A candid observation:
Gunnam Gangaraju, a sensitive Telgu film maker who directed Little Soldiers & produced films like Aithe and Anukokonda Oka Roju in an interview with rediff answer the 'title' question.
Q: Is there a message you want to convey through the film?
A: Not really. The only people who make money on messages, are cellular service providers. The film is an attempt to give the audience the experience I got when I conceived and completed the script: An emotional high.
July 28, 2006
July 27, 2006
Mumbai Blasts - Astrology gives answer
Heights of stupidity!
This post is dedicated to all people who login into astrology sites as soon as they come to work n otherwise too..
"As Mumbai limps back to normalcy, we shall see the astrological reasons for the blasts.
This post is dedicated to all people who login into astrology sites as soon as they come to work n otherwise too..
"As Mumbai limps back to normalcy, we shall see the astrological reasons for the blasts.
1 First of all Mars is 29 degree. Transit of Rahu, Saturn, Ketu Mars in rasi sandhi will bring difficulties like mass death, etc.
2 See where Saturn is placed. Saturn is in the sign of Kataka which is the western direction.
3 Moon and Mars crossed each other in opposition, that is seventh house.
4 Saturn came closer to earth.
So it was clear that the western part of India was vulnerable to mass death. Aslesha nakshatra is generally for snakes which can be translated into railways. It was pratipada of Krishna paksha and added to it, it was a Tuesday.
Basically, most of these attacks take place during Krishna paksha closer to Amvasaya, Poornima, Pratipada, Astami Navami, Sashti, Thryodasi."
Taken from a popular site - chennaionline.com/astrology section
July 24, 2006
Bangalore - Most Polluted?
Had been to Blore last weekend. I was destined to discover a major part of Blore that I didnt get to view before. From the cozy comforts of IISc, I travelled to meet my buddy at Koramangla..wanted to avoid peak hour traffic n I travelled at 10.00 a.m, reached the over-hyped Forum (anyday Spencers is the big brother) at 11.15 a.m.
After the usual roaming around (picked up a Sherlock Holmes at Landmark), travelled to Hosur road to accompany my friend. From there back to Koramangla - Block 1 (a welcome relief in the middle of this desert odyssey was a sumptuous lunch at Bay Leaf - thanks for the treat ..Me)..Now why I mention that as a desert bcos, I thought I was in the midst of a sand storm....Mud..Dust..smoke...what not.
I really pity the people who commute those roads ..day in and day out..And add to the chaos, the bumper to bumper traffic..
Then my return journey started at around 4.00 p.m, reached IISc just before 6.00 p.m, mind you this was on a non working saturday afternoon. I thought, half my journey was spent at the Signals..which seemed to be never ending.
Did somebody say Bangalore was a Garden City?
After the usual roaming around (picked up a Sherlock Holmes at Landmark), travelled to Hosur road to accompany my friend. From there back to Koramangla - Block 1 (a welcome relief in the middle of this desert odyssey was a sumptuous lunch at Bay Leaf - thanks for the treat ..Me)..Now why I mention that as a desert bcos, I thought I was in the midst of a sand storm....Mud..Dust..smoke...what not.
I really pity the people who commute those roads ..day in and day out..And add to the chaos, the bumper to bumper traffic..
Then my return journey started at around 4.00 p.m, reached IISc just before 6.00 p.m, mind you this was on a non working saturday afternoon. I thought, half my journey was spent at the Signals..which seemed to be never ending.
Did somebody say Bangalore was a Garden City?
July 21, 2006
Harry Potter - Prisoner of Azkaban
Last week, read Harry Potter - Part III - Prisoner of Azkaban.
Mind boggling action, very racy towards the end. The revelations abt Sirius Black n abt the death of James & Lily Potter were startling. You have to give it to J.K.Rowling for such great imagination. And another thing that I noted is most of the magic revolves around what you think, what you want. Thats healthy magic. For eg. Harry fights the Dementors (who suck out soul, happiness) by concentrating on the happiest moment of his life.
The details abt Azkaban & the Dementors that guard the island had an uncanny resemblence to my college. Man..that place really sucks out your happiness and leaves you with unhappy memories only.
I cant wait to jump to the next - Goblet of Fire.
Mind boggling action, very racy towards the end. The revelations abt Sirius Black n abt the death of James & Lily Potter were startling. You have to give it to J.K.Rowling for such great imagination. And another thing that I noted is most of the magic revolves around what you think, what you want. Thats healthy magic. For eg. Harry fights the Dementors (who suck out soul, happiness) by concentrating on the happiest moment of his life.
The details abt Azkaban & the Dementors that guard the island had an uncanny resemblence to my college. Man..that place really sucks out your happiness and leaves you with unhappy memories only.
I cant wait to jump to the next - Goblet of Fire.
Secret Ambition?
Have u ever thought, what u might be doing if you were given a wish to switch your career..
I have nursed far too many ambitions like that..was very sure I' would become an ace detective when I was reading my daily dose of Nancy Drew Books...then fancied the idea of being a doctor - that went up the smoke with my pathetic score in my 12th & I couldnt stand those rat dissections per say. The list is quite big.
And somewhere in the middle was this interior designing thing too..but nowadays, I catch up with the happenings thro some really wonderful websites like
http://www.indobase.com/home/index.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/
http://interiordec.about.com/
Some basic stuff
1. whatever u resort to do, jus check for the comfort value in it. spending a bomb on an antique chair & getting a severe back ache later is no good
2. Try to reuse the existing stuff..May be your duppatta might double up for a corner table top
3. Have a focal point in every arrangement.. your showcase in the living room
Taken from about.com
10 Ways to Add Color to a Living Room
1. Paint One Wall -you can add a real punch of color by painting just one wall of your living room. This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major decorating project
2) Throw a Few Pillows Around-Nothing adds color like pillows strategically placed on furniture.
3) Add a Bit of Mother Nature (even if it means trying to fool her!) - put some plants around
4) Add a Whimsical Lamp-Even if you have a traditional classic living room, you can add a point of interest by selecting a lamp or shade that is colorful or whimsical.
5) Put Some Color on the Floor-A colorful throw rug, strategically placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room.
6) Freshen Up a Chair Cushion-If you have a small chair, such as a desk chair or side chair, consider recovering the seat cushion.
7) Reflecting Color-Try placing a large mirror on a bare, boring wall. Choose an interesting frame or decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid.
8) Get Artsy-A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes you might not be able to use in a larger area.
9) Paint the Back of a Bookshelf-A great touch of color and interest can be added by painting a bookshelf two colors (or even more!)
10) Snuggle Up With a Throw- A handmade quilt, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair
I have nursed far too many ambitions like that..was very sure I' would become an ace detective when I was reading my daily dose of Nancy Drew Books...then fancied the idea of being a doctor - that went up the smoke with my pathetic score in my 12th & I couldnt stand those rat dissections per say. The list is quite big.
And somewhere in the middle was this interior designing thing too..but nowadays, I catch up with the happenings thro some really wonderful websites like
http://www.indobase.com/home/index.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/
http://interiordec.about.com/
Some basic stuff
1. whatever u resort to do, jus check for the comfort value in it. spending a bomb on an antique chair & getting a severe back ache later is no good
2. Try to reuse the existing stuff..May be your duppatta might double up for a corner table top
3. Have a focal point in every arrangement.. your showcase in the living room
Taken from about.com
10 Ways to Add Color to a Living Room
1. Paint One Wall -you can add a real punch of color by painting just one wall of your living room. This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major decorating project
2) Throw a Few Pillows Around-Nothing adds color like pillows strategically placed on furniture.
3) Add a Bit of Mother Nature (even if it means trying to fool her!) - put some plants around
4) Add a Whimsical Lamp-Even if you have a traditional classic living room, you can add a point of interest by selecting a lamp or shade that is colorful or whimsical.
5) Put Some Color on the Floor-A colorful throw rug, strategically placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room.
6) Freshen Up a Chair Cushion-If you have a small chair, such as a desk chair or side chair, consider recovering the seat cushion.
7) Reflecting Color-Try placing a large mirror on a bare, boring wall. Choose an interesting frame or decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid.
8) Get Artsy-A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes you might not be able to use in a larger area.
9) Paint the Back of a Bookshelf-A great touch of color and interest can be added by painting a bookshelf two colors (or even more!)
10) Snuggle Up With a Throw- A handmade quilt, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair
July 20, 2006
Blog Ban Revoked
Hmm.. sense at last. Wonder who was the brain behind this 'super-duper' idea..
Anyway feels like a whiff of fresh air to be back legally... now I can relate to the sufferings of fellow bloggers in china n elsewhere. Strangling freedom of expression is bound to have its repercussions soon.
Warning: Hell hath no fury like a 'BLOGGER' Scorned!
Anyway feels like a whiff of fresh air to be back legally... now I can relate to the sufferings of fellow bloggers in china n elsewhere. Strangling freedom of expression is bound to have its repercussions soon.
Warning: Hell hath no fury like a 'BLOGGER' Scorned!
July 18, 2006
BAN - Hell with it
The Government has for sure rubbed the bloggers on the wrong side. It would be prudent on their part to withdraw the ban at the earliest, or else this is going to snowball into a BIG Controversy n Embarrassment.
Thanks to Arvind for pointing out this quote
All about the blog ban & its aftermath
http://censorship.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Bloggers _Against_Censorship
Thanks to Arvind for pointing out this quote
If this is the way we are going to close in on terrorists, I see no hope.An Indian political blog is reporting that the ban was initiated by the Indian intelligence service to stop terrorism. According to their source, the terrorists are using blogs to communicate. Not only is this useless (because the terrorists can simply use proxies), it's akin to shutting off the country's telephone service because terrorists talk to each other through phones.
All about the blog ban & its aftermath
http://censorship.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Bloggers _Against_Censorship
July 17, 2006
Tamilnadu to Thailand in 2nd Century AD
Wow! A Thai-French team of archaeologists have discovered a 2nd century sherd of inscribed pottery with unique Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions, during their current excavations at Phu Khao Thong in Thailand.Iravatham Mahadevan, an expert in Tamil Epigraphy says "Only three letters have survived on the pottery fragment. They read tu Ra o... , possibly part of the Tamil word turavon meaning monk. "
The one & only Rambo
Back after a week's gap..chumma took a break.
Last Friday, Hindu brought back my early memories of films esp. English films....when English Films meant just Sylvester Stallone
Rambo was the first movie I saw of Sylvester Stallone. I was spell-bounded by the Man-Machine. Later saw the Rambo series & Rocky series too (Good Old days...I reserve my wishes for Star Movies n my choicest curses for CAS in chennai)
I never did that before in my life..got hold of a Sylvester Stallone picture from a magazine & stuck it on my cupboard much to the chagrin of my Dad.
On Friday, I took a closer look at the much-faded old picture .. there was not much difference when compared to the one on Friday Review. Some people jus dont seem to grow old...
It was one hell of a surprise to know that my original hero had turned 60. And was even more taken aback when the report said Rocky VI is in the works and is expected to be released during 2006- 2007. His rags to riches story was an eye opener to me. He truely deserves success.
Three Cheers to Sylvester Stallone ;-)))
July 10, 2006
Titans Clash
I'm talking abt the great Wimbledon finals. Never has there been a defeat with so much dignity.
Roger Federer retained his Wimbledon crown after beating Rafael Nadal 6-0, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (2-7), 6-3. The numbers speak for themselves, the king of grass was slightly shaken by the king of clay.
What a match that was!
Another interesting thing, that caught my attention was the customary questioning session after the awards ceremony. I have always seen only dumb questions being asked to the cricketers after their matches, It was refreshing to hear the question posed to Roger
"We love this rivalry..[pause]..I guess you are not?"
Roger grins widely and says "Now..I like it"
July 07, 2006
July 06, 2006
Nandri
Two clients from Philippines had come to our office. After having finished my interaction with them, I said Thank You. They said Thank You in return and the next moment,they looked like they had commited a big blunder, and quickly blurted out 'Nandri..Nandri'.
July 03, 2006
Books for company
Over the last two weeks had a go at three books
1. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
2. What else..Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Tamil - Vairamuthu's Endha Kulathil Kal Yerindhavargal [people who have thrown stones at the lake]
To Kill a Mocking Bird: It is considered as one of the classics. Hmm, but I took more than a month to finish it. May be, I couldnt connect to the basics of the plot. The language was also pretty hard for me to make a fast read...lot of native lingo thrown in.
The book's journey takes us thro the lives of Jem & scout - a brother & sis duo and their father Atticus, a no-nonsense & affectionate lawyer. Jem & Scout always act out Boo Radley, a neighbor whom they have not seen but have heard rumours abt him being scary. The book details the socio economic conditions of the society. Only half way thro the book, the main story starts with a 'black' man wrongly accused of raping a white woman and Atticus takes up the case as defendant to the black man(Tom) ..in the process gains the hatred of his fellow white community. But, as expected the Tom is convicted & later killed on the pretext that he tried to escape. The bogus rape victim's brother tries to wreck vengeance on Atticus for having supported a 'black' man and for arguing against his sister. In the climax, the villan brother tries to kill Jem & scout but Boo Radley saves them.
The author successfully portrays the racial discrimination that was prevalent in the olden times. The enduring theme of the novel is to accept people as they are & treat them equally. And I personally liked the character - Atticus , the book is full of lessons on how to bring up children & Atticus is a dream father.
Harry Potter: I'm must be one of the last bunch of readers to read Harry Potter. Started to read the series just last month. I must say, I have fallen in luv with the magic of Harry Potter. It requires great writing skills to capture the imagination of the readers & to take them to an entirely different world. Full marks to J.K.Rowling. And the movie is also turning out to be my 'seen most number of times' movie. Casting has never been soo apt. Harry Potter, Ron, Hermonie, Dumbeldore, Snape, Hagrid n everyone come alive on screen. The Quidditch matches just took my breath away.
And I particularly liked the way, wizards & witchcrafts are potrayed ..contrary to the existing cultivated beliefs. Whenever, I see Harry fly on his Nimbus 2000, I zoom back to Dan Brown's words on how sacred symbols of Pagan worship were converted into satanic symbols , he quotes the pointed witch hats & the broomsticks in Da Vinci Code. Hmm ..point to be noted.
Vairamuthu's Endha Kulathil Kal Yerindhavargal: I'm half way thro the book. Vairamuthu chronicles the impact of the entire gamut of people who have crossed his life. I first read the chapter on IlayaRaja - the legendary music composer along with whom Vairamuthu reached peak of the fame in Tamil Film world. It was very interesting to see the love-hate relationship they share.
1. To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
2. What else..Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Tamil - Vairamuthu's Endha Kulathil Kal Yerindhavargal [people who have thrown stones at the lake]
To Kill a Mocking Bird: It is considered as one of the classics. Hmm, but I took more than a month to finish it. May be, I couldnt connect to the basics of the plot. The language was also pretty hard for me to make a fast read...lot of native lingo thrown in.
The book's journey takes us thro the lives of Jem & scout - a brother & sis duo and their father Atticus, a no-nonsense & affectionate lawyer. Jem & Scout always act out Boo Radley, a neighbor whom they have not seen but have heard rumours abt him being scary. The book details the socio economic conditions of the society. Only half way thro the book, the main story starts with a 'black' man wrongly accused of raping a white woman and Atticus takes up the case as defendant to the black man(Tom) ..in the process gains the hatred of his fellow white community. But, as expected the Tom is convicted & later killed on the pretext that he tried to escape. The bogus rape victim's brother tries to wreck vengeance on Atticus for having supported a 'black' man and for arguing against his sister. In the climax, the villan brother tries to kill Jem & scout but Boo Radley saves them.
The author successfully portrays the racial discrimination that was prevalent in the olden times. The enduring theme of the novel is to accept people as they are & treat them equally. And I personally liked the character - Atticus , the book is full of lessons on how to bring up children & Atticus is a dream father.
Harry Potter: I'm must be one of the last bunch of readers to read Harry Potter. Started to read the series just last month. I must say, I have fallen in luv with the magic of Harry Potter. It requires great writing skills to capture the imagination of the readers & to take them to an entirely different world. Full marks to J.K.Rowling. And the movie is also turning out to be my 'seen most number of times' movie. Casting has never been soo apt. Harry Potter, Ron, Hermonie, Dumbeldore, Snape, Hagrid n everyone come alive on screen. The Quidditch matches just took my breath away.
And I particularly liked the way, wizards & witchcrafts are potrayed ..contrary to the existing cultivated beliefs. Whenever, I see Harry fly on his Nimbus 2000, I zoom back to Dan Brown's words on how sacred symbols of Pagan worship were converted into satanic symbols , he quotes the pointed witch hats & the broomsticks in Da Vinci Code. Hmm ..point to be noted.
Vairamuthu's Endha Kulathil Kal Yerindhavargal: I'm half way thro the book. Vairamuthu chronicles the impact of the entire gamut of people who have crossed his life. I first read the chapter on IlayaRaja - the legendary music composer along with whom Vairamuthu reached peak of the fame in Tamil Film world. It was very interesting to see the love-hate relationship they share.
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