tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104950642024-03-20T03:06:30.226-07:00What's the good word?Always wonder, Now ,What's the good word ????Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-80546115203056856582013-12-29T22:10:00.001-08:002013-12-29T22:18:08.154-08:00The great temples of Chola <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the last two years, every
night when I read a story to my 6 year old son , I would try and describe the visual beauty of
the <i>Chera, Chola</i> and <i>Pallava</i> reign in Tamil Nadu. A child
friendly homemade oral version of <i>Ponniyan
selviyan, Narasimha Pallavar </i>and the realization of a great dream -<i> Parthiban Kannavu </i>was simply not enough
to kindle the visual imagery in the mind of a child reared on picnic drives along
OMR, ECR and resort hotels parading as remnants
of the great heritage .</div>
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So this December , we planned a
trip to the great temples of the<i> Chola</i>
reign across Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore. Covering the prominent ones just to
get a glimpse of the wonders that were created more than 1000 years ago. </div>
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My son was excited about getting
on to the train.(That he is an ardent train lover would only be an
understatement). I was excited about getting back with my spouse and child to an enjoyable phase
of my student days - Trichy. And so we left for Trichy by Rockfort express one Thursday night. </div>
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Covering the temple towns of <i>SriRangam, Thiruvanaikaval, Samayapuram,
Tanjore, Trichy</i>, and the musical abode of <i>Thiruvaiyar</i> in 3 days was indeed a farfetched cry from resort bound
vacations that we were used to. </div>
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The mysticism of Indian mythology
lies in the magical blend of mysticism with reality. Huge temple complexes
surrounded by fort towns resplendent in their timeless grandeur exist as
testimonials to tales of mythology. The feeling of could it have all really
happened ? Did <i>Andal</i> actually marry <i>Sri Ranganathar</i> in this temple leaves
you wanting for more out of these pilgrimage spots. </div>
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Crowds - both tourists, historians
with scientific temper and devotees immersed in devotion throng the thresholds
of the temple leaving the administration at sea and us with some bitter sweet
moments. However the darshan of the presiding deity wipes out all the tirades
you may have stood up to in seconds. Call it positive energy within the sanctum,
power of the unknown, achieving what you set out to accomplish or simply <i>bhakthi </i>- the feeling of completeness is
felt by one and all exiting the premises.</div>
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<i>Thiruvanaikkaval, Brihadeeshwara, Trichy Rockfort temple complex, Tanjore
palace </i>stand witness to tales of shaivism sweeping the region during the Cholas
reign. Mammoth gopurams standing 20-30 ft tall, perfectly symmetrical, not
casting a shadow ,covered with intricate carvings of gods ,nature and common
man make us ponder on so many realities that time throws at us. </div>
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Equipped with knowledge more than
"modern day gadgets" the sculptors and architects breathed life into
every piece of chiseled rock. I could
not help but wonder while we snapped and whatsapped images , these pieces of
art brimming with life from lifeless stones have stood the test of time ,
invasions , cultural transformations, juvenile graffiti and much more.</div>
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History says that the civilization
brought artisans from South east Asia and across the country of India together
which is reflected in the styles adopted and blended in perfect harmony. Marathas
, took over the Chola dynasty and developed a unique identity through <i>Saurashtrainism </i>which thrives till date.
The thread of the linkage to other cultures is evident in a number of tourists
of South east Asian origin and Maharashtra visiting these parts as a part of
their ancestral linkage. </div>
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The highlight of the trip was the
stopover at <i>Thiruvaiyaru </i>- literally
translated means confluence of 5 rivers. Half expecting the great saint <i>Thiagaraja's </i>samadhi to be closed for
darshan, we were pleasantly greeted by the serene almost empty temple on the
banks of the river Cauvery. This is the place where the great saint went into Samadhi.
The idol of Lord Rama, who he worshipped with a showering of <i>krithis</i>
is kept in an abode vibrating with his melodies. The annual festival that draws throngs of
worshippers of music converge here in January. For now, the place had a small
team of boys playing their game of cricket outside a stone structure that has
given the world a religion sans caste, creed -music. Looking at the idol of
Rama,I could almost hear the great saint call out to him -<i>"
Nagumomu Ganale... "<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The taste of Tanjore is
incomplete without a mention about the cuisine. Full three course meals laden with
traditional sweets, varieties of chutneys and pickles, the hallmark of a tanjorian,
was served to perfection on plaintain leaves. </div>
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Boarding the train that night ,
my son could now name temple silhouettes etched in the darkness of the night by
their gopurams. He has his favorites now in <i>Brihadeeshwara</i>
followed by <i>Thiruvanaikkaval</i> and <i>Srirangam</i> .As I completed the story of
Raja raja chozhan 's dream run of conquests , his eyes visualized the kings of
yester years across the streets of Tanjore. </div>
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Yes, there is always the issue of improving
restoration , preservation and promotion of these magnificent structures. The
people could be more enlightened and civic while visiting. Littering,etching
their names on walls of historical significance, jostling, fighting, bribing -
well we could behave better in the name of a civilized society. The
administration could do with a bit more
concern for preserving than merely earning. The hygiene - Oh yes could be a lot
better. But the fact that history continues to silently shine through these dark
spots calling out to us to relive the times blurs the line between mythology,
fiction, history and time.</div>
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To more such travels in India is what we look
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-13905461242735714382010-04-30T00:03:00.001-07:002010-05-15T03:44:15.086-07:00Growing up with SonnyAbhi, my son Abhinav, had just turned 2 and a half. It still seems like yesterday , that I took a bundle of flesh and blood with lots of apprehension in my arms. A form that had kicked inside me was suddenly out crying and yelping. I was unsure, I felt young, I felt suddenly thrusted into a new world of responsibilities.A sneeze, a cough used to send my pulce racing. The feeble creature grew, and so did my confidence.<br /><br />He knew I was his mother from the word go, I on the other hand had just started to feel so.<br /><br />I finally wrote what I had just experienced may be with a little poetic license.<br /><br /><strong>GROWING UP !!!</strong><br />5 months:<br />Poops didnt scare him or me,<br />Meal times became fun with new food on our knees,<br />He laughed when I sang, gurgled when I danced.<br />This little baby on the floor,<br />I still wondered , when will it grow ?<br /><br />8 months:<br />I carried him for walks, introduced Surya,Jyothika and the lots.<br />We toppled, we crawled, we boughts toys not one but all.<br /><br />12 months:<br />We cut the cake and blew a candle,<br />The first step , the first word we bundled .<br />We went to the park and climbed on a swing ,<br />Up in the air, and down in a blink .<br /><br />15 months:<br />We read stories, we brushed our teeth,<br />We bathed like big ones with a mug behind a sheet,<br />We learnt about vaccinations , cycles and chocolates ,<br />We voted for the last to win an accolade.<br /><br />24 months:<br />We introduced ourselves to another candy colored world<br />where teletubbies and teddies galore .<br />They came at a flick of a switch<br />and stayed on late until we flipped.<br /><br />25 months<br />Our application , our first school<br />Were all applied for and prepared<br />Reading books, listening to rhymes<br />Dancing and singing we waited and rared.<br /><br />We were admitted, to begin school<br />Not before June, until Noon.<br />We went shopping , and bought a few things<br />We washed and prepared for the day to begin.<br /><br />30 months<br />We walked up, we walked down,<br />At the gate , we hugged and sang a song.<br />He went in alone ,he tugged at my heart,<br />He left my hand<br />My little son had just grown up.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1147432885707815932006-05-12T04:20:00.000-07:002006-05-12T04:21:25.726-07:00As Usual...The powder on the face felt cakey. The cameraman hadn’t given enough time, Devi thought to herself. They used to make better powders when I was a kid.<br /><br />Devi’s younger days were chirpy. She was always on her toes. Wherever she went she sang melodies and tapped a feet to the beat. Her floral print skirts were a rage in the small town of Chitradurga. Devi’s father owned the only grocery store in the village. Her mother, “Amma “, sat at the back of the store cleaning pulses and grains. She had no siblings although she yearned for one, at least just a year younger than her. But life went on as usual.<br /><br />She remembered the day vividly. She was going along with Amma to the town fair. Amma gripped her hand. Devi was worried about the bangles breaking, but Amma’s grip gave way to a larger fear. As the young men’s pace caught up with them, Amma’s grip tightened.<br /><br />The return home was quicker. In the light of dusk, Amma rummaged through the suitcase and brought out something that was like a saree, a little shorter in length. Devi’s movements around the town were more restricted. She never knew why? Amma removed the mirrors from the walls. Devi engaged herself by talking to the walls as if they were here confidants. She could not understand why Amma would not allow her outside. She sewed, cleaned, cooked. Her days very predictable, and boring.<br /><br />Days grew into months, and Devi could see herself grow. Appa passed away in sleep one night. It was a shock for Amma, who suddenly aged faster. She took on the responsibilities like a man takes a plough. She managed the groceries at store, and Devi the home. Life was a plateau of the usual.<br /><br />Manikandan was from a nearby village. His family owned lands, but Mani went away to the city to earn a few more coins. He was good looking, and took the coffee from Devi’s hands without a flinch.<br /><br />“She is beautiful” claimed the old lady near the door. “What a flawless complexion.”<br />Devi walked back into the kitchen. The wedding over, she climbed onto the state bus with a heavy heart. Who doesn’t feel the pain when waving to parents, even if the new home is just a street away?<br /><br />Life moved on with the usual humdrum. Devi and Mani moved into a one room house in the city. Cooking cleaning kept her occupied. She never moved out alone, Mani was always with her as Amma was before.<br /><br />It was a Saturday; Mani’s superior at the agency came home to drop him.<br />“My wife, Devi” said Mani. “Say hello...” he turned towards her.<br /><br />Sir broke the silence “I say she would be a perfect face for Tulasi soap, Mani “<br />Devi lifted her face for the first time.<br /><br />“Devi, some coffee for us”.<br /><br />The next day, Devi and Mani went to the studio. As Mani left her hand to go behind the camera, Devi looked straight into the black glass.<br /><br />“Smile”. Popp went the lights. Devi closed her serene eyes, enjoying the moment. Her face was a cameraman’s delight. Something about her eyes which were capturing and an infectious smile so captivating.<br /><br />Magazines, papers, products she was everywhere. She smiled into the camera, as if it never existed. Some said she was Mona Lisa of Hyderabad; some revered her like the real Devi.<br />She seemed unaffected by the adulation and went on with life as usual as before.<br /><br />It was a tiring day and Devi rested her back on the chair. She bit her lips to bear the pain that was searing through her.<br /><br />Mani…………….she thought before she fell asleep.<br /><br />Devi woke up to a humdrum of activity around her. The lights on the camera suddenly seemed above her. It took her a while to realise she was lying on a table.<br /><br /><br /><br />“Devi you have a beautiful baby girl. She looks just like you.” – the doctor’s voice boomed.<br /><br />Mani brought the bundle of joy to her.<br /><br />“A reporter is here to take your photograph with the baby.”<br />Pop, click went the camera. The new born slept undisturbed in her mother’s arms.<br />“Very beautiful photograph madam, the baby is very beautiful.” – The reporter said as he was leaving.<br /><br />The powder on the face felt cakey. The cameraman hadn’t given enough time, Devi thought to herself.<br /><br />The silence of the room was broken by the drum of the fan. Mani and Devi held on to their bundle of joy. Devi turned towards Mani and spoke softly, only into his ears.<br /><br />“In all my years on this earth, I have never felt this joy in my heart. Frankly not even at the time of the marriage. Mani, I am so happy and excited today. Holding on to her I feel I have achieved something big. “<br /><br />She hugged the baby closer. Moments passed, a tear rolled down those cakey cheeks.<br /><br />“I feel like tearing this black screen in front of my eyes. Really Mani, I have never missed my vision in all these years as I am missing them today.” <br /><br />As the tears rolled on faster, Mani wheeled his chair closer to her. The three held on to their creation. Life today didn’t seem usual.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1133101194853712182005-11-27T05:51:00.000-08:002005-11-27T06:19:54.856-08:00Media Frenzy....I tried this exercise , and may be each one reading should try and do what this is worth.<br /><br />Collect first page and editorial reports of 3 months in anynews paper. After 3 months try glancing through the pages , what you will find shocks you beyond doubts. No headline lasts for more than 1 week , no investigation is reported to its logical conclusion. I am not too sure if this is a rule of the media houses (print,television and otherwise) worldwide, but going by the basic premise of why media , I think it defeats the purpose of existence.<br /><br />Agreed, media is not an investigating agency.But it is surely a reporting agency , affecting and shaping the opinion of millions reading/watching/hearing to it. Ask yourself , do you have answers to these -<br /><br />What happened to the Bihar plane crash?<br />What happened to the crores of Rupees collected during Tsunami relief fund ? Are we satisfied in seeing the names of the donors with amounts in descending order .. or do we need to see what went to the receipient?<br /><br />Music and video of tsunami dominated regional political televisions in TN , but has anyone bothered to consolidate and send a report to each of the donors saying where their money was used ?<br /><br />Much has been written about the controversy surrounding actors comments on something which people have no background to , but not a single line mentioned about Manjunath, the young man who was murdered for reporting the truth. Where is the fourth estate heading ?<br /><br />Why doesnt the media have guts to stand up , print a letter from a reader complaining about its pathetic content or reply to him/her? I am a customer of your paper , I deserve to be heard , if that means replying to lakhs of letters streaming in , so be it.<br /><br />Why sensationalise every issue , but not try and see through the depth of the case. If the journalists are indeed running behind headlines , their days are numbered . What they should be seeing is to create an unifying opinion , and an uprising against what is considered universally as not acceptable. To enrich each reader with a fair and an unbiased view of an event - any event not necessarily a national calamity or an emergency.<br /><br />Where are the days when a copy of "Sudesa Mitran" could ignite the spirits of people reading it . Do we need another invasion for the fourth estate to wake up .<br /><br />If I were a deciding authority .. I would say ...<br /><br />BE sensitive in what you write and how you write (photograph of Shoba De , skimping in White skirt can be a supplement , not next to a report on rape of a 7 year old girl)<br /><br />If you do report on a national tragedy , see it through the logical end , We want to know what was wrong in the plane that crashed in BIhar in 1997 , more than we are interested in following Karishma's marriage woes through the years. If someone has indeed reported on the same , I am sorry it was not as prominent as the actor's marriage.<br /><br />Avoid instances like distracting saree /jewellary advts next to a state flooding report<br /><br />Avoid TV scrollers like " to know more on the suffering, pain , tears in Cuddalore and govts response , read the eveninger " ... Tragedy should not be a selling point .. if it is- Shame on the paper which is owned by the biggest writer of our times.<br /><br />I dont know if these opinions are shared by you, but I am a writer and you are a reader .You have the right to object , and my duty is to listen/ address them ... not defend them. If you are a journalist , I definitely need a response on this .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1129896785652469652005-10-21T05:11:00.000-07:002005-10-21T05:13:05.720-07:00Waking up...3 months/12 weeks/90 days …<br /><br />That’s exactly the time when my blog went to hibernate. Call it personal distractions, professional tribulations, plain boredom, need for a fresh thought. The reality is today it finally decided to shake itself up.<br /><br />As Sangeetha in Flavors – the movie says “ You need inspiration even to do nothing ma !!!”<br /><br />Hmm… so what was yours ??? Is that what you are thinking now ? so read on …<br /><br />A day like any other<br /><br />– A zillion to do things on the list, none struck off<br />– Calls galore and a customary smile , concealing the ignorance of the query<br />– Proposals, feedbacks, trip reports and more trip requests<br /><br />I felt my mind screaming for a break. It had been long since I had read anything that reminded me of yester years. I went to my mail box, and scanned through archives<br /><br /><home>– amma’s recipes, replies to letters, updates on who’s who<br />Anna (Big brother)<br />School friends<br />Class friends<br />College friends<br />Summer friends<br /><br />Days when all that seemed to matter was mailing and writing.<br />I saw it change over the years to subscription lists, group mails, forwards, spams and slowly trickled to a few of even them. And there was that one mail from a date so long ag o…<br /><br />From an unknown unseen face... Just a line it said<br /><br />“I happened to come through some links, nice to see someone who writes on an average of 2 blogs a day. Don’t know if you are jobless. But it does add a zing of joy to my life to see that someone is rambling non sense as I read one. Keep the ramblings going, I must say sometimes they seem to bring joy to the reader and a smile on the lips”<br /><br />So here’s to the one fan who inspired the bear to come out of hibernation. Don’t know if I can maintain the frequency, but will sure keep the ramblings as ramblings….<br /><br />Toast: To a fresh new start blog, and otherwise ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1121996858645588812005-07-21T18:34:00.000-07:002005-07-21T19:37:17.173-07:00Chennai TimesBack to checking out what's in and what's out !!!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">What's in</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">What's out </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Umbrellas and Raincoats ( YEPP THE RAIN GODS HAVE STRUCK !!))</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Umbrellas and Shades </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Adi Masam</em> discounts</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Summer offers</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">50,000 + color saree on Jyothika</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jyothika </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Annual Increments</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Annual Leave</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Manmohan in Washington</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Washington <em>il Tirumanam</em>( that is Tamizh writer <em>saavi</em>'s classic for the uninitiated)</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Queing up to lay hands on first copy of Harry Potter</span><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Queing up for the first <em>Chandramukhi </em>Ticket</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><em>Sarkar</em>- the movie ticket sales</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Laalo Sarkar - look alike doll sales</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Thats what's in for this week</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Signing out</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1121785976932168102005-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:002005-07-25T18:51:22.570-07:00Pati and meMy 'pati' ( Grandmother) was 81 when she passed away last week. A seasoned grandmother who had seen most of the ups and downs in life, seen her grand children grow from skating on a toy scooter to zipping past in flashy cars.<br /><br />But I had not realised till the day I saw her sleeping quietly on the drawing room floor, how much I had really built a bond - a silent bond with her.<br /><br />She was one generation ahead of my mom, but we never had arguments over attire or phone calls. We actually watched and laughed through Pandiarajan movies together. I practised my dance in front of her - mostly classical, and sometimes even to macarena. She tried every dish I made, ( even if that meant, picking out 100 pieces of shredded onion blended in cabbage). She oiled my hair, massaged my feet, gave me ready to eat - <em>thayir sadam</em> ( Curd and Rice mix).<br /><br />She was a learner, and a teacher bundled in one. She never believed in learning/teaching anything by force. She had not studied beyond the V std. So we taught her English and Hindi , but ended up learning to read and write Tamil . She learnt to sing , when her voice had cracked, but she sang religiously every day. She was always immaculately dressed. I remember hiding behind the dressing table just to see her perfect the vermillion on her forehead and adjust the flowers on her hair. She shone, and my eyes glinted.<br /><br />As time flew by, we became "grown ups". Reached the age of 25 when grand mothers were relegated to good mornings, and good nights. " <em>Patti please, indha serial vendam</em> "( No patti , not this serial again") was more heard around the house.<br /><br />It was a Saturday I would never forget. It was the last time I saw her alive in flesh and blood. She was 81, frail but the enthusiasm with which she ran her hands over the silk saree, and her chain was catchy.She wanted to attend a family function the coming friday. The calender , was testimonial to crossed off days signalling a count down. She had bought a new box of Ponds powder(She always smelt the dreamflower woman). She was like what her little grand daughter was 15 years back.<br /><br />She held my hand , and asked " Do I look healthy ? Do I look good ?"<br />" Pati , you look gorgeous. Just come at 4:30 pm , the whole crowd will be there to see you."<br /><br />Yes, the whole crowd did come in to see her, but she didnt live to hear the chatter. I dont mourn her demise. I understand , she escaped from pain. She had lived a full life. But I do miss her presence in the house. The silent pati on the chair, when I came back from office was someone I will miss for ever.<br /><br />When we went through her box, later that day, I could see , an obvious vacuum in the box and an implied one in us.<br /><br />We were living life , like a pair of logs. Small joys did not excite us like it did before. Dressing up was a routine, family get togethers were crowds, life appeared short , fast paced and went past by the clock. I looked up at her photo on the wall, waiting to hear her voice. But she was smiling. She never spoke much, only smiled. But this time Mrs.Rajalakshmi Vishwanathan ( that was her name) had something to say.<br /><br />Why do things become a drag on us? Because we fail to enjoy the moment of truth. Enjoy every act of yours , and also others. It brings zest into life , and life into rest.<br /><br />Ofcourse, she would have typically said this laced in the frog and Bhagya story, but that was pati.<br /><br />Wife to my Thatha, Mother to my Father, but a nice cuddly pati to me.<br />I will miss you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1120233466289502452005-07-01T08:51:00.000-07:002005-07-01T08:57:46.293-07:00What does it take ???A typical tamil film dialogue ( well even in Hindi)<br /><br />"You spoilt the girl's life. You give her the same back. You have to marry her. "<br />The girl , through her tears weeps.<br /><br />What kind of a logic does that hold ? Is marriage life or is this the easier way of getting married?<br />Is this only in Indian films or in real life too .<br /><br />I just had to open the day's paper to see that. Religious laws, Social laws, Justice waiting for the girl to decide if she wanted to marry a rapist - It s nothing less than shocking nah disgusting.<br /><br />We have a knowledgeable president , and an equally intelligent PM. It doesnt take a 1/3 rd female majority in parliament to change the laws, to shut the religious books shut on this non sense, to ask the "<em>katta panchayatu" </em>to mind its own business.<br /><br />What does it take ? Will some one let me know ?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1120183833066454762005-06-30T19:01:00.000-07:002005-06-30T19:10:33.070-07:00India Times<em><span style="color:#000099;">Whats in ????</span> </em><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Whats out???</span> </em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Jinnah - The Indian connection</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jinnah- The Pak connection</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Muhurtham</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Metti Oli</span> <br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Sania Swearing</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sania Playing</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Watching <em>Parineeta</em> ,without understanding a word</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Watching <em>Anniyan</em> digesting every word</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Sensex at 7000</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Temperature at 42 degrees</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Back to school (Retail Promos)</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Back to school (School Opens)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1119769264888379032005-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:002005-06-26T00:01:04.893-07:00Waiting...Nope , I am not referring to Ha Jin's book, but to the time spent by each of us waiting<br /><br />7:00 am :Waiting for the milk to reach boiling point<br />7:30 am :Waiting for appa, to finish the Hindu supplement<br />8:30 :Waiting for 21 D<br />8:32 :Waiting for Chinnama to get down at adayar for the seat<br />9:00 :Waiting for Lift<br />9:10 :WaitingSystem to boot<br />9:30 :Waiting for Coffee machine to vend coffee<br />10:30 : Waiting for lunch time<br />2:30 : Waiting for 5:30<br /><br />Monday ->Waiting for Friday<br />Friday -> Waiting for the new release<br />Sat -> Waiting for that invite<br />Sun -> Waiting for the grand lunch ...<br /><br />If some one ever said, Life waits for none ... Should I go through my list again ??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1119616794991609822005-06-24T05:14:00.000-07:002005-06-24T05:39:54.996-07:00Advantage AgassiIt was 8:00 pm , and the road side restaurant telly was playing the re run of the Wimbledon round 2. Much water had flown , ever since I started following tennis. As I followed the match sitting alone, mulling over a cup of tea the past seemed to recoil in front of me. ( Yeah too much of tamil movies , I actually saw Tortoise mosquito repellent recoiling).<br /><br />June ,1992 : It was the men's singles final of Wimbledon- a Sunday. So the family had gathered under the roof to watch the nail biting finish. Center court matches were always exhausting, but this was a fight to tooth and nail. Andre Agassi Vs Goran Ivansevic<br /><br />I had just finished explaining the concept of deuce and advantage to my mother who brought in a plate of "Steaming Onion Pakodas".<br /><br />Score:<br /><br />6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 1-6,<br /><br />Final set 2-2<br /><br />Game 30-40, Goran Serving.An ace, and the score moved up to Deuce.<br />English weather was at its June best and the American sweat down through his ponytail.<br /><br />Another ace.<br /><br />Agassi needed help in wiping the beads of water trickling down. He handed over the towel to the petite ball girl on base line. A lil to the left , he snickered showing his white left bag to the already pink amateur.<br /><br />My mother after deliberation declared- " It is now advantage Goran , right ?? ?"<br />" No," replied my brother, without batting an eye lid.<br />" Why??" my mother went through right from love all to deuce and ace.<br />My brother's eye twinkled, " Amma, look at the screen, It is definitely Advantage Agassi!!!"<br /><br />Needless to say , Agassi went on to win his first Grand slam and only Wimbledon. The score tallied at 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.<br /><br />Wimbledon 1992- truly advantage Agassi.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1119182421900757322005-06-19T04:41:00.000-07:002005-06-19T05:00:21.906-07:00With love from New york...He is the lord of healing all troubles. An intriguing combination of human and pachyderm forms<br /> Vinayaga alias Pulliyar alias Ganesha.<br /><br />Right from every door step to hill tops , he adornes every hindu household and temple alike. <span style="color:#3333ff;">Known by various names depending on his core competencies </span><br />- Varasidhi, Vidya Ganapathi, Valampuri, Selvaganapathy.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Based on his geographic location </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Pulliarpatti, to Malaikottai in Trichy and he is not a South Indian phenomenon alone. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Ganapathiphule, in West India attracts more tourists for the god with the little tummy than for its virgin beaches.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br />But what I got to see at <em>ArupadaiVeedu</em>, Chennai was something I had never expected.<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">New york - Manhattan Varasiddi Pullayar</span>.<br /><br />History has it, that the temple construction was stalled for want of funds. (Indians in India had too many temples to donate to ) Thats when a summer visitor from New york stepped in with $ donations , and the rest as they say is history.<br /><br />So New york Manhattan Varasiddi Pullayar, sits surrounded by his family<br /><br />Subramanya in Tiruchendur( a sea shore temple in Tamil Nadu)<br />Parents Shiva and Parvathi in Kailasam, Himalayas<br />Uncle and Aunt Narayana, Lakshmi in Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh.<br /><br />If Santa wanted to see divine globalisation, he should visit Aru padai Veedu near Ashtalakhmi Temple, Besant Nagar ,Chennai 90 (facing the Bay of Bengal).<br /><br />If you visit chennai, please do make a trip to this temple.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1119070318965235462005-06-17T21:38:00.000-07:002005-06-17T21:51:58.970-07:00Gals, boys, blogs and profilesIt gets murkier by the minute. The world of E- dating , e-matching, e-marriage fixing !!!<br /><br />You can express interest for free,<br />350 bucks for a telephone number listing<br />750 bucks to communicate to a prospect<br /><br />what next ?? The business manager of a popular "a mate" fixing site tells me<br /><br />Rs. 1250 for listing your blogs on the site !!!<br /><br />Why ?? Blogs are more representative of what the person feels , but fails to express. They are also a whole lot interactive.<br /><br />Ok so is this only for the skilled in writing !!<br /><br />No you would also have the services of a blog master , who would help you create one !! that comes at an extra cost .<br /><br />My mind screamed GOSH PLEASE DONT KILL BLOGS!!!<br />On second thoughts do i have a career opportunity there ??<br /><br />Imagine a brief like this ,<br /><br />I am a 35 year old , bachelor, working in a top rated software firm as a lead programmer. I don t read much , only watch "MOVIES" want a wife who would be home loving, beautiful, career focussed, dynamic, should cook well.. Please write a blog for me , which would appeal to such women.<br /><br />So much so for blogging in the next gen !!!<br /><br />Hey I told my friend I guess the free spirit of blogging and anonymity it provides is lost if ppl start fishing for spouses in them.<br /><br />So what, Its just like chatting or mailing or even say have a pen pal?<br />argued my business manager friend..<br /><br />Do you blog I asked him , NO.<br /><br />So he would nt really understand.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1119068199143094392005-06-17T20:58:00.000-07:002005-06-17T21:16:39.146-07:00TAGGED !!! ...FINALLY !!!The last movie I borrowed: As good as it gets...<br /><br />The last film I watched in the theatre: HITCH !!<br /><br />Which five fictional characters in Hollywood have you had a crush on, in pecking order?<br /><br />Tom Hanks ...u ve got mail<br />Harry in harry met sally<br />Karthik in Flavors (its ... a crossover ..so cd feature elsewhere too)<br />Clint Eastwood - Bridges of madison..<br />Hugh grant Nottinghill - Wow would love to date a book store man!!<br /><br />Which five fictional characters in B/Kollywood have you had a crush on?<br />Madhavan -Alaipayuthe<br />A'swamy -Roja (WHO WOULDNTT)<br />Nagarjun-Idhaythai Thirudathe<br />Aamir-QSAT<br />Saif- Hum Tum<br /><br />Five Hollywood films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me:<br />I might not have five I dont watch much of em<br /><br />Bridges of Madison ...<br />U ve got mail<br />Forrest Gump<br /><br /><br />Five K/Bollywood films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me:<br /><br />Mouna Ragam<br />Server Sundaram<br />DIl chahta hai<br /><br /><br />Five H/B/Kollywood people I'm supposed to be impressed by, but am not:<br /><br />Ash definitely<br />Brad Pitt<br />Tom Cruise<br />Pierce Brosnan<br /><br /><br />mm now for tagging !!!!<br /><br />All those who have not yet started blogging ... start by thinking, listing Ensoy !!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118905940362141122005-06-16T00:02:00.000-07:002005-06-16T00:12:20.366-07:00TAGGED ... mhmmhmmOk .. no one tagged me.. but I thought it was a good way to start spring cleaning my bookshelf.. so here it goes<br /><br />No of books : 253<br /><br /><strong>The TOP 5 :</strong><br /><br />RK Narayan<br />Phantoms of the brain -V.Ramachandran<br />Bridges of Madison County<br />clive Avenue- T.S Tirumurthi<br /><br />and ofcourse my favbourite .... Calvin and hobbes series...<br /><br /><strong>Currently reading</strong><br />Pour your heart into it - Story of Starbucks<br /><br /><strong>Jus finished</strong><br />Pundits from Pakistan .. all u cricket lovers and lovers of Sunny days by sunny .. read this<br /><br /><strong>Would never pick up another</strong> : .. well cannot say that each story is a diff one !!<br /><br /><strong>Gifted</strong> : Gee... not many .. but last was Nagamandala by Girish karnad (tut tut .. written not gifted by him..)<br /><br /><strong>A loner on my shelf</strong> : Douglas Adams ... Liked the book , but never got to reading the series<br /><br /><strong>Often refer to</strong>: Bridges of Madison... Has a new line everytime I read it, and is the best medicine for a rainy day/night !!!<br /><br /><strong>Hobby reads:</strong>Ganamrutha Varna malika ... havent gone beyond Sree ragam as yet<br /><br /><strong>For the sake of a job: Death of salesman</strong><br /><br /><strong>Currently Eyeing: </strong>The new grisham book .. wanna read something crimey now !!<br /><br />Am I Giving any gift hints ???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118904801553860242005-06-15T23:49:00.000-07:002005-06-15T23:55:31.876-07:00A bundle of Contradictions<p align="justify"><span style="color:#3333ff;">I dont wanna work</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">I want 4.00 lacs p.a take home<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I dont wanna attend meetings</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">I want to be invited to every damn discussion<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I dont want a relationship</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">May be I want.....<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I want to work with kids</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">That doesnt give me Point 1 or 3<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Iwant to travel</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">I dont want to meet any more dealers</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I dont want my blog to be a diary</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Hello, look at what i have been writing</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">I believe in self help</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">GOD SAVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118676420541383932005-06-13T07:49:00.000-07:002005-06-13T08:28:39.450-07:00Santa and globalisation...(Contd)Santhanam walked his cycle home. The minutes of the meeting didn't make much sense to him. All he understood was on May 1st Japanese best practices shall be implemented in all functions right from the peon ( that was him) to the CEO.<br /><br />Pankajam came out to greet him. A friday , and no flowers ? Something was terribly wrong she thought to herself.<br /><br />" What happened ? Some problem at office? " , She enquired as Santhanam chained the cycle to the tree.<br /><br />It was always a comforting sight to see Pankajam at the end of a long tiring day. But today , something else tugged at his heart.<br /><br />"Nothing, it looks like I might not be in employment for long."<br />"WHAT ?? Why ?? What happened? "<br />" They have sold half the company to the Japanese." and he went on to say the rest of what he had heard from office.<br /><br />"But they have not said you will be laid off. and one half is still Iyengar's . You can be with them. Why do you worry?"<br />"<em>Podi, </em>you don't understand. Japanese are cost conscious and so are the Iyengars. Now both would rather walk 2 flights up to a record room , than call Santhanam .. Santa !!! Let me atleast have dinner now. I dont want to talk about this furthur. Atleast in front of Sridhar. "<br /><br />They had a quiet dinner. Sridhar could not understand what was wrong. He had won the vocabulary contest and no one seemed to notice.<br /><br />May saw the onslaught of the Sun in chennai, and Japanese invasion in office. Those tiny little men seemed to be too fast. Things changed visibily. The canteen was first renovated. Tables were removed, and only chairs were placed. Food was to be served on your own.<br /><br />Sella, Vishwam, Dhandapani left because of no work. They joined a Marriage catering service. Santhanam kept in touch with them.<br /><br />New machines were placed on the table, and old clattering typewriters were relegated to the 6th floor lunch room as display pieces.<br /><br />Sugantha, the typist applied for VRS.<br /><br />Santhanam walked around the diminishing crowd with fear. He was still there , but everyday was a traumatic experience. There was no one to talk to. The chitter chatter was gone. Coffee machines were abandoned. Venkatachalapathy was replaced by a long shot of the plant , and a painting of a bearded man. Thats when he got the pink slip.<br /><br />Santhanam read and re read the notice again. Should he or Should he not ?<br /><br />5:30pm. He stepped into the local party office for a meeting on globalisation. He understood that Indians didnt need them to teach what we wanted , He laughed at the cartoons of the firangs on the screen. He felt as enthused as his father had when Gandhi called for Quit India. He knew this was not a fight but a war.<br /><br />He enrolled for the agitation . He had borne the brunt of the changes for the last 6 years and he could not take it any longer. He had a job , but no dignity. He wanted that, and he would fight it out.He went home with the leaflet and a determined soul.<br /><br />Sridhar was unusually late. He was generally home by , 6:30 and the clock had just announced 8:00 pm. Pankajam was getting worried.<br /><br />This boy was a mystery to her. Reading late into the night. Talking all absurd theorems. He had breezed through college and was now an engineer trainee in an Indian company."<br /><br />It was 9:00 pm. The door rattled Thud Thud Thud...<br />"Appa, amma Open the door."<br />" Sridhar, why are you so late ? You could have informed us."<br />"Appa, you won't believe , My company is sending me for training to Japan. I have a VISA interview next monday- April the 15th !!"<br />" I hope I crack it, It is like never before. I am one among 10 in the company. I believe Japanese are good at engineering. There will be lots to learn there , unlike here !!! <em>Oyasuminasai " </em>laughed Sridhar.<br /><br />Santa looked at the pink slip again.<br /><br />"Come and join the Swadesi movement. Be Indian , Buy Indian."<br /><br />Venue : Gandhi Statue , Marina<br />Time : 10:30 am<br />Date: April 15th , Monday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118582772190436632005-06-12T05:50:00.000-07:002005-06-12T06:26:12.196-07:00Santa and globalisation...9:00 am, the stamping started. Thud Thud Thud... Blue circles around the wrinkled corners meant a job well begun. Well that was how Santhanam started his day , every day for the last 24 years.<br /><br />Santhanam was the office peon. In hey days of babu culture he had joined the Iyengar company as a CLASS D helper. Thiruvengadam, the GM's driver had helped him find the job. Rs. 75 pm/- Lunch in services canteen, Uniform washing allowance of Rs.2 a month - The letter had read.<br /><br />There was joy all around the house at his appointment. He joined on 15th April,1968.Dressed in a crisp khaki uniform, a cap and a badge , he looked more like a sepoy than a peon. The only thing that bothered him were the boots.His legs wriggled to come out of the confines of the black shoe.<br /><br />But he would soon get used to it.<br /><br />"Santhanam, bring the blue files here."<br />"Santhanam , Coffee for the meeting room"<br />"Santhanam , Post."<br />"Santhanam , Saridon"<br /><br />It was a busy day at work. It took less than a month to learn that GM, added lemon to his tea. DGM had coffee with 2 tbs of sugar, Ratna madam sent a post on every monday to Tirunelveli. Santhanam settled and dusted old files with vigour.<br /><br />5 years down the line,he wedded the beautiful Pankajam. The company gave the couple a <em>Kodam </em>. His loyalties to the master increased.He shifted to a mansion in Triplicane,closer to office.<br /><br />June 7th , 1979 , after nearly 6 years Pankajam gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Santhanam made a trip to Tirupathi on foot .The couple named the baby Sridhar.<br /><br />It was the also the day, the company recruited the first batch of " Management graduates". He was told they were from a place near Bombay, Well educated, non Iyengars . He watched them from a distance, a couple of fair, handsome looking chaps who everyone stood up to greet.<br /><br />Today, April 15th,1992. Santhanam was distributing a circular to everyone in office.<br />There were hushed whispers and tension hung in the air.The group head had called for a meeting in the conference room. This was unlike usual. Group head never met everyone on the same day.<br /><br />Last Feb, Ashwin from Exports had been made as the group head. Santhanam remembered him as one of the fair boys who had joined from Mumbai. He had really liked him a lot and true to the judgement , Ashwin had grown really fast in the company. He moved to a seperate cubicle in less than 1 year and now a group head in less than 15 years.<br /><br />"Dear Colleagues, There are enough rumours in the office about a lot of things, So I decided to make an internal announcement before we go to press. We are going for a 50-50 Joint venture with a Japanese organisation. That means we are no longer an Iyengar firm , We are getting global."<br /><br />Pain welled up in Santa's abdomen. Will he be asked to leave. He should have completed matric, now there was no time. His thoughts were interuppted by a booming voice<br /><br />"Santa, adjust this mike please. Santa , Santa , Santhanam".<br /><br />"Santa ??? Wow, Ashwin we really are a global company now" - Laughed Rangan Sir.<br /><br />Santhanam , thought to himself while adjusting the mike. I promise to make 101 revolutions of Kesava perumal, if they make me stay here. Please please please.<br /><br />-To be continued-Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118329275217056362005-06-09T07:57:00.000-07:002005-06-09T08:01:15.226-07:00Read on...<span style="color:#000099;">This post comes in mail from one of my readers ... Jus go thru it. Hmmm , I have not yet recruited anyone to write for the blog, but freelancing is welcome.</span><br /><br /><br />Hindustan Lever – The Brand Murderer<br /><br />The Levers’ office at Backbay reclamation in Mumbai has of late started resembling the concentration camps at Auschwitz. The only difference is that instead of Jews , the brands of the company are being systematically tortured and slaughtered.<br /><br />Experimenting with the ‘Fair & Lovely’:- Initially it were the variants –dry skin, oily skin varieties in order to expand the user profile. But when this branched out into Ayurvedic Fair & Lovely with three variants the company walked into a self- destructive cycle. Any Brand manager would tell you that you cannot expand a brand into territories where its existence is questionable.’Fair & Lovely’ has everything to do with cosmetics , with getting fair , with a subtle western colour superiority and very little to do with Indian ayurveda. Yet, the Company went ahead with this execution which must have been carefully sculpted in power point presentations made by a new MBA who wanted to prove his mettle- the logic must have been generating more profits out of a brand (profit centre) .<br /><br />Killing ‘Hamam’ Soap :- Hamam is a soap which would have sold by itself ;without any<br />advertisement , without any sales promotion. That’s because of the mass appeal of the brand and the variety of audience which identifies itself with this soap. It can be called as one of the first unisex product in India and has dominated for ages as the complete family soap. So much so that someone at Levers’ asked ‘If this soap sells by itself , what are we here for ?’.That started an entire repositioning of the brand –new packaging , new shape .To add to this disaster Hamam was enriched with extracts from neem , tulasi and aloe vera : come on guys you left out a lot of other fancy Indian cliches like badam , pista , sandal as well and give a soap which not even God can fathom !The guy who would have created this brand way back when it belonge dto TOMCO would be turning in his grave.<br /><br />Taking the Life out of ‘Lifebuoy’ :- I cringe to think what Lifebuoy used to be and what it has been turned into. It was a Macho Soap – Larger than Life . Bathing in it represented eternal cleansing and the soap never looked like it shall get over. It was the sort of soap which men after driving in a truck over days would use to purify themselves from the dirt of the highways.I would like to meet the guy in Levers who suggested that this soap be diversified to cater to the needs of young female audience as a health soap- I would ask him one question ‘ Would you ask Harley Davidson to make an underpowered Luna moped and sell it as Little Boy ?’<br /><br />Where is ‘Vim’ ? :- In a crazy exercise called Power Brands our chaps at Backbay destroyed some of their best niche brands. One such brand is Vim. This had immense brand recognition among housewives and was a useful Kitchen powder / soap for cleaning utensils. This brand had the power to be extended into a variety of kitchen and household products but it is being starved to death as the Company is more interested in selling products to villagers through internet kiosks.<br /><br />‘Taj Mahal’ Disappears :- Why doesn’t ‘Taj Mahal’ Tea feature in the power brands category ? I hope it is not because Govt has asked Hindustan Lever to pay a royalty to use the Taj name or may be it’s the Tata group. Nevertheless , I drink this tea and wonder why the company is so stingy not to put their money behind such a wonderful product. The ad strategy with Ustad Zakir Hussain was one of the best and sucha unique brand does not deserve to be benched.<br /><br />The stupid ‘Pepsodent’ ads : If children ever watched Pepsodent ads they would wonder how can somebody consider them to be so stupid ? The latest ad tells that Pepsodent fights ghosts in the night . Come on guys – grow up !No wonder Colgate is maintaining to its lead in the toothpaste segment irrespective of Pepsodent being certified by all the dentists ever born on this planet.<br /><br />Packaging ‘Kissan’ : Walk into a aupermarket and try to pick up a Kissan product and you would understand how uninspiring the packaging looks. Kissan fruit squash looks worser than a mineral water bottle. Kissan Jam comes in an opaque green plastic box which proudly announces that its vitamin-enriched. And to add to it you have a tag –Annapurna behind the Kissan name which makes you wonder if Annapurna Salt or wheat comes free with this.<br /><br />If HLL wanted power brands then why choose 35 . Three plus Five is equal to Eight which is the unluckiest number in the world. Even now if you think that luck is on HLL’s side then please read their slogans for miscellaneous brands :-<br /><br />Lifebuoy – Making a Billion Indians Safe and Secure ( What ??????)<br /><br />Breeze – Scent in Soap (As if we did not know ?)<br /><br />Rin – Power of Dazzling Whiteness ( Okay !)<br /><br />Fair & Lovely – Making Complexion Fairer ( And what else ?)<br /><br />Red Label Tea – Cheers your senses ( I see!)<br /><br />Bru – Happiness Begins with it ( And where does it end ?)<br /><br />Ayush – Truth of Ayurveda , Proof of science ( This is too good !)<br /><br />Hamam – Everything in life is about a balance ( Sounds like yoga classes !)<br /><br />I would request all the readers to do what they can to save the brands of HLL and other companies using similar strategies at least for old times sake .These may be profit centres for them but they also are part of our childhood memories and they cannot do whatever they want with it.<br /><br /> <span style="color:#ff0000;">P.S. I risk my job , incase my boss's boss 's boss decides to read and comment on this. He is an Ex HLL , with a loyalty as string as BRU COFFEEE</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Amen !!!! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1118198327947983412005-06-07T19:29:00.000-07:002005-06-07T19:38:47.950-07:00Opportunities Galore !!!<strong><u>Movie Reviewer</u></strong><br /><strong><u></u></strong><br />KRAs: Watch a minimum of 3 new releases week. Release stories on popular movie facts and history. Area of work to include English, Hindi and one regional language.<br /><br />Candidate must necessarily be over 18 years of age.<br /><br /><strong><u>Headlines today</u></strong><br /><strong><u>KRAs:</u></strong> To conjure up 5 headlines, 2 for the front page, 2 for the sports and 1 for the supplement. Headlines will be judged for crativity, brevity and relevance.<br /><br /><strong><u>Chat away</u></strong><br />Webmaster in popular chat side, to constantly review chat sessions for misuse and report to development. KRAs : To chat for 8 hrs a day , 4 hrs as invisible and 4 hrs as available.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1117989146781750832005-06-05T09:10:00.000-07:002005-06-05T09:32:26.786-07:00Saturday Night ShowRags looked at his watch dial for the umpteenth time. It was almost 3:00 pm. He hit the accelerator , and veered towards Lifestyle. Vats, would be waiting for him. It was a long over due date. Work had taken most of his time , but this Saturday it would be Vats , in the stunning floral print. He wrapped the dress in his hands and a smile curved his lips.<br /><br />"Have a great weekend ,Sir"- smiled the girl at the cash counter handing him the blue bag.<br /><br />Trrrring.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Aha, you are just in time. I had almost decided that you had given the day a slip."</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">" No way da. How can I forget ? See I even got you something. Gimme a minute I will change into something decent."</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Me too.."</span><br /><br />"<span style="color:#000099;">Hey gorgeous in georgette , can we leave ??? "</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">" Are you sure ?? It is actually embarrasing , especially in this ."-Vats looked down at the folds of her saree.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"Just come along, you look ravishing. I will have a tough time controlling the crowds"</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br />Satyam was as crowded as it could get. As Rags guarded his wife into the hall, a familiar voice cried out<br /><br />"Hey appa!! You ?? Here??"-That was Shanks , his first born with wife and kid.<br /><br />"What pa, silent date ah ? Which movie ?"<br /><br />" <em>Kathalikka neram illai</em> - That was first the movie I took Amma to after marriage, Yeah then it was in Nagesh theatre. Now thanks to Satyam's Unwind to 60's mela I am taking her again .. Seeya Shyam tomorrow at home."<br /><br />Raghavan and Vatsala , walked hand in hand into the hall. A quiet dinner at Drive in would complete the date. But for now, it was a trip 40 years into a world of togetherness.<br /><br /><em><strong>"Kathalikka neram illai??? " - Who ever said so ?</strong></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1117957289143183842005-06-05T00:01:00.000-07:002005-06-05T00:48:32.703-07:00LTA ??? Laka Laka !!!The schools have reopened, and the trains are empty. It is time to start exploring your surroundings. Yepp, it is a great season to plan a holiday and if planning is half as much fun as enjoying one, I am half way through.<br /><br />With less than normal monsoon predicted it ain't going to be pouring and you will leave your skin with a light golden tan.From shores, to the mountain heights, adventure to pilgrimage - it is time you started on a trip. Some basics first:<br /><br />1. Take your pick , and visit some sites . These are the days not of brochures but links and mail ids.<br /><br />2. Avoid crowded locations , move away from din and regular tourist traffic.<br />Look for locales which would be one helluva eye opener !!<br /><br />3. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Stop reading this blog and Get moving , Ideation takes a day and moving your butt takes a year .. so get the momentum going. You wanna a break ?? Apply for one today.</span><br /><br />Some websites to throw some light !!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.asiasafari.com/camping/">http://www.asiasafari.com/camping/</a><br /><a href="http://www.junglelodges.com/">http://www.junglelodges.com/</a><br />http://<a href="http://www.himalayanvillage.com">www.himalayanvillage.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.vythiriresort.com/">http://www.vythiriresort.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/Beaches.aspx?strpage=beaches-Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar.html">http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/Beaches.aspx?strpage=beaches-Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar.html</a><br /><br />For more on resorts and places visit<br /><br /><a href="http://www.indiaresortssurvey.com/">http://www.indiaresortssurvey.com/</a><br /><br />HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1117941764221720762005-06-04T20:12:00.000-07:002005-06-04T20:28:34.936-07:00Am- Bushed !!<p><span style="color:#3333ff;">When PresidentBush met with Palestinian President Abbas, there was one embarrassing moment when Bush was overhead whispering to Abbas </span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;">" Hey I love that Dancing Queen number of yours.. !!!"</span></p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span> </p><p><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span> </p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1117850982009586302005-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:002005-06-03T19:12:51.843-07:00Where are you ???"Chennai is a city of mamis, dhoti clad uncles, young men still sporting Tshirts with terry-cot pants and girls who have not graduated out of salwars." -Spake a colleague of mine in Delhi.<br /><br />Hey hey hey , wait a sec you want to see the real Mad-Ras? Walk out at 9:00 pm to one of the Lounge bars/ Eco hotels/ Drinking holes/ Dance clubs .. .you would wonder where do these birds stay around the day.<br /><br />A whole new landscape emerges of hookah gurgling women, and funky hair do s on Men. 3 year olds enjoying rock, and retired men on the rocks !!!<br /><br />Check it out !! next time around you are in chennai , think again before heading for Satyam .. there are better places and you won't be disappointed.<br /><br />ITS definitely HOT MACHI !!!!!!!!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10495064.post-1117364025564063212005-05-29T03:07:00.000-07:002005-05-29T03:57:05.413-07:00Marudai Nattu Vadivelu ...I met her on the bus from Perambur to Besant Nagar. She was from Kobe, a mega Rajini fan and had come all the way to Chennai for Chandramukhi release. ( Phew and we thought these guys existed only in TN, did we ??? ). Her name was Lillian and she spoke in halting English. How she understood Tamil continues to be a mystery to me.<br /><br />The ride was a 45 minute one, and needless to say all eyes on the bus were fixated on the maid from east. Our converstion sped along with 29C. She had seen every one of Rajini's movies . Her all time favourite was <strong>Muthu</strong>. She had met Rajini, and had the privelege of dining with him at his residence. But the most intriguing part of the trip was yet to come.<br /><br />She wanted to know more about getting to "Marudai". I was surprised.<br />'Madurai ?? ' I intended to correct her ?<br />'No no , Ma- Ru- Dai.' she spelt it with perfection.<br />'I read somewhere that Vadivelu is from Marudai. I love his style of speaking Tamil and dialogue delivery. I wanted to visit the place where he belongs to. I also read that the dialect of the area is very interesting. In fact my friends and I have seen some of his movies.Trust me he and the other guy ,Sorry I dont re call his name ( I guess she was referring to Parthiban!!) make the perfect pair.'<br /><br />'So I wanted to visit that part of TN also, to get a feel of the place and people to take back with me.'<br /><br />The bus screeched to a grinding halt. It was Adayar.Lillian bade good bye , and I trudged along. I felt squeamish. I had never really enjoyed Vadivelu's acting, but after hearing Lillian go Ga Ga, I thought I must give him a second chance. I picked up a VCD on the way home. The shopkeeper recommended <em>Vettri Kodi Kattu</em>. I must say I was impressed.<br /><br />As I walked on the sands of Elliots beach that evening , I couldnt help wondering at the paradox of human behavior. It has always taken an outsider to discover the true beauty of a country. Be it the Irish man gazing at the Statue of Liberty or the Indian watching the Sun rise by a lake.<br /><br />When we travel abroad we maintain checklists of what to see, what to experience and dutifully tick them off . Rarely do we do the same at home. Homeland is always there to be seen, always there to be criticized. Why is an African tribal dance in VGP more interesting than the local Ra koothu ?<br /><br />It took a Lillian to bring to my notice that there was beauty in the cacophoney of Marudai Tamizh. I am happy that I now have chosen to view it.<br /><br />P.S. Lillian would have left for <strong><u>Marudai</u></strong> by now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3