Somu's Scribbling Pad

Wall decor with DIY Wall clock

2011-10-29T20:06:00.000+05:30

How to install a cabinet door in 8 simple steps

2011-10-13T17:11:00.000+05:30

Here's a step by step tutorial on how a wooden cabinet door can be installed.
How to install a cabinet door in 8 simple steps

Woodooz: What is the difference between wood stain and pain...

2011-03-22T12:59:00.000+05:30

Woodooz: What is the difference between wood stain and pain...: "Wood stains and paints are similar in one sense that they help add rich color to wood. However, there are quite some differences that exist ..."

Woodooz: Wooden Wall Clock

2011-03-06T21:35:00.000+05:30

Woodooz: Wooden Wall Clock: "The need for a wall clock, finally fulfilled. Decided to create it completely with wood and so chose my favorite raw material – the on..."

Woodooz: Photo Frame

2011-03-06T21:34:00.000+05:30

Woodooz: Photo Frame: "Made one to frame a sketch of us together. This was my second attempt at a photo frame. The first one I made served its purpose but fell sho..."

Woodooz: Child safe Picket Fence / Door Barrier

2011-02-20T21:38:00.000+05:30

Woodooz: Child safe Picket Fence / Door Barrier: "The door barrier finally. Something that has been keeping me busy for the last few months amidst the regular work schedule. The need was t..."

Woodooz: An old kurta put to good use...

2010-11-19T22:13:00.000+05:30

Woodooz: An old kurta put to good use...: "When we decided to do away with some of the old clothes, we thought we could put one of my old kurtas to good use... And thus began our firs..."

Introducing...

2010-11-02T17:19:00.001+05:30

It is indeed true that the human mind is like a monkey, leaping from one thing to the other. However, am unable to draw a similar analogy to the situation that I am in now, where my long-standing passion and obsession for bogging / writing is beginning to wane, while an activity of a completely different nature is taking over.

I have moved on from the comforts of my desk / bed from where I used to write my stuff. And these days I take my place in the balcony where I toil with nails and screws, wood and timber, hammers and pliers. The fascination that I have developed, for what I would call, the basic levels of woodworking is no less than the appeal that writing had in it for me.

The idea of building something from scratch, fixing something that is broken, or redoing something that has lost its sheen gives me a kick now. What started off as building a small table for our own use has now burgeoned into making lampshades, door barriers for kids, picture frames, fixing broken cabinet doors to just about anything within the house that one can do independently. And because of woodworking’s irrelevance to poetry, which is the core purpose of psomu.blogspot’s inception, I decided to maintain a separate blog for my new found leisure pursuit. So, if you are reading this, you should most certainly visit woodooz and let us know your valuable feedback.

Saroja Vs Hangover

2009-08-16T10:26:00.005+05:30

4 guys,
a road trip,
to Hyderabad,
for a Cricket match.
Premji Amaran for lotsa comedy.
One nagging wife who has much against her husband's immature friends.
And one of them is getting married after the road trip.

4 guys,
a road trip,
to Las Vegas,for a Bachelor's party.
The bearded guy for some rib tickling fun.
One nagging girlfriend who has much against her boyfriend's immature friends.
And one of them, quite naturally, is getting married after the bachelor's party.

Except for the kidnap and rescue in "Saroja", and that hilarious night in "Hangover", everything else seems to have an uncanny resemblence.

Was one inspired by the other ???

My guess : The next Venkat Prabhu venture GOA was originally supposed to be produced by Warner Brothers... who backed out of the project in April '09. So am assuming they probably had a preview of Venkat Prabhu's earlier movies (Chennai 28 and Saroja). And incidentally HANGOVER is produced by Warner Brothers. Now it's up to you to put things in perspective. And if this resemblance indeed is true, then am assuming Venkat or the producer of SAROJA can sue Warner bros for Copyright violation (unless the screenplay was sold to WB for an undisclosed amount) ;)

P.S. Saroja was released in Aug '08. Hangover in June '09.

One year

2009-04-27T12:39:00.003+05:30

31,556,926 seconds of magical moments.
525,600 minutes of heartwarming bonding.
8,766 hours of blooming romance.
365 days of indivisible togetherness.
52 weeks of undying passion.
26 fortnights of divine bliss.
12 months of sheer fun.
1 year of everlasting memories.
And a lifetime of true love.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !

Excerpt from an ode

2008-02-15T11:31:00.003+05:30

My V days have always been mere V days.
But today, because of you,
of your presence, your charm,
of your magic and untainted love,
my V Day takes a magical transformation into
OUR "WE" Day -
One that we would celebrate every day of our life.

Just For You

2007-10-04T17:46:00.000+05:30

Basking in beach, under moon's light,
on a wonderful, and magical night,
caressing your ears with Annie's Song,
I would fill up your senses all night long.

Holding your hands, walking the shore,
just your hold, wanting no more,
watching you prance, like waves in the sea,
I would fill up your senses so completely.

Rapt in your lap, lost in your smile,
dreaming us together, walking the aisle,
holding you tight, leading the dance,
I would fill up your senses at every chance.

Lighting a candle, savoring a meal,
sprinkling romance, unable to conceal,
playing a tune, strumming my six string,,
I would fill up your senses, like mountains in spring.

Note: "Fill up my senses" is a phrase that I lifted directly from John Denver's Annie's Song.

Sivaji - My take

2007-06-19T19:33:00.000+05:30

Thursday night preview show. Not because I wanted to figure out the big deal about this movie, but because am a hardcore Rajini fan. Local theatre. No fan. No AC. And people smoking their way to glory. Nothing mattered. Because it's a Rajini movie. Very religiously got hold of bunch of flowers to shower upon my hero. Well, that's me - a diehard fan. I write this as a Rajini fan and not as any critic. This is no analysis of the movie, but just a jotting of the volley of emotions that I was going through as the movie progressed from beginning till end.

A powerful introduction, a foot tapping intro number that builds to a crescendo before the superstar enters, comedy splattered all across the movie, his trademark style every now and then and punch dialogues – My only expectations out of the movie. Only this time it was accompanied by the belief that they would be met by the dream team ofShankar.

I have nothing to talk about the introduction scene. I had to stand up to watch what was going on, and had to strain my ears to listen to what he had to say. And I miserably failed. People dancing and screaming made it virtually impossible. But what followed, andremained for the rest of the movie was a total surprise for me – Silence. Not sure if it was because Rajini had the audiences attention or he failed to make a notable first impression. To me it seemed more like the latter.

While the songs have been very stylishly packaged, and I have pretty much only WOW comments on them, Ballelakka needs a special mention. Shankar, the most celebrated director seemed to have lacked the finesse to write a screenplay that had a situation leading to an intro song with the superstar dancing in real life. It has been 5 days sincethe movie, and I still cannot think of another intro song of superstar that was a dream sequence. The song seemed out of place and unwarranted This is when my disappointment began to creep in.

While the Vivek and Rajini duo did manage to make me laugh my wits out, I remember telling my brother how irritating and childish some of the sequences were. I am ok with my hero romancing a 20 year old, but then some amount of maturity in the role could have made the romance and the intended comedy click “throughout”. Solomon papaiya seemed to have been brought in just for Raja to take revenge for all the pattimandra insults. Otherwise, he only contributed to more decibel levels. The Rajini – Shreya family sequences (pazhagura scenes)were irritating, immature, and could have been avoided barring few exceptions.

INTERVAL.

And I was sitting there wondering what went wrong. Did Shankar forget the basics ? Did Sujata not understand the masses ?

Just when I was about to give up on Sivaji, came the Rajini challenge to change the scenario. Post interval had a different story to tell. Excitement mounted with every single scene starting from the Tea shop drama. And by the time motta boss made an entry, he had managed to resurrect all the faded spirits. Yeah. He did manage to change thescenario. Second half had me on the edge of my seat on most occasions. Adhiradi ( would have been an apt intro for Rajini), the hero – villain verbal clashes, Vivek comical interruptions, larger than life heroism of superstar, Rajini gimmicks (Chewing gum, coin flip, kewl, pera ketaale adhiruthula, the tap on the motta thala) the fight sequences, and the motta boss were just enough to keep the second half ticking.

On the whole it was more like a roller coaster ride. At one point it made me feel like puking, at many points it made me scream and I enjoyed most part of it. End of the ride, no one remembers how they felt at each point. But they know for a fact if they enjoyed the ride or not. I loved it just for the one-man phenomenon. I can screw everything else just for the matchless marvel. I can pardon all the shortcomings of the movie for the incomparable Superstar.

To sum it up, Rajini singlehandedly carries the movie on his shoulders with support from very well picturized songs and some good comedy. WATCH IT JUST FOR HIM. Am watching it again this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday JUST FOR HIM.

So near, yet so far !

2007-02-20T00:10:00.003+05:30

Extended my hands, towards the moon,
it’s mine I trusted, I trusted too soon.
Out of my reach, and beyond my ways,
it seemed so mine, yet was not the case.

Stretched my mind, dreamt my dream,
life had its plan, it’s very own scheme.
Out of my grasp, and so beyond pursuit,
it seemed so real, yet it’s so very untrue.

Unfolded my eyes, to revel in the view,
it was not to last, of which, I had no clue.
Out of my vision, and so beyond sight,
it seemed so quaint, yet it’s just a murky night.

Galloped my legs, towards my goal,
I would never get there, I was never told.
Out of my scope, so like a distant star,
it seemed so near, yet it’s so remotely far.

P.S. Related Poem - Insomnia

Unconditional

2006-10-17T04:02:00.000+05:30

Be it my heart -
The reason I love.

Be it love -
The reason I live.

Be it my life -
The reason I exist.

And whatever else it takes.

I would give them to you.
All for you,
your happiness and eternal well-being…

… And would expect nothing in return.

Gift me a promise

2006-10-12T22:55:00.000+05:30

Gift yourself smiles.
It keeps your life vibrant.

Gift yourself happiness.
It gives your life youthfulness.

Gift yourself hope.
It gives your life a purpose.

Gift yourself strength.
It gives your life a reason to fight back.

Gift yourself dreams.
It gives your life a whole new perspective.

Gift yourself love,
It makes your life worth living.

And gift me the promise,
that you would cherish
your own gifts for a lifetime.
It would give my life a meaning.

Sometimes...

2006-10-06T02:00:00.000+05:30

Sometimes life blooms, we are born.
Sometimes death threatens, we are gone.

Sometimes winners, victories we taste.
Sometimes losers, setbacks we face.

Sometimes friends, for life and beyond.
Sometimes it pales, and we move on.

Sometimes happy, and smiles galore.
Sometimes tearful, and depression soars.

Sometimes loved, by ones close to heart.
Sometimes betrayed, with soul torn apart.

Sometimes well-off, riches we enjoy.
Sometimes in misery, our wealth’s destroyed.

Sometimes we realize, sometimes we don’t,
that nothing is permanent, nothing at all.

So cherish the moment. Treasure the present.
Value your today. And live your life.
Not just sometimes. ALL THE TIME.

A Tribute to the Mahatma

2006-10-02T09:31:00.000+05:30

A blast from the past - Written on 1/Oct/2004

Happy Anniversary

2006-09-27T16:11:00.000+05:30

It all started exactly a year back. She was red hot and it was love at first sight for me. As love always has it, I had my initial hiccups with her. She was not easy to get along with and I had to improve my skills at dealing with her with every passing day.

Today, we are inseparable. We go together wherever we go. A long drive in the ECR – Just she and me. A quick visit to the Besi beach – Just me and she. She is one heck of a company. Has never brooded over my choice of songs I played during our umpteen drives together.

And to realize that am just as excited as I was a year back only goes on to prove the power of this relationship.

Here's wishing you and me a Happy Anniversary.

Thanks

2006-08-23T12:10:00.000+05:30

When I droop,
Thanks to your smile.
I cheer up.

When I fail,
Thanks to your directions.
I challenge myself.

When I err,
Thanks to your guidance.
I learn from my mistake.

When I dread,
Thanks to your presence.
I face my fears.

When I fancy,
Thanks to your love.
I live my dreams.

Just your smile would do

2006-08-11T15:33:00.000+05:30

When my world is way behind,
And my day has not been kind,
Trust me, am telling you,
Just your smile would do.

When my life is only dry,
My work just makes me sigh,
Don’t wonder what to do,
Just your smile would do.

When I fall losing hope,
When I find it hard to cope,
Am not lying, it’s true,
Just your smile would do.

When I live with no drive,
And I feel dead, though alive,
Don’t try anything new,
Just your smile would do.

Number Game

2006-07-04T14:49:00.000+05:30

One for, my lonely heart.
Two for, me and a lovely girl.
Three for, me, she and a budding relationship.
Four for, me, she, our union, and a blooming romance.
Five for, me, she, our two hearts, and beginning of true love.
Six for, definitely not anything that rhymes with the number.
Seven for, me, she, the guy next door, his charm, my insecurity, her confused state, and the turn of events.
Eight for, the guy next door and her 7-year itch.
Nine for, just he, she, a bead of shed tear and 6 pieces of my broken heart.
Ten for, so many number of my failed attempts.
Eleven for, 10 failed attempts and a new beginning.
Twelve for, back to number (square) 1.

Disclaimer: All characters in the above lines are completely fabricated by the author and they bear not even the slightest of resemblance to anyone or anything living or dead. Any such existence of a “SHE” or a “ME” or a "GUY Next door" in real life is purely a coincidence.

Word Game

2006-06-29T03:24:00.000+05:30

It’s surprising how
LonesoME has M E,
SeclUded has U,
But a relationship is missing U S.

It’s surprising how
SinglE Man has M E,
Unattached has U,
But romance is bereft of U S.

It’s surprising how
UnMarriEd has U and M E,
But a marriage is devoid of U S.

Love to me is more like a word game.
If only I could play it right,
U would be in my soUl,
I would be in your lIfe,
And W E would be in WondErland.

Note : My sincere apologies for never having taken the effort to respond to any of the comments to my recent posts. While I would love to get back into blogging the way I used to earlier (used to be a whopping 1 post a day), I somehow seem to have lost the drive for it now. The above lines were just for me to reassure myself that I could still write when I want to (But I should agree that it popped out after 4 hours of staring at a blank paper)

If love was...

2006-04-21T21:31:00.000+05:30

”If love was shelter, I would walk in the rain”
The above line which I saw as someone’s status message in yahoo inspired the below lines. The thoughts expressed, though, are in total contrast to the source of inspiration.

If love was a deluge, I would want to get drenched.
If love was tsunami, I would want to get washed away.
If love was a whirlpool, I would want to get sucked in.
If love was Katrina, I would want to be swept away.
If love was an inferno, I would want to get burnt.
If love was a quake, I would want to get jolted.
If love was an accident, I would want to die.
And if love is reality, I would want to live.

Despite the form it takes, the feeling rocks.
But for now, love is just a history book,
that I really don’t want to read.

Can I borrow an hour?

2006-03-09T21:44:00.000+05:30

6.00 AM
7.00 AM
8.00 AM
9.00 AM
10.00 AM
.
.
.
10.00 PM
11.00 PM
Midnight

Ever since I talked about a new role, that's just how my everyday clock has been ticking. And now, am going to be officially away from town for another week, and I don't expect myself to be taking the time off to update my blog :o((((

From hardly working to working hard... Damn ! I never knew there was a sea of change :o((((

P.S. Maybe am exaggerating. Am just a lil held up at work though :o)

If only men can...

2006-02-26T11:49:00.000+05:30

Overheard this conversation while waiting for the elevator:

Guy: Hi, good morning, how are u doing?
Babe: Am fine thanks and you?
Guy: ** Extends his hand as if to shake hands with her **
Babe: ** Surprised and extends her hand too **
Guy: Today is my Birthday
Babe: Oh Many more happy returns of the day.

Remember she is a babe? And so most of our eyes (how shameless) were on her and so all our ears (close to 10 pairs) were glued onto this interesting conversation.

Guy: So when are you going to give me a treat?
Babe: Oh yeah. Am kind of busy today. Will let you know.

And she was only glad the elevator came down finally. They parted ways.

Overheard inside the elevator:

Babe: What’s wrong with him?
Her friend: Ha ha! I think he has something for you.
Babe: It’s his birthday and he is asking me for a treat.
Her friend: How shameless.

Well I only wished I were working in one of the top floors. I had to get down while they were still talking.

Well, maybe his intentions were genuine. But the ploy only turned out to be tactless. Hmm if only men can read the mind of a woman…

P.S.
After 4 long years, I have finally moved onto take over a different role at work. Know what that means?

New team.
More responsibilities.
Lots to do.
Less time.
New boss.
And the worst...
No more laptop.

Which means less time and limited resources to keep posting as often as I used to do :o((((

Back from a different nation

2006-02-18T17:34:00.000+05:30

I was on vacation.
I had gone to a different nation.

A nation where blog is an unknown concept.
A nation where the mind goes blank.
A nation where there is no inspiration.
A nation where motivation levels are low.
A nation where time moves at a slow pace.
A nation where friends cease to exist.
A nation where sleep is the order of the day.

Today, am back.
Back from my hiberNATION.

it'S MY TAg

2006-01-31T12:38:00.000+05:30

This iS MY TAg. You can read the rules of the game here.

“Love is not what you search for and find; It is what you stumble upon and feel”

That’s why it can blossom between two differing personalities, thrive under the worst of conditions, and even stand the test of time. Expectations invariably lead to disappointment, even if the outcome falls short by an inch. But dreams tell a different tale altogether. Either it comes true or one wakes up to reality. And so I keep dreaming about that one special woman in my life. While all my dreams have been splattered across this page in the form of poems, here’s an attempt at consolidating them (in no particular order and not encompassing all).

I dream about dancing together in pouring rain, walking hand in hand in freezing cold, or driving together during odd hours of the night. The one in my dream, is as cranky, and fun loving and adventurous as I am.
I dream about fighting. Not the brutal physical combats. But the chinna chinna verbal sandais for just about everything I opine. The one in my dreams has her own set of ideals, interests and opinions. She does not give in to my arguments. She would concede only to a little romance and a lot of love.
I dream about laying my head on her lap, and sleeping like a baby listening to the lullabies she sings. The one in my dreams sings, and she sings for me. On odd days, when I take the lead, she pretends not to hate it.
I dream about coming back home wanting my own space, or needing a shoulder to cry on. With no words spoken, I get my solitude or the shoulder. The one in my dreams is sensitive and understands me from just the look in my eyes.
I dream about laughing together, pulling each other’s legs, and playing cranks on each other. End of it, there is no hard feelings, just pure unadulterated fun. The one in my dreams is funny and humorous and knows how to turn serious moments light.
I dream about being surprised at seeing the entire home candle lit before dinner, about dancing together to the tunes of dreamy numbers, and about being cuddled in the sofa all night not watching the movie running on TV. The one in my dreams is cupid and an awesome romantic.
I dream about a Somu who is plump, chubby and a lot healthier than he is today. After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The one in my dreams is a wonderful cook who knows how to make my mouth water (don’t’ mistake it for jollu). I promise that I would do my due on weekends.
I keep dreaming about a charming and good looking young woman with eyes beaming with peace, a heart brimming with patience and an attitude that totally lacks arrogance. In short, the one in my dreams is a total contrast to what I am today. We complement each other.

Limsa kannu, nee inga varum bothu unakkku irukku ma veyttu. I spent 4 hrs of my vacation writing this.

P.S. When the dream bubble bursts and reality is staring straight into my eyes, I would still be around to write about it.

Today is my last day at work

2006-01-29T11:15:00.000+05:30

“Today is my last day at work”, I went around extending my hand and telling everyone at work. In these 7 years of professional engagement with my current organization, I have never once been prompted to take this decision. In me, the feeling was mixed. But in others, I was surprised to see no emotion.

“Today is my last day at work”, I was telling my friend at work. “Oh yeah! Take care machi”, is all that he had to say. Does he really understand that am going to be away. After years of association, do we just end up becoming colleagues? Nothing more?

“Today is my last day at work”, I said to a colleague. “Good Somu, am happy for you”, she said. I even told this to the highest authority in my business unit and all he said was, “Why are you even telling me this?”

Have I not built relationships here for friends to miss my presence? Have I not contributed professionally to the cause of the organization for my management to feel the void? Maybe they realize I would be back in 20 days. After all, today is my last day at work before I go on vacation.

P.S. Booking tickets for Bangalore for this coming weekend and already made arrangements for the Bryan Adams show ;o)

Thinking on one's feet

2006-01-25T17:09:00.000+05:30

Running customers through our entire range of support tools is something I am designated to do. In one such demo exercise with a bunch of customers yesterday, I was encountering problems in navigating from one link to the other.

Not wanting to tell them that it is to do with backend issue, I just mentioned, “Sirs, am on wireless and the signal strength seems to be very poor”.

Convinced, the customers started walking out when one of my customer-friendly associates said, “Somu, I have a PC wired on the LAN. You can show it from there.” Little did he know that the problem was to do with backend and not my wireless LAN.

After 15 mins of embarrassment, I had to tell them what I wanted to avoid all along. “Sorry sirs. It is unfortunate that we are having back end issues now. I would love to walk across to the conference room sometime and show you the demo”.

Trust me. If you have been thinking “THINKING ON ONE’S FEET” is an individual trait, you are wrong. You might need others to shut their dim-witted mouths up for you to be successful in it.

With Mr.Me and Myself

2006-01-23T13:10:00.000+05:30

It all started with having to drop my sister off at the MGM resorts yesterday. And on my way back at Mayajaal, I thought I would book tickets in advance for the evening. Having no concrete plans for the day and with everyone else being busy with their own work, I decided to chart out my own plan for the day.

Without delay, booked tickets for Aathi and watched it all by myself. End of it all, I was so happy, for, I did things I have never before done in life.

1. Watched a movie in the theatre all by myself.
2. Broke the mental block of having to drive through the ECR (This is primarily because of a nasty experience that I have had in ECR that costed a drunk by passer his life)
3. Crossed the 100 kM/Hr barrier (it sure is fun to see those vehicles disappear behind you)

Rest of the day saw me sleeping, window-shopping, and paying a visit to the good old Besi beach. In short, a wonderful day spent in the solitude of the best company I have ever had.

P.S. After Aathi, I would like to declare that am officially out of the Vijay fan club.

Happy Pongal

2006-01-20T12:26:00.000+05:30

What happens when you have

A cold coffee
A devil’s own
A blue colored jazzy drink
A butter scotch ice cream
A black forest pastry ??????

You end up having a Happy Pongal.

Surprised?

Check out What happened on Jan 14th, 2006

Leave me "A LOAN"

2006-01-18T23:53:00.000+05:30

** Based on a true story **

Time: 1930 hrs
Date: Jan 18, 2006

Much to his irritation, his mobile goes “Tring tring” just when he was about to leave home from office. Having battled with “Sir, you haven’t paid your bills” and “Do you need a credit card” calls all through the day, he was in no mood for anymore such trash. Being the sincere guy that he is, he could not ignore the fact that it could possibly be a customer of his. And so he picked up the call.

Caller: Is this Mr.So and So?
He: Yeah, this is very much he.
Caller: Am calling from XYZ bank.,
He: (As if he was waiting for this opportunity) Would you mind not calling me at such odd hours ? I am already on the verge of losing my patience.
Caller: But sir…
He: I absolutely have no need for credit cards, personal loans or any other shit you have to offer. So quit calling me again.
Caller: Am sorry sir. Your friend Jaikumar has given your name as reference for his personal loan application. So, this is just a formal enquiry.
He: Is it ? Geez Am so sorry. How can I help you?

And so the call finally ended.

At 2352 hrs, he is still wide-awake sincerely hoping that his friend gets the loan.

She is one damn B****

2006-01-17T14:29:00.000+05:30

Never does she leave me,
notwithstanding my frantic attempts
to keep her in a safe distance.
She is all over me,
heedless to the utter disgust,
that I have developed in immense.

Though I despise her to the core,
I have had this live in relationship,
for more than a decade now.
Every night in my room,
before I catch up with forty winks,
hmm, to elaborate my etiquettes don't allow.

I might be her only Love,
but that's no reason
for me to be caught in her trap.
I cannot be married to her,
for the rest of my life,
fine if you brand me, a stone hearted chap.

Persistent, I can't let her get,
or allow her conquest of my life,
'coz I don't see it as a positive sign.
I desperately need to find a way,
to beat her to death,
this damn boredom of mine.

When in doubt, follow the crowd

2006-01-16T15:04:00.000+05:30

Everyone else : Ha ha ha
So me too : Ha ha ha
Everyone else : Clap clap clap
So me too : Clap clap clap

This happens every time I attempt something I do not understand. This time around it was a night show in Satyam – BLUFFMASTER. With the guy on my right happily sleeping (well he is worse than I am) and the one on my left thoroughly enjoying, I was left with no option but to interpret the movie in my own way. Luckily for me, I have this knack of enjoying movies no matter how crappy or incomprehensive they are.

After all this, there is just one question lingering in my mind.

How can a Hindi movie seem so much Greek and Latin to me?

May I vomit?

2006-01-12T19:59:00.000+05:30

Eating in Subway has become a routine for few of us at work. The quick service and the delicious sandwiches they have to offer are reasons why we sneak out for lunch there even on a working day. Overheard this conversation today at the Besant Nagar outlet between a customer (CU) and the subway guy (SW):

CU: Italian bread
SW: Veg or non veg ?
CU: Non veg, Chicken tikka
SW: Extra cheese?
CU: Sure. No tomatoes and olives
SW: Mint sauce?
CU: Sure.

After a while…

SW: May I vomit?
CU: urghhh no.
SW to the billing guy: One 6” Chicken Tikka, with extra cheese, without warming.

The rest of us: Ha ha ha ha ha !

And yet another meet

2006-01-10T15:36:00.000+05:30

I know I have this habit of writing about every small meet that I attend. But everytime it gives me an oppurtunity to get to meet someone new that I can't help but write about them :o)

Not only were Upma, Vadai and Bhajji on the menu, but Nayantara and Narayana Moorthy were the chief guests of the teeny-weeny meet we had this weekend.

It was really nice of Ravi and Chitra to have invited us over to their place for supper last Saturday. Having been living in an apartment ever since I remember, it was quite natural for me to be surprised seeing a long standing independent house with a spacious courtyard right in the heart of the city.

DV made a special appearance and was keen on projecting himself as a kid-loving guy. The motive behind it is only known to the few who had gathered and maybe to few of his close friends too. Never knew making two fortnightly trips every year to Chennai from Quatar can have such serious objectives.

The rest of us were regulars.

Hari who was popularly known as Mister Hari on that day and the lady who has already broken her resolution by not talking much were the others who graced the occasion with their presence. Nayantara and Narayana Moorthy are Ravi’s cute kids :o) And ofcourse we missed Sophie who could not make it.

Thanks for the wonderful evening Ravi.

P.S. “I need to take this picture just to make her feel jealous”, DV was heard uttering these words as he clicked the below picture.

A Night with "her"

2006-01-09T11:41:00.000+05:30

End of a tiring day,
am lying in bed supine,
everything around frozen,
in mind her thoughts -
My heart flutters
and misses a beat -
Am moved even in this stillness.

Englufed in darkness,
in mind her smile -
A ray of sunshine,
the light of heaven -
A gleam even in this blackness.

Amidst utter silence,
in mind her voice -
Melifluous and sweet,
as that of a Robin -
A song even in this quietude.

My eye lids close,
chasing the elusive sleep,
my pursuit lost,
in mind her love -
her heart I win,
and her self surrenders -
A dream even in my awaken state.

I am left in my condition unchanged,
am still lying in bed,
motionless and calm,
fighting insomnia,
still day dreaming,
in mind the time -
The songbirds chirp,
to the crack of dawn -
The only change over the night.

Heartless Parties

2006-01-06T12:21:00.000+05:30

I mean no harm. I just wanna have a couple of drinks. Dance around for a while. Eat to my heart’s content. Spend some good time with friends. Probably network if there is an opportunity. And maybe at the end of it all, wish everyone a Happy New year. However undamaging my intent might be, the ban on me only seems unjustifiable.

And I just found out from here, that the synonym to a stag is a hart. Now you know why I call such parties HEARTLESS.

Happy 2006

2006-01-01T00:09:00.000+05:30

Dear 2006,

Free this world
from earthly quakes and seismic shakes,
from fiery volcanoes and blizzards of snow.

Free this world
from ruthless floods and brutal bloodsheds,
from dreadful droughts and awful blackouts.

Free this world,
from twister’s swoon and tornado’s doom,
from engulfing seas and merciless tsunamis.

Free this world,
from storms frightening and deathly lightening,
from raging fires and all of nature’s ire.

Looking forward to a disaster free year,
we welcome you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

P.S. Though this was written just after Tsunami, I was prompted to repost after reading one of Ramya's poems here.

Your day

2005-12-30T11:49:00.000+05:30

Feel liberated,
and break all barriers.

Take charge,
and be on top of this world.

Shelve your worries,
and pamper yourself with all you desire.

Dream your dreams,
and chase them to its fulfillment.

Embrace happiness,
and have a joyous celebration.

Feel special,
and special you are to all of us.

For, in every sense and every way,
EVERYDAY IS YOUR DAY !

Posters and parties

2005-12-29T12:38:00.000+05:30

Year-end pressures, escalations, backlogs and lotsa other things are eating into my time of late. Amidst all the chaos, I was given a task that I love doing – Write a motivating caption for the team circling around knowledge acquisition and make a poster out of it. After lot of discussions with the concerned, what you see here was the one that was finally approved.

Besides work, plan for the New year’s eve is going on in full swing. While we have our official party in Mayajaal tomorrow, we still haven’t planned on what we wanna do the next day. Just like everyone else, am hoping to start the year with a bang too.

Before I finish, here’s a New Year trivia.

How does a Chemistry professor wish everyone?
Wish you a Happy and Phosperous New Year.

Dedicated to Tsunami survivors

2005-12-26T10:54:00.000+05:30

What was once a child's glee,
is now a parent's wail.
What was once a tourist spot,
is now a terror site.
What was once a thatched home,
is now barren space.
What were once peaceful waves,
are now horrific tsunamis.
What was once a soul with life,
is now a body dead.
What was once a lovely beach,
is now a burial ground.

You may have washed away lives,
of our near and dear,
our kith and kin,
you may have swept away our
homes and belonging.
But our hope is not dampened,
our determination not drenched,
our strength of mind not soaked,
we have pulled on,and survived.

Remember, you could only rise high to demolish storeys,
but not high enough to hit the stars,
THE REAL STARS, the SURVIVORS.

Written on 30th Dec, 2004
Pic courtesy

Aathi

2005-12-23T13:07:00.000+05:30

No racy tracks, no lousy dapaankuthus, no power packed lyrics, no solo Shankar Mahadeven intro, and no anything that Vijay is associated with. Surprising.

I don’t pen down reviews, for I feel that it ain’t my cup of tea. But was prompted to write this as there was an element that I have always been crazy about – VIJAY. Not meeting up with expectations normally lead to disappointments, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the usual Vijay ingredients missing in Aathi songs. While I would not debate the fact that he has given super hit songs, I personally feel that they do not appeal to all sections of the society. Would Aathi paint a different picture is to be waited and watched.

The prelude in "Olli Olli Udambae" sounds more like the one in "Ale ale" (boys), Karthik's voice reinforces it, and the words "Ale ale" in-between the song confirms it. Anuradha's voice that seemed irritating initially caught on me finally. A definitely inspired duet and a nice one to listen to.

"Lealakku Lealakku Leala" is an out and out folk song with the inclusion of english lyrics adding spice to it. I had an instant liking to this song sung by Kay Kay (Wow ! Wonderful diction for someone who does not speak Tamil) and Sujatha. Packed with subtle philosophies the song seems more situational than intentional.

"Thadakku Thadakku" is currently the song running on loop on my PC. A definite foot tapper where the pace of the beat (not a fast one though) is consistently maintained throughout the song. Sung by Hariharen and Sujatha

The voice that best fits melody is sadly the one that's least utilized these days."Athi Athikka" takes one back to good old days of SPB. I personally feel Sadhana Sargam is only adding blemish to the perfect rendering of the song by her male counterpart. Surprised to see a slow track in a Vijay album. My favourite among the lot.

I have nothing to talk about "Yeai Durra" sung by Tippu and Syndhavi. Just a cliched romantic dapaankuthu.

I sincerely feel this is a genuine attempt on Vijay's part to break free from his stereotyped portrayal on screen. Or at least that's how it seems for the time being. If his fans have been expecting a "Appadi podu" or a "Kodambakkam area", they are in for a big disappointment. Personally I like four of the five songs which is good for any album (that's my standard). Vidyasagar needs to be given all the credit.

Famous Five

2005-12-21T12:35:00.000+05:30

The secret communion finally took place after several days of precision planning. Having members from diverse fields was unintentional, but that’s how it turned out when the famous five had their rendezvous. The man who calls himself “Who am I”, the economist, the cricketer and the graphics designer had already finished their coffee, when the protagonist made his entry. He always likes to make an entry.

When “Who am I” left the conclave citing reasons, the cricketer took the lead. His craving for sundal and mulagai bajji are unparalleled. And so the five, who were now reduced to four, followed suit and had their share of everything possible in the sands of the expansive beach. Rain may try to play spoil sport, but it can never dampen the spirits of four young and charming men, right? The meeting took it’s own turn and conversations on movies, Ilayaraja, marriage, cricket, higher studies could have been overheard had there been a bystander.

The sun had already descended down the faraway horizon and the rains didn’t seem like bidding farewell. And so the four moved in to the protagonist’s knight rider to take shelter and to carry on with their conversations. With hunger striking, they finally decided to taste Punjabi delicacies before they parted their own ways. The only agenda was to have a good time, and it sure did turn out to be 4 hours of matchless fun.

And so ended the story of the famous five (Naanyaar, Prabhu Karthik, Vatsan, Bharath, and Somu) who had a small yet a very memorable bloggers meet.

Blogging vs writing an exam

2005-12-20T12:39:00.000+05:30

When I had to take an exam yesterday where I had to answer questions that were purely theoretical for 2 long hours, I felt a little weird. Having finished my paper much before the stipulated 2 hours, I spent the rest of the time in the hall wondering how different an experience writing is when it comes to blogging and taking an exam.

Here (read it as blogging) it’s a mere 15-minute affair. I sit down, decide what to write, and then write. There (Read it as an examination), it’s an over night affair. I first decide what to read and what not to, and then sit down to write.

Here I write what I want to write. There I write what I am required to write.

Here, I have a self-imposed word restriction. There, I always believe the marks are proportional to the length of the answer.

Here, originality is a principle for me. I never plagiarize. There, copying is an accepted act, though getting caught is never recommended.

Here, writing is more of a natural process. There, I need to attend classes for the same.

Here, when am stuck I call it the writer’s block. There, I call it out of syllabus or lack of preparation.

There are more such differences, but thought they were not significant enough. Can you think of anything more? :o)

To my Chris Mom

2005-12-16T16:27:00.000+05:30

Started our team meeting today with recitation of this poem which was later circulated to all teams on mail.

I’ve faked a marriage that’s in news,
I have made four proposals, with no use,
now, am even completing my third dare,
but, about my gift you don’t seem to care.

Boring and dull, the dares you devise,
try being creative, and that would be nice.
As long as you are good, and not hostile,
I would do the dare in my own style.

Every child is so happy and gay,
with gifts they receive day on day.
Gift me a gift, stingy Chris mom,
before I plant, in your desk, a hydrogen bomb.

I ain’t sure if you are he or she,
in this wonderful X-mas game,
but I know, people with unknown genders,
have a totally different name.

And this is how I got married...

2005-12-15T20:56:00.000+05:30

Having left with no options to fake a real marriage, I decided to fake a marriage that never happened... And so, here's how I got married in style (A Mail that was forwarded to just about every team that's playing the game)

Breaking News - Special news report

In a shocking turn of event that broke the heart of millions of fans across the nation, malabar mermaid entered into nuptial bond yesterday in Thiruneermalai. Reports say that a secret affair that had bloomed and blossomed in the life of this upcoming actress finally ended in marriage. Whether it would end her career in movies is still a big question.

The identity of the groom is still a well-kept secret. However, inside information reveals that she first met him during her visit to his workplace. He (An IT Professional) , it is believed, was one among the crazy fans who thronged her as she was answering queries to other fans on chat. What led to this fast paced marriage was an interesting piece of information that our special correspondent managed to unearth.

A weird dare that was entrusted to the still unknown groom as part of an X-mas game is said to be the reason behind this wedding ceremony. He wanted to complete the dare, and she wanted to ensure that he does not fail in his mission. May we wish the bride and the groom a happy wedded life.

Note from the mail sender: Certain information has to be well guarded for reasons of security. At least now that it is all in news, my Chris mom should know that I have completed my task, and that is to “find a girl and get married”. I am still awaiting the gift – FYI.

P.S: My dare for tomorrow is probably the easiest one can ever give me. And that is to write a poem about my Chris-Mom and recite it during our team meeting. Now that's one dare my CM is gonna repent having given me.

Bride needed urgently

2005-12-14T12:41:00.000+05:30

I need to get married. Not that I am desperate, but I am under certain pressure at work to complete this task. Considering the fact that finding a girl by itself is a mammoth effort, I need to get into the nuptial bond ASAP… and that is by today. And even if I find a girl, I need to print the invites, book a hall, invite all my friends, get permission from folks at home and there is lots more.

And one day is too short a time.

Before you jump into any conclusion, here’s the background. We are playing Chris Ma-Chris Child at work and my dare for the day is to “Find a girl and get married” – One heck of a dare that’s gonna deny me my right to earn a gift.

Mask III

2005-12-13T13:04:00.000+05:30

I was reminded yesterday of an incident that happened in my friend’s life 5 years back.

He was climbing the stairs when there was this girl who passed him in the opposite direction.

HE : Hey, Today is my Birthday.
SHE : ** Turns back and says ** “Oh!” ** and walks off like she heard nothing **

Till date, it happens to be the most laughed at situation and we still tease him for being so shameless about advertising his Birthday. I feel just the same about my post yesterday.

Nevertheless, I had a wonderful day and I thank each and every one of you for having sent their wishes either through an sms, or a call or a comment or a blog post. While I did manage to send a personal note to whoever I can, I take this moment to let you know that I really appreciate your being party to making my day. THANKS A LOT :o)

Happy Birthday Thalaiva

2005-12-12T07:02:00.000+05:30

I don’t remember since when, but seems like I have been crazy over Rajinikanth ever since. Be it his hair ruffling style, or his flicks with the cigarette, or his “ithu yeppadi irukku”, or even his mere appearance on screen, my tongue automatically rolls for my fingers to let out the loudest possible shrill.

I have never missed a movie of his, I have his entire collection of audio cassettes (CDs of late), and I simply go bonkers over this most charismatic actor of South India who had a very humble beginning in life.

While the reasons above are only secondary, there is one prime reason why I love this guy.

I share my Birthday with him

Phew !

2005-12-09T15:50:00.000+05:30

129600 seconds of selfless struggle.
2160 minutes of mammoth effort.
36 hours of unparalleled proficiency.
1 1/2 days of diligent display.

Well, for someone who enjoys sleeping, staying awake for such long hours battling a professional problem can only lead to such unthinkable exaggerations. After being in conscious state for an extended period, I was only glad to finally go crashing yesterday night. And to compensate for the lost siesta, I managed to sleep for close to half the number of hours of being wakeful. For now, just waiting for time to crawl so that I can start enjoying my weekend.

The Road Ahead...

2005-12-07T16:50:00.000+05:30

My achievements, I try recalling.
The ones noteworthy,
the ones that made a difference,
the ones that changed a life,
the ones that moved a soul,
the ones that made my parents proud,
the ones that made me stand tall.
To my shock, my memory fails me.

As I retrace my path,
I try looking
for the flowers in their full bloom,
from the garden that I nurtured,
for the adherents following my footsteps,
for the mark that I have left behind,
for the memories that I have been part of,
for the soul that could distinguish me.
To my dismay, the search proves futile.
Barren is the entire trail,
bearing no inkling of my stride through it.

A startling revelation it was.
Now,lies with me the challenge,
of making my life memorable,
of making myself treasured,
that I remain etched in the minds of my posterity.
As I take up this trial,
I vow ,to make my journey,
a brilliant, unforgettable and a successful experience.

Picture Courtesy : EE.Columbia.edu

Blogger Friend... Err... Friend Blogger

2005-12-06T00:16:00.000+05:30

F below expands to Friend

Me: Did you check out my latest post?
F1 : Do you have anything better to talk about?
Me: I mean, I think it is a nice one.
F2 : And who says so?
Me: But then, did you read it in the first place?
F3 : Really not in my priority list.
Me: Did YOU (@ F4) at least read it?
F4 : I did dude. I think it was a good one.
Me: Guys, that’s what am trying to say.
F5 : Machan, this guy is so jobless.

This happens because none except one (F4) from my circle of friends is into blogging. While I do ensure they read my blog, there exists no common ground amongst us in terms of blogging as a hobby by itself. Today, am glad one more joins this bandwagon.

Kannan (Cannon as he is lovingly called) is a movie buff, an ardent Kamal fan, and a hater of my-kinda-movies (The Vijay types). He wins just about every movie argument we have and can literally go on and on about movies during our lunch, break and out of office conversations. Click here to check him out.

P.S. This poem found a translator in Vignesh and his tamil version landed up in Thinamalar publication. Ain’t that cool?

“TIDAL” Park – “I.T” is under water

2005-12-05T11:52:00.000+05:30

Authored by Akshay Natarajan.
Date : Dec 3, 2005

Stormy, cloudy and rainy is how I would have described yesterday. Bright and sunny is how it was today. All in all, a good day to go to work innit? One would think so… After an uneventful journey to Somu’s place, both of us set out on the same water logged path that flooded the roads yesterday. Quite surprisingly the roads had cleared for Somu’s raging red Corsa to zip through. We were coasting along! Until we reached the entrance to tidel park that is..

We were joined by three other colleagues who car-‘pool’ed at the entrance (ofcourse by car pool I meant a bunch of guys jumping into the back seat). What lay ahead was a sea of water. There were waves too (reverse osmosis probably). Knee-deep water, a stalled car, a floating bike and some frustrated guards were among some of the obstacles that were between us and the building.

After a slightly turbulent but successful voyage, we made it thro’ to the makeshift car park at film city (the outskirts of the tidel building). Here, fortunately the water levels were restricted to 4-5 inches. The journey ahead was to be completed on foot (and I mean literally foot. ‘Cause nobody in their right mind would subject their footwear to this). We sported a new look (which is now catching on at Tidel) - rolled up pants, laptop slung over the shoulder, shoes in one hand and phones out in the other hand to take snaps. With all that baggage we waded thro’ the water and finally made it to the main car park (which was immaculately dry btw).

There were some unfortunate souls who had attempted to drive through the full way and were in the process of bailing out water with tea cups borrowed from the kitchen. Good luck to them! They’re prolly still at it. The journey culminates in us reaching our respective desks trying to figure out how we’re gonna blog this. What resulted.. is what you’re reading…

And so, I have decided...

2005-12-02T11:54:00.000+05:30

Mail responses get delayed.

Work keeps piling up.

Technologies remain unexplored.

Coffee time with friends is missed.

Project submissions remain pending.

Time spent with the team is minimal.

Am going late for meetings.

And so, I have decided.

No more blogging / blog hopping from work.

P.S. Other posts on blog addiction
Blogging - Boon or a bane?
Blog Addict

Beware and be aware

2005-11-30T19:00:00.000+05:30

Pic Courtesy

Update : Vignesh has done a tamil translation of this poem here.

The needle pricks him once.
The virus is injected into his blood stream once.
The syndrome spreads once.
And the disease eventually kills once.
But you alienate him,
you upset him every second.
You ignore him,
you hurt him every minute.
You hate him,
you kill him every day.

Now tell me, who is deadlier? YOU or the HIV?
Now tell me, who is a stigma? YOU or HE?

I have never come face to face with a HIV positive individual. Nor am I sure how I am gonna react when I meet up with one. But what I know for sure is that I should treat him with compassion and see him as no different from the rest. I "think" am in no position to spead this disease. The least I can do is spread the message.

Snooze alarm

2005-11-30T12:10:00.000+05:30

Cartoon courtesy : Offthemarkcartoons

7.00 AM : Tring tring (the alarm goes off)
I hit the snooze and go back to sleep.
7.30 AM : Tring tring (the alarm beeps yet again)
I hit the snooze and cuddle inside my blanket.
8.00 AM : Tring tring (urgh the damn alarm strikes again)
I hit the snooze and keep rolling on my bed.
8.30 AM : Tring tring (the stupid alarm just gets nagging)
I hit the snooze and try to enjoy my siesta.
9.30 AM : Tring tring (This time it is my mobile)
And no snooze comes to my rescue.
The voice on the other side : “Can you come over to my cabin”.

“Eh ! Can you give me 15 mins, am just on my way? “

God made lazy bums. Man invented the snooze to make them even lazier. And am not sure who invented the concept of “Office” to make the lazier ones repent for their laziness.

Meet Treat

2005-11-28T23:53:00.000+05:30

Another meet and another opportunity to be with the blogging fraternity. So, would I wanna miss out on that ? While I would have loved to walk across and meet up with everyone, I did manage to interact with most who had turned up. The meet by itself cannot be as interesting as everyone makes it sound if not for the interesting people who convene. And here’s a snippet of those interesting lot that I managed to meet (in no particular order).

Jaggy : His posts literally swear at his service provider. Knowing that am from the same organization, he was surprisingly nice to me.

Prabhu Karthik : When an elderly gentleman while leaving, told him, best wishes, god bless you, good luck… et al… he was kind enough to say, “Same to you” :o)

Swaminathan : A technical writer by profession… and I hope his blog is not an extension of his profession. He is back into blogging after the meet.

Jaideep : “My blog is about e-learning, not too many people read it, I write it for keeping track of technologies, you might not find it interesting” – He said them all in one go :o)

Muthu : We have met once in a training program way back in I don’t really remember. Was surprised that he could still place me. Good ‘ol ex-colleagues always have lots in common to talk about.

Satya Prabhakar : We had this small discussion on whether the top management can really find time for it’s employees. I was for it, and he had his views against it. Coming from someone up there, I had to buy his argument.

Sophie : Was in her usual chirpy self. Was more than willing every time I shamelessly asked her to take a picture of mine.

Kiruba : I was reminded of cricket matches, a word a day mails, and a truck load of enthusiasm when I saw him. He has promised to organize a cricket match between Sulekha and Sify ;o))) Please don't tell him that I have not paid for the coffee I had on Sunday.

Akshay : A harrypotter fan (who isn't, right?), a quiz freak, CAT aspirant, my junior in college, my colleague quite obviously at work and most important of them all, my dum pal.

Ravi : I have promised him a car two years from now… And he has promised me something that’s much more filling. He was one of the other good souls who called up just a while back showing deep concerns over my having gone down.

Balaji : Nanganallur party. Poor chap. Every time he said he was from Wipro, someone or the other asked him do you know her or him. Considering the company he had, I forgot to figure out if he reached home safe.

Viji : It might interest you to know that she effectively uses the “Thiruttu” 10 minute internet access that she gets at work to cook up wonderful poems. Very well-versed in Chennai Baashai. And the reason why her stay in chennai is getting extended was a major point of discussion.

Jammy : When I said I always envied his wife’s function that enabled her to interact with celebrities, he was quick to retort, “That’s how she bumped into me”. And I realized he does not work hard at humor.

Sheky : He is always in his reticent self when with people from the corporate world (read it as old men) like me, or that’s what he claims. Speak a lot with him and you would realize how sweet and interesting a chap he is. Always obsessed with my skills at puffing.

Sunil : Another colleague of mine. Had a real tough time trying to get his daughter’s attention. She did not even tell me her name. Girl’s ain’t my cup of tea, neither am I theirs. She would be around 5 years old by the way.

Vishnu : Kanni Samy. Hope he finds his first ever trip to Shabarimalai a good experience.

Jaleel : Joined us in the conversation a little late and was quick to leave for the day. The next time around we need to spend a lil while talking :o)

Ramesh : I remembered him from good ‘ol maverick days… And am seeing him after a long time. While I could place him with ease, he did the same with me too :o))

Hari : Again, did not get much time to interact with him. This is the second time I am meeting him and am sure there would be a third time to catch up with stuffs.

And the most important guy I was randomly chosen to meet was from Indian Express. Am sure he would have been taken aback by my major peters of India. He has his say on what I had to say here.

If I did leave out anyone that’s purely out of senility and is not in anyway done intentionally.

Without...

2005-11-28T07:11:00.000+05:30

It is but natural for romance to follow romance !

Without your smile,
I would feel overcast.
Without your touch,
I would feel weak.
Without your kiss,
I would feel crestfallen.
Without your hug,
I would feel unwanted.
Without your presence,
I would feel lonely.
Without your friendship,
I would feel marooned.
Without your love,
I would feel lost.
Without you,
I would feel lifeless.

- SOM' '
Without 'U' even my name is incomplete,
How would I be any different?

Disclaimer : The disclaimer of the previous post holds good for this one too :o)

New found love

2005-11-23T12:14:00.000+05:30

Picture Courtesy

She gave me a drop of tear,
you wiped it off my cheek.
She left me a shattered life,
you straightened it for me.

She gave me a troubled soul,
you put my self at ease.
She left me with burdened thoughts,
you put my mind at peace.

She gave me a broken heart,
you nursed it off it's ache.
She left me in dire pain,
you allayed it for my sake.

She gave me a bitter past,
you saved me from my blues.
She left me in dying spirits,
you gave me a life anew.

Disclaimer: All characters in this poem are completely fabricated by the author and they bear not even the slightest of resemblance to anyone or anything living or dead. Any such existence of a “SHE” or a “YOU” in real life is purely a coincidence.

Shocking Surprise

2005-11-22T13:13:00.000+05:30

** This had to be based on a true story owing to official implications **

It is almost about a month and a half since his manager moved into the same locality as his. Yesterday, when he was in his Manager’s cabin, he was having a very casual conversation with him.

MGR : Dude, looks like someone else also has a red Corsa with sun roof.
HIM : Really ?
MGR : When I look through my drawing room window, I see it parked in the next door apartment.
HIM : Where is this ?
MGR : Indira Nagar, 1st Avenue
HIM : Oh really ? Which apartment are you in ?
MGR : Dwaraka.
HIM : Ha ha ! Then in all likeliness you are looking at my car. Looks like we are neighbors, coz I live in Jamaal’s, which is next door to Dwaraka.

Now his problem. Next time when there is a call asking him to go to office for an emergency on a weekend, he just cannot say, “Sorry, am in Kilpauk now. It would take me ages before I reach office”. His manager just has to peep out of his drawing room window to understand the stated lie.

House Arrest

2005-11-20T23:44:00.000+05:30

** Trust me. This is really based on a true story **

He has always lived his life like a prince in his private lair. The freshness of liberated air was always there for him to breathe. But on Wednesday, he was arrested and kept in custody, in his own house. The same solitude he had enjoyed turned evil with every lonely passing moment seeming like eternity. He was cut off from the external world.

He was taking mindful efforts to fall asleep. To eschew pain. But, in vain. Even the VIP treatment that was bestowed on him didn’t come as a consolation. The only crimes that he committed – Catch a common cold, allow unwarranted entry of bodily pain, permit temperature to rise to premier levels and finally go breathless (intermittently of course) due to mild wheezing.

Today, he is acquitted. Absolved. Exonerated. From all his crimes. Freedom never sounded sweeter.

Tomorrow is a new day. Monday. And for once, he was not reminded of blues.

P.S. Just curious. How can one catch a cold and yet have high temperature? Aren't opposing forces supposed to be nullifying each other?

Broken Promises

2005-11-16T11:57:00.000+05:30

I don’t make promises, at least not to everyone. And if I do make one, that person definitely carries a lot of significance in my life. It was about a year back that I promised a very close friend of mine that I would renounce certain habits in life. I did bring in the requisite control in me to live up to the promise. The damned visit to the US saw the rebirth of the same habit that I promised to give up.

So far, this has been a well-kept secret from my friend. Yesterday, during a very casual conversation, when she asked me, “So, Somu… Do you still have that habit?”… I was caught between the devil and the deep sea. I had two options at my disposal. Lie about it and feel guilty or be honest and win the wrath of a good friend. And I did what I felt was the right thing to do. Be honest.

Now, I have a question for myself. Does being honest nullify the effect of breaking a promise? After all, there is no proverbial reference to breaking promises being the worst of policies. Am I absolved from the sin I committed by being honest?

Only one can answer that question.

Go-getter attitude

2005-11-15T12:43:00.000+05:30

** Inspired by a true incident **

The other day he was raving about how much of a flirt he had been in his younger days, and how much he continues to be. Of course, we have seen his flirtatious skills with our own eyes. You can now imagine why he was given the middle name of “Casanova”.

Every time he says he is not coming out with us for the weekend, we know the reason behind it.

Two days back, he came out after just being appraised and was so happy to inform us of the feedback he received. “Guys, I am told that I have a go-getter attitude”.

To this there was an amusing remark from his friend, which made even him laugh at that factual statement. “Dude, in a way your boss is right. You sure have a go-get-her attitude”.

P.S. For a change, the HE in this post is definitely not me. FYI.

No kidding

2005-11-14T09:41:00.000+05:30

Pic courtesy : show.me.uk

On my first day in school I remember how much I cried and how much I never stopped crying until I saw my brother who had come to pick me up.

When in second standard, I remember how much I was excited to wear my new color dress to school on my birthday.

“Big fun” bubble gum was such a craze during my 4th, 5th and 6th standard. I remember how my mom made me apologize in the pooja room for stealing 50 paise to buy one.

I was such a lazy bum and I still cannot forget the fact that I had to get a sign from my mom everyday as a proof to my class teacher that I woke up early.

I remember how I went around flaunting my first ever 1st rank in 5th standard to just about everyone I came across. It was during this phase that I developed my first crush on Yezhilmalar, the one I beat to the top.

When they changed the seating pattern in my 6th standard, I remember how much I was thrilled to be seated between two girls.

On my first day in 9th standard, I remember how much I refused to go to school because my trouser was yet not ready at the tailors. I was feeling shy to wear shorts to school.

And I still remember lots and lots...

Days of childhood to everyone are always memorable. Given all the time and space, am sure I can pen down just about every good / bad incident that happened in my life. Quite naturally I miss those wonderful moments in my life when I shouldered no responsibility, when I had no penchant for money, and when I was so damn innocent.

For the kid that I have been, for the little bit of kid that I still have in me and to every kid in this whole wide world, here’s me wishing a Happy Children’s Day !

P.S. My other post on kids

Past, Present and Future

2005-11-11T11:58:00.000+05:30

The one I hold dear to,
are the memories,
of our strolls, and tiffs,
of our laughs, and tears,
of our togetherness
and many more eventful times
that elapsed.

The one I long for now,
are the moments,
of your glance, and smile,
of your love, and care,
of your intimacy,
and many more adorables,
that I enjoy.

The one I dream of,
is our future,
our family, and home,
our children, their future,
our posterity,
and many more probables,
in store.

No wonder !
You, my dear,
are my past, present and future.

Picture Courtesy : Soultime-travel

Mailer Demon

2005-11-10T12:58:00.001+05:30

Last Saturday our class at the college campus was postponed due to heavy rains. And so, we received a mail with the subject, “Business Ethics – Class cancelled”. And so we promptly booked tickets for Sivakasi.

The postponed class was scheduled for yesterday. And again, we received a mail early in the morning with the subject,”Business Ethics – Class cancelled”. Few of us were so excited that we wanted to recreate the movie magic of Saturday night. So, we planned Maja yesterday evening.

At around 4.00 PM I got a call from my colleague,”When are you leaving for the class?”. I said,”Machi, read your mails and let me know when we can leave for Mayajaal”. All that he had to say was,”I suggest you read your mails”, and promptly hung up the phone.

Only then did we go back to the mail to read it’s contents. ”Dear participants, Just to remind you that there will be class today at 5.30 PM as scheduled”.

When people respond to old messages, can’t they not change the subject accordingly? At least we wouldn’t have had to suffer from short term elation.

Hell aka Heaven

2005-11-09T15:34:00.000+05:30

Ever since I bought a vehicle for myself, I have been going home for lunch. Sambhar/Rasam saadham, Thaiyir saadham and a grand finale of dairy milk is a regular affair for over a month now. 15 mins of ananthasainam after all the food does give one a heavenly feeling, right ?

Despite all this, there is something that tries nullifying the effect of the heavenly feeling – something that I loathe and completely despise. This hatred was developed over a period of time watching things similar to it especially during the evenings. And startlingly this karumam pudicha Mega Serial’s title literally means Heaven. Yeah, am talking about SORGAM here :o((((

Luckily, in the battle between heavenly feeling and the effect of HEAVEN, am glad the former overpowers the outcome of the latter. Which is why I still keep going home for lunch.

P.S. If you have read this, maybe you should also check out this.

SMS Scramble

2005-11-07T13:09:00.000+05:30

Inspired by a true story, though the last part of it is pure imagination

He gets a call at 9.30 AM waking him up from sleep. “Dude, have you reached office? I need to know the water level inside Tidel”. He says, “Am still asleep. If you reach office do let me know how it is”.

In about 10 minutes, he sends the caller an sms that read, “I have reached office. There is no water in the Tidel entrance. But towards the parking lot, the level is quite high. However, it should not be a problem to drive through.”

At 9.50 AM he gets another call from the same guy,”Dei, how did you manage to reach so early? I thought you were sleeping”. “Dei pannadai, I forwarded someone else’s message. Now allow me to sleep”, and he continued zzing.

Feels good to be back

2005-11-05T10:16:00.000+05:30

Finally feels good to be back to days of normal blogging. So much has happened that went unwritten on this page… The blogger’s meet to start with. For few of us Diwali started as early as on Sunday when we burst crackers in the beach as part of the meet’s agenda. Then there was Diwali itself that was so uneventful for me. The only event was the question the day raised as to whether I was getting old.

My midyear appraisal happened this week and I have loads to catch up with for the next six months. This period is very critical to my moving to the next level. Two new releases are in my must see list which I hopefully intend to cover this weekend. My best friend's birthday was on the 2nd. I have this tradition of gifting him a card with a hand written poem every year. Will pass it on when I meet him tomorrow.

On the whole, apart from the love story that left me with a feeling of reminiscence and gloominess, it has been quite an interesting week. Oh yeah I forgot to mention the long 5 minute heavenly walk from the parking lot to the main entrance with the Rain God sprinkling teeny weeny droplets on me.

And I hope everyone has started having a wonderful weekend while am sitting here at work and slogging.

P.S. Forgot the two flattering posts from fellow bloggers that completely floored me. You can read it here and here. Thank you pals :o)

Before and After

2005-11-03T09:14:00.000+05:30

With an affirmative mind,
a fluttering heart,
a confident demeanor,
illuminated eyes,
a passionate spirit,
and an optimistic attitude,
I met her.
I told her.

With a clear mind,
a broken heart,
a pitiful demeanor,
dampened eyes,
and a lifeless spirit,
I returned.
I await the third time.

In all this, what is intact,
is my ATTITUDE.

So I survive.

What does it have to do with age... Hmph !

2005-11-02T11:23:00.000+05:30

Two isolated incidents that happened within a span of two weeks

1. Six of us met at GRT Grand Days (Coffee shop) for a friend’s birthday treat. During the course of the dinner, I passed a casual comment. “I love this place. Peaceful and serene. Just creates opportunities for people to converse. Quite a contrast to the noisy pubs and loud coffee days”. And two of them in synchrony retorted, “That’s where fun lovers hangout. That’s where party goers spend time. And that’s where young and energetic minds meet. Dude ! You are getting old”

2. I was at Tidel yesterday at around 11.00 PM when one of my colleagues asked, “So, how was Diwali” ? “It was normal. Saw Padayappa. Visited couple of my cousins. And then it was Vassol Raja MBBS. Home delivered Pizza for dinner and that’s about it.” “How about crackers?” , he asked again. “Nah ! Not much of enthu for it this time, I guess”. And so came the quick response, “Is it a sign of you getting old?”

Now the big question is… Am I getting old at heart ? Boohoo !!!

I should have probably told them what the Americans think of me.

Million Dollar Question

2005-10-31T10:35:00.000+05:30

Never wished I were a soothsayer,
envisaging what is in store.
Always believed in taking life as it comes.
But today, I feel the pressing need,
to master the art of foresight.
One big Question hangs over my head.
Will it wrap around my neck,
or would it garland me?
Am anxious to know.

This Question goes on a roller coaster ride
inside the vastness of my mind,
and all along, I hope it comes to a halt,
in my favor.
Confusion, fear, uncertainty, hesitation and everything else
that’s part of a roller coaster ride, I suffer.
Would I topple down,
or will I complete the ride with a big sigh of relief?
Am eager to know.

I feel like a lost man,
grappling in absolute darkness,
looking for sight, for light.
As I proceed with my life,
everything seems muddled.
A sense of panic creeps in,
and I carry on unaware of my direction,
in the obscurity formed by this enigmatic Question.
Will I be doomed in this gloom,
or will I see the daylight break in?
Am raring to know.

With the answer to this Question,
lies everything, my life inclusive.
So I can’t be burdened with it for long.
Everything in this world has to come to an end,
be it for the good or the bad.
So am soon going to confront,
meet head on and unearth,
the answer to the million-dollar Question,
“She loves me, she loves me not? “

Sealed lips

2005-10-28T10:42:00.000+05:30

My legs know no pain,
will walk beside her all through,
till the end of this world.

My hands know no rest,
they draw inspiration from her,
and keep poetizing her beauty.

My mind knows no state,
when awake, it keeps thinking her,
and dreams when otherwise.

My heart knows no depth,
it loves her with all sincerity,
from the bottom of it's heart.

My lips, oh no, know fear,
my love remains unexpressed,
will I ever be able to open up.

Happy Birthday !!!

2005-10-26T17:01:00.000+05:30

Oh mermaid sans the fins,
you stir up joy within.

Oh malabar mannequin,
my heart goes for a spin.

Oh angel's identic twin,
you are just so enchantin'.

Oh Juliet's distant kin,
I confess my fondness herein.

With fanfare and energetic din,
here's me wishing you
a Happy Birthday ASIN

I had to read this to realize the significance of today.

Other Asin posts
1. Aiyoda
2. Gajini

Sleepless awakening

2005-10-26T01:33:00.000+05:30

Amid thousand faces, I keep searching hers,
my eyes assiduously indulging in the hunt,
deftly shifting their gaze when they find her face.
Concentration dwindles, with work piling up,
nothing seems more significant,than a little chat with her.
All through the day, she invokes a pleasant thought,
and am dancing in a far away wonderland,
with all my worries and troubles shed.

I keep staring at my mobile, waiting to hear from her,
and at the least expected moment,
my mobile sings the special tone I saved exclusively for her.
The prolonged wait proves worthy.
My sleep has become a dream, missing from my life lately,
still no nightly moment passes without she occupying my mind.

I find these actions of mine inexplicable.

She is like the rainbow, colorful and beautiful,
adorning the entire expanse of the sky,
bringing in joy and happiness to everyone around.
How I wish I were the sky, I have no means to convey !

A dreadful sense of melancholy is evoked in me,
I go through a volley of emotions,
I suddenly see myself reliving my past,
the one I had consciously managed to put behind me.

I call up my pal, to keep myself occupied,
but the feelings return at the end of the banter.
My mind is misplaced in thoughts, she being the subject matter.
The night turns gruelling with every stretched second,
time makes unhurried progress extending my anguish.
I wait eternally for the torment to end.

At a snail's pace, the sun finally rises.
It dawns. And it dawns on me too.
I suddenly find the reason behind my actions.
The punishing emotions I suffered seem sensible.
I realize I AM IN LOVE,
for the second time in my life.
And I wish with all earnestness, there is no third time.

Snoozzzzzze

2005-10-24T09:50:00.000+05:30

It all started with a Yawn.
And so I fell horizontal.
Quite naturally began to doze off.
The zzzz slowly changed into a snore.
I went into a deep slumber.
Saw wood and dead log I became.

By the time I woke up, I could only manage to grumble.
“Sigh ! There goes another wasted weekend”

Pic Courtesy : Fredcat.net

Missing you

2005-10-20T15:19:00.000+05:30

Like the sands of Sahara, arid and
Missing the monsoons,

Like the hours of darkness, murky and
Missing the crack of dawn,

Like a withering rose, wilting and
Missing a glance of sun’s beam,

Like the deprived lot, famished and
Missing a morsel of rice,

Like a desolate soul, abandoned and
Missing a devoted friend,

Like a dying man, downhearted and
Missing a miraculous cure,

Am here, forsaken and forlorn,
Missing you.

Pic courtesy

SMS - Simple Morning Sweetness

2005-10-19T11:30:00.000+05:30

“All mornings are like paintings – You need little inspiration to get going, a smile to brighten it and a message from someone who cares to color your day… GOOD MORNING”

Is it not nice to wake up to such a nice sms in the morning? Really does make your day. And of course it did make mine today. But, when I looked around me, what I saw – dresses strewn all over, chaos and confusion from the office going folks in drawing room, couple of missed calls from office, and nine on the clock – only prompted me to respond with this message.

"All mornings are like reality – You have to brush your teeth, have coffee, take a shower, get ready for work and head towards office… GOOD MORNING”

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day !

More Morning sms :)

In an attempt to keep it short,
here's me wishing you from my heart.
In an attempt to keep it simple,
here's me wishing you peace and good will.
In an attempt to keep it sweet,
here's me sending you a message so neat.
In effect, in an attempt to KISSS,
here's me sending you a good morning wish.

The sun woke up and thought of rising.
The birds woke up and thought of chirping.
The buds woke up and thought of blooming.
So, it’s only natural I woke up and thought of you.
GOOD MORNING.

Start your day with
Wonderful thoughts, and
Beautiful people.
So here I am, starting mine with
A wish for you.
Have a wonderful day.

P.S. On Sophie's request, giving a link to my other auto posts
Talking talking cabbie
Me ? Eve teasing?

Blink blink blink

2005-10-17T17:48:00.000+05:30

While talking about an incident that happened to me once, Ravi suggested that I should probably post it in my blog… And so, here goes…

I am bugged of bargaining with auto wallahs every time I take a rick from Tidel to my home. Invariably this is how it would seem…

Day 1
Auto wallah : Sir, 30 Rs.
Me : Illa pa. 25 Rs.

Day 2
Auto wallah : Sir, 30 Rs.
Me : Illa pa. 25 Rs.

Day 3
Auto wallah: Sir, 30 Rs.
Me : Illa pa 25 Rs.

So, on day 4 I decided to move away from the usual auto stand to catch a running auto. This is how the conversation went

Auto wallah : Sir, 20 Rs.
Me : (instinctively) Illa pa, 25 Rs.
Auto Wallah : Ok sir.
Me : * Blink blink blink *

Others who were party to my recalling this incident when we met at Chennai Trade Center were Sophie, Hari, Vee-jay and Shekys. It was a pleasant evening yesterday on the lawns of CTC when we met, munched corns, discussed, laughed and pulled legs. Yet again, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to identify blogs I have been reading with a human face. I also did go back with two new blogs, the faces behind which (Shekar and Hari) I got introduced to yesterday.

Long live Gaurav, long live Rashmi !

2005-10-15T16:05:00.000+05:30

Some quotes from here:

"Amongst all nations of the world perhaps the maximum abuse of democracy by individuals (rich/famous/politicians) takes place in India. When a senior Labour Party leader in UK is caught in a sex scandal, he accepts, apologises and resigns. No one in the US, UK or Japan who is caught red handed in some case of corruption ever denies it. The assumption of course is that the public is intelligent enough to see the truth behind, say, a Tarun Tejpal’s Tehelka or a Rajat Sharma’s India TV sting operation. In India of course we are shameless. Shamelessly, they came the very next day after the Tehelka episode, with ludicrous and shameless claims of falsely doctored tapes, assuming I guess that the public remains perpetually drunk and can’t see the most evident truth. Surprisingly the media (which often gives an impression of being perpetually drunk) did give these statements enough coverage to make the entire episode look confusing for the masses. In days to come the shameless were seen giving interviews in celebrity chat shows and were given high visibility through the peep show pages (read page 3) of leading dailies. But of course the matter didn’t end at that. The shameless went further shamelessly behind Tehelka, and rest as they say, is history. And history has a habit of repeating itself."

Is history not repeating itself yet again ? And look who is talking about abuse of democracy in India. Who is the shameless and who is Tehelka in the current context?

"Final analysis: I read the Tehelka newspaper regularly. It is as bold and as revealing as ever. Every issue has some revelations that leave me shocked. India TV might also mature up to more serious issues in times to come, once the eyeballs have settled down. But does it matter? Can they change India? No. Not until they have betrayers in their own community. Not until journalists from other media houses take up the issues they bring forward and take it forcefully to the public. Till then I only hope that many more Tehelka’s and many more India Tv’s come up and make hell out of the lives of the shameless creeps who occupy public space. It was supposed to be the job of the newspaper that you are reading right now. Sad that the market forces don’t allow them to mess up with the rich (their advertisers) and the politicians (who can mess up their basic existence). Till the time they do their jobs properly... Long live Tehelka! Long Live India TV!"

Going by the same viewpoint, should we/he/and everyone else not be saying, long live Gaurav ! Long live Rashmi? After all, just like how the author hoped, did they not come up and make hell out of the lives of the creeps? Preachers don't practise eh ?

Tag : IIPM

We will we will blog you !

2005-10-15T14:58:00.000+05:30

Better late than never:

I don't have anything against IIPM, nor do I have anything for Gaurav / Rashmi. However, what I do have is a common link between two of those three... and that is I blog as part of my everyday activity. While my knowledge on both the institute and these two bloggers at the start of the war was very limited, here's what I could assimilate after the haze cleared.

While I shall refrain from making any comments on the institute, I have developed lot of respect for these bloggers who have been righteous by standing up for what they believed is the truth and for being bold in not succumbing to pressure in their fight for free will.

The decision to speak out and the discretion to express is one's own birthright... And when that is questioned, is it not natural for all those directly and indirectly affected to join hands... And here I am extending my little hands for this movement :o)))

The whole of Tamil Nadu chanted "Sentamizh naadenum pothiniley" in their protest against English invasion here.

The whole of India shouted "Vande Maatharam" to show their solidarity.

And so, when I thought what I can possibly frame to show my fellowship to this movement, this is what I came out with :o)

Maybe you're wrong, just makin big noise,
playin with our rights, gonna go busted some day,
You are low on your ways,
that's disgrace,
we're kickin your name all over the place.

We will we will blog you
we will we will blog you.

Buddy, we are big team, strong team,
waging with our words, gonna give you some sense some day,
we got lead on the race,
just in case,
you didn't know you'd lose in few days.

We will we will blog you
we will we will blog you.

P.S. You may replace the word "Blog" in the above lines with whatever you think that deems fit.

Wanna dance. (?)

2005-10-14T14:50:00.000+05:30

Unleashing the child within,
by letting my energy reign,
with glee and naive delight,
I wanna dance in the rain.

Reviving my truest self,
by letting my spirits soar,
dripping, sopping and soaked,
I wanna dance in the downpour,

Shedding my coyness,
for minutes and maybe hours,
jumping, playing and singing,
I wanna dance in these showers.

Opposing the popular rhyme,
I am wishing it never stops.
Like no one is watching,
I wanna dance under the raindrops.

It’s raining cats and dogs here every evening…
And for that Chennai,
மிகவும் விரும்புகிறேன் உன்னை.
(Migavum virumbugi"rain" unnai)

Picture Courtesy

The Dravid syndrome

2005-10-11T12:42:00.000+05:30

When he reached 90, he got a little jittery. A failure would mean nothing, but he was keen on reaching the milestone. One by one, slowly, carefully and with utmost caution he moved until he reached 99.

He had a select few crowd who have always been cheering him and encouraging him with written/unwritten words . At 99, he looked back at all of them with gratitude, for he knows reaching his personal landmark would not be possible without them.

He is still at 99. Did he hit his century?

He did. And you just read that landmark post of his.

An arranged confusion

2005-10-10T14:29:00.000+05:30

Two families gather, a guy and a girl meet, lot of discussions take place and finally everyone disperses. Few more days are spent in horoscopes, taking concurrence from other members of the family and whole lot of other decision-making processes. Finally, the guy says yes and the girl is all the more happy (or at least she seems so).

A day before the guy’s parents are to leave to fix the engagement date, a stranger meets up with the prospective groom (PG) just to tell him, “Sir, am in love with the girl. Please help me”. A little chat with the prospective bride gives no indication to negate the stranger’s words. What can the PG possibly do under such a circumstance?

I can understand that confronting parents might not be an easy task. But, why drag an innocent guy and the family behind him into your story. You are not only putting a blameless guy into lot of emotional stress, but also an entire close knit family under tremendous pressure.

When you meet the guy/girl in private for 5 mins, you need not try to understand the other person completely. The least you can do is at least come out with any grievance you might have against going ahead with the proposal.

P.S. This is a true incident as old as just a week in my friend’s life.

GAJINI - My say

2005-10-07T10:28:00.000+05:30

My suggestion to Nayantara
Aerobics in the morning, acting classes in the evening and a proper diet in between, just in case you are keen on not joining the league of Mumtaj or Namita.

My word of appreciation for Surya
Keep it up. You are now one more rare addition to my list of favorite actors.

My request to Harris Jayaraj
It’s difficult to listen to dialogues with both ears closed. So, if you can increase the level of harmony in your BGM and reduce the decibel intensities, I would be lot happier. You don’t need a Goutham Menon to compose good music. So, let us get to hear more such “Oru maalais” and “Sutum vizhis”.

My question to AR Murugadoss
You had a star cast. You had a gripping storyline. You had two super hit songs. You had given the movie necessary hype. You had a riveting first half in the movie. But, why did you have to let me down in the subsequent half?

My thoughts about the story
I did not write it down and I pretty much forgot everything 15 mins after I walked out of the theatre.

My assessment of the movie
There are negatives. But the positives definitely outshine them.

Saving the best for the last…
My admiration for the phenomenon called ASIN

Can’t you figure out? Am mesmerized. Am enthralled. Am bowled over. And so am speechless (or should I say wordless?)

Can you solve a puzzle?

2005-10-05T15:39:00.000+05:30

I want to do something nice this weekend.

But am not sure how I would be placed.

And now, going crazy over the thought of a dull Sunday.

True am game for a fun filled mid-week.

Thotti jeya, Mazhai and Gajini. Everything’s unexplored.

Can you guess my program tonight?

Here's a clue.

x word in x line,
arranged in one line,
will lead you to the sign.

Reversal of roles

2005-10-04T16:44:00.000+05:30

** Based on a true story **

He is always used to giving instructions to the Auto wallahs. “Inga left”. “Inga right”. “Inga U-turn”. “Inga stop”. His instructions were always followed diligently. And it ensured he reached his destination.

Today, for a change, he was being given instructions. “Inga left”. Inga right”. “Inga U-turn”. "Inga reverse”. “Inga stop”. He followed the instructions diligently. And it ensured he got his four-wheeler driving license.

P.S. "Inga" in Tamil means "Here"

Aiyoda

2005-10-03T19:29:00.000+05:30

As soon as I read this couple of days back, I have been way too excited The last time I had such a crush on a heroine was after “Poovey Poo chooda va”. I remember, as a teenager, how shy I was to walk across to Nadhiya for an autograph when I saw her in Anna University.

Incidentally, this time around, the crush is on Nadhiya’s costar ASIN.

I have seen just one movie of hers and I simply fell for the “Aiyoda” girl. For a change, Gajini, Maja, Sivakasi, and Godfather are in my list of must see movies not for the heroes, but for the strikingly beautiful and remarkably vivacious ASIN.

Today, I had my list of questions to ask her on chat. However, knowing that my chances of getting a response were bleak, I changed my plan. I paced across all the blocks to peep into the conference room from where she was chatting. I have never done this to anyone else before. I could realize my teenage timidity making a comeback. I just had a glimpse of her. My day was made.

I came back to my desk humming, “Aiyo Aiyo un kangal aiaiyo, un kangal kanda neyrathil yelaamey aiaioo”.

Picture courtesy : That's telugu

A letter to the Mahathma

2005-10-02T00:28:00.000+05:30

Dear Father,

“If they want to know real freedom, they have got to come to India. I am not arrogant. I am not a proud man. I know the distinction between pride, arrogance, insolence and so on”.
In your words, we see the true spirit of Indian independence that you dreamt of and always strived for. Today, we are liberated, 'only' from the clutches of Englishmen and from the monstrous acts they inflicted upon us.

58 years have passed and we are still grappling in darkness. We are still waiting for the dawn that will see this nation rise from ashes. Englishmen have been ousted, instead self-made moral policemen and narrow-minded ethical lawmakers have mushroomed all across this Republic. “Taking long strides towards future without begetting trouble to fellow mortals”, is what we have heard freedom is all about. But today, we are running back into the past, chased away by hooligans donning the mask of reformers.

Millions from India’s vast population are below poverty line today, the country has serious public health challenge with AIDS, communal riots take our lives into the dangerous lane, rape and discrimination of women are still posing a threat. Should these not be in our radar?

They are forgetting the millions who struggle to make their ends meet. And they focus on select few self-reliant, modern day partygoers. They overlook those who still don’t have that bit of clothing to hide their essentials. And they target the innocent, fashionable students in their comfortable wears. Rapists go unharmed for their act of desperation. And their spotlight is on undisruptive valentines expressing love in its purest form.

Weeds and wild flowers are no more amidst us. Today, they have taken over the entire plantation, throwing their weight around on simple flora and gentle saplings. When this country is seeing rebirth of prehistoric morons with minds so narrow and thoughts so backward, we await your reincarnation to save this country from the dogs and weed out the unfairness shown towards us.

While we wish you Happy Birthday, we wish for your comeback.

Yours sincerely,
Somu

Picture Courtesy

Huh !!!!

2005-10-01T01:03:00.000+05:30

** This is not a poem. So, read on **

Assault on personal life,
Attack on freedom of speech,
Backstabbing on free will to express,
Invasion into privacy,
Onslaught of independence,
Exploitation of someone being oneself.

I have listed down your shameful sins.
Now tell me, what virtue do YOU have
to act the moral police?

How can YOU take an ethical stance,
when gate crashing and trespassing by themselves are unethical.

Do you need to stir a controversy to sell your daily?
Did Tsunami wash away all your creativity?
Tell me how is life there underground?
Can you stoop down any further?

Only one set of people are happy about your grimy act.
The voyeurs feel that you beat them to the top in indecency and profanity.

Know why Chennai never moves ahead?
While the Nokias and BMWs and Hyundais push it forward,
your myopic views and opinionated acts provide the friction.

Do you see the Chennai around you as being dark –
Immoral, dishonorable, and unprincipled ?
You fool ! That's because your head is stuck in an ass,
and your eyes are closed.

Open your eyes to the beautiful Chennai around you,
And the wonderful people scattered all across it’s geography.

If you still want to be in the conventional past,
here's my suggestion.
Take a bite of "Arali vethai" or jump from "Malai Uchi" -
The tamil traditional ways of committing suicide.

Well, I had other dirty things in mind for them, but then I didn't want to bend down to their levels. While this has incensed people who read the article, I cannot imagine how the one's directly involved would feel. They needed to stir this to sell their daily right ? A simple boycott of the daily by you, me and everyone else we know can probably help prove they were grossly mistaken.

Read more about this in blogosphere
Chenthil
Nilu
Kaps
Uma
Visithra

Beware AR Rehman

2005-09-29T00:04:00.000+05:30

** Special report by our special correspondent **

“Owing to debacles in recent finals, and the controversies that ensued, we have unanimously decided to enter into a totally new venture.”, the Indian captain said during the release of their new music album.

“While I would take the seat of a composer, Ganguly would get into the shoes of the lead singer”, the Indian coach announced at the press meet today.

Naming their album “PEACE, TRUCE and FOOTLOOSE” only seemed symbolic to the fact that the cease-fire between the two was not a forced one.

At the event, while Shewag’s prelude gave the tracks a swashbuckling opening, Bhajji’s spinning-the-discs bowled the maidens over.

The following numbers are expected to top the Indian Chart.

“We’ll quit playing games with our bat,
we should have known from the start”.

“Show us the meaning of being losers.
Is this the feeling ? We seem to want it.”

Let’s hope and wish they churn out good music to all our ears. And let us continue to give all our support to the new team India band, BACK STAB BOYS.

Picture Courtesy : An E-mail forward

A dissatisfied customer

2005-09-28T12:51:00.000+05:30

Being in support for the last 4 years, I completely empathize with any customer-interfacing executive especially when it comes to dealing with customers on the phone. While everything, be it good or bad, happens at the back end, it is these executives who have to face the brunt of the customers. And the sad part – For no fault of theirs.

While I save all my anger for the guy who is directly involved in delaying my request, I try to be as nice as possible to the one picking up my call. Not just because it is invariably a girl, but for the fact that I know she is not responsible for my problem.

But today, I lost my cool. My call was received with a “HELLO”, something unheard of in the service industry and it’s been almost 25 days and I still haven’t got my Debit / ATM card. What they don’t understand is that I cannot be surviving on begging, borrowing and stealing any longer.

They don’t even realize that such small incidents can make me think twice about my 7 year loyalty towards them. And I am sure they have very little clue about my wanting to talk to someone here, if there is no progress in the next two days.

Remembering good 'ol days

2005-09-26T13:10:00.000+05:30

Today one of my friends celebrates 5 year tenure at work. We had a small bouquet giving ceremony after barging into the conference room. In a way I was reminded of my 5 year completion a year and a half back.

In memory of all my days at work, I wrote a poem summarizing my experience and my growth ever since I started my professional life. The poem, which was forwarded to few close friends, somehow reached the hands of senior management. Surprisingly my CTO responded with a 4 line poem himself and both our works adorned the technology notice board for more than a month.

This was a poem that won me monetary reward for the first time. I still cherish those two 500 Rupee notes given to me by my Vice President. I was happy that someone at that level could appreciate talent outside the purview of work. Quite a long one it is, though I should accept it took me just 15 mins to write and for once, flow of thoughts was never a problem.

5 years, the time seems long,
a reason for me to sing this happy song,
As a trainee, started my life,
now married to work, she’s my wife.

Materials piled, all worth crores,
I started off managing that dingy store.
Looking forward to a bright career,
I kicked off dispatching and sending couriers.

Just when I was looking for a drift,
I turned technical, got into shifts,
Muthu, Madhu,Nag, Raj, Vinu my mentors,
who helped me work in the data center.

Wires, exchanges, UPS and cables,
with all of them I could write fables.
Memories of my time in Velechery,
I still cherish and will indefinitely carry.

Where I was heading I had no hint,
In 2 years I completed my NCG stint.
And one day came an organizational advice,
a change that was pleasant and extremely nice.

Just when it was time to make a mark,
I was moved to this skyscraping Tidel park,
I knew what was gonna be my work,
And that was to provide support to the network.

The one that helped me stand tall,
Was this Cisco thing called Firewall.
Then there was this implementation on PPTP,
That won me accolades, made me happy.

In what I did,I put my soul and heart,
But mistakes I made, they were my work’s part.
The NOC in Sant nagar, I isolated,
I shut Iways in Fort, glad I wasn’t hated.

Another two years just whisked past,
And my tenure in netsup didn’t last.
Then came my way that was more fun,
which was handling and managing tier1.

More now the number of problems,
And customers,too tough to pacify them.
Slowly lost my technical side,
but customers,I took them for a wonderful ride.

Too many things, too less space,
But true, there were more memorable days,
I just wish I could capture them all,
But am getting emotional,sentimental, et al.

5 years, the time seems long,
still married to work, still a happy song.
Feels overwhelming and amazingly great,
To be finally deemed a Penta-Associate.

- Writtten on 1st June, 2004

A Happy Man he is today !

2005-09-23T12:56:00.000+05:30

** Based on a true story **

He does not remember his tricycle days, but he sure knows how he learnt riding the bicycle paying a rent of 50 paise per hour. He practiced thereafter borrowing his neighbors Champ.

Being just a stone’s throw away from school, his primary school days were spent in walking between school and home. When he changed school, he was completely reliant on PTC.

He was excited when his cousin left to the UK for settling down. This was more so because he now had a BSA SLR to use to school. He never learnt to ride a motorcycle as he never owned one.

During college days, he was glad he had his college bus to carry him. He was back to depending on good old PTC when he started working.

Close to seven years have passed since he started his professional life. Time seems to have moved so fast. Waiting for the bus, or bargaining with the auto wallahs, or expecting one of his friends to drop him have been a daily affair.

Today was different. He was a happy man. He realizes days of true mobility are ahead of him. He acknowledges how much his life has changed in each of it's phase.

Today, he was reminded of the past as he, for the first time in his life, claimed ownership to his own vehicle.

In all the excitement he was in, he just managed to mutter, “Here I come Besi beach, here I come ECR, here I come Chennai”. And after a little thought, he added, “Here I come Kerala, here I come Bangalore”

Seeing is believing

2005-09-21T18:49:00.000+05:30

Finally the day has arrived.
Moments of anxiety have ceased to exist.
The need to follow up is no more.
I can stop sounding so angry on the phone.

Just few minutes back I heard the news. But, as they say, seeing is believing, and so I am gonna wait till I see things with my own eyes. Until then (which is more likely to be tomorrow) I am gonna hold on to my excitement.

To be continued…

Tag story

2005-09-19T10:49:00.000+05:30

This is in response to Arathi's tag. It says I have to write a short story in 55 words. So here goes.

He did not expect it from her despite her knowing his aversion towards it. Now that he himself is part of the whole thing, he was a little frustrated. He wanted to take revenge. He wanted it to be similar, sweet and painful. And so he sat down, opened his blog and tagged her back.

P.S. Art, I am deviating from my usual "Based on a true story". So, I hope you understand that this is just a story and not a true story. And does not in anyway indicate I hate tags :o))

My Best Friend's Wedding

2005-09-17T11:46:00.000+05:30

We have fallen in love with the same girl.

We popularized a concept called “Dono Act” in School

We went on stage for the teacher’s day function and gave a 45 minute entertainment show. The entire talent program was for only an hour and every other program had to be cancelled.

We have discussed just about “everything under the sky” under the starlit sky in Besi beach.

We have seen close to 150 movies together in the theatre. Satyam complex is where we used to be every Saturday night.

Though both of us never understood the language, saw an entire Telugu movie in the theatre.

We have been there for each other anytime and everytime. And I can go on and on.

His is the longest standing friendship of mine.

Today, he got married. And am so happy for him.

The least I could do for my friend was to gift him something that am “best” (in relation to my other talents and not in relation to other people) at. Here’s what I gave him.

P.S.
My other posts on Best Friend
- My Best Friend
- A Reunion

Light's off, camera, action !

2005-09-16T12:36:00.000+05:30

** Based yet again on a true story **

He always follows a checklist while starting the car.

Switch on the cabin light, insert the key, turn on the car, switch on the headlights and go on his usual practice drives in the night.

He has been instructed to use the rear view mirror as it aids in keeping track of what follows. For some reason he could only see glaring headlights. And when there is no vehicle behind, he only caught a glimpse of darkness.

He peeped out of the window just to confirm if it was dark. The streets were well lit and visibility clear. So, why the heck do we have a rear view mirror, he thought. Is it just for daytime driving?

After about an hour and a half of roaming around, he carefully parks the vehicle in his apartment parking lot. He took one final look at the bright premises through the rear view mirror. Darkness everywhere. And as always, followed the checklist in the reverse order. Switched off the headlights, turned off the car and took out the key.

Something was amiss. The cabin light was on. And so he switched it off. The world around him brightened through the rear view mirror.

And that’s how he learnt why it is important to have the cabin lights off while driving.

P.S. Click here for lesson 1 on driving for beginners