Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Welcome 2009

Hey 2008

You Entertained us in fancy Olympics

Excited us with Abhinav Bindra

Fancied us street smart Dhoni

made us to realise the fighting spirit of Saina

You gave us so many problems

Showed us the reality

Made us to face turbulence

United us in deadly attacks

Good bye 2008, never learned so much in one single year !!!

Welcome 2009

Just make us to feel comfortable !

December Music Season Update - Final

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha

30 Dec 2008 – Vocal - Sudha Raghunathan; Violin R K Sriram Kumar

Excellent concert. Some of songs were: Sri jalandharam, karuna jooda vamma (thodi), rama rama payasage (pandhuvarali), mrudanga thalamu (sri ranjani), sathurdasya ragamalika, arul seyya venumayya (rasigapriya), kandha un aadhara vindham thunai, thaye gopalakrishnan yasodha, jagadho vaaraname. It was little sloppy in the beginning but picked up admirably during second half. Kandha was the pick of the day.

The sad part of the day was the body language of violinist Sriram who behaved as if he is playing music on sudha's private reception. He hardly turned and looked at the crowd !

Some general observation of mine on this season:

1. 80% of the crowd consists of oldies.... They are extremely good and knowledgeable in carnatic music. They come early and they keep their cell phones in silent mode. They share musical information. Good company indeed !

2. Singers should look at the crowd for the first 2 songs to get the feedback on mike / sound.

3. Why dont the sabha's keep some dust bins reachable?

4. Sabha should introduce the musicians before the start of kacheri.

Monday, December 29, 2008

December Music Season – Update 5

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha

28 Dec 2008 – Mandolin U Srinivas Violin – Mullaivasan G Chandramouli; Mrudangam –

Tanjore Murugabhopathy; Ghatam – S V Ramani; Morsing Srirangam Kannan

Good concert. Some of songs were: Shanthamuledhu, balayamam, ranjani niranjani, Chinnan Chiru Kiliye & Saibhajan. Lovely concert with one of the best thani avardhanam performance.

28 Dec 2008 – Vocal - Neyveli R Santhanagopalan; Violin – V V Ravi; Mrudangam – Neyveli R Narayanan

I listened to first two songs - Ninnukori & Vathabi and left the concert hall as I felt overflowing with music for a given day.

29 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Bombay Jayashri; Violin – Embar Kannan; Mrudangam – Patri Sathishkumar

Excellent Concert. Some of the songs were: Nin thaathpamariya, Tripura sundari, hiranmayi lakshmi, manabyasa sarala, kalisiyunde, sivabalane vadivelane, kanda naal mudhal & thillana. Well executed concert and enjoyed well by rasigas. Sivabalane received maximum applause.

29 Dec 2008 – Vocal – O S Arun; Violin – Vittal Ramamurthy; Mrudangam J Vaidyanathan

I listened to first two songs - Vathabi & Brocheva and left the concert hall as I felt overflowing with music for a given day.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

December Music Season – Update 4

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha

26 Dec 2008 – Vocal – T V Sankaranarayanan; Violin – H K Venkatraman; Mrudangam – Tanjore Murugabhopathy

Good concert. Some of songs were: Gajananam, sfri naradha, sri guru praba, abaya varadhe saradhe (Hindolam), Saroja nala nethri (shankarabharanam), Karpooran narumo & venkatajala nilayam. For his age, he sang very well and sounded fully passionate. 65% of the hall was occupied and it looked like it was filled up with his fans that seemed to have enjoyed the concert fully. I liked it.

26 Dec 2008 – Ganesh, Kumaresh & Jayanthi Kumaresh

Bad Concert. Looked like one quite an unprepared concert. They failed miserably to keep the attention of listeners at the end.

27 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Ranjani & Gayathri; Violin – Charulatha (?); Mrudangam – Manoj Siva

Excellent Concert. Some of the songs were:Vallava nayaga, palil, nava siddhi petralum, sri kamakoti peeta, nee kelara, anjile ondru petran. I simply loved the song anandha bairavi unai allal aarabi specifically. The crowed guessed the song, raaga and hence, the built up was very enjoyable. Kudos the college going like Violinist Charu ended up playing her role very well.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Crazy Mohan's Chocolate Krishna

I watched Crazy Mohan's latest play called Chocolate Krishna at Narada Gana Sabha. It was 119th performance and has duration of 90m.

It is about self belief than getting addicted in god's belief. It provoked good amount of laugh and filled up with funny one liners. The linking up of Vodafone commercial is too good. Worth seeing once.

Friday, December 26, 2008

December Music Season – Update 3

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha

25 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Priya Sisters; Violin – V V Srinivasa Rao' Mrudangam – B Sivaraman

Good concert. Some of songs are: Sri valli devasenapathy, kanda purama soundaryam, kali dhanushkodi with ponguju sri raghu, rasika jana mohana ranjani, jo achudananda. I loved thirumal kunda and chinnan siru kiliye especially. They are sounding very fine while singing melody or in a soft voice.

25 Dec 2008 – Bharathanatyam by Shobana

Decent show. Shobana looked like an angel and danced with complete grace. Facial expressions were very good especially while she was dancing for yadhava Krishna, yadhukula Krishna. She played to gallery when she danced for nadhar mudi mel irukkum nalla paambey ! But I felt lost as it had no story like what Sonal Mansing gave on 24th Dec. Hence, my satisfaction level was not that good. But the hall was full for Shobana.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

December Music Season 2008 – Update 2

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha

23 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Sanjay Subramaniam; Violin – Nagai Muralidharan; Mrudangam – Patri Sathishkumar

Excellent concert. Ongi Ulagalandha, Kaalai thooki nindradum, Alanaadu, Isai paada vendumey are some of the songs he sang. Alanaadu in Thodi was mesmerizing and he just made people to hook it on so easily and held the control on through the concert. The crowd showered him with affectionate applauses. Govinda alalem mangai manaala vaa was another damn good song he sang and I loved. In fact, I started even imagining that song in fusion, percussion type while sipping coffee.

24 Dec 2008 – Vocal – T M Krishna; Violin – Mysore Manjunath; Mrudangam – Trichy Sankaran

Excellent Concert. Ayyappan avadharitha, maakelara vicharam, sri guru kula murthy (udayaravi chandrika raagam), vinaradhana manaveer, mari mari nine with karuna govinda (RTP) are some of the songs he sang. I loved maakelara vicharam and dasaratha bala ramachandrayya especially. Sound engineering issues did neither dither the singers nor the audiences.

24 Dec 2008 – Odissi – Sonal Mansing

Lovely. My first brush with Odissi. The theme was panchakanya – Ahalya, Tara, Kundi, Mandothari & Draupati. While kundi episode depicted poignancy, anger was the highlight of Draupati. Every character / story is introduced by a crisp 2-3min speech im impeccable english and the dance followed.Amazing expression, subtle body language, engaging music kept us on good mood throughout.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

December Music Season 2008 – Update 1

I wanted to attend one full season of December music for quite some time. But never had time to fulfill that. But this time, I did it due to recession. Self and my friend Mr.C attending concert / Kacheri in narada gana sabha, ttk road. I love Carnatic music but never learned so I cant identify Raagas but at the same time I am very familiar with lot of songs due to continuous listening. Mr.C is very much aware of raaga and hence, no issues in information.

17 Dec 2008: Vocal - T N Seshagopalan; Violin – V V Ravi; Mrudangam – Trichur Narendran

I went 30m late., hence not really enjoyed the concert.

18 Dec 2008: Vocal – Nithyasree Mahadevan; Violin – Hemalatha; Mrudangam – Neyveli Skandasubramaniam

Good concert. Sasivadana, Allal Enum, Un perumayai evar arivar & Ramakrishna govinda murare are the highlights of this concert.

19 Dec 2008: Vocal – K J Yesudas; Violin – Nagai Muralidharan; Mrudangam – K V Prasad

Average concert. As always, Yesudas impressed us through his devotional songs – like om enbathu omkaram, Harivarasanam Viswamohanam, Krishna nee begane, Innoru jenmam venduma; Solla vallaya kiliye and enna varam ketpen naane is something I listened first time and I fell in love with those song and lyrics. K V Prasad was full of smiles when he was performing and he was interacting with Yesudas nicely throughout.

20 Dec 2008: Vocal – P Unnikrishnan; Violin – S Varadarajan; Mrudangam – Mannargudi A Eswaran

Good concert. Lot of hand movement while singing; I loved the song "Sri Paramaguru" which was sung for 20m. By the way, have you noted the Unnikrishnan's Leg thumb finger movement while he performs?

21 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Aruna Sairam; Violin – Embar Kannan; - Mrudangam – Patri Sathish Kumar

Good concert by the biggest crowd puller of this season. Her concert tickets are getting sold like Rajinikant's movies; As usual, she sang one catchy kavadi sindhu before winding up. I could feel lot of improvement in her singing from last year.

22 Dec 2008 – Vocal – Ranjani & Gayathri ; Venue – Kamaraj Arangam

I went to this concert with zero expectation and I loved it fully. Excellent singing by both – Highlights – Marukelara oh raghava and Sharan Sharan ekanatha (Abhang).

22 Dec 2008 – Instrumental – Kadri Gopalnath; Venue – Kamaraj Arangam

Very good concert. Nagumo was the highlight. But his moresing man Bangalore Rajasekhar's expressive face is even more good. His capturing of Taala for every song reminds us of movie acting !

Y V Reddy is great - New York Times

I have written previously about Y V Reddy's great work as RBI Governor. Now read out the post from New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/business/20nocera.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Lyrics of Anjala Anjala from Vaaranam Aayiram

Lyrics of Anjala Anjala from Vaaranam Aayiram

English translation of Anjala Anjala herewith:

Pallavi

Ava Enna Enna Thedi Vantha Anjala
Ava Neratha Paathu Sevakum Sevakum Vethala
Ava Azhaga Solla Vartha Kooda Pathala
Ada Ippo Ippo Enakkau Vendum Anjala
Ava Illa Illa Neruppu Thane Nenjila

Anjala came in search of me
Her complexion will make beetlenut to go red
Words are not enough to describe her beauty
I need anjala right away
Fire in my hearts without her

(Ava Enna Enna Thedi Vantha Anjala…)

O Onnu Kulla Onna, En Nenjikulla Ninna
O Konjam Konjam Aaga, Uyir Pichi Pichi Thinna
Ava Otha Vaartha Sonna, Athu Minnum Minnum Ponna
O Enna Solli Enna, Ava Makki Poana Manna
O Onnu Kulla Onna, En Nenjikulla Ninna
O Enna Solli Enna, Ava Makki Poana Manna

She mergeg and stood in my heart
she took my life bit by bit
one single word of her would glitter like gold
but what to do, she disappeared into sand
She merged into my heart
but what to do, she disappeared into sand

Charanam 1

Adanga Kuthiriya Pola, Ada Alanjavan Naane
Oru Poova Pola Poova Pola Marthivitaley
Padutha Thookamum Illa, En Kanavula Tholla
Antha Sozhi Pola Sozhi Pola Punnagayale
Ethuvo Engala Sertha Irukku Kayuthula Koarka
Oh Kannamuchi Aatamondru Aadi parthome
Thuniyal Kannayum Katti, Kaiya Katthula Neeti
Innum Thedura Avala, Thaniya Enge Ponalo
Thaniya Enge Ponalo
Thaniya Enge Ponalo

I was roaming like a untamed horse
she changed me like a flower
I lost my sleep, dreams were rattling thru
her flashy smile like a dice
something united us but she is playing hide and seek with me
covered my eyes with a ribbon
searching for her in the air thru by hand
where did she go alone
where did she go alone
where did she go alone

Ava Enna Enna Thedi Vantha Anjala...

Charanam 2

Vazhka Raatinam Thaanda, Thinam Suthudhu Jora,
Athu Mela Keezha Mela Keezha Kathuthu Thoda
Mudhal nal Uchathil Irunthaen
Naan Pothunu Vizhundaen
Oru Meena Pola Meena Pola, Tharayila Nelinjen
Yaaro Koodave Varuva, Yaaro Paathiyil Povaar
Athu Yaaru Enna Onnum Namma Kayyil Illaye…
Velicham Thanthathu Oruthi, Avala Irutula Niruthi
Joora Payanatha Kelappi, Thaniya Enge Ponalo
Thaniya Enge Ponalo
Thaniya Enge Ponalo

Life is a roller coaster, rotating tirelessly everyday
goes up and down goes up and down
I was on top of the world
Next day, fallen from my grace
I felt like fish out of water
Some one comes along, parts in between
who would do, when will they go - is not in our hand
she gave light, i keep in my heart
she started my journey - but
where did she go alone
where did she go alone
where did she go alone

Ava Enna Enna Thedi Vantha Anjala....

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Vadivelu as Project Manager - 1

Vadivelu dons the role of Project manager in my blog…. Now read this out…. Inspired from his Giri comedy (enna nallavannu sollittan) :

Vadivelu (Project Manager of a Big IT firm) went for an on-site client meeting and gets butchered for failed to meet SLAs and delay in deliverables. Vadivelu is given 30m to discuss with delivery and support head to revert. So., Vadivelu is on a conference call with Delivery and Support Head….

Delivery head: What vadivelu, how much time were you able to buy?

Vadivelu: How can I dear? They blasted me really hard. I am still sweating out.

Support Head: What happened? Who were all in the meeting?

Vadivelu: First, account manager and his 3 team members were only there. They took the defect list and shouted at me for 45 minutes. Then, the customer service head came. He spoke to me in good tamil and enquired about whether I want to have coffee or tea. I told him, coffee. But believe me - nothing came. He also started shouting at me and shared some of the customer' nasty statements for 1 hour. They, every one got tired and went off from the room.

Delivery Head: Oh ! Good that you escaped from the branch representative !

Vadivelu: oh no…. wait wait wait… they all came back again in 10m and asked me to specify clearly what our on-site folks were capable off… are they freshers or techies or just parked for presence? Then, I tried to pacify them… But….

Support Head: (Curiously) What happened?

Vadivelu: Some one came in and reminded that booking for meeting room is over... I was so relieved hearing that and it is my lunch time too! (Sobbing a bit)…. But it evaporated in a 2 minutes when they took me to another meeting room near gents toilet ! & They started all over again without even offering me a sandwich

DH & SH: oh shit…

Vadivelu: In just 15 min, the branch representative also joined for blasting session. He pulled some 10 of his team members on con-call. They screwed me for 90m or so….. How long I will also act that as if it is not painful? (now almost crying)

Delivery Head: Its okay dear…. I will buy you a drink when you come back…. Just buy some 10 days or so for now and come back….

Support Head: Customers always buzzdoze the vendor., you don't lose heart and focus on buying timeline….

Vadivelu: @#$%&*

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Funny Song on Home Loan EMIs

Serious Definition of EMI Payment:

You take a loan from bank; They will give a payment schedule; They adjust your payment against loan books; Most of your EMI payments goes into interest adjustment and little portion of your payments gets adjusted against principal outstanding;

So you keep paying for 3 years and realise that principal outstanding never comes down and wonder where your EMI payment goes !!!!!

Now I borrowed liberally from Anbe Anbe song from Dhaam Dhoom to express our despair on the loan statement which we receive every year :)

Tamil version:

Nee Nee vattiyai yethikitte poga
Naan naan udan katupattu nadakka
Indha loan-ai ennikavadhu adaithiduvene
sambalam muzhudum enadhey
Yedhai koduthom yedhai yedhuthom
Theriyavillai kanakku
Yengu tholainthom engu
Kidaithom puriyavillai namakku

English translation:

You keep raising interest rate
I keep obliging
some day i will repay my loan
and would enjoy my salary credit
what did i give, what did i take
i never got into my mind
what did i lose, what did i get
i never understood

Trust, you guys enjoyed my version :)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Satyam's wrong move

Satyam computers is part of Nifty and is one of India's top 5 IT companies !

What a mess they created on a peaceful Dec 16th evening ! They announced buyout of Maytas into Satyam at a price of 1.6billion.

Whats wrong in this?

Raju's are minority share holders of Satyam and Satyam is widely held by instituitions. They are also promoters of Maytas. This move seen as pumping cash into promoter's hands from Satyam ! Stock prices were hit mercilessly in US ADR and Satyam swiftly withdrew the move.

If Satyam has got hugh cash as reserves, why cant they declare high dividend or buy small IT companies? Why are they trying to pay themselves? Is Maytas starved of cash?

Who adviced on this great move and who decided in this mindless episode is something management should answer. It left a bad taste in corporate governance. Satyam has lost its credential and unlikely to recover for another two years !

Monday, December 15, 2008

Lovely Evening Snack Places of Chennai


  • I thought I will list out some of the good restaurents of Chennai which serve sumptuous snack / tiffen items for the evening… Evening means between 4pm to 7pm to me J
Try it out…. I recently visited these places so I can say the list is good – I think these items are best prepared in the following places than others !!!
  • New Woodlands, Cathedral Road – Mangalore Bonda, Uppuma
  • Gangotri, Cathedral Road – North Indian snack items, sweets
  • Sri Krishna Sweets, Pondy Bazaar – Masala Boli, Filter Coffee
  • Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Peters Road – Mini Tiffen, Rava Kesari, Medu Vadai, Raw banana Chips and Filter Coffee with more sugar
  • Sangeetha Hotel, Sterling Road – Vendhaya Dosai, Vada Kari, Filter Coffee
  • Raja Bhavan, Sterling Road – Dosa, Idly
  • Murugan Idly Kadai, GN Chetty Road – Dosa, Idly, Oothappam
  • Mansukh, T. Nagar – North Indian snack items
  • Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Mylapore – Adai Avial, Kaara Dosa, Rava Idly, Raw banana Chips & Filter Coffee
  • Adyar Anandha Bhavan, Adyar – Adai Avial, Kaara Kozhakattai, Filter Coffee
  • Palmgrove, Nungambakkam – Assorted Bajji, dosa varieties
  • Shree Mithai, Chetpet & Spencers – North Indian snack items with Badam Milk
  • MG Road, Nungambakkam – Near Citibank ATM – Paani Puri (road side)
  • Sangeetha Hotel, R A Puram – Dosa items, puri, Filter Coffee

  • Carnival - Cake Shop, C P Ramasamy Road – Sandwiches
    &

  • Beeda @ Calcutta paan shop – just before Ganpat hotel, Nungambakkam
Update Jan 2, 2010

  • Noodles Samosa at hotel saravana bhavan (Mylapore, Venkatnarayan road)
  • Hotel Sudha, Egmore - Old udipi hotel - all south indian breakfast items are very very good

Saturday, December 13, 2008

MRF Tyredrome – Chennai completes 19 years

Do you know that MRF tyredrome completes 19 years today?

It is the only spot for Robotic car wash and is located in heart of Chennai (Cathedral Road – just before Music Academy). They charge around Rs.225/- for a car wash. You can relax in an A/C room while they clean up your car or you can catch your lunch at Amaravati located opposite J

Do you know that you can fill Nitrogen (N2) for your tubeless tyres over there?

FYI… N2 is filled for aircraft tyres, N2 comes for around 60 – 80 days whereas your normal air lasts for hardly 2-3 weeks ! N2 is also good for Car rims…. If you have not tried so far…. Do it now…. And make a little difference for your beloved car !

Each tyre would be charged at Rs.40/- and top-up of N2 would be charged Rs.10/= thereafter.

Do you also know that it is the best place to check your wheel balancing act in town?


 


 

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Recession & Entertainment

Recession is looming large on us. So what will happen to entertainment? My take as follows:


 

  1. No issues for Middle class food joints – Be it McD, Pizza corner in USA or our own Saravana Bhavan, Woodlands or gangotri. After all, these places would become hot meeting places to discuss the future plan of action.
  2. Costly wine and dine restaurents – they are likely to face some 20 to 30% traffic slow down
  3. Low cost beer pubs – they are likely to survive the slow down as they also become hot meeting places
  4. Star based movies (like Ghajini, Rab Ne Banadi Jodi) and comedies would have strong possibility of survival than serious movies as people look out for strong entertainment than some "advice / sentiment" factors.
  5. So., multiplexes would face very different atmosphere – star based movies would have a bumper opening whereas normal movies would have very slow pick up – in contrast;
  6. Sports (around 3 hours duration) events are unlikely to face substantial slow down in audience participation – the effect would be marginal – around 15% or so;
  7. SPAs and Resorts might have to cut prices to lure more walk-ins than ever before.
  8. Sex might become a cheapest entertainment L

Monday, December 8, 2008

some english movie dialogues i liked

From Die Another Day
Scene: First meeting between Bond and Halle Berry on the beach !

Halle berry comes out of beach to the shore and bond spots her.
Bond: Magnificient view
Halle Berry: it is, isn't it?
Bond: too bad its lost like everybody else
You should try and offers a drink
Halle Berry: my friends call me jinx...
Bond: My friends call me James Bond, Jinx you say
Halle Berry: born on friday, the 13th?
Bond: You believe in bad luck?
Halle Berry: Lets just say Our relationship don't seem to last
Bond: hmmm... i know the feeling. (glancing the hunters) The predators usually appear at sun set
Halle Berry: and why is that?
Bond: thats when their prey comes out to drink. too strong for you? (referring the drink)
Halle Berry: (with a big smile) I can learn to like it, if i have time
Bond: Hw much time have you got?
Halle Berry: Until Dawn... what about u?
Bond: oh... I am just here for the birds., ornitologist..
Halle Berry: ornitologist..ah. wow
wow here is the mouthful. so you are going to be busy tonight with the owls?
Bond: no., nothing to see till the morning. Neithere are they anymore
Halle Berry: (with a wry smile) What do you predators do... when the sun goes down?
Bond: They feast like there is no tomorrow

No reward for guessing what could have been the next scene although !!!
*********************************************
From The Italian Job

John Bridger: I have sent it
Charlie Croker: you were supposed to do your shopping after we pull off the job
John Bridger: i feel so optimistic
Charlie Croker: so?
John Bridger: how do you feel
Charlie Croker: i am fine
John Bridger:fine?
you know what fine stands for, dont you?
Charlie Croker: yeah, unfortunately.
John Bridger: freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional
===============================
John Bridger: trust everyone, but dont trust the devil inside them !
==============================
John Bridger: you know charlie, there are two kinds of theives in the world the ones who steal to enrich their lives and the ones who steal to define their lives and dont be the latter !

Guru Peyarchi & Sensex

Stock market would stage a smart upward rally in the coming days. Sensex might go upto 10200 levels. Enjoy the effect of Guru Peyarchi !

Friday, December 5, 2008

Action Replay

1. Terror Attack happens in India
2. India blames elements in Pak
3. Issues strong statements to Pak
4. Pak rejects claims
5. India summons some official and hands over suspected militant list for handover
6. Pak rejects claims
7. US official condemns issues strong statements while in India against Pak
8. & softens same statements while in Pak
9. then, everyone forgets
10. US goes on giving millions of aid
12. India goes on cribbing
13. Nothing material happens until another major attack happens
14. Action replay all over again when next terror attack happens !!!

Mudiyalai.... I wonder why the suspect list names has not changed over the period and remains the same !!!

Even listening to Ramayanam & mahabharatham sounds bit more interesting than news !!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Global Recession - Now official !

Its now official - US has entered recession in Dec 2007 and all the statistics confirmed that !

Chinese manufacturing data injected severe fear yesterday and it is almost certain that Europe, US, Japan, Singapore entered recession too.

What does this mean to India?

India's GDP would considerably slow down - already exports are down by 12%, fiscal deficit balooning, automobile sales considerably down; So, just ignore the pep statements of P Chidambaram and Montek Singh; India would be entering troubled waters starting this October;

If our folks employed in USA, Europe comes back retrenched, it would add considerable pressure to local situation. Otherwise, we might manage to just float in 2009.

As a investor, do invest in fixed deposits, bonds - ignore stock market, commodity market for now. Buy Gold only if it dips around 625 - 650 USD. Relax and cut down your expenses, avoid impulse shopping and save your money to buy things in discount.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Cyclone Nisha causes heavy damage in Tamil Nadu

Finally, Cyclone Nisha managed to paralyse Tamil Nadu and brought activities to standstill. Heavy rain started around last saturday in Tanjore, Karakal, Cuddalore spread to Rameswaram, Chennai around Tuesday.

Average of 43cms rainfall received across Tamil Nadu over 5 days left heavy damage to crops in cauvery delta. In Chennai, all the lakes were overflowing, hence, the authorities decided to flush of excess water.

This move drowned areas like Virugambakkam, Vadapalani, Saidapet. Premium areas like Boat Club, Alwarpet, CP Ramasamy road were flooded heavily. Madipakkam, Velachery, Ram Nagar continue to usual victims in this rain too. People were forced to stay inside homes to flush out excess water and normal life got completely paralysed on Nov 27, 29.

Hopeless infrastructure got exposed "n" time. Let us want and see how things would improve from here !

Friday, November 28, 2008

Visit Uhoroo

Folks...

Are you a lover of good music? Then, enroll yourselves in www.uhooroo.com. It a clean site, which lists various types of music. You can register yourself and listen to the music.

You get to see host of musicians who list their music / compositions. Some of them are well known, some of them are budding, some of them are pro - but what makes the site unique is the love for good music.

So try it out !

Thursday, November 27, 2008

A Sneak view at the Emergency Cabinet meeting of Manmohan Singh

Coffee Break

A Sneak view at the Emergency Cabinet meeting of Manmohan Singh on mumbai hostage crisis:

Manmohan: Welcome everyone, thanks for coming on time. With the gracious permission from Soniaji, i kickstart this meeting

Laloo: Ji, What is it about?

Paswan: bhayya, aisa hi hain, kuch khaas nahi.

Manmohan: excuse me, this is about an operation

Laloo: Barging in... Ji., kya operation hain? when did you fell sick?

Manmohan: bhayya., mere ko thoda sunlo. terrorists attacked mumbai., and i am going to explain our rescue operation over there.

Shivraj Patil: I got a very confidential information

Sharad pawar: barging in.... Bakhwas math karo., pls tell us the information first

Shivraj Patil: Some foreign hands are involved in this hostage crisis

Laloo: barging in.... bhayya, that is for the press release. tel us the fact now

Shivraj patil: goes on in explaining situation and asks for approval to release prisoners and some money

Arjun Singh: I will announce reservation for terrorists, i will reslve this issue !

Chidambaram: I will put a new tax called "terrorist benefit tax" and charge it on corporates like fringe benefit tax !

Manmohan: Pls allow me to speak, if all you are not having any objection, we will authorise shivraj request and also authorise instant decision making by state home secretary to resolve this crisis.

Everyone: Ok

Manmohan: Ok, meeting over. I have to rush off to brief Sonia. Thanks for coming. Shivraj., do brief the press., rest can go.

Paswan: No No., we will have some nice tea, cashews, biscuits before going. After all, meeting cant get over in 3m. So we will sit here for another 25m or so to create some good impression !!!

Laloo: haan., haan...

No longer a democracy

India is no longer a democracy – It is Anarchy L

  • Month after month, attacks after attack – Nothing changes
  • Terrorists improving their scale of operations consistently – But our polices are not
  • Congress is solely responsible for the situation of country as they ruled us for so long
  • Our Politicians are next to blame – they were bothered only about making money
  • IAS officers are next to blame – they tactfully developed error free kick back system
  • In the end, crores of people left wondering in disbelief – is this the India they loved ?


 

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ghajini (Hindi) - Music Review

Album - Ghajini (Hindi) - Music Review
Music By - A R Rahman
Overall Rating - Must Listen

01. Guzarish By Javed Ali & Sonu Nigam - 4.5/5 - Lovely song, beautifully sung by Javed, humming by Sonu, really catchy tune; trust they dont imagine sunset for the end humming portion :) The little bit of additional drumming reminded me of final portion Oh Bhavrey song from Daud.

02. Aye Bachchoo by Suzanne - 4.5/5 - Inviting dance number with robust beat; Rock(ing) guitar put to good use before the end of song; Timepass lyrics !

03. Kaise Mujhe By Benny Dayal & Shreya Ghoshal - 3/5 - Slow number; Benny fails to hold our attention for the first time ! The beginning music made me to wonder whether ARR is preparing himself for background score for movies like Crash! I liked the female humming before the second stanza.

04. Bekha By Karthik - 5/5 - Surprising fusion of rock, jazz and carnival type drumming; fantastic singing by Karthik; Rahman simply freaks out in this imaginative track;

05. Lattoo Lattoo By Shreya Ghoshal - 4/5 - Foot tapping, fast number; Wow... what a meaningless lyrics !

06. Kaise Mujhe (INSTRUMENTAL) By Guitars: Neil Mukherjee & Flutes: Kiran - 4/5 - Impressive shot for peace !

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Poo - Music Review

Album - Poo - Music Review
Music By - S.S.Kumaran
Overall Rating - Wonderful Folk Album

01. Choo Choo Maari By Mirudula S, Parthasarathy, Srimathi - 4.5/5 - wonderfully tuned, written kid song after probably Anjali, lovely singing and arrangement of music;

02. Maman Engirukka By Harini, Karthik, Tippu - 4.5 / 5 - fine beginning for this Catchy tune, Harini's song; Robust music in interludes and good usage of flute;

03. Aavaram Poo By Chinmaye - 4.5/5 - Lovely melody expressing longingness, Chinmayee does justice in this mesmerising number;

04. Paasa Mozhi By S.S.Kumaram - 3 / 5 - brief ballad, bad pronunciation makes you to uncomfortable in an otherwise soft, simple number;

05. Dheena By Hemambiga, Shankar Mahadevan - 4/5 - Eeriness in air in the beginning but turns normal afterwards, wonderful use of melam; listen to the fusion of tabla and melam in before the charanam 2 - Wow... but overall tune is just pass;

06. Sivakasi Rathiyae By Periya Karuppu Thevar - 4/5 - beautiful lyrics brings smile on our face on this folk tune

What I liked:

1. Rural, folk, village sound broughtout in some wonderful tunes
2. Thoughtful usage of simple instruments
3. Cant believe that S S Kumaran is debutant music director on the quality of music
4. Pray that this team to win some music awards as one can see the great effort put in

Could have been the best album of the year if they could have avoided Maestro Ilayaraja's school of music in arrangement !!!!!

Lyrics of Sivakasi Radhiye from Poo

Lyrics of Sivakasi Radhiye from Poo

Pallavi

sivakasi radhiye sirikindra vediye
unne endha kaalam parthathu thayee
iva andha kaala aishvarya rai
mogathile theriyara surukkatha pole
aruvadhu vayasula paduthura aala
unne endha kaalam parthathu thayee
iva andha kaala aishvarya rai

Charanam 1

othayadi paadhayile solli oruthan
mathiyaanam varuva-nnu poothu kedanthen
otha pana melerindha peya parthu naan
thala therikka ottam pidichen

aye ayyanaru saamiye kavalukku vendi thaan
kadhale naan solla nenaichen
ava paambatti oruthanai parthu parthu sirichadha
engey poi solli tholaippen

andha pandha kaalu pakkathula paaru
iva andha kaala sokka thanga theru

sivakasi radhiye sirikindra vediye
unne endha kaalam parthathu thayee
iva andha kaala aishvarya rai

Charanam 2

pampu settu thanniyile ava kulikka
thenna mara uchiyile naanum iruppen
thenna matta thelu onnu enna kadikka
kathikitte palla ilippen

aye kenda meena pola thaan thulli kittu thirinchavan
karuvaada vandhu nikkiraan
ippo nalla naalum paakalai
thamboolamum maathalai thaliya thaan katta poren
unne endha kaalam parthathu thayee
iva ippa kooda aishvarya rai

mmm sivakasi radhiye sirikindra vediye
unne endha kaalam parthathu thayee
iva yennaikume aishvarya rai

Lyrics of Choo choo maari from Poo

Lyrics of Choo choo maari from Poo

Pallavi

f: thatha thatha thannikulle
thavalai rendum pondhukulle
choo choo maari
kuthalathu kattukulle
korangu ellam veetukulle
choo choo maari

m: ootha pallu rengamma
ulle vaadi rengamma
choo choo maari
unakku purushan yaarumma
oolai mooku aalamma
choo choo maari
choo choo maari

Charanam 1

f: adho paaru rayiluda
rayilukukke kuyiluda choo choo maari
kuyilukitta nerungina
rendu maasam thigiluda choo choo maari

m: Sangili bungili katti pudi
naan maaten vengai puli choo choo maari
sangarankovil sundari
sapparam varudhu endhiri choo choo maari

medley: f: venanda raasu mattikuve venanda venanda raasu venanda
m: podi maari

Charanam 2

f: thattan thattan light adi
kozhi kunjukku light adi choo choo maari
kusumbu pannum sevalai
kozhambu panni oothadi choo choo maari

f: pattya pattya eduthukko
parangi pattya eduthukko choo choo maari
mottyadichadhu yaarunnu
muttya parthu kettukko choo choo maari

Charanam 3

f: dosa parthu sirichichaam
poori kanna adichichaam choo choo maari
ittili sanda pottuchaam
chattini velakki vittichaam choo choo maari

kadugu melagu thuppili
karun golatha pokkiri choo choo maari

m: kolla pakkam pogadhey
kotti kedakku jaangiri

f: ayyo chee

choo choo maari
choo choo maari
choo choo maari
choo choo maari (with giggling)

Lyrics of Maman Engirukka from Poo

Lyrics of maman engirukka from Poo

Pallavi

F: manasukulle kadhal sirikkudhu
mazhayum ille veyyilum ille
apparam eppadi vanavil vandhadhu
maaman kaaran engey irukkan?

maaman engurukkan aal kaati
mayilu kaathirukka vaa pooti

m: kannukkul vachikittu veliye neeyum thedadhey
vannathu poochi endrum poove vittu pogadhey

f: kutti potta poonai pole un kaalai naan suthuren

m: kurukke potta pinnal pole un maarbil ilai paaruven

f: alli kulam mela kalla pottu porey vattam pottu alai payudhey

m: aalai sangu satham kekkum podhu kooda unnoda per solludhey

Charanam 1

f: kaiyya thottu pesura maamen
mayya vacha mugathayum thoduvaan
nerungi varuvan mutham tharuvan
matha kadhai naan solla maaten

paasi mani kedakkara kazhuthil
pathu viral thadayangal tharuvaan
oosi vediya ulle vedichu
moochu vittu mayangi poven

m: aalagi naalana rasathiye
azhagala en nenja koda saachiye

f: vella vetti mela manja karai pole
otti kolla edam kekkuren

m: vandi katti thaane ponnu kettu vandhey
vekkathai edai pakkiren

Charanam 2

f: thaali katti unakkum enakkum
then nelavu nelavula nadakkum
paalum pazhamum irukkum podhum
vera pasi nenjula edukkum

kattilukku dhenam kaal valikkum
108 pulle kutti porakkum
namma pullainga padikka thaane
palli koodam thaniya thirakkum

m: yemmadi yemmadi thaangadhamma
aanalum en aasai thoongadhamma

f: chayya chayya chayya athai petha payya
othigaikku eppo varattum

m: otha paarvai parthey sethu pozhaichendi
motha paarvai enne virattum

f: maaman engurukkan aal kaati
mayilu kaathirukka vaa pooti

m: kannukkul vachikittu veliye neeyum thedadhey
vannathu poochi endrum poove vittu pogadhey

f: kutti potta poonai pole un kaalai naan suthuren

m: kurukke potta pinnal pole un maarbil ilai paaruven

f: alli kulam mela kalla pottu porey vattam pottu alai payudhey

m: aalai sangu satham kekkum podhu kooda unnoda per solludhey
Lyrics of Avaaram poo from Poo

Pallavi

aavaram poo annalil irundhey yaarukku kathirikku
andhi pagal mazhai veyil sumandhey unakkaga poothirukku

sondha verodu thaan konda kadhalinai
adhu sollamal ponalum puriyadhaa?

aavaram poo annalil irundhey yaarukku kathirikku
andhi pagal mazhai veyil sumandhey unakkaga poothirukku

Charanam 1

kaatril aadi thinamdhorum unadhu dhisayai thodaruthada
kuzhandai kaala nyabagathil idhazgal virithey kedakkuthada
nedu naal andha nerukkam ninaithey adhu kidakkum
sarugagal satham podum
dhinam soozhnilai yutham podum
adhan vaarthai mounam aagum

sondha verodu thaan konda kadhalinai
adhu sollamal ponalum puriyadhaa?

aavaram poo annalil irundhey yaarukku kathirikku
andhi pagal mazhai veyil sumandhey unakkaga poothirukku

Charanam 2

aayul muzhudhum thavam kidandhe ottrai kaalil nirkuthada
maalai aagi thavaznthidave unadhu maarbai ketkuthada
paniyil adhu kidakkum neeyum paarthaal uyir pizhaikkum
vannangal ellam nee thaan
adhan vaasangal ellam nee thaan
nee vittu sendral pattu pogum

sondha verodu thaan konda kadhalinai
adhu sollamal ponalum puriyadhaa?

aavaram poo annalil irundhey yaarukku kathirikku
andhi pagal mazhai veyil sumandhey

Lyrics of Dheena dheena from Poo

Lyrics of Dheena dheena from Poo

Pallavi

dheenanathuna dheenadheenanathuna dheenanathuna dheena
dheenanathuna dheenadheenanathuna dheenanathuna dheena

yedho pannura yedho pannura yedho pannura maari
kayathaaru kaathadi pola kaathodu poneney mela

aye panjarathu kozhi padichu parichu pola
unnale naan maari ponen ullorey sooderi ponen

f: aasai vacha mamanukku aala maramaa
kaalam poora kathiruppen naan
sudalai maadan koyilukku nernthukittu thaan
soodam onnu yethi vaippen naan

aye yedho aye yedho aye yedho pannura maari
aye dheena aye dheena aye dheenanathuna dheena

Charanam 1

m: oorodu vaazhndhum thaniyaga thaane vaazhndheney naan
kooraikku mele poosani poovai poothaye nee
unnodu pesum podhu nenjil urchagam kurayadhu

f: saadhi sanam koodi irukkum
un nezhal mattum kooda irukkum

aye dheena aye dheena dheenanathuna dheena
aye yedho aye yedho aye yedho pannura maari

Charanam 2

m: thaai andru thandha veppathai indru thandhayee nee
thol saayum podhu thunbathai ellam vendraye nee
ennulle un veedu naanum neeyindr verum koodu

f: kathu ulla kaalam varaikkum
unne kadhaliche sethu poganum

m: dheenanathuna dheenadheenanathuna dheenanathuna dheena
dheenanathuna dheenadheenanathuna dheenanathuna dheena

yedho pannura yedho pannura yedho pannura maari
kayathaaru kaathadi pola kaathodu poneney mela

aye panjarathu kozhi padichu parichu pola
unnale naan maari ponen ullorey sooderi ponen

f: aasai vacha mamanukku aala maramaa
kaalam poora kathiruppen naan
sudalai maadan koyilukku nernthukittu thaan
soodam onnu yethi vaippen naan

aye yedho aye yedho aye yedho pannura maari
aye dheena aye dheena aye dheenanathuna dheena

Lyrics of Paasa Mozhi from Poo

Lyrics of Paasa Mozhi from Poo

Paasa mozhi pesum iru mazhalai paruvam uyirai unarum neram idhu thaano
aala mara madiyil siru poovin nizhalil pesi pazhagum nesam idhu thaano

ariyamal thodarum payanam idhuve idhuve
adi nenjil padhiyum uravum idhuve idhuve oh

oh paasa mozhi pesum iru mazhalai paruvam uyirai unarum neram idhu thaano
oh aala mara madiyil siru poovin nizhalil pesi pazhagum nesam idhu thaano

thaayin madi thavazhum vayadhil veru uravo
thaayin sugam thaane unarum thedal idhuvo
padhangal naangum koodi kadhai pesume
paalaivana thadamai nenjil padhivagume
idhu kadhal meeri pogum unarve
pala kaalam thaandi pesum urave

oh paasa mozhi pesum iru mazhalai paruvam uyirai unarum neram idhu thaano
oh aala mara madiyil siru poovin nizhalil pesi pazhagum nesam idhu thaano

Friday, November 21, 2008

Who cares about poor consumer?

Who cares about consumer in this poor country? No one....Want to know Why... Here I go !!!

1. RBI cuts repo rate by 200 basis points - whereas variable interest on our loans are cut only 75 basis points. Banks are claiming that they are in difficult situation as if people who borrowed are living in heaven !

2. NYMEX Crude is down from 140 levels 50 USD. ATF prices were cut 4 times in the last 2 months in India. Still, fuel surcharge is not revised down by indian airline companies !

3. Commodity prices were ruling high until April - May. Commodity prices have crashed since then - example Steel. But, benefit of construction cost not passed on to poor consumers !

4. Car companies used to hike prices when commodity prices were ruling high. Now, they are not even opening their mouth on price cuts now!

5. Petroleum Minister claimed some time back that fuel prices would be cut when NYMEX Crude trades around 65. He is saying now, time is not ripe for cutting the retail prices !

5. Same case applies to textiles, two wheelers, movies etc... Dhoni would be paid Rs.3 crores for brand building where as you will get only 20% discount twice a year.

If you think, you can be better off in USA or Europe... Just read this titbit - GM, Ford, Chrysler directors came Washington in chartered flight and asked US Congress for 25billion Bridge Loan of tax payers money from the US government to tide over the crisis. If they could have taken an economy class flight they might have spent around 600 USD for the same trip but they spent 20,000 USD by using chartered flight.

After all, it is their perk stupid !

So, profit making companies are important at our cost of sacrifice ! Very Well !

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Many more returns - Dear Deva

Looks like people forgot you, hence, I would like to greet you on your Birthday (Nov 20) – Dear Deva (thenesai thendral) – a nice, humble music director of many tamil movies !

  • You are so humble and down to earth;
  • You were ably supported by many brothers ;
  • You never boasted about yourself unlike S A Rajkumar J
  • You never pretended that you create great music but still produced so many hummable numbers;
  • You made instant music unlike many music directors who claim a tune comes after months of hardwork but still unfriendly !
  • You apparently made all the songs of Annamalai movie in one day – how can I forget that beautiful album !!!
  • You made inspired music – but how refreshing it was – for example – Oh Nenje Nenje song from Mugavari or from Meri jaan / vai raja vai from Panchathanthiram or I like you from Citizen
  • You were king of gaana songs or kuthu pattus – for example – mala mala from Chocklet or from hey kutti munnale from Indhu or kavalaipadathey from Kadhal Kottai
  • How can I forget your combo with Hariharan – for example – oru mani adithal from Kalamellam kadhal vazhga, Engenge from Nerukku Ner, Oh Sona Sona from Vaalee
  • You did music for credible movies like Annamalai, Arunachalam, Aasai, Avvai Shanmugi, Kushi, Mugavari, Nerukku Ner, Virumbukiren, Vaalee and BASHA !
  • How can I forget your all time songs like
    • Naan Autokaaran of Basha
    • Nilavai Kondu Vaa from Vaalee
    • Pulveli from Aasai
    • Eeswara from Kannedhire thondrinal
    • Virumbukiren from Virunbukiren
    • Nalam nalam ariya aaval from Kadhal Kottai
    • Kalamellam kadhal vazhga from kadhal kottai
    • Manam virumbudhey from Nerukku Ner
    • Velai Velai from Avvai Shanmugi
    • Kadhali from Avvai Shanmugi
    • Engenge from Nerukku Ner
    • Azhagu from Basha
    • Oru PenPura from Annamalai
    • Kanave kalayathey from Kannedhire thondrinal

Thank you deva for your contribution, you deserve to be remembered on your b'day ! You are seemingly having a good break – will you make a strong comeback?


 

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Blinded Pilot saved from ground

Do read this remarkable story:

London, Nov 8 (ANI): A lone pilot flying a four-seater Cessna aircraft went blind at 15,000ft when he suffered a stroke, and only made it safely to the ground after he was guided by an RAF wing commander.

Jim O'Neill, 65, a businessman with 18 years experience, was flying from Prestwick airport in Scotland to an airfield near Colchester, Essex on 31 October when the instruments on his aircraft became difficult to read.

O'Neill had at first assumed that it was only the glare of the sunlight as he flew over north England at 15,000ft, but when the dials blurred completely he realised the full horror of his predicament: he was a solo pilot who had suddenly gone blind.

The cause of the blindness was a stroke, which had put pressure on his optical nerve and robbed him of his sight in one eye and left him with very limited sight in the other.

Feeling the aftermath of a mid-flight stroke, O'Neill found himself unable to follow instructions from civilian air traffic controllers attempting to guide him to the nearest airstrip.

When the RAF staff overheard his predicament, they immediately launched a rescue and offered to send a military plane to fly alongside O'Neill and guide him in to land, issuing instructions to him over the radio.

Wing Commander Paul Gerrard, 42, was on a routine training sortie in a Tucano T1 turboprop plane when he received the order to come to the businessman's aid.

It was a very difficult situation as O'Neill, who runs a travel and conference-booking agency, was not able to follow orders to turn left or right or to adjust his height and speed, and it was only after seven attempts that he was able to manoeuvre his aircraft into the correct position.

Gerrard, a senior RAF instructor, flew alongside him at a distance of just 150ft away.

"For me, I was just glad to help a fellow aviator in distress," the Independent quoted W/Cdr Gerrard as saying.

"I was just part of a team. Landing an aircraft literally blind needs someone to be right there to say 'Left a bit, right a bit, stop, down'. On the crucial final approach, even with radar assistance you need to take over visually. That's why having a fellow pilot there was so important," he added.

O'Neill, who landed with two bounces halfway along the runway at the RAF base, and came to a halt just a few yards short of the end of the runway, was immediately treated by RAF paramedics before being taken to a neurological unit.

The blindness O'Neill suffered was caused by a haemorrhage in his brain putting pressure on the nerves at the back of his eyes, and causing sudden blindness.

"It was terrifying. Suddenly I couldn't see. The dials in front of me were a blur. I was helpless at the controls. I should not be alive. I owe my life - and those of dozens of people I could have crashed on - to the RAF," he said.

Civilian air traffic controllers revealed that O'Neill O'Neill repeatedly apologised as he battled to reach safety, growing increasingly anxious.

"You could hear the apprehension in his voice over the radio and the frustration he was experiencing," Richard Eggleton, a radar operator who helped guide the blinded pilot, said.

The pilot's son, Douglas O'Neill, said his father had faced an almost impossible situation when he became blinded in one eye and had limited vision in the other.

"If you were driving a car it would be bad enough, but at 14,000ft it's a whole different ball game. He thought 'If I don't land the plane I will be dead,' but he showed incredible determination," he said. (ANI)

Source - Yahoo News

Monday, November 17, 2008

Titbits on recent chennai events

Titbits on recent chennai events:

1. Law College Violence - I was shocked when I saw the violence clippings in Jaya TV. I realised there was a growing communal tension between SCs and NON SCs as per news reports. There is no excuse for the police for not protecting the students. If outsiders are indulged in this act, the entire college management should be sacked.
The best way out to bring back normalcy would be to shift the college to the outskirts of the city so that admin can easily spot the insiders and outsiders.

2. Economy on the downturn - this is the inference from the general chat with my friends and relatives. Lot of shift change, lay-offs, cut in production have generally increased over past month. Software companies are strongly discouraging work on sat & sun.

3. Real Estate prices are going down for commercial properties. Rentals above 30k for individuals have few takers.

4. Traffic Sense is going down day by day. I had the shock of week end while driving in GN Chetty Road. I was waiting to take U-Turn - One Innova driver came and overtook me in left and tried to cut to make U-turn crossing me ! No space on that road to do that and no sense in driving like that.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Rise and Rise of Godmen

The Rise and Rise of Godmen in our society is amazing. They have become one stop shop for to sort all our issues - only difference - in the beginning it was homely issues - now anything and everything which includes national issues !!!

The Malegon blast probe reveals greater influence of godmen than ever before. On the one side you have godmen like Sai babas who does so much of social projects to society and on the other side you have godmen who are accused of planting bombs !!!

Whatever the case may be, i would say - avoid visiting godmen and give funds !

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A R Rahman's best picturised songs

According to me, the following are the best picturised songs of A R Rahman in Hindi and Tamil Movies:

1. Alaipayuthey - Pachai Nirame

Great locales, costume, lovely bonding between Madhavan & Shalini. First rank goes to this song.

2. Minsara kanavu - Vennilave Vinnilave

Kajol ignites the romance in the second part of the song. Lovely picturisation in lines of Singing in the Rain.

3. Dil Se - Chayya Chayya

Moving train, crane shots, tunnel lighting.... imaginative picturisation of this song is just refusing to go away from the mind.

4. Kadhalan - Kadhalikkum pennin kaigal

Cool and casual theme executed perfectly by Prabhu Deva.

5. Thiruda Thiruda - Chandralekha

Aah.... Egmore Museum never look so beautiful. Great Lighting indeed.

6. Kadhal Desam - Mustafa Mustafa

Another casual picturisation by director, friendship demonstrated in a normal way without any exaggeration.

7. Sivaji - Vaaji Vaaji

What a lovely, towering set. Dwarfs add color to Shreya's glamour. I especially liked the thavidu podi imagination.

8. Taal - Aag Lage

Supposed to be a Filmfare picturisation. Nice dancing. Wrapping of Aish in the long cloth was wonderful !

9. Rangeela - Tanha Tanha

Nice inviting dance by Urmila but just short of sexy mode.

10. Lagaan - Orey Chori

I prefer this song to radha song of this movie. Love is in the air was nicely brought out.

11. Roja - Chinna chinna aasai

Nature's back drop with mischievous happenings on the ground. Lovely.

12. Bombay - Uyire Uyire

Rain, Kasarkod fort backdrop was too good for this song. Anchor & Manisha scene was beautifully symbolic.

13. Jodhaa Akbar - Kwaja Kwaja

Heavenly atmosphere, simple imagination, lighting makes this song wonderful to watch.

14. Rang De Basanti - Khalbali

Bonding of friends was energitically brought up in an unusual way.

15. Ratchagan - Kayyil Midhakkum

Computer graphics aided emoticons was bit imaginative.

16. Jeans - Kannodu kanbathellam

Imaginative picturisation of this carnatic tune was damn good. The positioning of this song in the story made people to burst out laughing.

17. Padayappa - Suthi Suthi vantheega

Tastefully decorated art work in the background made this song memorable.

18. Kannathil Muthamittal - Nenjil

Simran version of this song in the beaches makes one wonder about depth of relationship.

19. Boys - Girl Friend

Usage of cartoonic girl was little friendly than human as it is about "looking out". Imaginative lyrics, peppy tune all makes song interesting.

20. Kadhalar Dhinam - Dandiya aatamum aada

Such a huge group of dancers assembled in a floor, neatly co-ordinated dance arrangement.

21. Mudhalvan - Aazhagana Ratchasiye

Too garish i admit but attractive scare crows, colorful dolls make it for it.

What u say?

Monday, November 10, 2008

Life is Escapism

Human Being is so wonderful
Wants Entertainment in everything

Freaks out with Cinemas, music, dance
Intoxicates in Alcohol, Drugs
Chase Money and Sex
Redeem with Books, Lectures
Indulge in costly clothes, perfumes
Show it off in Luxury Cars
Immerse in Bose sound system

Look good in Character Building Courses
Look good in Social appointments
Look good in parties
Look good in kids school

Cant spare Rs.50 to known beggar
But can lose lakhs in stocks
Where is the end to this escapism?

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Obama - 44th US President

Congrats Barack Obama !

Your promise for change is rewarded. Trust you will fulfill to bring the change.

Asia needs a stronger USA as we are still not no where prepared to lead the world for another 3-5 years.

Time for work buddy.... Get on with work !

Also thank the Hilary Clinton for the committed campaign to vote for Obama like a true soldier of Democratic Party.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Rajinikanth meets fans, answers questions

Aah.... What a clarity I got after this meeting !!!

I am relieved and I am quite sure that Rajini will not join politics; He got good vaidhaa with his next movie for next two years.

God came in Moopanaar avatar long time back and Rajini screwed it big time.

My only confusion at this point is, how god is going to come and tell him about his next move - What avatar god would take next?

Monday, November 3, 2008

Hamilton - F1 Champion

I couldnt see the final race Live. But looks like it was worth every penny.

Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his good spirit, hunger for victory, desire to hang on for title.... But his aggression on the track needs to be controlled a bit.

Hard luck Massa.... better luck next time ! Your attitude is too good and you will make it shortly.

Kumble's retirement

Dear Kumble,

You have done us very proud. You had a illustrious career over 18 years. You are the prolific match winner for India in tests for so long. Your courage and spirit is unparalleled.

You are great - We will miss your services for sure.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Mind of an Actor

Mind of an Actor - This little poen was inspired by Live Telecast thru Sun TV on Tamil Actor's Fasting about Sri Lankan Tamil Cause held on 1st Nov 2008 at T.Nagar - Chennai

I can act, I can dance
I can cry, I can romance
I can put on weight, I can lost weight at my will
I can fake a smile, fake relationship for a hit movie
Oh Yeah... I can fast too

I can speak, I can cry in public
I can create serious comedy in public
I can woo a politican
I can do a catwalk
oh yeah.... I am ready to go prison too

Presentability is my life
Publicity is my breathe
Visibility is my motto
Acceptability is the benefit i reap
Oh dear.... but make sure that your pan cake doesnt melt in open air !!!

My new Nokia E71


After lot of deliberations over october, i finally, purchased my new phone - Nokia E71 as my old mobile Nokia E60 started giving troubles after 2.8 years of life time.

The look and feel of E71 is damn good. Features are impressive.
Plan to explore GPRS next week.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Aanandha Thaandavam - Music Review

Album - Aanandha Thaandavam
Music By - G V Prakash Kumar
Overall Rating - Excellent

1. Kallil Aadum By Benny and Shwetha - 4.5/5 - Peppy tune, Lovely instrumentation
2. Megal Pola By Shankar Mahadevan - 3.5/5 - Typical pathos song, excellent singing
3. kanaa Kaangiren By Nithyashree, Vinithra and Shuba Mudgal - 4/5 - Folkish, robust tune
4. Poovinai By Srinivas and Shreya Ghosal - 4.5/5 Lovely Melody, Shreya ghosal freaks out; Lovely finish to the song
5. Pattu Poochi By Naresh Iyer - 4.5/5 - Peppy tune, lovely rhythm; second stanza music arrangement stands out

What a comeback by GV Prakash after insipid albums like kuselan, seval etc... This young lad finally never sounded so good like this album...

My expectation from this movie has gone up - Trust this movie pays rich tributes to Sujatha's ever lasting, lovable novel Pirivom Santhippom....

Lyrics of Poovinai thirandhu kondu from Aanandha Thaandavam

Lyrics of Poovinai thirandhu kondu from Aanandha Thaandavam

Pallavi

m: poovinai thirandhu kondu poi olindha vaasame
poovudan marupadiyum unakkena snehame

f: kaatralai suzharchiyile meendum indha vaasame
vaasanai thirumbiyadil unakkenna kobame

m: vidhi endra aatrile midhakindra ilaigal naam

f: nadhi vazhi pogindrom endha karai sergindrom

f: kaatralai suzharchiyile meendum indha vaasame
vaasanai thirumbiyadil unakkenna kobame

Charanam 1

m: thandavaalam pakkam pakkam
thottu kolla nyayam illai
neeyum naanum pakkam pakkam
katti kolla sondham illai

f: (?) vaasanai theendida ninaikirai
adhu vasapada povadhillai
vaanukkum boomikkum endrume
mazhai (?) uravudan servadhillai

f: kaatralai suzharchiyile meendum indha vaasame
vaasanai thirumbiyadil unakkenna kobame

Charanam 2

m: idhaya kootai pooti konde
kadhavai thatti kalagam seidhai
kadhavai pooti ulle sendren
kangal vazhiye meedum vandhaai

f: varushangal maariya podhilum
pudhu vasandhangal varuvathundu
vaazhkayil kalaikindra uravugal
pudhu vadivathil malarvathundu

m: poovinai thirandhu kondu poi olindha vaasame
poovudan marupadiyum unakkena snehame

m:vidhi endra aatrile midhakindra ilaigal naam

both: nadhi vazhi pogindrom endha karai sergindrom

humming....

Lyrics of Kallil Aadum from Aanandha Thaandavam

Lyrics of Kallil Aadum from Aanandha Thaandavam

Pallavi

m: kallil aadum theeve siru kalaga-kaara poove
kanaal vaarthai sonnal en kavidhai seval koovum
pakkam neeyum vandhal en paruva kaatre maarum
ennai neengi sendral en ilamai kaaichal yerum

f: pookalukku un kaichal ellam nervathillai
aan unakku nerndhadhellam penne nee yenillai (?)

m: hey kallil aadum theeve siru kalaga-kaara poove
kanaal vaarthai sonnal en kavidhai seval koovum
pakkam neeyum vandhal en paruva kaatre maarum
ennai neengi sendral en ilamai kaaichal yerum

Charanam 1

m: udalenum desathil harmone kalagam vedikkum
kadhali unnai kandum kanadhirukkum

f: adada udal enbadhu kaamam
uyir enbadhu kaadhal
idhu thaan un thedal

m: anbe uyir thaan en thedal
udale enna oodal
viraivil en thedal (?)

m: kallil aadum theeve siru kalaga-kaara poove
kanaal vaarthai sonnal en kavidhai seval koovum
pakkam neeyum vandhal en paruva kaatre maarum
ennai neengi sendral en ilamai kaaichal yerum

Charanam 2

m: iyarkayin kilarchiyil kodiyil arumbum mulaikkum
ilamayin kaatru thaan arumbin kadhavai thirakkum

f: adada nee solvadhu kavidhai
neeratudhu seviyai (?)
thalatudhu manadhai

m: nilave naan enbadhu thanimai
neeyenbathu verumai
naam enbadhu inimai

m: kallil aadum theeve siru kalaga-kaara poove
kanaal vaarthai sonnal en kavidhai seval koovum
pakkam neeyum vandhal en paruva kaatre maarum
ennai neengi sendral en ilamai kaaichal yerum

f: pookalukku un kaichal ellam nervathillai
aan unakku nerndhadhellam penne nee yenillai (?)

m: kallil aadum theeve siru kalaga-kaara poove
kanaal vaarthai sonnal en kavidhai seval koovum
pakkam neeyum vandhal en paruva kaatre maarum
ennai neengi sendral en ilamai kaaichal yerum

Lyrics of kanaa kangiren from Aanandha Thaandavam

Lyrics of kanaa kangiren from Aanandha Thaandavam

Pallavi

kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume
kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume

mannai thottadum selai selai kondu
maarbai thoodadum thaali thaali kondu
madiyai thoodadum maalai maalai kondu
magizhven dhinam dhinamum

paasam kondadum pookal pookal vaithu
vaasal kolladha kolam kolam ittu
kadhal kondadum kanavan aruginil malarven

kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume
kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume
iruvarume iruvarume iruvarume

Charanam 1

en thozhigalum un thozhargalum ayyo nammai geli seyya
en selayum un vettiyum naanum
nee killi vida naan thulli yezha
aahaa adhu inba thunbam naan killi vida en kai viralgal yengum

thanjavoor melam kotta tamizh-nadey vazhthu solla
sivakasi vettu satham oorai kizhikkum
thennattu neyyin vaasam chetti nattu samayal vaasam
newyork-ai thaandi kooda mookai thulaikkum

kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume
kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume

Charanam 2

nam palli-arai nam chella-arai anbey adhil pookal undu
poo vaadai indri veraadaigal illai
aan enbadhum pen enbadhum hayyo ini artham aagum
nee enbadhum naan enbadhum illai

marbodu pinni kondu mani mutham enni kondu
maniodu dhinam katti kadhal seivaye (?)
udal konda aasai ellam uyir konda aasai endhan
uyir pogum munnal vazhvai vetri kolludhey

kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume
kanaa kangiren kanaa kangiren kannalane
orey bandhalil orey medayil iruvarume

mannai thottadum selai selai kondu
maarbai thoodadum thaali thaali kondu
madiyai thoodadum maalai maalai kondu
magizhven dhinam dhinamum

paasam kondadum pookal pookal vaithu
vaasal kolladha kolam kolam ittu
kadhal kondadum kanavan aruginil malarven

Lyrics of Pattu Poochi from Aanandha Thaandavam

Lyrics of Pattu Poochi from Aanandha Thaandavam

Pallavi

pattu poochi kootai pidithathu
vatta siragal paanai eduthathu
innoru siragal ennai kudithathu
sukku sukkai nooru sukku sukkai

oru sorga thundai naanum kaana
sokki sokki aanmai naana
pachai ratham patri yerindhathu
ekku thappai ayyo ekku thappai

iru kulai thalliya vaazhai maram
en mele saaindhathu moondru tharam
thavame seyyamal thavanai illamal
devadhai thandathu kadhal varam

pattu poochi kootai pidithathu
vatta siragal paanai eduthathu
innoru siragal ennai kudithathu
sukku sukkai nooru sukku sukkai

oru sorga thundai naanum kaana
sokki sokki aanmai naana
pachai ratham patri yerindhathu
ekku thappai ayyo ekku thappai

Charanam 1

chinnadhaga oru ichai vandhathadi munnale
andha ichai indru oru imsai aanathadi unnale

en moolayin kadhirellam indrodu azhinthathadi
kan kaana azhagellam kadal pola padinthathadi

kandu ondrada kaatrin kai theendi
kadhalin boogampathu arindhadi

pattu poochi...

Charnam 2

indru indru ennai nindru konnadhadi pennazhagu
adi kondru kondru uyir mendru thinnathadi un azhagu

unai enni unai enni uyirellam veengukiren
vizhi paartha azhagellam viral paarka yengukiren

kanne nee konda kannil mai thottu kadhalin mudhal kavi yezhudukiren

pattu poochi...