Being in the market, you get to witness many interesting events. I finally decided to blog about one.
So, the astrologer tells the girls dad(we got to hear about it later) - this horoscope is an excellent match. everyone in the family is well known to me. you can blindly give your daughter's hand to their son.
wait - i thought, love was blind. nowadays even astrologer-confirmed-arranged-marriages have become blind!!! anyway, sometimes i feel that love is not just blind, but its deaf and dumb too.
Few phone calls happened between the concerned parties - talks about family, ancestors, cities they have lived in and people they know etc etc. This is the background check. Then an email id was given.
Not being able to handle the daily rants, I finally decided to take the next step. So you know, the usual process begins. Introduction. And this is also like your "Expression of Interest" letter when you apply for your mba job application. Even though your skill sets are not going to change, you have to customize certain aspects so that it doesn't look like a cut and paste job. That was done.
No reply for about a week. Usually if I don't get any communication within a day or two, I give up. In this case, I was like - No way, even if I get a reply anytime later. I was thinking - after hours of random conversations on the phone between the families and trying to connect too many grey haired men and women that they could possibly know, what could be wrong? Or is it really taking this person a week to respond? Sometimes people write in installments you see.
Anyway, I gave my judgment on this case and closed the file from my side. Defense's (mom) objections were overruled.
Two days back, we got a call from the dad on the other side. It seems that he had told his daughter not to email until he told her to or something in those lines.
Instantly, the movie Santosh Subramaniam came to my mind. Its an arranged marriage situation and the girl says - "Appa sonnaarunga, neenga romba nallavaru, ongala kalyanam pannikitta en life romba santhoshama irukkumnu"(my dad told me that you are nice guy and if i get married to you, my life will be good)
I replayed that for my situation.
"Appa sonnaarunga, naan sollara varaikkum email pannaathae" (my dad told me that he will come and tell me whether to email or not)
"Appa sonnaarunga, neenga romba nalla payyan nu."(my dad told me that you are a very good person)
It was absolutely HILARIOUS. I was happy that I had already decided against this. Coming to think of it, its actually scary. If parents make the decision for the girl (its not just this one, but i have come across a few more) - oh my god!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dow Bhopal Tragedy
I bumped into an article in Business week and I was surprised to note what's happening.
In 1984, Bhopal gas tragedy happened. Union Carbide was completely responsible for everything that happened and they were liable to make any clean up that's required. They paid some money to the victims and then everything was left as it is. Neither the government nor Union Carbide did anything more to address the environmental impact that the leak had created.
Dow Chemical bought whatever was left of the Union Carbide plant. They bought the company shares.
And now, a bunch of people are holding their hands, shouting at Dow Chemical to spend millions of dollars to clean the water table.
The law ministry is also sending wrong signals and supporting this stupid idea.
I seriously don't understand. Why are these people blaming Dow? Just because an international company decided to buy a rundown plant, can you just blame them for whatever happened before?
On top of this, some students at the IITs are objecting to an institutional tie-up with Dow Chemical. That's stupidity to the highest level. Don't these students ever think at all? This is what happens when respected institutions are influenced by reservation policies, the Ministry and a bunch of uneducated politicians.
There is also an NGO that is fighting against Dow Chemical. The Chemicals Ministry has told - "the polluter should pay". What a statement. Damn it! Everyone knows that the polluter was Union Carbide and they were supposed to do the clean up. All these people kept quiet, got bribes once in a while, and now when a renowned firm entered the country, they have decided to put the blame on it. Maybe, someone gave them an idea that if we blame an international firm, they will immediately do what's required to prevent any damage to their brand value at the world market.
Do any of these parties understand that its the responsibility of the government and Union Carbide officials to solve this problem?
If we told that going forward, Dow has to be responsible for whatever happens, then its okay. Why do we have to pass our own inefficiencies to someone who is quiet?
In 1984, Bhopal gas tragedy happened. Union Carbide was completely responsible for everything that happened and they were liable to make any clean up that's required. They paid some money to the victims and then everything was left as it is. Neither the government nor Union Carbide did anything more to address the environmental impact that the leak had created.
Dow Chemical bought whatever was left of the Union Carbide plant. They bought the company shares.
And now, a bunch of people are holding their hands, shouting at Dow Chemical to spend millions of dollars to clean the water table.
The law ministry is also sending wrong signals and supporting this stupid idea.
I seriously don't understand. Why are these people blaming Dow? Just because an international company decided to buy a rundown plant, can you just blame them for whatever happened before?
On top of this, some students at the IITs are objecting to an institutional tie-up with Dow Chemical. That's stupidity to the highest level. Don't these students ever think at all? This is what happens when respected institutions are influenced by reservation policies, the Ministry and a bunch of uneducated politicians.
There is also an NGO that is fighting against Dow Chemical. The Chemicals Ministry has told - "the polluter should pay". What a statement. Damn it! Everyone knows that the polluter was Union Carbide and they were supposed to do the clean up. All these people kept quiet, got bribes once in a while, and now when a renowned firm entered the country, they have decided to put the blame on it. Maybe, someone gave them an idea that if we blame an international firm, they will immediately do what's required to prevent any damage to their brand value at the world market.
Do any of these parties understand that its the responsibility of the government and Union Carbide officials to solve this problem?
If we told that going forward, Dow has to be responsible for whatever happens, then its okay. Why do we have to pass our own inefficiencies to someone who is quiet?
Monday, May 26, 2008
CUF on Times of India
Times of India covered Chennai Ultimate Frisbee last week. Nice article but I still don't understand the emphasis on ruthless work ethics, mentioned on the title. I know that this guy is referring to the abusive language on the field. Yes, we do shout at our own friends when they drop a disc or don't get a proper throw across to us. But that's part of the game. Even during our 5 minute break, we forget all that. Its just the intensity of the game that makes us behave that way when were on the field. Its a different kind of passion.
When you read the article, you'll see that the words "ruthless work ethics" are actually borrowed from someone who mentioned that on the field.
My point is - let it be that way, but why do you, as the press guy, go on to say "Chennai's professionals borrow from ruthless work ethics when flinging a disc around"
There were so many better quotes about Ultimate Frisbee that were given to you that day. Very inspirational ones. Ones that would actually get someone interested in taking up this sport. And what did you do with all that?
Is someone writing a paper titled "Why we hate PRESS" on the lines of "Why we hate HR"? I'd really like to contribute.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Arasangam - Truly Unusual
After I don't know how many years, I got to watch Captain's movie in a cinema hall. When I walked out of the hall, I was amazed.
Captain has moved to the next level in his 150th movie. In a world where even Hollywood is predominantly trying to show machine power, Captain and his team have zeroed in on the importance of the intellect.
A series of killings in different cities of famous industrialists and entrepreneurs marks the beginning of this super thriller. Captain's friend is summoned to investigate this case. Friend is missing. So Captain, who is a criminology expert at the police training college takes over. When we hear Captain talking about encryption and decryption techniques, the excitement continues.
Captain's role is a bit mellowed down in this movie. No punch dialogs at all. But the unbelievable stunts are still there. The best one is the last scene where Captain and the villain jump from a crane / bridge (I don't remember), then do a quick hop (like those triple jumps that athletes do) on a container truck and then get onto a train. Captain also needs to work on his double chin, its getting bigger by every movie and in this movie its a big disturbance.
Operation Bulu Thunder (well, its Blue but that's the way Captain says) is aimed at breaking the pillars that hold the economy. There is international interest in not allowing India to become a super power. In order to create a brain drain, a network of people decide to kill the best minds in India which will hamper the progress by at least 20 years.
The makers of this movie have done their homework. They have done Root Cause Analysis. They have also understood the power of social networks. There is more technology than muscle power.
The movie also reminds us of a number of other movies from the past - Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Hannibal, Die Hard - Part Four.
Ceril Printo, Navneeth Kaur are the girls in Canada and India respectively. Kaur is the wife and Printo is an investigation associate and a part-time girlfriend as well.
Srikanth Deva's music is quite ok. Its not disturbing to the ear. Choreography is neat as well. No heavy steps for Captain.
In some ways, the movie looked like it was very producer friendly. In the first half, most parts of the movie has been done in natural settings. So no great setup cost. The second half in Canada isn't too extravagant as well.
The only message I got from this movie - Never spit out a bubble gum on the road. Always wrap it in a piece of paper and then throw it.
Captain has moved to the next level in his 150th movie. In a world where even Hollywood is predominantly trying to show machine power, Captain and his team have zeroed in on the importance of the intellect.
A series of killings in different cities of famous industrialists and entrepreneurs marks the beginning of this super thriller. Captain's friend is summoned to investigate this case. Friend is missing. So Captain, who is a criminology expert at the police training college takes over. When we hear Captain talking about encryption and decryption techniques, the excitement continues.
Captain's role is a bit mellowed down in this movie. No punch dialogs at all. But the unbelievable stunts are still there. The best one is the last scene where Captain and the villain jump from a crane / bridge (I don't remember), then do a quick hop (like those triple jumps that athletes do) on a container truck and then get onto a train. Captain also needs to work on his double chin, its getting bigger by every movie and in this movie its a big disturbance.Operation Bulu Thunder (well, its Blue but that's the way Captain says) is aimed at breaking the pillars that hold the economy. There is international interest in not allowing India to become a super power. In order to create a brain drain, a network of people decide to kill the best minds in India which will hamper the progress by at least 20 years.
The makers of this movie have done their homework. They have done Root Cause Analysis. They have also understood the power of social networks. There is more technology than muscle power.
The movie also reminds us of a number of other movies from the past - Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Hannibal, Die Hard - Part Four.
Ceril Printo, Navneeth Kaur are the girls in Canada and India respectively. Kaur is the wife and Printo is an investigation associate and a part-time girlfriend as well.
Srikanth Deva's music is quite ok. Its not disturbing to the ear. Choreography is neat as well. No heavy steps for Captain.
In some ways, the movie looked like it was very producer friendly. In the first half, most parts of the movie has been done in natural settings. So no great setup cost. The second half in Canada isn't too extravagant as well.
The only message I got from this movie - Never spit out a bubble gum on the road. Always wrap it in a piece of paper and then throw it.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Comments Stealing
I found this set of comments on another blog that I frequently visit. once you start reading you'll understand the context of this huge debate. after reading through all this, i really wonder if educated people think like this? tradition, culture, religion is all apart. leaving all that, for all practical purposes, you'll still feel that this guy is all crap.
--------------------
raj, on May 20th, 2008 at 11:06 am Said:
woman are impure when they have ****. i own a travel agency, and we never allow the woman employees to take care of the ticketing needs. see so many people are going for teerth yaatra, or for imp journeys. if a woman with **** does their ticket, it could be very unlucky for them. even my wife agrees. i have seen myself pickles going bad when impure woman has touched. women are not bad, but they need to be careful to not give others bad luck. some precautions must be taken. you are wrong.
raj, on May 21st, 2008 at 5:19 pm Said:
hi neha - raj again. first of all i want to say that all of you are blindly following the western practice. their women don’t know how to control themselves - and that is why babies are born without mothers being married. that is why they are smoking, drinking and having sex without respect for anyone. following purity rules allows women to exercise self discipline. and to develop a pure mind. god has given woman **** so that she knows that she cannot do everything a man can…….. otherwise women forgets that she has to take care of babies. see, these rules remind even unmarried womens what their duties are…. that they must always sacrifice.
i am not scared of you women.. you can come and run after me.. but let’s see if you can run when you are having ****. i am betting you cannot. if you are a good hindu follower then you follow these rules, otherwise you can become a west person or convert even. why make hinduism impure with ur actions??
my wife agrees with me. not because she thinks i am mad. but because she knows that i am correct. our shastras say that wives must always obey husbands. but you are an impure so called hindu who is not really hindu, so you will never these understand these things.
raj, on May 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 am Said:
why are all you people so arrogant? what makes you think you are smarter than years of vedic knowledge and our forefathers. having a **** is natural, but it is naturally impure. why are you all laughing at me? tomorrow, when an impure women effects your luck and things become really bad for you, then i will laugh at you all.
raj, on May 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 am Said:
ALSO - ankur, i think you are controlled by all womenin your life. that is why you say these things. a real man would stick to wisdom and not try to impress.
raj, on May 23rd, 2008 at 6:28 am Said:
how dare you all say i am only joking. this makes me very ANGRYYYY. your arrogance means you never listen to anyone, and think of people like me, as jokers? i am very much real. i am very much serious. WOMEN AND MEN ARE NOT EQUAL. men cannot have children. women have children and because of that, they must sacrifice a lot. it is a gift from god, and they have to show their appreciation for god by separating herself … like a sanyasi. THIS IS NOT FUNNY AT ALL. IT IS A serious issue. you are all fools.
--------------------
Ok the reason behind getting these absolutely stupid comments on to this page is because of the following links that I happened to read.
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
--------------------
raj, on May 20th, 2008 at 11:06 am Said:
woman are impure when they have ****. i own a travel agency, and we never allow the woman employees to take care of the ticketing needs. see so many people are going for teerth yaatra, or for imp journeys. if a woman with **** does their ticket, it could be very unlucky for them. even my wife agrees. i have seen myself pickles going bad when impure woman has touched. women are not bad, but they need to be careful to not give others bad luck. some precautions must be taken. you are wrong.
raj, on May 21st, 2008 at 5:19 pm Said:
hi neha - raj again. first of all i want to say that all of you are blindly following the western practice. their women don’t know how to control themselves - and that is why babies are born without mothers being married. that is why they are smoking, drinking and having sex without respect for anyone. following purity rules allows women to exercise self discipline. and to develop a pure mind. god has given woman **** so that she knows that she cannot do everything a man can…….. otherwise women forgets that she has to take care of babies. see, these rules remind even unmarried womens what their duties are…. that they must always sacrifice.
i am not scared of you women.. you can come and run after me.. but let’s see if you can run when you are having ****. i am betting you cannot. if you are a good hindu follower then you follow these rules, otherwise you can become a west person or convert even. why make hinduism impure with ur actions??
my wife agrees with me. not because she thinks i am mad. but because she knows that i am correct. our shastras say that wives must always obey husbands. but you are an impure so called hindu who is not really hindu, so you will never these understand these things.
raj, on May 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 am Said:
why are all you people so arrogant? what makes you think you are smarter than years of vedic knowledge and our forefathers. having a **** is natural, but it is naturally impure. why are you all laughing at me? tomorrow, when an impure women effects your luck and things become really bad for you, then i will laugh at you all.
raj, on May 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 am Said:
ALSO - ankur, i think you are controlled by all womenin your life. that is why you say these things. a real man would stick to wisdom and not try to impress.
raj, on May 23rd, 2008 at 6:28 am Said:
how dare you all say i am only joking. this makes me very ANGRYYYY. your arrogance means you never listen to anyone, and think of people like me, as jokers? i am very much real. i am very much serious. WOMEN AND MEN ARE NOT EQUAL. men cannot have children. women have children and because of that, they must sacrifice a lot. it is a gift from god, and they have to show their appreciation for god by separating herself … like a sanyasi. THIS IS NOT FUNNY AT ALL. IT IS A serious issue. you are all fools.
--------------------
Ok the reason behind getting these absolutely stupid comments on to this page is because of the following links that I happened to read.
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Poem: That moment
like a princess from neverland
in front of his eyes
she rested there
in deep thought
he looked at her
that pin drop silence
her eyelids opened
he imagined
lotus petals unfolding under the sun
their eyes met
no word spilled
still volumes were spoken
the magic had happened
clasping her body close
to himself
he felt her breath
warm and heavy
lifting her chin
she closed her eyes
his lips on hers
that first kiss
he stole her breath
a new journey of love began
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Kuruvi - Will never fly
Vijay works for a courier service company. A smuggling group has been using this courier service to deliver goods. Unknowingly, Vijay delivers a packet to someone and gets caught. How he escapes from the hands of the police and brings the bad men to the light is the storyline.
Well, this is what I read from some random website when I was browsing about Kuruvi.
Anyway, even though the movie turned out to have a different storyline, it was equally bad.
Dharani-Vijay combination did not create the Ghilli impact this time. I still think that Ghilli was a much faster movie and kept your thoughts racing.
Vijay lives in a huge but dilapidated bungalow. From the information we have, its somewhere on the banks of the Buckingham canal. Vijay and whoever is living with him in that house is dependent on dad Manivannan who has supposedly gone to Singapore for work. But its surprising that with no news from dad, no one is bothered or worried. When someone knocks at their door for a hefty sum of money - everyone wakes up.
Kuruvi by name is a tribute to all those people who make day trips to Malaysia and Singapore to buy electronic goods - to sell the same back in the bazaars here. Vijay dons the role of a Kuruvi to find his dad.
Vijay - I wonder how he keeps getting younger by the movie. He has done amazing work on ensuring that he is the king of kollywood dance. Beginning from the first song, Dandaana, then Palanathu and a little bit in Mozha Mozhanu. Surprising how the dance masters come up with crazy steps tailor made for the Ilaya Thalapathi. All that keeps you engrossed to a great extent.
Acting - I am really sorry sir. Nothing is natural. The scenes in Cudappah - every artist in soaked in dust and dirt - its a quarry, whereas you are sparkling clean wearing timberland boots. Ok, I don't have any proof for the brand, but still!!! And trying a mask of Zorro act from the Petronas towers. Reminds me of the old MGR and Saroja Devi movies where they keep sitting in a chariot, shaking their heads and hands. The background keeps moving. All that is such a cartoon. Heroes are supposed to be larger than life. Agreed. But a reasonable attention to detail always helps.
When it comes to the storyline, its a huge let down. A son goes in search of his dad. That's all. During the second half of the movie, I felt as if someone was pulling a chewing gum for 3 miles. Totally frail and lacking believable content. We've had enough heroes missing an axe, spade or even the bullet. Why do directors still think that people will be fascinated by the same crap again and again?
Trisha - wow. This 83 born beauty will never stop. Her style is amazing and ever since Laysa Laysa she has been that cute damsel with sharp looks. Colors go well with Trisha. And she is not a totally fair skinned person. She sports a sexy light tan that makes her a perfect choice for Tamil cinema.
Vivek as the comedian. No great shakes. He imitates a whole lot of stars. That's interesting. Otherwise, he makes some kind of unnecessary punch dialogs that doesn't gel too well.
Suman and Ashish Vidhyarthi are the bad guys. Suman ends up being a comedian cum villain. Ashish is okay. Its hard to believe that someone owns a diamond mine / quarry in Cudappah without the knowledge of the government. That too, employing more than 200 people as bonded laborers. By the way, Kuruvi also gives you a hint about how you can upload files to the Central Bureau of Investigation India. You'll need to watch the movie to get that.
Vidyasagar's music - painful to the ears. I don't know what on earth is wrong with the music directors here. Just because a few confused Malaysians have landed up in chennai calling themselves tamil rappers, doesn't mean that you have to give them a chance to murder a song in every film that is getting released. Enough is enough. Lyrics is also equally bad. Almost every song sounds like a remix number.
Overall: Expect nothing.
And here's a cartoon on Kuruvi. Picked it up from the web. Click on the image to read it clearly.
Well, this is what I read from some random website when I was browsing about Kuruvi.
Anyway, even though the movie turned out to have a different storyline, it was equally bad.
Dharani-Vijay combination did not create the Ghilli impact this time. I still think that Ghilli was a much faster movie and kept your thoughts racing.
Vijay lives in a huge but dilapidated bungalow. From the information we have, its somewhere on the banks of the Buckingham canal. Vijay and whoever is living with him in that house is dependent on dad Manivannan who has supposedly gone to Singapore for work. But its surprising that with no news from dad, no one is bothered or worried. When someone knocks at their door for a hefty sum of money - everyone wakes up.
Kuruvi by name is a tribute to all those people who make day trips to Malaysia and Singapore to buy electronic goods - to sell the same back in the bazaars here. Vijay dons the role of a Kuruvi to find his dad.
Vijay - I wonder how he keeps getting younger by the movie. He has done amazing work on ensuring that he is the king of kollywood dance. Beginning from the first song, Dandaana, then Palanathu and a little bit in Mozha Mozhanu. Surprising how the dance masters come up with crazy steps tailor made for the Ilaya Thalapathi. All that keeps you engrossed to a great extent.
Acting - I am really sorry sir. Nothing is natural. The scenes in Cudappah - every artist in soaked in dust and dirt - its a quarry, whereas you are sparkling clean wearing timberland boots. Ok, I don't have any proof for the brand, but still!!! And trying a mask of Zorro act from the Petronas towers. Reminds me of the old MGR and Saroja Devi movies where they keep sitting in a chariot, shaking their heads and hands. The background keeps moving. All that is such a cartoon. Heroes are supposed to be larger than life. Agreed. But a reasonable attention to detail always helps.
When it comes to the storyline, its a huge let down. A son goes in search of his dad. That's all. During the second half of the movie, I felt as if someone was pulling a chewing gum for 3 miles. Totally frail and lacking believable content. We've had enough heroes missing an axe, spade or even the bullet. Why do directors still think that people will be fascinated by the same crap again and again?
Trisha - wow. This 83 born beauty will never stop. Her style is amazing and ever since Laysa Laysa she has been that cute damsel with sharp looks. Colors go well with Trisha. And she is not a totally fair skinned person. She sports a sexy light tan that makes her a perfect choice for Tamil cinema.
Vivek as the comedian. No great shakes. He imitates a whole lot of stars. That's interesting. Otherwise, he makes some kind of unnecessary punch dialogs that doesn't gel too well.
Suman and Ashish Vidhyarthi are the bad guys. Suman ends up being a comedian cum villain. Ashish is okay. Its hard to believe that someone owns a diamond mine / quarry in Cudappah without the knowledge of the government. That too, employing more than 200 people as bonded laborers. By the way, Kuruvi also gives you a hint about how you can upload files to the Central Bureau of Investigation India. You'll need to watch the movie to get that.
Vidyasagar's music - painful to the ears. I don't know what on earth is wrong with the music directors here. Just because a few confused Malaysians have landed up in chennai calling themselves tamil rappers, doesn't mean that you have to give them a chance to murder a song in every film that is getting released. Enough is enough. Lyrics is also equally bad. Almost every song sounds like a remix number.
Overall: Expect nothing.
And here's a cartoon on Kuruvi. Picked it up from the web. Click on the image to read it clearly.
Summer is back
Madras Summer. Anyone who has been living in madras for a very long time would be able to endlessly talk about the extremely HOT days and nights as well.
I have been observing and feeling the extremities of the weather and its simply unmanageable. Especially in a workplace like mine. You get into the office at 8.45am in the morning. Its quite hot at that time. The doors slide out and while you enter you smell jasmine in the air - that's the room freshener. The air conditioner is blowing air at sub 25 temperatures. You kinda feel the difference as you walk in. Once totally inside, you'll feel a sudden drop in temperature. Its really cool.
Obviously, the whole campus is not under a air conditioned roof. So, at around mid-day - lunch time, you HAVE to walk out. A walk for a minute or two would take you to the cafeteria. While you do this, the temperature suddenly of your body suddenly crests. And then when you come back in, it drops. This is such a bad thing to happen for your health. Sudden changes in body temperature would only result in viral fever and common cold.
On a different note, summer used to be such a beautiful phenomenon back in London. At 10 in the morning, most people would try and find themselves a place in one the large parks inside within the city. The very idea of lying on your chest and reading a book while the sun bakes your back. In between a cool breeze sweeps through and tickles your neck. You shrug and shiver a bit still enjoying the heat from that big star. Bright colors, short skirts, huge towels, cane baskets, broad hats - so lovely!
Anyway, I associate Madras summer always with this master piece. If you are a Madras fan, then you'd completely agree.
I have been observing and feeling the extremities of the weather and its simply unmanageable. Especially in a workplace like mine. You get into the office at 8.45am in the morning. Its quite hot at that time. The doors slide out and while you enter you smell jasmine in the air - that's the room freshener. The air conditioner is blowing air at sub 25 temperatures. You kinda feel the difference as you walk in. Once totally inside, you'll feel a sudden drop in temperature. Its really cool.
Obviously, the whole campus is not under a air conditioned roof. So, at around mid-day - lunch time, you HAVE to walk out. A walk for a minute or two would take you to the cafeteria. While you do this, the temperature suddenly of your body suddenly crests. And then when you come back in, it drops. This is such a bad thing to happen for your health. Sudden changes in body temperature would only result in viral fever and common cold.
On a different note, summer used to be such a beautiful phenomenon back in London. At 10 in the morning, most people would try and find themselves a place in one the large parks inside within the city. The very idea of lying on your chest and reading a book while the sun bakes your back. In between a cool breeze sweeps through and tickles your neck. You shrug and shiver a bit still enjoying the heat from that big star. Bright colors, short skirts, huge towels, cane baskets, broad hats - so lovely!
Anyway, I associate Madras summer always with this master piece. If you are a Madras fan, then you'd completely agree.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Slice of your life
I hope a good number of you would remember this ad, but I am not sure how many have seen the complete one.
The Mango season is right around the corner and it is time to revive and re-live those wonderful moments.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
BONGULY
|
I found this while surfing on the web. Absolutely FILTHY but quite interesting.
DO NOT USE SPEAKERS
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hill Stations and Homemade Chocolates
With a bag hanging on his shoulder, he reached the main market place. A few of his friends were there with him too. They looked around. Tourists everywhere. Shopkeepers busy trying to attract the crowd. It was the peak season of the year.
Every second shop in that one square kilometer area sold homemade chocolates. He was astonished. He wondered why!
What was it with homemade chocolates and hill-stations? What's the damn connection?
- Is it because of fresh and organic milk? The cows do not have to eat treated food. They get to graze on the greener pastures of the mountains. No one is there to control their movement. With freedom, they eat better and live healthy. Hence, the milk is full of energy and natural nutrients. (Hmmm... is this the same milk that Arjun's mom used to give him? Don't know)
- Chocolate doesn't melt in cool weather. Now that's a scientific thought. But all the people who buy these chocolates, are from the hot plains. So what's the point in buying chocolates and then taking it back as one molded piece?
- Or is it cocoa beans? Possible, cocoa beans can grow in places that are 20 degrees to the north and south of the equator. Kodaikanal is probably one of those places.
- Homemade chocolates provide unadulterated nutritional value, which might be required in the hills. I mean, you'll need more and will also burn more.
- Chocolate contains chemical mood filters associated with feelings of love and passion. In India, hill-stations are a common attraction for lovers. You know where I am getting to. Also, Aztec emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets of chocolate a day to boost his virility before visiting his harem of 600 women. Isn't that enough proof?
Now I need a kilo of that banana cream filled chocolate. Right Now !!!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Santosh Subramaniam - Love makes life beautiful
The Subramaniams have a very organized life. Mr.Subramaniam - the breadwinner of the family, goes out of his way to manage the needs of everyone in his family. He decides everything at home and no one thinks otherwise.
Santosh Subramaniam - our hero and the son, is not able to take this overpowering affection and control over his personal life.
That's where the movie, the re-make of a Telugu super-hit Bommarillu, begins.
Father is the ultimate authority. He even goes to the extent of deciding whom his son needs to marry, without even finding out whether the son is prepared to get married. While sincerely trying to decide how to break this arranged wedding is when Santosh meets Haasini - an extremely bubbly and live-life-for-this-moment girl.
Okay, at this point, we can definitely say that this movie is all about how Santosh manages to convince his family to accept his love. There is little more.
Jeyam Ravi - the tamil hero who has benefited from Telugu scripts, more than any other tamil hero, is back again with a bang. He is not bad at all. Ian Fleming described James Bond as the perfect man - 6ft tall, 76kgs, slim. Ravi qualifies in most aspects. His screen presence is good. I am not going to make a comparison with the Telugu movie. Ravi has made best use of his strength - dancing. In every song, he has performed a different style - folk, disco, hip-hop. Its all there. As an actor, I am not sure, maybe that was the scope of this movie. As a son whose actions are controlled by his dad, his emotions in the movie are quite reflective of his thoughts. The final emotional outburst and part-monologue is quite good.
Genelia, Harini - Haasini in the movie, brings a lot of LIFE to the screenplay. The SCRUNCH HAIR is totally cute. It compliments her character. Her belief in giving everything, even for an iota of happiness, not worrying about what others would think, not wearing different shoes in different settings, trying to be just one person all through the movie, is what changes the tempo of the movie and keeps you interested.
Prakash Raj as the dad has done a neat job. He is not loud. His attitude and strong dialogs make him powerful. He strongly believes that he needs to shape the life of his children. He is like most dad's you see around yourself. In fact, I see my dad doing the same with me, especially with the wedding issue. Even my parents think that they should have a big say in deciding what I need to do. That's ingrained, but when I say NO, they do listen.
The main theme of this movie is the dad-son relationship. As the movie progresses, you can slowly feel the power-influence graph shifting from the dad to the family and finally the son. The lady love is the independent variable who comes in between and changes the dynamics of the this equation.
Gita, Sayaji Shinde, Keerat, Vijayakumar, Sadagopan Ramesh, Kausalya are part of this movie, but have very less part to play.
Comedy from Santhanam and team blends into the movie. Although it doesn't make you roll on the floor, there is reasonable scope for a laugh or two.
Devisri Prasad - good job with the music. Anyway, its a copy from the Telugu. Somehow, after hearing to all the songs, I kind of get this feeling that a good percentage of the songs have the same base raaga. A little change in the tempo and you get another song. That's all. So no extraordinary work. Very efficient.
Overall: Cute movie.
Santosh Subramaniam - our hero and the son, is not able to take this overpowering affection and control over his personal life.
That's where the movie, the re-make of a Telugu super-hit Bommarillu, begins.
Father is the ultimate authority. He even goes to the extent of deciding whom his son needs to marry, without even finding out whether the son is prepared to get married. While sincerely trying to decide how to break this arranged wedding is when Santosh meets Haasini - an extremely bubbly and live-life-for-this-moment girl.
Okay, at this point, we can definitely say that this movie is all about how Santosh manages to convince his family to accept his love. There is little more.
Jeyam Ravi - the tamil hero who has benefited from Telugu scripts, more than any other tamil hero, is back again with a bang. He is not bad at all. Ian Fleming described James Bond as the perfect man - 6ft tall, 76kgs, slim. Ravi qualifies in most aspects. His screen presence is good. I am not going to make a comparison with the Telugu movie. Ravi has made best use of his strength - dancing. In every song, he has performed a different style - folk, disco, hip-hop. Its all there. As an actor, I am not sure, maybe that was the scope of this movie. As a son whose actions are controlled by his dad, his emotions in the movie are quite reflective of his thoughts. The final emotional outburst and part-monologue is quite good.
Genelia, Harini - Haasini in the movie, brings a lot of LIFE to the screenplay. The SCRUNCH HAIR is totally cute. It compliments her character. Her belief in giving everything, even for an iota of happiness, not worrying about what others would think, not wearing different shoes in different settings, trying to be just one person all through the movie, is what changes the tempo of the movie and keeps you interested.
Prakash Raj as the dad has done a neat job. He is not loud. His attitude and strong dialogs make him powerful. He strongly believes that he needs to shape the life of his children. He is like most dad's you see around yourself. In fact, I see my dad doing the same with me, especially with the wedding issue. Even my parents think that they should have a big say in deciding what I need to do. That's ingrained, but when I say NO, they do listen.
The main theme of this movie is the dad-son relationship. As the movie progresses, you can slowly feel the power-influence graph shifting from the dad to the family and finally the son. The lady love is the independent variable who comes in between and changes the dynamics of the this equation.
Gita, Sayaji Shinde, Keerat, Vijayakumar, Sadagopan Ramesh, Kausalya are part of this movie, but have very less part to play.
Comedy from Santhanam and team blends into the movie. Although it doesn't make you roll on the floor, there is reasonable scope for a laugh or two.
Devisri Prasad - good job with the music. Anyway, its a copy from the Telugu. Somehow, after hearing to all the songs, I kind of get this feeling that a good percentage of the songs have the same base raaga. A little change in the tempo and you get another song. That's all. So no extraordinary work. Very efficient.
Overall: Cute movie.
Monday, April 14, 2008
A connection
Although this song is from the 2007 movies, its still a nice reminder of those wonderful days in school or college.
There was always this cute girl in school, on whom you had a big crush. Nothing happened because you never got up and told her anything. You were shy and afraid of what your friends would tell. Your friends take her trip everyday for the most common things, but you can't say a word. If you did that, then you are in deep shit. Far away from her, you still imagine her as your best companion.
Its the same with this video. It brings back those one-day excursions. Its only that day when the girls and the boys sit in the same bus. Your friends make noise, sing and trouble everyone around, but you try and play the nice guy. Or totally the opposite. You try and be the centre of attention. Still no impression made. Displays of chivalry grow in leaps and bounds. You secretly take pictures of your favorite girl. Once in a while, cross her path and try to make an eye contact. If it was a place with fun-rides, then you somehow manage to get a seat just behind her to watch her react.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Entertainment
This is the worst level to which Tamil Nadu politics could get to. Even GOOGLE NEWS classifies this piece of news as Entertainment rather than anything related to serious politics or government. This problem of opposition accusing the ruling party has become such a repetitive and idiotic act that even a harmless and unbiased search engine company's software decided to play sport.
Check the photograph on the right and the first news item.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Yaaradi Nee Mohini
Maybe it was Dhanush's dream to do a movie where he plays a software professional. I wouldn't blame him but the director for having placed very less importance on doing proper groundwork for the role.
A guy who doesn't even know the J of Java decides to find himself a job inside a software firm just because he runs into a pretty girl on the road who apparently is one of the project managers with that firm. He learns Java in a day, sorry, its just one night, just by memorising that "java is an object oriented language", cracks the written test, group discussion and personal interview.
Dhanush plays the irresponsible son of Raguvaran who is a school teacher. Dad keeps scolding his son endlessly. I wonder why Dhanush always ends up in a role where he gets tongue-lashed by his family. Or is it because of Selvaraghavan? Did he think that Dhanush was a spoilt child in his family and so he decided to take revenge on screen? Haha.. whatever!
So we know that our hero lands up in an IT firm. Without much PLANNING, he did a REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS and got the job. When it came to DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, he screwed up. The server crashed. What an insane IT firm!! They don't even have a back up of the code. Hero learns the remaining of Java in the next few hours and starts coding. In the morning, when people come to office, he hands them the code printed in paper. Guys - gimme a break. Did you know that there is something called EMAIL? And then we see this funny message "CODE ACTIVATED" on the screen. Come on dude, ever since vacuum tubes were in existence, you guys have been showing us the same thing. Can't you get more creative and sensible?
IMPLEMENTATION goes for another toss. As our hero tries to convey his love to Nayantara, she rejects him totally.
Raguvaran does an amazing role in the movie. What is so shocking is his on-screen death because of getting drunk, which soon turns out to be a real life incident. Painful. What a tragic co-incidence.
Nayantara is JUST BEAUTIFUL in the movie. In the beginning, she is an angry project manager but towards the second half, she transforms completely. Selection of half-sari's for her costume is definitely worth a mention.
Karthik Kumar - yes, the EVAM Guy. Again ends up in a role where he has to let go of the girl he is supposed to marry. Oops, if that gives you any clue. But, amazing scope of role. He has a very important and meaningful role in the movie. His screen presence is very good. Some of his scenes and dialogs could have been avoided - especially the one where he asks a third person (here its a friend) to sing about his future wife. I'd blame the Selvaraghavan and team here. Would you ask your friend to sing and describe your girl-friend. Absolute stupidity. Third-rate behavior. Selva - please think. It doesn't cost much.
Anandavalli alias Pooja. Don't know her real name. She is one helluva pretty girl who is going to make waves. She has a crush on Dhanush and she gets a song with him too.
Nayantara - did she act at all? Nothing evident. Dhanush - tried to act but didnt work out well.
Music - nothing worth mentioning or reviewing. Since the movie is a re-make of a Telugu version there wouldn't have been any difficulty in knowing the mood at every point. Having known that much before, the compositions are still bad.
Overall Rating - Still worth a big laugh. Can see it once.
A guy who doesn't even know the J of Java decides to find himself a job inside a software firm just because he runs into a pretty girl on the road who apparently is one of the project managers with that firm. He learns Java in a day, sorry, its just one night, just by memorising that "java is an object oriented language", cracks the written test, group discussion and personal interview.
Dhanush plays the irresponsible son of Raguvaran who is a school teacher. Dad keeps scolding his son endlessly. I wonder why Dhanush always ends up in a role where he gets tongue-lashed by his family. Or is it because of Selvaraghavan? Did he think that Dhanush was a spoilt child in his family and so he decided to take revenge on screen? Haha.. whatever!
So we know that our hero lands up in an IT firm. Without much PLANNING, he did a REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS and got the job. When it came to DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, he screwed up. The server crashed. What an insane IT firm!! They don't even have a back up of the code. Hero learns the remaining of Java in the next few hours and starts coding. In the morning, when people come to office, he hands them the code printed in paper. Guys - gimme a break. Did you know that there is something called EMAIL? And then we see this funny message "CODE ACTIVATED" on the screen. Come on dude, ever since vacuum tubes were in existence, you guys have been showing us the same thing. Can't you get more creative and sensible?
IMPLEMENTATION goes for another toss. As our hero tries to convey his love to Nayantara, she rejects him totally.
Raguvaran does an amazing role in the movie. What is so shocking is his on-screen death because of getting drunk, which soon turns out to be a real life incident. Painful. What a tragic co-incidence.
Nayantara is JUST BEAUTIFUL in the movie. In the beginning, she is an angry project manager but towards the second half, she transforms completely. Selection of half-sari's for her costume is definitely worth a mention.
Karthik Kumar - yes, the EVAM Guy. Again ends up in a role where he has to let go of the girl he is supposed to marry. Oops, if that gives you any clue. But, amazing scope of role. He has a very important and meaningful role in the movie. His screen presence is very good. Some of his scenes and dialogs could have been avoided - especially the one where he asks a third person (here its a friend) to sing about his future wife. I'd blame the Selvaraghavan and team here. Would you ask your friend to sing and describe your girl-friend. Absolute stupidity. Third-rate behavior. Selva - please think. It doesn't cost much.
Anandavalli alias Pooja. Don't know her real name. She is one helluva pretty girl who is going to make waves. She has a crush on Dhanush and she gets a song with him too.
Nayantara - did she act at all? Nothing evident. Dhanush - tried to act but didnt work out well.
Music - nothing worth mentioning or reviewing. Since the movie is a re-make of a Telugu version there wouldn't have been any difficulty in knowing the mood at every point. Having known that much before, the compositions are still bad.
Overall Rating - Still worth a big laugh. Can see it once.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
He Says She Says
She: Honey, can you trim my toe nail. I seem to have some difficulty to bend.
He: Do you know the reason Honey! its only because of saturated fat.
She: ##$$ OFF
Friday, April 04, 2008
Poem: Your innermost desire
when i asked you,
you told me no
i refused to believe
coz' it was not you
i was sure
you didnt want that
your heart told yes
the lips told no
now tell me yes
tell me what i want
really really
tell me what you want
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Office Conversations
So every office has N number of systems passing data here and there. Half the time we dont even know why there are so many systems, why do they follow redundant processes and why can't things be simplified.
But, with an ever expanding office, these questions sometimes just go unheard of. While I was caught amidst the demands of these painful systems to input the information that it required, a funny incident happened.
I had to add a location by the name Luxembourg into a peoplesoft system because one member from my team was travelling. Since that location was not available in the list of places, I had to place a request. I wonder why they have some strange policies for adding a location onto a system. They asked me too many questions - most of which was unwanted.
Anyway, so I dropped an email to the helpdesk guys to add the location. A day later I got a call back from the helpdesk guy(H).
H: Which project? (And I give him the project details)
H: Let me get into the project details screen.
Me: Ok (thinking that this guy knows what he is doing)
H: Ok, so what is the service order?
Me: (i got confused now. why did he need the service order? this was nowhere connected to that? but then i still decided to give him the answer) Let me tell you where it is (and i walked him through a few screens and brought him to the service order screen)
Me: Can you see the number 1215078? That is the service order.
H: Oh yeah I see it now.
(There is some silence now. Still wondering why this number connected to the problem I reported, I thought he was thinking about the solution. Maybe something innovative.)
H:(suddenly) But this service order is attached to a resource called Praveen and not Luxembourg
Me: (totally shocked, I didn't know what this guy meant. After a few seconds, I realized that this guy had actually thought that Luxembourg was the name of a resource within the company. Controlling my laughter burst, I decided to explain the problem to him)
See, thats not the problem. Let me tell you what needs to be done
(and I showed him the right place to fix the problem)
H: Oh, you mean this one! For this, you have to ask the Database Team in Calcutta. This is not controlled by us.
Me: (Oh yeah, when Luxembourg becomes a employee name for you, I am quite sure you wouldn't have any clue) THANKS, please forward my request to them.
(By the way, Luxembourg has still not been added into the system. Those guys have contacted the European Head to get some approvals. God only knows!!!)
But, with an ever expanding office, these questions sometimes just go unheard of. While I was caught amidst the demands of these painful systems to input the information that it required, a funny incident happened.
I had to add a location by the name Luxembourg into a peoplesoft system because one member from my team was travelling. Since that location was not available in the list of places, I had to place a request. I wonder why they have some strange policies for adding a location onto a system. They asked me too many questions - most of which was unwanted.
Anyway, so I dropped an email to the helpdesk guys to add the location. A day later I got a call back from the helpdesk guy(H).
H: Which project? (And I give him the project details)
H: Let me get into the project details screen.
Me: Ok (thinking that this guy knows what he is doing)
H: Ok, so what is the service order?
Me: (i got confused now. why did he need the service order? this was nowhere connected to that? but then i still decided to give him the answer) Let me tell you where it is (and i walked him through a few screens and brought him to the service order screen)
Me: Can you see the number 1215078? That is the service order.
H: Oh yeah I see it now.
(There is some silence now. Still wondering why this number connected to the problem I reported, I thought he was thinking about the solution. Maybe something innovative.)
H:(suddenly) But this service order is attached to a resource called Praveen and not Luxembourg
Me: (totally shocked, I didn't know what this guy meant. After a few seconds, I realized that this guy had actually thought that Luxembourg was the name of a resource within the company. Controlling my laughter burst, I decided to explain the problem to him)
See, thats not the problem. Let me tell you what needs to be done
(and I showed him the right place to fix the problem)
H: Oh, you mean this one! For this, you have to ask the Database Team in Calcutta. This is not controlled by us.
Me: (Oh yeah, when Luxembourg becomes a employee name for you, I am quite sure you wouldn't have any clue) THANKS, please forward my request to them.
(By the way, Luxembourg has still not been added into the system. Those guys have contacted the European Head to get some approvals. God only knows!!!)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Our Boys
This picture has been in circulation for a while now. Its simply hilarious. I hope these cricketers get a chance to see this and give some arbit explanation for the same.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The name is Rajnikanth
I was quite reluctant to buy this book, the first time I saw it on the stands in Landmark.
Then later I decided, what the hell, let me see what's in there. I picked it from a local music-world and started reading.
The book, as everyone can guess, is totally about what Shivaji Rao's life has been till now. It creates a perfect blend of what the times were during the pre-filmy years and after entering into films.
There is more emphasis on the journey, which is something that most people dont know and are not aware of. A journey of how a mischievous shivaji rao, who was roaming the streets of bangalore with his friends, wasting time and money, not thinking much about his poor family, to becoming a superhero.
The whole story is quite simple - I mean, the way its represented in the book. No bombastic words. Language is quite simple. Sometimes it feels like as if you are reading through a collection of random blog posts by the same person.
The book takes an interesting journey. There is no chronology as such. We get into the past where Shivaji is a child and then in the next one we suddenly leap into, for example, a chapter about how he got married to Lata. So, in way, even if you think that you are going to get bored reading about someone's life, you'll be kept at a reasonable pace because of changing moods.
What I could learn after reading this book is that most of what we see about Rajni in his movies is perhaps a reflection of what his life has been. He put in efforts towards making a movie on Raghavendra or Baba was only because he strongly believed that these two people make a great impact on his religious sentiments.
The most important part of this book is stories about hardships, economic dependance, friendship, struggle, hope, confidence, crisis etc. I think I can just go on. Frankly, thats the truth. There is a lot of unknown stuff about Rajni and his early years in Madras (much before he met KB for Apoorva Ragangal) and this book simply gets all that to light.
The book also tell us stuff about politics in Tamil Nadu and even the Centre, how Rajni got himself involved unnecessarily and burnt his fingers. Incidents such as the elections, Veerappan's escapades, Cauvery issue are highlights.
Coming to stuff that cant be avoided. This book could have been edited with maybe a steady mind. Its so full of mistakes. And mistakes when done on facts really irritates anyone. Especially when movie enthusiasts read this book, they'll probably want to just throw this book into the trash can for such bad editing. Most movie names are quoted wrong - dont know if there was any intention. At some places, even the connections with dates and movies are wrong. After seeing so many mistakes, I strongly felt that the book shouldnt be selling for even half the price.
Verdict: If you are a hardcore Rajni fan, then its worth a buy.. Dont buy if off the stands, its very expensive. Get it on the web. Its a lot cheaper. Or even a pirated version would do.
Then later I decided, what the hell, let me see what's in there. I picked it from a local music-world and started reading.
The book, as everyone can guess, is totally about what Shivaji Rao's life has been till now. It creates a perfect blend of what the times were during the pre-filmy years and after entering into films.
There is more emphasis on the journey, which is something that most people dont know and are not aware of. A journey of how a mischievous shivaji rao, who was roaming the streets of bangalore with his friends, wasting time and money, not thinking much about his poor family, to becoming a superhero.
The whole story is quite simple - I mean, the way its represented in the book. No bombastic words. Language is quite simple. Sometimes it feels like as if you are reading through a collection of random blog posts by the same person.
The book takes an interesting journey. There is no chronology as such. We get into the past where Shivaji is a child and then in the next one we suddenly leap into, for example, a chapter about how he got married to Lata. So, in way, even if you think that you are going to get bored reading about someone's life, you'll be kept at a reasonable pace because of changing moods.
What I could learn after reading this book is that most of what we see about Rajni in his movies is perhaps a reflection of what his life has been. He put in efforts towards making a movie on Raghavendra or Baba was only because he strongly believed that these two people make a great impact on his religious sentiments.
The most important part of this book is stories about hardships, economic dependance, friendship, struggle, hope, confidence, crisis etc. I think I can just go on. Frankly, thats the truth. There is a lot of unknown stuff about Rajni and his early years in Madras (much before he met KB for Apoorva Ragangal) and this book simply gets all that to light.
The book also tell us stuff about politics in Tamil Nadu and even the Centre, how Rajni got himself involved unnecessarily and burnt his fingers. Incidents such as the elections, Veerappan's escapades, Cauvery issue are highlights.
Coming to stuff that cant be avoided. This book could have been edited with maybe a steady mind. Its so full of mistakes. And mistakes when done on facts really irritates anyone. Especially when movie enthusiasts read this book, they'll probably want to just throw this book into the trash can for such bad editing. Most movie names are quoted wrong - dont know if there was any intention. At some places, even the connections with dates and movies are wrong. After seeing so many mistakes, I strongly felt that the book shouldnt be selling for even half the price.
Verdict: If you are a hardcore Rajni fan, then its worth a buy.. Dont buy if off the stands, its very expensive. Get it on the web. Its a lot cheaper. Or even a pirated version would do.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Marketing
I came across this picture during my random images search in Google. It was a big surprise for me!
Although when you look close, this looks like a very bad job done out of Adobe Photoshop, but still, its something totally different and revolutionary.
DOVE - a very famous brand name among Indian households used to run this campaign in the UK where they employed non-ramp-walk models to promote their skin products. So these women who were part of the posters used to be a little on the plump side, nevertheless pretty.
Coming back to this - I am trying to figure out what was in this Brazilian Beer Maker's mind.
I mean, in one way, you could say that the company is trying to tell the world that they have a beer brand that even pregnant women can enjoy. Considering the fact that pregnant women have to keep themselves away from alcohol, which is sometimes a big sacrifice for a lot of women in the west.
A non alcoholic beer for pregnant women? Not just women, but I guess in some way, men as well (some men don't drink for the sake of their partners). OR, are they trying to pack this as a family drink?
On the other hand, aren't they subconsciously sending a disturbing message to the public?
I can also see a somewhat distorted "S", signifying surrogate advertising.
But I am still a bit confused. Do you readers have any MBA related thoughts on this?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Scarlett
The other day I was watching Barkha Dutt's discussion on NDTV about Scarlett Keeling case. There were people from different walks of life - press, government, writers, and of course the residents of Goa.
After that one hour discussion, what I still can't believe is that idiot power minister or whoever he is talking about Goa still being a safe place and blaming the girl for all what happened. The Secretary of the Goa Ministry - some Singh he is. He was talking bulshit too.
I mean for once can't someone in power tell directly that he will castrate the accused if proven guilty?
They kept telling all long winding stories about how Goa has been a nice place all this while and this was just a one-off incident that they are sorry about and all that nonsense.
India men in this aspect look absolutely sexually deprived. Especially, if you take the ones that are involved in such cases. They just think that they can do anything with tourists and get away with it. And I guess its also got to do with the way the Indian men treat their country women too. Mostly there is a lot of disrespect. I mean its time women's liberation fronts did something here. They keep fighting for stuff like domestic violence. But they also dont realise that its the same men who are tarnishing the face of the country. If you go to any tourist spot in India that is filled with white women, I am quite sure that you can uncover a whole lot of connections - like drugs, mafia, police. Everybody works hand in hand.
Okay, you ruthless pricks can be sex deprived. You wouldn't have seen white breasts for sure. But does that mean that you have to go and kill someone? That too a 15 year old girl? She can be whatever - a drug addict or even a sex machine. Why commit the brutal act of taking someone's life?
The government here blames the mother. What the fuck! Why can't they bloody well nab the people involved and make them incapable of doing anything of that sort again - just cut it off i mean. Sometimes I think we'll do better if we have rules that some Middle Eastern countries have. Pure Force. All this secular and democratic crap is just complicating things.
People say - Better to be safe than be sorry. But are we really looking at the problem here.
For all those tourists who are still out there, am sorry but this country still needs a lot of laws to keep you safe. Until then, if you are a lone traveller don't venture out after mid-night. Its not just Goa but everywhere.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Cornered
So I was at a family wedding. Something funny had to happen. And so it began.
Relatives will be called R1, R2 etc. Otherwise its too difficult. My mom's extended family was almost 100+ strong during the wedding. Rather complicated.
The scene is the evening Engagement and Sangeeth. And everyone is ready to pose in front of my new companion - the D80.
Amidst all that noise...
R1: Hey, did you see that girl? (Immediately cautioning me) Now don't turn around and look behind. She is wearing a white salwar and sitting on the second row from the dais. It seems her dad is totally ready to... (i am pretending that i did not hear this part).. so what do you say?
Me: (Not very convinced with the argument and also not knowing what to say). Is it?
I turned around and looked at the girl.
Me: Oh, this one eh. This topic (girl i meant) came up some time back also and I didn't want to pursue it.
R1: Why?
Me:(In my mind - its so easy to ask questions. You know how difficult it is to give an explanation for a NO) I really don't know but I don't think I want to get married to her.
R1: I think she is really pretty and she will be the best person for our family. She looks just right. What more do you need? I don't think you'll get a better person that her.
(Judgment was made now. I was losing it. But I told myself - this is just another stage. I just need to comfortably get myself out of this nonsense)
Me: No, if this is getting to where I am guessing it will, I will not be here for the wedding tomorrow. I will not come back tomorrow morning.
R1 goes to a group where R2 to Rn are sitting. The topic has been introduced to everyone now. So all eyes are in one direction. I am trying to keep myself away from talking to any other person.
R2: Why, what's wrong?
Me: I don't feel like it.
R2: Then what kind of a girl would you marry?
Me: (Not wanting to sing "Oru Ooril Azhage" from the movie "Kaakha Kaakha") Well, when I get married to that someone, I'll let you know and you can find out.
R3:(who was standing behind R2 and watching in silence) Oh, so you want the bells to ring as an indication? (referring to the Tamil movie "Mozhi" )
Me:(totally embarrassed) Maybe, I really need the bell to ring.
R1 calls R4 who has been running around and meeting everyone at the hall.
R1(explains everything to R4): So what do you say?
R4: She is ok. Can't say anything wrong about her.
Me: Well, I don't want people who you find to be just "ok" nor people with whom you can find any fault, so you judge them as just the right person.
R5: What's happening here?
Then R5 gets a dump of whatever happened till now. R5 takes a quick look and then..
R5: Hmm... she is ok but I wouldn't recommend.
Me: (feeling happy that I was not getting cornered) Now that's what I call a real savior.
Relatives will be called R1, R2 etc. Otherwise its too difficult. My mom's extended family was almost 100+ strong during the wedding. Rather complicated.
The scene is the evening Engagement and Sangeeth. And everyone is ready to pose in front of my new companion - the D80.
Amidst all that noise...
R1: Hey, did you see that girl? (Immediately cautioning me) Now don't turn around and look behind. She is wearing a white salwar and sitting on the second row from the dais. It seems her dad is totally ready to... (i am pretending that i did not hear this part).. so what do you say?
Me: (Not very convinced with the argument and also not knowing what to say). Is it?
I turned around and looked at the girl.
Me: Oh, this one eh. This topic (girl i meant) came up some time back also and I didn't want to pursue it.
R1: Why?
Me:(In my mind - its so easy to ask questions. You know how difficult it is to give an explanation for a NO) I really don't know but I don't think I want to get married to her.
R1: I think she is really pretty and she will be the best person for our family. She looks just right. What more do you need? I don't think you'll get a better person that her.
(Judgment was made now. I was losing it. But I told myself - this is just another stage. I just need to comfortably get myself out of this nonsense)
Me: No, if this is getting to where I am guessing it will, I will not be here for the wedding tomorrow. I will not come back tomorrow morning.
R1 goes to a group where R2 to Rn are sitting. The topic has been introduced to everyone now. So all eyes are in one direction. I am trying to keep myself away from talking to any other person.
R2: Why, what's wrong?
Me: I don't feel like it.
R2: Then what kind of a girl would you marry?
Me: (Not wanting to sing "Oru Ooril Azhage" from the movie "Kaakha Kaakha") Well, when I get married to that someone, I'll let you know and you can find out.
R3:(who was standing behind R2 and watching in silence) Oh, so you want the bells to ring as an indication? (referring to the Tamil movie "Mozhi" )
Me:(totally embarrassed) Maybe, I really need the bell to ring.
R1 calls R4 who has been running around and meeting everyone at the hall.
R1(explains everything to R4): So what do you say?
R4: She is ok. Can't say anything wrong about her.
Me: Well, I don't want people who you find to be just "ok" nor people with whom you can find any fault, so you judge them as just the right person.
R5: What's happening here?
Then R5 gets a dump of whatever happened till now. R5 takes a quick look and then..
R5: Hmm... she is ok but I wouldn't recommend.
Me: (feeling happy that I was not getting cornered) Now that's what I call a real savior.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Thought Provoking
I found this quote in another blog when I was browsing...
The person who says that rape within a marriage should be acceptable also thinks that long distance travel with a child next to you is enjoyable. Scary
The person who says that rape within a marriage should be acceptable also thinks that long distance travel with a child next to you is enjoyable. Scary
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Ultimate at Ahmedabad
So our two day trip to Ahmedabad finally happened last weekend.
We did play with the Ahmedabad and Delhi teams, had an awesome time interacting with everyone out there. Such selfless people they were - each and everyone of them.
Made a lot of friends, networked a bit.
Manu has written a very very long post about what happened on the two days in Ahmedabad.
You can read it here
http://rhapsoder.blogspot.com/2008/02/first-ultimate-frisbee-nationals.html
I was thinking that I should write something, but then I felt too lazy.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Poem: Remembrance
She left
the fortune seekers land
was waiting for her
pangs of regret
pangs of love
deep within her
heavy heavy heart
puzzled and bemused
he stared at the monitor
waiting to hear
just waiting to hear
days had passed
with no response
he felt helpless
hope was a ray of light
one day she wrote
"when i open my eyes
to that beautiful view,
i see her standing tall on liberty island,
the next thought is you"
he vowed to himself
to get there once
genuflect and say thanks
his life now had
a new french connection
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pin number reversal
I got this piece of text as an email today from a friend.
This goes like "in case of being confronted by a robber at the ATM, if you enter the ATM Pin in the reverse, the system while dispensing cash as it does normally, recognizes it as an emergency and triggers an alert to the police"
Wow, amazing technology eh! Well, after the umpteen number of jokes that comedians from yesteryear till the latest ones today, have made, on the Tamil Nadu Police, did you ever imagine that this would work?
Even with the best law and order system, this wouldn't work because this system has not been implemented at all.
So this is yet another URBAN LEGEND.
Half the people will take time in typing out the number in reverse order. That action would by itself be a clean give-away to the thief. He'd be thinking - "What the heck is this guy doing, fumbling with keying his ATM Pin?" That'll be a total give-away!
But, having said that, there is actually a technology that has been developed by Joseph Zingher in the US called SafetyPIN, that can exactly do what the hoax email claims, but none of the banks have implemented this.
Comign back to the reverse PIN, thats a logical flaw by itself. What if someone had a palindrome type PIN number?
This goes like "in case of being confronted by a robber at the ATM, if you enter the ATM Pin in the reverse, the system while dispensing cash as it does normally, recognizes it as an emergency and triggers an alert to the police"
Wow, amazing technology eh! Well, after the umpteen number of jokes that comedians from yesteryear till the latest ones today, have made, on the Tamil Nadu Police, did you ever imagine that this would work?
Even with the best law and order system, this wouldn't work because this system has not been implemented at all.
So this is yet another URBAN LEGEND.
Half the people will take time in typing out the number in reverse order. That action would by itself be a clean give-away to the thief. He'd be thinking - "What the heck is this guy doing, fumbling with keying his ATM Pin?" That'll be a total give-away!
But, having said that, there is actually a technology that has been developed by Joseph Zingher in the US called SafetyPIN, that can exactly do what the hoax email claims, but none of the banks have implemented this.
Comign back to the reverse PIN, thats a logical flaw by itself. What if someone had a palindrome type PIN number?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The preparation
This story is about office stuff. Certain parts might look a bit exaggerated for the reader, but it truly isnt like that.
Introducing the main character - so, I have a friend in the office who works with another project team. By nature, she is a very innocent and sweet person. Its her first job and she is all energized to do anything and everything - the go-getter kinds.
But you know about big organizations, right? At times, they have a strange influence of the government. Things happen a bit slowly. People sit around a bit, taking their own sweet time.
Our lady was very annoyed with what was happening. In her team, she was the youngest and she wasnt getting the "state-of-the-art work" and any travel. If there was any travel, then arranging for a visa took most of the time. Dont get me started about the visa desk. That's another post. Anyway, past is past.
Then she got into a very good project with a bank. She worked really hard, put a lot of effort into contributing to the project, along with her manager who was working with the client.
Travel dates got fixed. It was decided that she'll be at the client's office for more than a week. The excitement began. She got herself new clothes - the kit allowance was used effectively. Tickets were getting blocked.
Meanwhile, she gets an email/call telling her that she should have a "preparation call". More excitement. She quickly straightens out the presentation deck and then also gets ready an elevator pitch, just to create the right impression - sends it out to the people concerned. Running in her mind are thoughts - ok, we'll be discussing our game plan for the next week, what our presentations are going to focus on, who are the people we are going to meet, what kind of future work can we pitch,... a host of things like that.
The preparation call begins. Questions are coming from the other side - Have you got your tickets? Has peoplesoft been updated? Did you find a good hotel? Also, make that coconut oil bottle a 500ml one, instead of 250ml. By the way, you are coming only for 10 days, which means less clothes to carry, so can you get more stuff - like sweets, sambhar powder etc?
In her mind ("oh my god! is this preparation"?)....
Introducing the main character - so, I have a friend in the office who works with another project team. By nature, she is a very innocent and sweet person. Its her first job and she is all energized to do anything and everything - the go-getter kinds.
But you know about big organizations, right? At times, they have a strange influence of the government. Things happen a bit slowly. People sit around a bit, taking their own sweet time.
Our lady was very annoyed with what was happening. In her team, she was the youngest and she wasnt getting the "state-of-the-art work" and any travel. If there was any travel, then arranging for a visa took most of the time. Dont get me started about the visa desk. That's another post. Anyway, past is past.
Then she got into a very good project with a bank. She worked really hard, put a lot of effort into contributing to the project, along with her manager who was working with the client.
Travel dates got fixed. It was decided that she'll be at the client's office for more than a week. The excitement began. She got herself new clothes - the kit allowance was used effectively. Tickets were getting blocked.
Meanwhile, she gets an email/call telling her that she should have a "preparation call". More excitement. She quickly straightens out the presentation deck and then also gets ready an elevator pitch, just to create the right impression - sends it out to the people concerned. Running in her mind are thoughts - ok, we'll be discussing our game plan for the next week, what our presentations are going to focus on, who are the people we are going to meet, what kind of future work can we pitch,... a host of things like that.
The preparation call begins. Questions are coming from the other side - Have you got your tickets? Has peoplesoft been updated? Did you find a good hotel? Also, make that coconut oil bottle a 500ml one, instead of 250ml. By the way, you are coming only for 10 days, which means less clothes to carry, so can you get more stuff - like sweets, sambhar powder etc?
In her mind ("oh my god! is this preparation"?)....
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
There is no substitute
I was amazed by the title of this movie. It said "Kaalai - There is no substitute."
From the beginning, this movie was complete chaos. You can understand what I mean when I say this - "You cant get any hint of the story till the intermission". I dont know whether it was the intention of the screenplay writer or the director, but its such a tragedy that no effort was made to keep the storyline a bit synchronous. There is also too much, what the tamil movie industry calls "BUILD UP" for Simbu. WHY?
Three people with the name Jeeva get introduced at various points during the first quarter of the movie and we get no clue of what these people are upto. Each one hates another - well this is also not known or rather unclear for sometime. Then there are some random fights - dont bother who gets involved in the fight. Its one of the Jeevas.
Who are the Jeevas - One of the Jeevas gets shot at by cop Jeeva. So we dont have to know who he is. The hero kidnaps the daughter of the cop Jeeva and threatens him. The hero is the next Jeeva.
Simbu as the hero in this movie is totally insane. He has completely lost his acting talent. He was much better in his previous movies. Take Kovil for example. He was quite a good actor. In this movie, all he does is, talks like a filthy idiot and acts like a clown. He sings as well - one song which translates as "little devil", he calls his lady love like that. I wonder who'd call their partner a devil. And this song is no different than the Yammaadi Aatthaadi song in Vallavan. Same tune. If the music director is different, then you know who copied.
Vedhika as the lady in the lead just hangs around with skimpy clothing. I am 100 percent confident that other directors will think twice before signing her for the next movie. She can be the item number queen for 2008. With a hip size of less than 26, trying to look like Yana Gupta in certain angles/positions, and with no acting skills, she can best fit the one song category of girls.
The director is Tarun Gopi. And apparently, he is the director for the Vishal damager movie Thimiru. See similarities now? Hero comes to city from a village. A woman is the gang leader for the thugs.
Lal is the policeman, but totally doesnt look like one. He sports a stubble almost throughout the movie, looks are umkempt. Absolutely pathetic.
Sangeetha is definitely sexy. Although she kinda plays the god-mother role, her part pouty lips attract your attention.
The best part of the movie is the end, where Simbu is blocked by 10 people who dont want him to kill the villain. Simbu struggles fiercely and then comes the comparison with a raging bull during the traditional "jallikattu*". His feet prod into the ground and then we see the legs of the bull doing the same. Then we see an angry face trying to break free. Next is the bull furiously shaking its head.
Until this scene in the movie, I never understood why the movie was Kaalai. The director made his punch finally.
*jallikattu - similar to the bull-fighting in spain. happens in tamil nadu villages.
From the beginning, this movie was complete chaos. You can understand what I mean when I say this - "You cant get any hint of the story till the intermission". I dont know whether it was the intention of the screenplay writer or the director, but its such a tragedy that no effort was made to keep the storyline a bit synchronous. There is also too much, what the tamil movie industry calls "BUILD UP" for Simbu. WHY?
Three people with the name Jeeva get introduced at various points during the first quarter of the movie and we get no clue of what these people are upto. Each one hates another - well this is also not known or rather unclear for sometime. Then there are some random fights - dont bother who gets involved in the fight. Its one of the Jeevas.
Who are the Jeevas - One of the Jeevas gets shot at by cop Jeeva. So we dont have to know who he is. The hero kidnaps the daughter of the cop Jeeva and threatens him. The hero is the next Jeeva.
Simbu as the hero in this movie is totally insane. He has completely lost his acting talent. He was much better in his previous movies. Take Kovil for example. He was quite a good actor. In this movie, all he does is, talks like a filthy idiot and acts like a clown. He sings as well - one song which translates as "little devil", he calls his lady love like that. I wonder who'd call their partner a devil. And this song is no different than the Yammaadi Aatthaadi song in Vallavan. Same tune. If the music director is different, then you know who copied.
Vedhika as the lady in the lead just hangs around with skimpy clothing. I am 100 percent confident that other directors will think twice before signing her for the next movie. She can be the item number queen for 2008. With a hip size of less than 26, trying to look like Yana Gupta in certain angles/positions, and with no acting skills, she can best fit the one song category of girls.
The director is Tarun Gopi. And apparently, he is the director for the Vishal damager movie Thimiru. See similarities now? Hero comes to city from a village. A woman is the gang leader for the thugs.
Lal is the policeman, but totally doesnt look like one. He sports a stubble almost throughout the movie, looks are umkempt. Absolutely pathetic.
Sangeetha is definitely sexy. Although she kinda plays the god-mother role, her part pouty lips attract your attention.
The best part of the movie is the end, where Simbu is blocked by 10 people who dont want him to kill the villain. Simbu struggles fiercely and then comes the comparison with a raging bull during the traditional "jallikattu*". His feet prod into the ground and then we see the legs of the bull doing the same. Then we see an angry face trying to break free. Next is the bull furiously shaking its head.
Until this scene in the movie, I never understood why the movie was Kaalai. The director made his punch finally.
*jallikattu - similar to the bull-fighting in spain. happens in tamil nadu villages.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Singapore Night Grand Prix
Singapore is having its first formula one race this year in September and its going to be a night race. Thats like too much excitement.
The circuit is around the Marina Bay area - and if you are familiar with Singapore, it goes through Raffles Boulevard, St Andrews Road and Anderson Bridge.
Here is a simulation of the whole circuits. You can see a number of straights and lots of overtaking opportunities.
I think its going to be an amazing race.
The circuit is around the Marina Bay area - and if you are familiar with Singapore, it goes through Raffles Boulevard, St Andrews Road and Anderson Bridge.
Here is a simulation of the whole circuits. You can see a number of straights and lots of overtaking opportunities.
I think its going to be an amazing race.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
What word?
You lock the door of your house, and then walk about 50 meters on the road and then suddenly you get this feeling - "Have i locked the main door? Or did i forget". So you walk back to check.
Same with your car, you know that you've used the remote and pressed the LOCK button. But then after walking a few yards away, you still get this feeling - "Did it actually lock. Let me check it once more."
Is there a word to describe such a thought in your mind? I am not looking for standard OED words, but there must something like the sniglets.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Poem: His Pet
Without any fear
and immense delight
he found his new friend
who'd be his best companion ever!
every morning
at the call of the birds
he would run to the door
and shout - "Blacky!!!"
at the top of his voice
only to see
the thumping of the tail
one big hug
to the patient saint bernard
for him, this big buddy
was just like a soft toy
lazy afternoons
were always at the doorstep
with a parle in hand
he'd place his head
right on its neck
thinking it was a bolster
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Spark of Fire
I have been listening to Bharathiyaar (the greatest tamil poet ever) songs lately, especially "Suttum Vizhi Chudarthaan". I have this CD that I got - Sikkil Gurucharan's voice with Anil Srinivasan on the piano. When the song begins, it feels like a pleasant rainfall in your heart.
I think its more to do with the lyrics. Non-Tamil readers please excuse. This song has created such an impact over the last few weeks that I decided I must write a post to try and bring out, perhaps the untold.
It brings out feelings of love and passion in such a beautiful manner, you'll understand when you read till the end.
suttum vizhich chudardhaan kannammaa sooriya chandhiraroa
vattak kariyavizhi kannammaa vaanak karumai kolloa
pattuk karuneelap pudavai padhiththa nal vayiram
natta nadu nisiyil theriyum natchaththirangaladi
The poet usually takes the reference of Kannamma, who in this song is young lady and a graceful lover.
He is amazed by the gaze of her eyes - compares that with the sun and the moon. The light from the orange sun during an early sunrise which is comparable to fire or the bright moon on a full moon day - both bring so much brightness to her appearance. Her round black eyeballs, for him, reminds of the darkness of the skies. Her sari, dark blue in color also signifies the night, but studded with diamonds is like the stars that decorate the beautiful night. In effect, he tells that her appearance is as enthralling as a sparkling night sky.
soalai malaroliyoa unadhu sundharap punnagaidhaan
neelak kadalalaiyae unadhu nenjilalaigaladi
koalak kuyiloasai unadhu kuralininimaiyadi
vaalaik kumariyadi kannammaa maruvak kaadhal kondaen
The colorful flowers in the garden. Imagine the sunflower that glows in the spring when the rays of the sun fall on its petals. Now imagine her smile - it brings out a brilliance and refulgence. The waves of her heart is now compared to the sea. Here it refers to the fluctuations of the thoughts. Her voice is sweeter than the sound of the koel. Oh virgin beauty, I am charmed by my love. Here, the end is a flawless declaration of love. Its the nascent love that when told, reflects on her smile, makes her heart waver and leap with happiness.
saaththiram paesugiraay kannammaa saaththiram aedhukkadi
aaththiram kondavarkkae kannammaa saaththiram undoadi
mooththavar sammadhiyil vadhuvai muraigal pinbu seyvoam
kaaththiruppaenoadi idhu paar kannaththu muththam onru
You speak of rules, but why do we need rules? Rules are only for the people who are impatient. The inner detail here is - our love is full of passion, so why should there be a boundary. The poet questions Kannamma and ensures that he gets her attention completely. Under the auspicious presence and acceptance of the elders, the marital procedures shall be conducted, but that will be later. Will I be waiting, look here, a kiss on the cheek. We can see the shift of impatience here. The poet initially tells that rules are for the impatient. Kannamma is aware of the poet's impatience and hence she has her rules, but the poet calls her twice here and tries to change her mind. For him and his deep love for her, she is already his. The wedding is just a ritual for the sake of the society.
In all this, we can see that the poet wants to express just pure love for his Kannamma. He is not bothered about the society because he has made up his mind already. His love is uncontrollable and flows like a stream as the song begins.
I think its more to do with the lyrics. Non-Tamil readers please excuse. This song has created such an impact over the last few weeks that I decided I must write a post to try and bring out, perhaps the untold.
It brings out feelings of love and passion in such a beautiful manner, you'll understand when you read till the end.
suttum vizhich chudardhaan kannammaa sooriya chandhiraroa
vattak kariyavizhi kannammaa vaanak karumai kolloa
pattuk karuneelap pudavai padhiththa nal vayiram
natta nadu nisiyil theriyum natchaththirangaladi
The poet usually takes the reference of Kannamma, who in this song is young lady and a graceful lover.
He is amazed by the gaze of her eyes - compares that with the sun and the moon. The light from the orange sun during an early sunrise which is comparable to fire or the bright moon on a full moon day - both bring so much brightness to her appearance. Her round black eyeballs, for him, reminds of the darkness of the skies. Her sari, dark blue in color also signifies the night, but studded with diamonds is like the stars that decorate the beautiful night. In effect, he tells that her appearance is as enthralling as a sparkling night sky.
soalai malaroliyoa unadhu sundharap punnagaidhaan
neelak kadalalaiyae unadhu nenjilalaigaladi
koalak kuyiloasai unadhu kuralininimaiyadi
vaalaik kumariyadi kannammaa maruvak kaadhal kondaen
The colorful flowers in the garden. Imagine the sunflower that glows in the spring when the rays of the sun fall on its petals. Now imagine her smile - it brings out a brilliance and refulgence. The waves of her heart is now compared to the sea. Here it refers to the fluctuations of the thoughts. Her voice is sweeter than the sound of the koel. Oh virgin beauty, I am charmed by my love. Here, the end is a flawless declaration of love. Its the nascent love that when told, reflects on her smile, makes her heart waver and leap with happiness.
saaththiram paesugiraay kannammaa saaththiram aedhukkadi
aaththiram kondavarkkae kannammaa saaththiram undoadi
mooththavar sammadhiyil vadhuvai muraigal pinbu seyvoam
kaaththiruppaenoadi idhu paar kannaththu muththam onru
You speak of rules, but why do we need rules? Rules are only for the people who are impatient. The inner detail here is - our love is full of passion, so why should there be a boundary. The poet questions Kannamma and ensures that he gets her attention completely. Under the auspicious presence and acceptance of the elders, the marital procedures shall be conducted, but that will be later. Will I be waiting, look here, a kiss on the cheek. We can see the shift of impatience here. The poet initially tells that rules are for the impatient. Kannamma is aware of the poet's impatience and hence she has her rules, but the poet calls her twice here and tries to change her mind. For him and his deep love for her, she is already his. The wedding is just a ritual for the sake of the society.
In all this, we can see that the poet wants to express just pure love for his Kannamma. He is not bothered about the society because he has made up his mind already. His love is uncontrollable and flows like a stream as the song begins.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Chennai Ultimate goes National
The dates have been decided - its the 23rd and the 24th of February 2008.
A team from the Chennai Ultimate Frisbee Club would be visiting Ahmedabad to play a inter-city tournament - Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Ahmedabad has had an ultimate team for quite some time now. Its part of an NGO called Indicorps. The website is www.indicorps.org
Delhi Ultimate is mostly people from the embassy and others who have come back to India.
And then we have the Madras Machaans who are all enthu to go and rock.
Starting today, we've had drills and concentrated practice sessions. We have just about 3 weekends to play with each other, observe and understand each other's moves. That would give us an intuitive approach towards the game. I am reminded of Kabir Khan's dialog about team spirit. We have the right people and the talent. We just need to be TOGETHER.
I am all excited. I have canceled all my plans, not just travel, till the 24th. I am going to be on an overdose of frisbee for the next few weeks.
A team from the Chennai Ultimate Frisbee Club would be visiting Ahmedabad to play a inter-city tournament - Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Ahmedabad has had an ultimate team for quite some time now. Its part of an NGO called Indicorps. The website is www.indicorps.org
Delhi Ultimate is mostly people from the embassy and others who have come back to India.
And then we have the Madras Machaans who are all enthu to go and rock.
Starting today, we've had drills and concentrated practice sessions. We have just about 3 weekends to play with each other, observe and understand each other's moves. That would give us an intuitive approach towards the game. I am reminded of Kabir Khan's dialog about team spirit. We have the right people and the talent. We just need to be TOGETHER.
I am all excited. I have canceled all my plans, not just travel, till the 24th. I am going to be on an overdose of frisbee for the next few weeks.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
FT Rankings 2008
Well, it was a cool surprise for me. I wasn't in the country and then suddenly I got to know through g-talk status messages that ISB has been ranked 20th in the world by the FT this year.
**************************
Ok.. there was some content here (instead of the stars) since yesterday, and comments over that piece opened a Pandora box. So I have removed all of that.
Thanks for all the comments and I really appreciate the efforts. I do agree with whatever was told. Let the journey continue....
**************************
Ok.. there was some content here (instead of the stars) since yesterday, and comments over that piece opened a Pandora box. So I have removed all of that.
Thanks for all the comments and I really appreciate the efforts. I do agree with whatever was told. Let the journey continue....
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bheema: Disgusting violence and nothing more
One of those usual hot day afternoons in chennai. I drive into the cinema hall to park and the person at the gate asks me if there is someone below 18 who is with me to watch the movie. That's when the thought struck me. What am I going to witness for the next three hours? How am i going to feel at the end of it? Are scenes in the movie so gory that they dont want to allow children into the hall?
With such questions I walked into the hall.
Bheema is a story about a youth who gets inspiration from seeing a local don in his neighborhood. What has tamil cinema gotten into these days? We are in a culture and system where we are expecting the children and young citizens to derive inspiration from achievements of people like Kalam, Rajat Gupta, Tatas, and Birlas etc. And here we have someone who wants to go around beating people to death. That's one good reason why I dont want any child to watch this movie and I appreciate the guy at the gate to have asked me that question.
I dont think I can appreciate this movie as an entertainer. So, you are guessing this review is going to drag this movie to the gutter. Not really.
Anyway, what you'd probably take back from this movie is about the countless number of people who get beaten up by the hero and his gang. You'd just want a breather from a gang fight that just finished and within minutes another one would begin. In that aspect, I'd give a bow to Kanal Kannan for his research on keeping the fight sequences quite intense.
As a hero, for Vikram, there is very less to perform - what we call dialog delivery. All he does is beats up close to 50 people at a time or shoots a few while escaping their bullets like Agent Smith. Everything about Vikram in this movie is larger than life. So, there is nothing you can really compare and contrast.
Trisha - I wonder why she signed up for this movie. She has no role to play. She is just there because tamil cinema needs a girl for romance and then comes all the nonsense about love songs and glamour. I liked Trisha's costume though. She looked very pretty in those tops and skirts. Not just the design, but the colors as well. Most of them were mild and pleasant pastel colors, not striking to the eye, but still making that impact so you'll want to notice.
Prakash Raj as the don shows a lot of meaning in his role. He not ruthless, no does he terrorize. He is patient and understanding. He is perhaps a father figure. Some of his conversations with Vikram and Lakshmi Gopalswamy (who plays his wife) is interesting and worth noting. This is where the inner conscience speaks and when it does, it speaks nothing but the truth.
Everybody has a small amount of fear inside them. Nobody is fearless.
Music is not very appealing. After a while, you'll notice that the rhythm and base chords for most songs is the same. And then when you compare that base model with other songs that Harris J composed for few other movies, you'll realise that its the same thing that is getting repeated time and again.
When the movie ended, I was a bit surprised. Although I had my own suspicions about the characters, I wasnt too sure. I guess that's perhaps the best way to have ended this movie. Nothing else would have worked better for such a horrible screenplay.
With such questions I walked into the hall.
Bheema is a story about a youth who gets inspiration from seeing a local don in his neighborhood. What has tamil cinema gotten into these days? We are in a culture and system where we are expecting the children and young citizens to derive inspiration from achievements of people like Kalam, Rajat Gupta, Tatas, and Birlas etc. And here we have someone who wants to go around beating people to death. That's one good reason why I dont want any child to watch this movie and I appreciate the guy at the gate to have asked me that question.
I dont think I can appreciate this movie as an entertainer. So, you are guessing this review is going to drag this movie to the gutter. Not really.
Anyway, what you'd probably take back from this movie is about the countless number of people who get beaten up by the hero and his gang. You'd just want a breather from a gang fight that just finished and within minutes another one would begin. In that aspect, I'd give a bow to Kanal Kannan for his research on keeping the fight sequences quite intense.
As a hero, for Vikram, there is very less to perform - what we call dialog delivery. All he does is beats up close to 50 people at a time or shoots a few while escaping their bullets like Agent Smith. Everything about Vikram in this movie is larger than life. So, there is nothing you can really compare and contrast.
Trisha - I wonder why she signed up for this movie. She has no role to play. She is just there because tamil cinema needs a girl for romance and then comes all the nonsense about love songs and glamour. I liked Trisha's costume though. She looked very pretty in those tops and skirts. Not just the design, but the colors as well. Most of them were mild and pleasant pastel colors, not striking to the eye, but still making that impact so you'll want to notice.
Prakash Raj as the don shows a lot of meaning in his role. He not ruthless, no does he terrorize. He is patient and understanding. He is perhaps a father figure. Some of his conversations with Vikram and Lakshmi Gopalswamy (who plays his wife) is interesting and worth noting. This is where the inner conscience speaks and when it does, it speaks nothing but the truth.
Everybody has a small amount of fear inside them. Nobody is fearless.
Music is not very appealing. After a while, you'll notice that the rhythm and base chords for most songs is the same. And then when you compare that base model with other songs that Harris J composed for few other movies, you'll realise that its the same thing that is getting repeated time and again.
When the movie ended, I was a bit surprised. Although I had my own suspicions about the characters, I wasnt too sure. I guess that's perhaps the best way to have ended this movie. Nothing else would have worked better for such a horrible screenplay.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Bringing back
I don't know how, but suddenly I remembered this song out of the blue. I was telling myself - Its such a beautiful song.
After searching on YouTube and on the internet in general, I was able to download an mp3.
I am not going to introduce the song to you. Listen to it and enjoy the feeling. If you know what movie its from, and the singer - then you can choose to leave that piece of information as a comment. People who visit will benefit from the knowledge transfer.
powered by ODEO
After searching on YouTube and on the internet in general, I was able to download an mp3.
I am not going to introduce the song to you. Listen to it and enjoy the feeling. If you know what movie its from, and the singer - then you can choose to leave that piece of information as a comment. People who visit will benefit from the knowledge transfer.
powered by ODEO
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Photo Conversations
One of those weekends at home. I want to be totally lazy, watch TV, eat, sleep a little and then waste time when....
Mom: Look at this photo on your profile. It is not at all good. Who will like this?
Me(somewhere at the background): someone will - definitely!
Mom (with that angry and disgusted-about-my-answer look on her face): Definitely not. I myself will not recommend to anyone after looking at this photo. How many times have I told you? Go to the studio and take a nice photo. Dress up well. Put some powder. You know! - the photographer will take a very nice photo.
Me: But mom, the photographer can capture only what's already there. He can't make me look like a supermodel.
Mom: If not a supermodel, then at least he will get you close to look like a first round reject of a supermodel hunt contest.
And did you ever see these photos before uploading them? In all photos, you have a stubble and wild unkempt hair. And why cant you wear good clothes. With a round neck t-shirt and a camera bag hanging by your side, you are looking like one of those tired tourists with huge bags on their back.
Me: They are called backpackers.
Mom (more disgusted): Is that very important for us right now? And what is that black pattern near your kurta in the other photo? I have never seen that?
Me (not really bothered about): Oh, that is ******'s sari pallu. We took the photo standing next to each other. I had to cut the photo and I couldn't get that bit out.
Mom (totally mad): I haven't seen a single photo with just you in it.
Me(grinning): I am popular mom. Everyone needs a photo with Mama.
Mom (totally given up on me now): Yeah keep telling this. If you don't listen to me, you will never get married. Another 5 years will pass. Then your friends' children will also start calling you mama.
Mom: Look at this photo on your profile. It is not at all good. Who will like this?
Me(somewhere at the background): someone will - definitely!
Mom (with that angry and disgusted-about-my-answer look on her face): Definitely not. I myself will not recommend to anyone after looking at this photo. How many times have I told you? Go to the studio and take a nice photo. Dress up well. Put some powder. You know! - the photographer will take a very nice photo.
Me: But mom, the photographer can capture only what's already there. He can't make me look like a supermodel.
Mom: If not a supermodel, then at least he will get you close to look like a first round reject of a supermodel hunt contest.
And did you ever see these photos before uploading them? In all photos, you have a stubble and wild unkempt hair. And why cant you wear good clothes. With a round neck t-shirt and a camera bag hanging by your side, you are looking like one of those tired tourists with huge bags on their back.
Me: They are called backpackers.
Mom (more disgusted): Is that very important for us right now? And what is that black pattern near your kurta in the other photo? I have never seen that?
Me (not really bothered about): Oh, that is ******'s sari pallu. We took the photo standing next to each other. I had to cut the photo and I couldn't get that bit out.
Mom (totally mad): I haven't seen a single photo with just you in it.
Me(grinning): I am popular mom. Everyone needs a photo with Mama.
Mom (totally given up on me now): Yeah keep telling this. If you don't listen to me, you will never get married. Another 5 years will pass. Then your friends' children will also start calling you mama.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A sack of salt
In less than a month if I am right, it would be placements time at the ISB. This post goes out to all those people from the current batch who visit my blog.
Guys, I know its the most important time. I know that everything that happens during that time matters, but this is not the end. In fact, I would go and say that for most of us, the placement season is not even a beginning.
You'd enter the print room inside the student village to get a print out and you'll accidentally see your batch mate's resume lying there. Simple curiosity would pressurize you to have a quick glance at the highlighted bullets AND THEN?
Few of them would claim stories about the Innovation Challenge. The fact of the matter would be true to a large extent, but they would have twisted the information in such a skillful manner that it would be hard to believe.
Then you'd have people claiming "chosen from the whole batch to do this and that" - well the point here would be that - the administration would have no choice than to get someone from the GSB because according to them, the GSB represents the batch. But for some, this is also a resume spike.
Then you'll have some more people talking about scoring highest marks during the core terms. Okay, agreed. They worked extremely hard and scored the highest marks. But how does it matter? For all you know, that course was so difficult that even the guy who scored 20 marks less also got an A. In the end, its the A that matters - not who scored highest.
Then you'll have all the directors and deputy directors of the professional clubs going gaa-gaa about their work, when most work would have been done - either by the club president alone, or business development team at the ISB, or sponsors themselves or the administration.
Non-professional clubs are not be left too. You'll have some more presidents claiming about having started some new talk series - all they would have done is called one person to talk. after that no one would have had time to do anything. but the claim would continue.
And many many more...
That's why I am telling you that this is not the end. Its just a beginning. The world outside has at least another 1500 more of such people.
Not even 3 months and all of you will be out in the open trying to find a place for yourselves to settle down.
The time that is remaining is the best time guys. Make use of every minute. This is the time to make more friends - meet all those people who you haven't met all this while on campus. Get to know them. You don't know how long it will be before you meet them again. At that time, you don't want to be introducing yourself to your own batch mate.
And seriously, its quite impossible to keep in touch with everyone regularly. So make a list of 20 friends, if that is too small, then 30, with whom you'd want to be in touch with for the rest of your life. Spend quality time with them. Go out for dinners. Talk about stuff other than life inside campus. Get to know them well. I am telling you - this would help a lot. Not in the next one year. Much later. But sow the seeds right now. Its for mutual benefit.
Your friends on campus, whom you talk to everyday would need your support during the next month or so. Jobs wouldn't happen for everyone on day one or day two. After your first job, don't really bother about your second job. You'll get it. Stay with your friends and encourage them. The placement week is not just about you. Its about everybody around you. You'll be known for what you are.
Take everything that you see around you with a bag of salt. Reality is yet to come - it would strike around 6 months from when you join your first job. When you join work is when you'll realize that the company you thought to be excellent before signing the LoI is totally disgusting. The best of the jobs aren't always made on campus. A lot of it is made outside.
Bottomline: If you missed all the fun till now, there is still time. Don't miss the opportunity.
Guys, I know its the most important time. I know that everything that happens during that time matters, but this is not the end. In fact, I would go and say that for most of us, the placement season is not even a beginning.
You'd enter the print room inside the student village to get a print out and you'll accidentally see your batch mate's resume lying there. Simple curiosity would pressurize you to have a quick glance at the highlighted bullets AND THEN?
Few of them would claim stories about the Innovation Challenge. The fact of the matter would be true to a large extent, but they would have twisted the information in such a skillful manner that it would be hard to believe.
Then you'd have people claiming "chosen from the whole batch to do this and that" - well the point here would be that - the administration would have no choice than to get someone from the GSB because according to them, the GSB represents the batch. But for some, this is also a resume spike.
Then you'll have some more people talking about scoring highest marks during the core terms. Okay, agreed. They worked extremely hard and scored the highest marks. But how does it matter? For all you know, that course was so difficult that even the guy who scored 20 marks less also got an A. In the end, its the A that matters - not who scored highest.
Then you'll have all the directors and deputy directors of the professional clubs going gaa-gaa about their work, when most work would have been done - either by the club president alone, or business development team at the ISB, or sponsors themselves or the administration.
Non-professional clubs are not be left too. You'll have some more presidents claiming about having started some new talk series - all they would have done is called one person to talk. after that no one would have had time to do anything. but the claim would continue.
And many many more...
That's why I am telling you that this is not the end. Its just a beginning. The world outside has at least another 1500 more of such people.
Not even 3 months and all of you will be out in the open trying to find a place for yourselves to settle down.
The time that is remaining is the best time guys. Make use of every minute. This is the time to make more friends - meet all those people who you haven't met all this while on campus. Get to know them. You don't know how long it will be before you meet them again. At that time, you don't want to be introducing yourself to your own batch mate.
And seriously, its quite impossible to keep in touch with everyone regularly. So make a list of 20 friends, if that is too small, then 30, with whom you'd want to be in touch with for the rest of your life. Spend quality time with them. Go out for dinners. Talk about stuff other than life inside campus. Get to know them well. I am telling you - this would help a lot. Not in the next one year. Much later. But sow the seeds right now. Its for mutual benefit.
Your friends on campus, whom you talk to everyday would need your support during the next month or so. Jobs wouldn't happen for everyone on day one or day two. After your first job, don't really bother about your second job. You'll get it. Stay with your friends and encourage them. The placement week is not just about you. Its about everybody around you. You'll be known for what you are.
Take everything that you see around you with a bag of salt. Reality is yet to come - it would strike around 6 months from when you join your first job. When you join work is when you'll realize that the company you thought to be excellent before signing the LoI is totally disgusting. The best of the jobs aren't always made on campus. A lot of it is made outside.
Bottomline: If you missed all the fun till now, there is still time. Don't miss the opportunity.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poem:The intruder (In Hindi)
The same poem in Hindi. All credit goes to my friend. She writes at: Dhiiti
tum meri zindagi mein aaye
meri aankhon ke saamne
ek safar karne
shayad ek tarfa
woh thanda samah, aas pas ka shor
tak tak
meri or
tumpe koi na pada asar
tumhe aur tumhare astitva ko
khushi ke chakkar
mere daftar ke andar
tumhari vella-panti
tumhare liye, humari jagah sirf rahi ek maze ki baat
ek hi tarah ki aawaz karte hue
aur shayad baatcheet
un unsuni bhashaon mein
kisi bhi tarah ka na tha sangeet
pareshan hairaan
zor se maara
aur bola- tumhari aatma ko shanti mile
arre bevkoof macchar!!
tum meri zindagi mein aaye
meri aankhon ke saamne
ek safar karne
shayad ek tarfa
woh thanda samah, aas pas ka shor
tak tak
meri or
tumpe koi na pada asar
tumhe aur tumhare astitva ko
khushi ke chakkar
mere daftar ke andar
tumhari vella-panti
tumhare liye, humari jagah sirf rahi ek maze ki baat
ek hi tarah ki aawaz karte hue
aur shayad baatcheet
un unsuni bhashaon mein
kisi bhi tarah ka na tha sangeet
pareshan hairaan
zor se maara
aur bola- tumhari aatma ko shanti mile
arre bevkoof macchar!!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Poem: The intruder
you flew into my life
right in front of my eyes
taking a journey
perhaps of no return
the cold environment, noises from keystrokes
around me
never did matter
to you and your existence
circles of joy
inside my workplace
were your pastime
for you - my bay was more than an adventure trail
monotonous sounds you made
or maybe even a dialog
in incomprehensible languages
were definitely not
music to my ears
irritated and tired
i struck you hard
and said - "Rest in Peace!
You silly Mosquito"
right in front of my eyes
taking a journey
perhaps of no return
the cold environment, noises from keystrokes
around me
never did matter
to you and your existence
circles of joy
inside my workplace
were your pastime
for you - my bay was more than an adventure trail
monotonous sounds you made
or maybe even a dialog
in incomprehensible languages
were definitely not
music to my ears
irritated and tired
i struck you hard
and said - "Rest in Peace!
You silly Mosquito"
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Taare Zameen Par
I am still not sure how this post is going to turn out. My friends who saw this movie before me told me that they were completely bowled over by the emotional aspects of this movie and were crying and sobbing all through the movie.
Nevertheless, it didn't turn out so bad for me.
Taare Zameen Par (TZP) is a movie for all parents. There is definitely a message inside the movie but we know that cinema always gives an overdose of anything.
Credit goes to whoever has chosen the child to play the part of Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel). The story revolves around this dyslectic child and he gives meaning to all the characters around him.
Bottomline: Its about your child - how you look at them and treat them. And in many instances you can relate the movie to happenings around you.
Like the mother at home, who always likes the children to remove their shoes at the door, drop the school bag at the right place, then wash your hands, legs and face before touching any food - everything in that fashion. I know that most of us never wanted to do all this, but maybe we did it out of force or like how Ishaan plays the role - we went all out and did totally the opposite.
Then we have the dad - who always thinks that academics and good grades are the only means to have a good career. But sincerely speaking - dad's are not at all like what we see in the movie. This guy is totally annoying and overdoing.
Next comes the brother - I am sure that each and every one of us would have someone like this guy in the family. If not a sibling, but definitely a cousin who can be compared to all the time. This one guy who would be the first in class always, play sports, work like a clock and get the best name from the teachers. Thank god, the elder brother is a very gentle and nice person here.
I still remember - although I wasn't anything like this guy, but I was better than my sister in terms of being disciplined. And the teachers always told my parents - "Is this Narayan's sister?" And then my sister would curse me at home for just entering this world four years earlier than she did. This was pre 10th grade in school. After that she did much much better than I did.
Darsheel at certain instances reminds me totally of sister - careless, not bothering about anything. I can still recount those funny incidents at home - my mom screaming at the top of her voice at 8am and trying everything get my sister ready for an 8.15 school.
Teachers at school - I seriously dont understand the role of teachers. Are they just facilitators or they teach as well? The movie clearly questions the role of teachers in a school and lays emphasis on the fact that they need to play a very important role in nurturing a child's talents by understanding them completely.
Then we have older children in the aparment who bully the young, class mates at school who laugh at you when the teacher shouts at you.
The movie runs with a reasonable pace, giving all the time for Darsheel. No hurry. His expressions are captured at full length. Music is just too good. Shankar Ehsaan Loy at their best again. One song where the child questions his mom is lot of message to the viewers.
Aamir Khan plays the supporting actor. He is the good cop. The teacher who can understand the child and educate the parents. But all through the movie, we can see that he is mostly crying or trying to show that he will cry in the next scene. Very emotional - maybe that's what the character demands but not overdoing anything.
Tis film is part documentary type too. Its more of an education to parents and revelation that says - NEVER COMPARE
Nevertheless, it didn't turn out so bad for me.
Taare Zameen Par (TZP) is a movie for all parents. There is definitely a message inside the movie but we know that cinema always gives an overdose of anything.
Credit goes to whoever has chosen the child to play the part of Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel). The story revolves around this dyslectic child and he gives meaning to all the characters around him.
Bottomline: Its about your child - how you look at them and treat them. And in many instances you can relate the movie to happenings around you.
Like the mother at home, who always likes the children to remove their shoes at the door, drop the school bag at the right place, then wash your hands, legs and face before touching any food - everything in that fashion. I know that most of us never wanted to do all this, but maybe we did it out of force or like how Ishaan plays the role - we went all out and did totally the opposite.
Then we have the dad - who always thinks that academics and good grades are the only means to have a good career. But sincerely speaking - dad's are not at all like what we see in the movie. This guy is totally annoying and overdoing.
Next comes the brother - I am sure that each and every one of us would have someone like this guy in the family. If not a sibling, but definitely a cousin who can be compared to all the time. This one guy who would be the first in class always, play sports, work like a clock and get the best name from the teachers. Thank god, the elder brother is a very gentle and nice person here.
I still remember - although I wasn't anything like this guy, but I was better than my sister in terms of being disciplined. And the teachers always told my parents - "Is this Narayan's sister?" And then my sister would curse me at home for just entering this world four years earlier than she did. This was pre 10th grade in school. After that she did much much better than I did.
Darsheel at certain instances reminds me totally of sister - careless, not bothering about anything. I can still recount those funny incidents at home - my mom screaming at the top of her voice at 8am and trying everything get my sister ready for an 8.15 school.
Teachers at school - I seriously dont understand the role of teachers. Are they just facilitators or they teach as well? The movie clearly questions the role of teachers in a school and lays emphasis on the fact that they need to play a very important role in nurturing a child's talents by understanding them completely.
Then we have older children in the aparment who bully the young, class mates at school who laugh at you when the teacher shouts at you.
The movie runs with a reasonable pace, giving all the time for Darsheel. No hurry. His expressions are captured at full length. Music is just too good. Shankar Ehsaan Loy at their best again. One song where the child questions his mom is lot of message to the viewers.
Aamir Khan plays the supporting actor. He is the good cop. The teacher who can understand the child and educate the parents. But all through the movie, we can see that he is mostly crying or trying to show that he will cry in the next scene. Very emotional - maybe that's what the character demands but not overdoing anything.
Tis film is part documentary type too. Its more of an education to parents and revelation that says - NEVER COMPARE
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Something good for the New Year
I was thinking about what different could I do for this New Year. Thinking about it, I went through a number of blogs that I usually visit over a period of time. And then I saw a post about this website called : FreeRice
FreeRice has been created for a social cause. And how do they do it. You play a word game with on the site and guess the answer. For every answer you get right, the site would donate 20 grains of rice to the fight the cause of hunger.
Isn't that the best way to donate for a cause. You also get to learn a new word every time you answer. And mind you - its gets very difficult after a point. You'd see the most strange words ever! Yes, its totally like the GRE or GMAT system, the moment you get the answer right, the complexity increases by a large degree.
So - here's an appeal to all you word enthusiasts, GMAT and GRE freaks who are cramming word lists day in and day out. Spend about 10 minutes every day on this website. You'll definitely learn words that are never part of the GRE High Frequency list. Best part - you'll be part of a great cause.
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