Hariyudan Naan for the week of October 28-30, 2010 up in my musical blog
Copyright : This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Review: Hariyudan Naan
A new post 'Hariyudan Naan' on Musical Blog. Enjoy and share your thoughts as always.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Comic : Foreign Policy Credentials
Related News : See Article
Copyright : This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Comic : Joe the Plumber
Copyright : This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
QR Code
This sounds incredibly exciting - QR Code, a Japanses invention, is basically a 2-D bar code.
"...QR Codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any object that users might need information about. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL..."
And according to this post by Andrew, the real world implementations are slick and wonderful.
what would be do without innovation ?
Copyright : This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Comic : Business Case
Friday, August 15, 2008
Suresh MENON's insights on casteism in sports
Suresh Menon - one of the regulars on Cricinfo - has now turned into a commentator on casteism in India - shunning his profession of a cricket commentator - for reasons best known to him.
His recent potshots at 'middle class origins' of the Fab-four (Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Ganguly) while explaining why Sehwag is not considered as great as the above mentioned gents is in absolute distaste.
I think India has found a great candidate for Nobel price for the 'best find' category - that Sehwag's 'Jat working class background' is what prevents him from being spoken in the same breath as the others.
Phew - Cricinfo - your editing sucks ! How could you let through such raves and rants of unstable minds ?
Suresh MENON- What initially was so disgusting has now turned into a source of amusement and entertaintment. I hope you can provide much more of your 'expert insights' on why other players dont get recognized. Keep up the 'good' work !!
His recent potshots at 'middle class origins' of the Fab-four (Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Ganguly) while explaining why Sehwag is not considered as great as the above mentioned gents is in absolute distaste.
I think India has found a great candidate for Nobel price for the 'best find' category - that Sehwag's 'Jat working class background' is what prevents him from being spoken in the same breath as the others.
Phew - Cricinfo - your editing sucks ! How could you let through such raves and rants of unstable minds ?
Suresh MENON- What initially was so disgusting has now turned into a source of amusement and entertaintment. I hope you can provide much more of your 'expert insights' on why other players dont get recognized. Keep up the 'good' work !!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
[Movie Review] Dasavatharam
By now, you'd have read this first line in reviews, a zillion times - 'The movie starts of with 12th century..." - whats with that People !
Anyway, the movie starts of with.. ;)
The more I think about this movie, the more interested i get about the movie, and how Kamal wasted a superb opportunity to make this movie work. First all the negatives.
Negatives
Anyway, the movie starts of with.. ;)
The more I think about this movie, the more interested i get about the movie, and how Kamal wasted a superb opportunity to make this movie work. First all the negatives.
Negatives
- Cheesy Graphics - Vittalachariar movies had better graphics - all the rave about the tsunami, and 12th century river was a big load of ....
- Contrived violent sequences, absolutely unnecessary - may be the masala element ! - I guess people misunderstood violence as 'via-lens' :P
- As someone else said it, panchavatharam would have been as good. Nambi, Japanese, Avtaar Singh, Khalifullah and Boovaragan did not further anything in the movie.
- Ridiculous make-up - I'd rather have them wear a 'macham' / mole to distinguish one from other than the so pla-sticky looking getups. As Balaji mentioned in his review, with his acting, Kamal did not even need any makeup for us to pick out which role he plays.
- Mallika Sherawat - good riddance half way through
- Music /Rerecording - call me sensitive, but it was too LOUD period
Now that we got that out of the way, here are some of the good things about the movie.
Good Things
- Interesting storyline, could have been scripted better
- Even though 10 avtaars were not needed, they have been decently connected
- Amazing dialogs - wow Kamal DOES have such high wit quotient
- Highly researched character etches
- Very good acting, ofcourse by Kamal
Some of the thoughts I had as I watched the movie were
- Shankar is one person who could have handled this wonderfully
- Kamal could have played Asin's role as well - would have been interesting
- With probably 10% of the budget, (i.e. remove make-ups, throw away ridiculously bad CGs, and cut violence) the movie could have been a big time, fast paced, laugh-filled entertainer.
- Many events could just be 'narrated' ? i.e. Nambi - The movie could have as well opened saying that chozha raja dumped Perumal statue into the ocean in 12th century. What difference would it have made ? Instead they are used to showcase that Kamal can act in 10 different roles, and can shoot a big budget movie. D'uh if you did not know Kamal can act 10 different roles and pull it off with great aplumb, you won't be convinced after watching this movie either.
- I liked the movie, but for the headache it gave me, and the gore violence sequences, and the moronic theather that brought back Indian memories (no AC for most part of the movie).
Verdict
The negatives outweigh many of the positives is the bottom line. But if you have the ability to 'overlook' the negatives - it is definitely worth watching - just for the performance of realistic Balram Naidu :)
p.s : Does any one know how this character played out in the Telegu version ?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Bull'ish Proposal
A woman used craigslist, ny - to look for wall street husbands making more than $500k/year.
Apparently, she made her 'business' case stating that in NY $500K means nothing. In an interesting response, ".. "plain and simple a crappy business deal."
"Your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity ... in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!" the banker wrote.
"So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset," he said. "Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!"
"It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease,.."
So the seeker's economic interests were undercut by the provider's economic interest ! - c'est la vie :)
(courtesy: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071010/od_nm/newyork_husband_dc)
Apparently, she made her 'business' case stating that in NY $500K means nothing. In an interesting response, ".. "plain and simple a crappy business deal."
"Your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity ... in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!" the banker wrote.
"So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset," he said. "Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!"
"It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease,.."
So the seeker's economic interests were undercut by the provider's economic interest ! - c'est la vie :)
(courtesy: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071010/od_nm/newyork_husband_dc)
Friday, October 05, 2007
Mysterious Girl
Chapter 1 : Manning learns to walk.
Walking at a pace slightly faster than a slow-mo replay of babies learning to walk, was Manning on the treadmill. Where he hails from, his name is a little bit longer - Manikandan.
He was surprised at how most people that he has worked with over the years, seem to be remarking that Manning needs to hit the gym. He was told six-pack abs was the way to go. Poor thing, no one told him that six-pack did not mean 6 packs of trail-mix cereal bars.
The gym experience was not as exciting as he thought it would be. No one at the gym would talk to him, he would stare at everyone only to realize that all were busy with their headphones. And then it happened.
Chapter 2 : Harry met Sally.
Full moon on the treadmill, yes, he was convinced. It took a while for him to realize it was indeed a very beautiful looking desi female. With an air of no-nonsense, the smile of a mona-lisa, a cute dimple, a bright smile and to top it all, no headphones on.
All of this meant only one thing to him, he should try to strike a conversation within the next 6 months, and manage a smile in the next few weeks. He knew it took a lot conviction. Smiling was second nature to him, except that he could not when she was around.
He believed in baby-steps, ironically. He would give it some time, and the chemistry would set in, for laws of physical attraction to work. His mathematical abilities signalled a very high statistical probability of getting a smile in return. It did not matter he never managed to clear any of these subjects while schooling.
Days went by, with Manning slowly mustering the courage to steal some glances unbeknownst to his angel, but not before he was totally convinced that she would not jump out of the picture on his cellphone, to slap him.
Chapter 3 : Harry nears Sally.
That day, he was really assured, as calm as a storm, that he would go near her. The steps took a long time coming, yet after 15 minutes, he was still where he was. Damn it ! these treadmills he thought !
The next day, he made sure, he was not anywhere near a treadmill - and he was not that far away from her. She seemed unflustered at a desi male approach, only to realize this guy walked past her, without even stealing a look. Hmm ! that is surprising she thought. Little did she know how Manning was turned into a nervous wreck just crossing her, and he was sure, that the act of looking at her in the eye was light-years away !
Two weeks later, he was quite comfortable walking across her, stealing glances, smiling at her without any reciprocity, and even staring at her. She started feeling the creeps. She was boiling over on the inside, but never did her facade of a smile give way to her emotions. She was carefully watching his every move thinking of how to counter him.
Chapter 4 : Interesting Weekend
His weekend was a disaster. A friend from 5-6 years back, came over to drag him out a conference where 'e-Business' was the theme and a VP of one of the largent commercial bank was to talk on how to achieve market penetration. He had warned his friend about any Amway'sh pyramid schemes. But little did he know how valuable this conference was.
The audience were urged to stop working and start their own business. The business of adding people to a pyramid. The business of making money for your upline (person ahead of you in the pyramid), of making money out of gullible people, of making people buy products at a price higher than any other comparable products in the market, of convincing them that the reason for such higher prices is higher quality. They spoke at length about 'free enterprise days', to listen to which, you had to pay atleast five or six-20 dollar bills. They spoke about how to develop your business by talking to people about starting their own business. The speakers at the conference proclaimed, this would be the most unforgettable day in every attendee's life. It sure was.
Manning was drained, frustrated, irritated and was almost gonna bash up few Indian cricket players for their performance. But, her face, the very thought of her, calmed him down, while at most other times, it would stir the tummy within.
Chapter 5 : D-Day
On monday, he had realized this was his day. The day he'd waited for all this long. The day when he was to go strike a conversation with his angel. When he got to the gym he looked around for his angel. Not to be found. He told himself, good things had to wait. He was rehearsing his lines over and over again. He also carefully considered his exit plan. After all these weeks on the treadmill, his legs were good enough to run away should she decide to explode. He knew the layout, the distance it would take for him to be safe. The number of blocks he had to scurry. All of it seemed perfect. The most oppurtune moment it was.
And there she was. Walking right past him, casting a spell of fragrance, leaving him debilitated. The drop of sweat from his eyebrow woke him up. He walked up to her, more like a disco dancer shaking his leg, only that he was not one. And yes, now he was within her striking range.
Chapter 6 : Da-moment
This was the moment. Manning was right in front of her. Only the words in his mind separated her from him. However, some powerful glue, was preventing his vocal chords to move. He still managed, "Hi, can i talk to you about something ?"
She could sense Manning's approach. The eerie feeling of yet another desi male approaching her. What could be different ? They are all the same. She seemed to be signalling someone. Before Manning could realize what was going on, He-man was standing in front of him.
Chapter 7 : He-man
She had discussed with her weight-trainer couple of days ago, over her cup of frappucino with double whip, about some help she may need to ward off a potential troublemaker. The trainer was all for it. He could swat a fly in the time it takes for you to think about it. He could crush an ant, in the time you could spell it. The airmass displaced while he walks past causes couple of treadmills to lose their bearings. All she had to do was wink, and this real six-packer would be beside her in a moment. She knew this would work like a charm against Manning. He-man he was.
Manning realized the folly of his move, but only a little bit too late. The whole word seemed to come to a grinding halt. But not the treadmills in the gym. All his exit routes seemed non-existent. He had to do something. He had to, for the love of his life.
Chapter 8 : He-does-it
He did it. His lips moved. His vocal chord produced few words. And then there were none. She had disappeared. So was the he-man. So were the guys in the hearing range.
Back home, he was narrating this story to his friends. None of them could stand the suspense. What did you do ? Hope this is not potty humor ? Did you say something bad ? How could you make a weight-trainer disappear ? Why would he-man runaway they kept pestering him.
Manning's eyes twinkled. It had mischief written all over it. With a smug face, after what seemed to extend a brief pause to an eternity, he blurted it out.
Manning had said, "Do you know how McDonald's business model works ? Can i talk to you about Amway ?"
He thanked Amway for saving his life :)
The End.
Walking at a pace slightly faster than a slow-mo replay of babies learning to walk, was Manning on the treadmill. Where he hails from, his name is a little bit longer - Manikandan.
He was surprised at how most people that he has worked with over the years, seem to be remarking that Manning needs to hit the gym. He was told six-pack abs was the way to go. Poor thing, no one told him that six-pack did not mean 6 packs of trail-mix cereal bars.
The gym experience was not as exciting as he thought it would be. No one at the gym would talk to him, he would stare at everyone only to realize that all were busy with their headphones. And then it happened.
Chapter 2 : Harry met Sally.
Full moon on the treadmill, yes, he was convinced. It took a while for him to realize it was indeed a very beautiful looking desi female. With an air of no-nonsense, the smile of a mona-lisa, a cute dimple, a bright smile and to top it all, no headphones on.
All of this meant only one thing to him, he should try to strike a conversation within the next 6 months, and manage a smile in the next few weeks. He knew it took a lot conviction. Smiling was second nature to him, except that he could not when she was around.
He believed in baby-steps, ironically. He would give it some time, and the chemistry would set in, for laws of physical attraction to work. His mathematical abilities signalled a very high statistical probability of getting a smile in return. It did not matter he never managed to clear any of these subjects while schooling.
Days went by, with Manning slowly mustering the courage to steal some glances unbeknownst to his angel, but not before he was totally convinced that she would not jump out of the picture on his cellphone, to slap him.
Chapter 3 : Harry nears Sally.
That day, he was really assured, as calm as a storm, that he would go near her. The steps took a long time coming, yet after 15 minutes, he was still where he was. Damn it ! these treadmills he thought !
The next day, he made sure, he was not anywhere near a treadmill - and he was not that far away from her. She seemed unflustered at a desi male approach, only to realize this guy walked past her, without even stealing a look. Hmm ! that is surprising she thought. Little did she know how Manning was turned into a nervous wreck just crossing her, and he was sure, that the act of looking at her in the eye was light-years away !
Two weeks later, he was quite comfortable walking across her, stealing glances, smiling at her without any reciprocity, and even staring at her. She started feeling the creeps. She was boiling over on the inside, but never did her facade of a smile give way to her emotions. She was carefully watching his every move thinking of how to counter him.
Chapter 4 : Interesting Weekend
His weekend was a disaster. A friend from 5-6 years back, came over to drag him out a conference where 'e-Business' was the theme and a VP of one of the largent commercial bank was to talk on how to achieve market penetration. He had warned his friend about any Amway'sh pyramid schemes. But little did he know how valuable this conference was.
The audience were urged to stop working and start their own business. The business of adding people to a pyramid. The business of making money for your upline (person ahead of you in the pyramid), of making money out of gullible people, of making people buy products at a price higher than any other comparable products in the market, of convincing them that the reason for such higher prices is higher quality. They spoke at length about 'free enterprise days', to listen to which, you had to pay atleast five or six-20 dollar bills. They spoke about how to develop your business by talking to people about starting their own business. The speakers at the conference proclaimed, this would be the most unforgettable day in every attendee's life. It sure was.
Manning was drained, frustrated, irritated and was almost gonna bash up few Indian cricket players for their performance. But, her face, the very thought of her, calmed him down, while at most other times, it would stir the tummy within.
Chapter 5 : D-Day
On monday, he had realized this was his day. The day he'd waited for all this long. The day when he was to go strike a conversation with his angel. When he got to the gym he looked around for his angel. Not to be found. He told himself, good things had to wait. He was rehearsing his lines over and over again. He also carefully considered his exit plan. After all these weeks on the treadmill, his legs were good enough to run away should she decide to explode. He knew the layout, the distance it would take for him to be safe. The number of blocks he had to scurry. All of it seemed perfect. The most oppurtune moment it was.
And there she was. Walking right past him, casting a spell of fragrance, leaving him debilitated. The drop of sweat from his eyebrow woke him up. He walked up to her, more like a disco dancer shaking his leg, only that he was not one. And yes, now he was within her striking range.
Chapter 6 : Da-moment
This was the moment. Manning was right in front of her. Only the words in his mind separated her from him. However, some powerful glue, was preventing his vocal chords to move. He still managed, "Hi, can i talk to you about something ?"
She could sense Manning's approach. The eerie feeling of yet another desi male approaching her. What could be different ? They are all the same. She seemed to be signalling someone. Before Manning could realize what was going on, He-man was standing in front of him.
Chapter 7 : He-man
She had discussed with her weight-trainer couple of days ago, over her cup of frappucino with double whip, about some help she may need to ward off a potential troublemaker. The trainer was all for it. He could swat a fly in the time it takes for you to think about it. He could crush an ant, in the time you could spell it. The airmass displaced while he walks past causes couple of treadmills to lose their bearings. All she had to do was wink, and this real six-packer would be beside her in a moment. She knew this would work like a charm against Manning. He-man he was.
Manning realized the folly of his move, but only a little bit too late. The whole word seemed to come to a grinding halt. But not the treadmills in the gym. All his exit routes seemed non-existent. He had to do something. He had to, for the love of his life.
Chapter 8 : He-does-it
He did it. His lips moved. His vocal chord produced few words. And then there were none. She had disappeared. So was the he-man. So were the guys in the hearing range.
Back home, he was narrating this story to his friends. None of them could stand the suspense. What did you do ? Hope this is not potty humor ? Did you say something bad ? How could you make a weight-trainer disappear ? Why would he-man runaway they kept pestering him.
Manning's eyes twinkled. It had mischief written all over it. With a smug face, after what seemed to extend a brief pause to an eternity, he blurted it out.
Manning had said, "Do you know how McDonald's business model works ? Can i talk to you about Amway ?"
He thanked Amway for saving his life :)
The End.
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