minimized if possible !! ( Already the list of holidays is big IMHO in India ).

Amidst all this drama everyone forgot the PILOT and the other people who died along with Mr.YSR.

May all the departed souls rest in peace !

கை ஏந்தல்

Pic courtesy: WWW

சென்னை : தமிழகத்துக்கு, மாதம் 15 ஆயிரம் டன் துவரம் பருப்பு தேவைப்படுவதால், 6,000 டன் கனடா பருப்பை நேரடி இறக்குமதி செய்வதுடன், மத்திய அரசு மூலம் 2000டன் வாங்கவும் முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.

அன்று

என்ன வளம் இல்லை

எந்தன் திருநாட்டில்

ஏன் கையை ஏந்தவேண்டும்

வெளிநாட்டில் !!

இன்று

பருப்பு கூட இல்லை

எந்தன் திருநாட்டில்

கனடாவிடம் வாங்கிடுவோம்

முழு மூச்சில்!

Paper Banana Leaf

I didn't expect this !

I was watching 'Kairali TV' tonight. Special shows for ONAM were very interesting and so were the commercials.

Especially one , caught my attention . It was the commercial for 'SAS Paper Banana Leaf'.

What? Artificial banana leaf? Oh my God !! Eating in a Banana leaf is a delicacy in South India and it is one of the things people like me miss in the West.

Memories of festivals and functions flash across my mind along with fantastic food served in banana leaves !

Now, even Banana leaf has become artificial !!

They are marketing it as reusable ( like the plates ) and ecofriendly. What's wrong with natural banana leaves ? Aren't they ecofriendly?

Not sure why I don't see this commercial in the Tamil channels!

Do you know if it is available in Chennai?

'HAPPY ONAM' to all of you !