Nothing but hope!!!

Endhiran??

2010-10-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Are we the only Tamil couple who have not seen Endhiran in US?
OMG...But I am still not ready to spend 60$ for a movie produced by Sun TV.

When you produce a big budget movie, the only way that you have to take the money back is making the audience come and see the movie more than once and make the movie a box-office sooper dooper hit and make it run in theatres for a year. Thats what we call a SUCCESS.

But what SUN TV does is to sell the tickets three times more than the original price. It is closer to 100$ for a family in US and Rs.2000 for a family in India. This we call a CRIME.

People, please dont encourage this trend of these sick people. Wake up! It is OK to watch this in thiruttu DVD rather than spending 3 times.

I have nothing against the movie. I love to watch Rajini movie in a theatre. May be next time :)

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Final Part

2010-04-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

Meera realizes that there is nothing she can do now. The wedding is just few days away and canceling it will create all sorts of problems for her parents. She is deciding to go wherever the fate takes her.

Her final day in office. She meets Bharath in cafeteria for the last time in her life. She could not control her tears and wishes him good luck. She has thought of talking about Veena to Bharath today and requesting him to advice her if she comes to him. But something stops her from taking that topic at that moment. When she raised her head trying to control herself, Bharath looks deep inside her eyes and says, "You will always be in my heart, mind and soul. I sometimes think that I should kidnap you and take you to some country away from all this. But I know you will go back to your family immediately. I respect your sacrifices, but this is enough. At least after the wedding, live your life. Enjoy things that you like. Be happy". They exchange good-byes.

It is a three-day wedding with all lengthy customs. Meera slowly gets involved in them. Maapillai's parents and sister are very affectionate to Meera. But she observes that the Maapillai has not come and talked to her even once. Even during the formalities where they sit next to each other, he did not even smile. She thinks that may be he is tensed as well and ignores it.

Wedding day - Bharath comes early in the morning and smiles seeing Meera. He is gifting Meera a small 'Meera statue'. He says that it will be him thinking about her till his last breath. Meera says that he should not spoil his life and he should get married. He gently smiles and says, 'Show me a girl like you, exactly like you and I will marry her'. He goes and sits with his colleagues. Meera is in all tears now and she is feeling guilty. She now feels that if Veena could convince Bharath and get married, that will be very good. She is happy that she did not tell Bharath about Veena the other day. Knowing Veena well, she is sure that Veena will convince Bharath somehow.
When all this is going in her mind, she is called by the Prohithar.

Her friends take her to the Mandapam and appreciating that the Mapillai looks very smart. Maapillai ties the knot and her parents are in tears.

They come home that evening. Meera is overwhelmed with all the mixed feelings. She tries to keep herself calm. That evening, Maapillai finally utters a couple of words. He says Madras is very hot and few other junk stuff. This is all he talked that night and slept. Meera does not know whether she has to be sad that he did not behave like a normal husband or she has to be happy that she can take some time to adjust herself with him and all the changes in her life.

They leave to Delhi after a couple of days. The moment she sits in the train, she starts crying. Amma, Appa are convincing her that they will come and visit her often. But Meera is thinking about Bharath and only about Bharath. That one second, she pictures herself to run away from all this. But she understands the reality. Train starts moving and Veena comes closer to her and says, 'I will tell you a good news very soon' and winks at her.

They reach Delhi. Things are going monotonously. But she is very happy that her in-laws are very good and they treat her as their daughter. But Maapillai is still talking only few words to her. But he is getting better very slowly.

She becomes pregnant soon. Meera is very happy and calls Amma and shares the joy. She is not thinking about Bharath these days. She is not even thinking about her husband and his behavior these days. She dreams about her baby all the time.

When she was around 6 months pregnant, she is coming to Madras. She is greeted by her folks very happily. Bharath comes and visits her and he is so happy for her. Things have changed between them, but there is this good friendship and bond always.

When Meera is nearing the delivery, Bharath calls her one day and says that Veena has proposed to him. He sounds shocked and says that he said no to her. He asks Meera to advise her. Meera convinces Bharath saying that it is not a bad idea and he has to consider Veena. Discussion goes on and he cuts the call irritatingly.

Meera delivers a cute baby girl 'Varsha'. Her in-laws visit her and say that the Maapillai is very busy in his business and he is very upset that he could not come and see the baby. This time, Meera gets really upset about the fact that he has not even called her after the delivery. Even the calls he made before that were pure formal calls. She decides to talk to him after going back.

Veena threatens Bharath she will die without him. Meera convinces talking to Bharath for hours and tells him that she will not be happy until he settles down and that he is making her feel guilty. He finally says yes and she is very happy and she talks to her parents and Bharath's mom. She and Veena convince them. The wedding is scheduled after 3 months.

Meera and Varsha come to Delhi and there is a big celebration with all the relatives. That weekend, she asked him the reason for not being normal to her. She asks him whether it is because that he did not like her or it is because he does not like marriages in general and the commitments that come along with it. At first, he tries to change the subject. But when Meera forces him, he says the truth. Maapillai is already married to his longtime girlfriend. His parents does not know about the marriage, but they did not agree for his affair. They compelled him and forced him to get married to Meera. So he married his girlfriend for his sake and married Meera for his parents sake.

Meera gets mad at him and starts throwing away all the things. She gets worried about Varsha more than herself. She tells her in-laws about this. They feel very bad about the decision they took and apologize to Meera. Meera stays there for a month. But she is not able to decide anything in favor of living in Delhi. Also, she thinks that Maapillai is not happy with her anyways. Better that he can live happily with his girlfriend. She leaves Delhi and tells that she will file for Divorce immediately.

Amma Appa get so angry and are trying to change Meera's mind from applying for divorce. They say that she is the legal wife and he has to live with her. Meera is firm now and she says 'It is not about the legal rights. You should have enquired about his character and not about his money. Even if he wants to, I do not want a life with him'. She files for divorce and applies for job postings.

Veena's wedding arrangements have started.Veena, being Veena, is very happy and she did not bother much about her Akka. Bharath comes home a couple of days later and he takes Meera upstairs.

Bharath: Meera, please dont stop me when I am talking. I am very sorry about what has happened. But you know, I am actually happy inside. God is giving us a second chance. We have to grab it. I want to marry you. Dont give me any excuse this time. You dont worry about my mom because she is the one who gave this idea the moment she heard about you. I said yes to this wedding only because of you. I have no interests on Veena. The arrangements have just started and you cannot say it is difficult to cancel the wedding. We can convince Veena. Please Please! Your parents are feeling guilty now and they will definitely accept.

Meera: Are you out of your mind? I have a baby and you want me to re-marry you?

Bharath: Dont even think about Varsha. She will be my daughter. I will not even give a chance for her to think that she is not. Believe me.

By this time, Amma, Appa come and they say that they are sorry and they all try to convince her.

Meera is giving thousand reasons for not accepting this. The discussion goes for hours.

Bharath: Ok. You are forcing me to do this! This time, I am going to kidnap you and take you to some other country. The only change is that I have to kidnap Varsha along with you. Do you want me to do that?

Meera could not control her laughter and she gives Varsha to Bharath and says,'Why not?'

It was even tougher to convince Veena. She is getting terribly upset. But her parents say that they will give her all the freedom and she can choose anyone she wants. After loads and loads of promises, Veena finally agrees.

Bharath's mom visits them that friday and they talk about the wedding arrangements. They decide to have a simple wedding in a temple. Bharath's mom comes closer to Meera when she is about to leave and she hugs Meera tightly. This time for all the fulfilled wishes.

The End........

Note: Actually, I had so much to write. But I did not want to extend this for few more parts. I know you will lose your interest (I suppose you have lost it by now :)). Also, I had a different tragic ending in my mind. But since all of you wished for a happy ending, I changed the climax. Initially, I thought tragic ending is always touching as in Kadhal and all other big time movies :). But, since I had the luxury to change Meera's life, I thought 'Why not?'.

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 6

2010-04-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Meera is thinking to have a discussion with Veena that night. But she is not getting the right chance with Gaayu and Athimber at home. So she waits till the next morning and takes Meera to the Amman temple. She starts the conversation by saying that Veena is still very young and all she has to worry about now is studying and getting a good job. She is ensuring that Amma, Appa and everyone will take care of her future. Veena looks at her puzzled and says 'Stop it Akka! Tell me frankly what is in your mind". Meera says that she heard Veena talking to her friend the previous night and turns to Veena expecting a shocking 'No'. But all she could see is Veena smiling back at her.

Veena: Yes Akka. I wanted to tell you this, but thought this will worry you during your wedding. I love Bharath. I am planning to tell this to him after your wedding. But I can wait for 2 more years for the marriage".
Meera: No Veena. Are you out of your senses? You know about their caste? The issues that this will create? About Appa and Amma? About us?
Veena: Akka, Appa and Amma are not going to live my life for another 50 years. It is my life and I am going to live every minute of it. I have to suffer the consequences of my decisions. I am very sure that I will be very happy if I am going to choose Bharath rather than some stranger that Amma Appa is going to pick
Meera:No. You are wrong. Gaayu is happy now, right? Even the maapillai that they have selected for me is good. The same thing is going to happen for you, Why do you want to hurry?
Veena: I have my own preferences and Bharath matches it so perfectly. Why to take risk and look for some one else when I have the right person in my hand? There is nothing to discuss or convince in this. If not, I would have to ask you to stay away from my business. That is not good for both of us. Please! I know what I am doing and you will definitely see me happy.

Meera is not able to take the truth. She has sacrificed her love thinking about her little sister. Now, that 'little' sister is asking her to stay away from her business. She is asking herself the question, 'Have I taken the wrong decision? Is there a chance to correct myself?"

Story continues...

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 5

2010-04-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wedding arrangements have started. Amma and Appa are busy in booking the Mandapam, arranging the contractor, buying sarees, etc, etc. Meera is struggling to leave everything behind and start preparing for the wedding. But somehow, she tries to console herself and acts for the sake of her parents. She is happy with one thing though, Mapillai did not try talking to her after the 'Pen pakkum padalam'. In 90s, it has become a trend wherein the Mapillai gets the landline number and kadalai pottufy with the girl every day. Meera's friends have shared their sweet phone stories to her. She thought that the Mapillai is more decent and is feeling shy to talk to her. This gave her sometime to accept what is happening around her.

Meera is surprised the way Bharath took the wedding news. Bharath is actually terribly upset, but he does not want Meera to know about it. He understands her so well and he is ready to do anything to make her happy. Bharath asks Meera to definitely let him know if she needs any help. She nods her head and says 'I can ask only you'.

Meera and her parents go to Nungambakkam to select the invitation card. She sits there quietly and her parents select the card, one in English and one manjal pathirikai. Her parents argue so much in selecting the names that has to be printed on the card. All maama, chithappa and everyone including the new-born babies in the family are included finally in the list.

Amma wants Meera to resign as there is just a month left for wedding. But Meera is so shocked to just hear it. She did not even think about the fact that she has to resign the job and go to Delhi. She convinces Amma that she will resign a week before the wedding. Amma says a firm 'No'. This time, Meera fights back and finally it was decided that she will go for another 15 days. Meera is so happy to see Bharath at least for another 2 weeks.

Meera starts distributing the cards to her friends. They are all so excited for Meera. Meera struggles every time to give a fake smile back. She invites everyone at work and decides to invite Bharath later visiting him and his mom. What the poor girl can do other than postponing it?

She visits them that weekend. Bharath's mom tells her frankly that it is not too late and she has to reconsider her decision. Meera thinks that even if she is bold enough to consider Bharath now, things have gone beyond her control and there is no way that she can cancel this wedding when her parents have already invited most of her relatives. She knows that she will not get a better chance to say what is in her mind. Finally, she opens up, "Aunty! I am so sorry. I am sure you will be able to understand me better. I am doing this after killing all my wishes. I must do this for my family. I am sorry if I have upset you and Bharath in any way". Aunty replies back and says, "No Meera. I like you right from the moment I saw you. But I started liking you more just when you sacrificed your likings for the sake of your family. This is what we women do all our life. I am so proud of you. I am sure you are going to have a wonderful life". She says thank you and she leaves the place controlling her tears.

When she reaches home, she is hearing Veena talking to her friend in the patio, "Yeah. What if he is Akka's friend and he is from a different caste? I can convince my parents. More than anything, it is my life and I have all the rights to make decisions". Meera is standing there shellshocked....

Story continues...

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 4

2010-04-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

It is a Saturday morning. Meera is getting ready to go to Bharath's house as his mom invited her over phone for lunch. Veena comes to know about this and is requesting Meera to take her along with her. Meera is refusing saying that they have invited only her. Veena calls Bharath and asks him directly whether it is ok if she accompanies Meera for lunch. Of course, he says yes.

They take an auto to Bharath's place. Bharath's mom is very happy to see them. She has prepared a sumptuous meal and they are having a very good time. She gives Meera a saree and flowers when they were about to leave. Meera touches her foot and accepts the gift. Bharath's mom is so taken away now and she hugs Meera tightly. Only the three can understand the unfulfilled wishes. Veena is just passing time by going around the house and trying to get the attention of Bharath.

They come back home in the evening and Amma shows a photo to Meera. She starts explaining about the proposal saying that the family is settled in Delhi and they are very rich. The groom is well-educated and he is doing his own business and ......
Meera did not even see the picture once. She has decided this already and there is nothing to think about based on who the groom is. She says, "Amma, if you all like the family, then we can proceed".

She is not able to control herself, so she goes upstairs. She cries and then consoles that she is doing this only for the well-being of her family. There is no way that she can do something that harms them. She is clear now and thinks that every action has a meaning to it and she is destined to take this decision.

Next week, the groom's family comes over for 'Maapillai paakum padalam'. Meera is looking so beautiful that day in a simple green silk saree and jasmine flowers. They like her very much and convey their interests to proceed for marriage.

That night, Meera's family is all excited and they are discussing the wedding preparations. Meera is also feeling much better by now and she tries to recollect the groom's face and all that is coming to her mind is the one of Bharath's.

Story continues...

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 3

2010-04-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Bharath did not come to work that day. Meera is restless. She did not sleep the previous night upset about all the things happened. She blames herself for saying no to him. Everything is in place as she needed, but she is not able to make use of it. She picks up Bharath's landline number and calls him.

Bharath: Hello!
Meera:....
Bharath: Hello!
Meera: ....
Bharath: Meera! I know it is you. What do you want?
Meera: yeah, its me! Why did you not come to work today? Are you mad at me?
Bharath: No No. I totally understand you. I am just upset that I am missing a wonderful girl. But I think I am not that lucky.
Meera: No! I am not the lucky one. Please don't avoid me. Lets be friends as usual.
Bharath: Sure. I will come to work tomorrow and lets go for coffee, ok?
Meera: Perfect!

They are going to coffee breaks every day. Things have become normal again. Meera takes Bharath home and introduces to her family. Bharath does the same too. Bharath's mom likes Meera so much and she even guessed that they like each other. She inquires Bharath about this and he explains her everything. She suggests that they can at least try talking to Meera's parents once. But Bharath says that he does not want to upset Meera again talking about this.

Veena (Meera's younger sister) is a bubbly hot girl in the college. She is always the center of attraction. She starts hanging out with boyfriends which is totally not common in 90s. She meets Bharath in one of the weekends Meera invited him home. She starts liking him immediately.

Story continues....

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 2

2010-04-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

It is a Monday morning. Meera is entering the office hoping to get a quick look of Bharath. She turns her head to the right to get a glimpse of his cabin. Bharath lifts his head, smilingly says, "Very good morning, Meera". Meera is not ready for a conversation with him at this point and it takes a second for her to recover from the shock. She wishes him back, "Good morning Bharath". She goes straightly to her cubicle hiding her excitement.

If you think that it is just Meera who is blushing, you are wrong. Our hero is 100% excited too. Yes, Bharath likes Meera too. He is looking for opportunities to propose to her. But he is worried that Meera might reject him as it is just been a month since they have known each other. That morning around 11:00, he invites Meera for coffee and of course she joins him.

Cafeteria:
Bharath: How was your weekend?
Meera: It was ok doing the usual stuff. How was yours?
Bharath: Very good. I went to kunrathur murugan temple with Amma. Tell me about your family?
Meera: (gives the brief history)
Bharath: That's nice that you have siblings. I am the only son. My father expired three years back. It is just me and my mom now.
Meera: I am so sorry about your father.
(I need not write the mundane conversations after this :))

Meera gets comfortable with him slowly and they talk about anything and everything these days.
And that day finally comes...

It is again a coffee break.
Bharath: Meera, I want to say something to you.
Meera: What is it?
(She knows what exactly he is trying to say and she is getting so so tensed)
Bharath: I do not want to complicate this. I like you so much right from the day we met and slowly I started falling in love with you. I would love to marry you. If you say yes, I can come with my mom and talk to your parents

(There is an important point that I missed to mention. They are from totally different castes. He is a non-vegetarian and she is a vegetarian. Right from food, everything is different in their households. Meera knows all about this and has been arguing to herself all these days. She knows this day is going to come soon. She comes to a decision after thinking a lot)

Meera: I like you too, Bharath
Bharath: wowwwwwwwwwwwwww
Meera: Please wait till I complete. You know our families are very different and there is no way that my parents will agree for this proposal. I have my younger sister and her marriage will get affected if I decide to marry you. I do not want my family to suffer. I am so sorry. I completely love to be your friend as always. Please forgive me!
(This is in 1990's...So please go back to that time and then you will understand Meera)
Bharath is shattered by now. He gets up and leaves the place quietly.

Story continues...

Malarnthum Malaratha.... - Part 1

2010-03-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Meera is sitting near the window and smiling. She cannot stop thinking about Bharath these days. Amma called, "Meera, what are you dreaming there? Gaayu is coming with maapillai for dinner. We have to start cooking, come here and help me!". Meera got irritated and murmured slowly, "As though she is coming from Kashmir, she is just here in K.K.Nagar and comes for dinner at least 4 times a week. Why are you making it a big deal and wasting my time?". Amma asked, “what is that Meera you were saying?”. Our soft sweet Meera did not repeat that to Amma. But instead said, ‘Lets make Poori and thakkali thokku, Amma”.

Now you have a picture of Meera’s family. But there are few more things you have to know before we proceed. Meera’s father is a chemistry professor and Mom is a home maker. Gaayu got married last year. Gaayu and her husband work in LIC. They are just 2 kms away and they try to finish most of their dinner, weekend meals here. Gaayu is a shrewd girl, if calling manipulative is too much. She knows exactly what she needs in life and she also gets whatever she dreams. She makes use of Meera 99% of the time to achieve her goal. Meera, our heroine, is a sweet homely girl. She completed her B.Com and she is working in a firm in a decent position. Amma is always ready with complaints about Meera. The recent one is that she is not capable to get a government job and that she is not a ‘oppicer’. She is not ready to realize that without Meera there will be no one to help her in kitchen and feed her when she is ill. Appa is more or less similar to Meera and he is not that expressive. He goes to work and watches TV and drinks coffee when he is at home. His opinion anyways is not a big deal for Amma. Wait, there is one more important character. Veena, Meera’s little sister. Little is not even appropriate. She is a terror sister. She is a mix of Gaayu and Amma. No more explanation needed.

So all these years, Meera has been sacrificing, sacrificing and sacrificing for her sisters. Only for the past 2 months, she is experiencing the other side. Happiness, excitement….It is because of Bharath. Bharath is her boss who is a chartered accountant. He is a very talented and handsome guy. A very down to earth person and Meera sees herself in him. It started with official conversations and she immediately started liking him.

Story continues…..

Suprabatham!

2010-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

My morning starts like this:
Alarm starts ringing at 5 AM. I have the habit of getting up right after the alarm rings and not keep snoozing it again and again. May be it is because I got so used to get up early right from my childhood days. I always prefer studying in the morning than late nights. Coming back to the morning...

I brush and take bath. I do not like to enter the kitchen without taking bath. I switch on M.S.Subbulakshmi's Suprabatham. I start preparing coffee around 5:30. I wake my husband up, give him coffee and start preparing lunch. I prepare the breakfast and lunch simultaneously. Idli, Chutney, Sambar and veg. curry - all ready by 7:15. I pack lunch boxes. We eat the tasty idlis and leave home when the clock ticks 8.

********************************************

'Ezhundhuru maa..late aguthu paaru" - My husband is trying to wake me up...
I wake up slowly realizing that it was a dream. Even for a dream, it was so hectic.
It is already 7:25. We have to leave before 8:10 or we will miss the bus. I get up. I brush and finish bathing, all in 20 minutes. I run down to the kitchen. Heat the food prepared the previous night and pack the boxes. Heat milk and add cereals. Give it to the husband. I gulp it fast myself. All in another 20 minutes. Ready to leave by 8:05.

But I wish one day, at least one day, I follow whatever I dreamed. This is what all the working moms of previous generation have been doing, add to this the getting-kids-ready task. Thank god, we are born after 1970s and 80s.

VTV - Not as expected :)

2010-03-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am poor at writing reviews. But the review by Blogeswari is exactly what I felt after seeing the movie. If Gautham has not known English, I think he would have been a great director. Or at least if he has not written the dialogues himself, things would have been much much better.

http://blogeswari.blogspot.com/2010/02/vinnaithandi-varuvaya.html

Facts about India

2010-02-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

Source: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com

Here are some of the interesting facts that I came across today while vethubrowsifying at work:

- This natural event, which happens every 50 years, causes dread in India's Mizoram State.
Melocanna Baccifera(Bamboo) flowers every 50 years in the Indian state of Mizoram - its blooming brings tens of millions of hungry rats. After they devour the bamboo fruit, the rats demolish precious crops like rice. The last outbreak began in late 2006 and continued thru 2008.

- Parsis of India leave the dead bodies to be devoured by vultures.
Their zoroastrian faith prohibits from tainting earth, wind, or fire with their corpses - have for centuries exposed their dead to scavenging birds. Recently, diminishing numbers of vultures in India have pushed the Parsis to rely on the gradual effects of the elements to claim their dead.

- Snow leopards are the elusive animals that prowl the mountains of India and they are rarely seen.
Snow leopards live up to their reputation for being impossible to find. Secretive, well camouflaged, and usually solitary, the cats are most active at night and in the twilight hours of dusk and dawn, prawling amid the most formidable tumult of mountains on earth, including the Himalaya.

Why?

2010-02-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

Why do I watch some movies again and again and again?
This question popped up in my mind today when I was browsing to watch some movie and decided to see 'Tdhayathai Thirudathey' for the zillionth time.

I pretend myself every time that I do not remember the story and the scenes. Actually, I do not remember that much, in spite of the fact that these are my most favorite movies.

Mouna Raagam
Idhayathai Thirudathey
Bommakutti Ammavukku
Poove Poochudava
Mozhi

Let me think why I like each of these movies in the list.

Other than Mozhi, I think it is Ilayaraja's music that simply drags me towards them.

Idhayathai thirudathey
Oh Paapa laali....
My most favorite song in this movie.
'Paapa' - what an affectionate way to konjufy a girl friend?
When you treat your spouse as a kid and take care of them, there is nothing more that is needed.

I am completely moved by these lines in this song:

thalai saayththida madi paaymael thirumaenikku sugamoa
endha naaLilum vaadaadha iLam thaamarai mugamoa
idhai kaappadhu enRum paarppadhu indha thaay manamae

I listen to this song in both Tamil and Telugu. OMG, what a divine experience! Tamil version is by Mano and telugu by SPB. I used to like the tamil version as I can understand the lyrics better. But SPB's voice is so good and I am listening to both the versions these days.

Poove puchuduva
The song 'Poove puchuduva...'

I cry every time I listen to this,
Azhaippu mani entha veetil kettaalum oodi naan vanthu paarpen
Thendral en vaasal theendave illai kannil venneerai vaarpen,
Kangalumm ooithathu jeevanumm theinthathu
Jeeva deepagal oyum neram neeum neiyaaga vanthaai
Intha kanneeril sogam illai indru aanantham thanthaai
Pethi endralum neeum en thaai
Poove poochooda vaa enthan nenjil paal vaarka vaa

Intha pon maanai paarthuk konde sendru naan sera vendum..
Meendum jenmangal maarum pothum naan un magalaaga vendum

bommakutti ammavukku
kuyile kuyile

I love the matching dresses of Sathyaraj, Suhasini and the sweet kutti

I am surprised when I prepared this list that there is no thalaivar's(Kamal) movie. Not even one. That's bad. I like 'Devar magan' and many of his movies. But, I like them as a core cinema lover and I like them based on performance and other things. List here is different and something close to my heart.

I started this blog about something else and here I am talking about Ilayaraja's music again :)

Hats off to the Genius! I could not even dream about our generation without his music.
It is his music we listen to, when we are happy, sad, frustrated, overwhelmed...
There are many new people coming up. But it is just his music we think we belong to.
When we go on long drives, when we sit at home nothing to do, when we work in a busy schedule..anywhere and anytime - one and only Isaignani.

Suppress and Depress the view of a Tamilian!!!

2009-12-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

I am sure all of you would have guessed by now! Yes, this blog is a tttrrrrrribute to T.Rajendar, sorry, Vijayyyyyyyyyya T.Rajendar (Numerology am...enna koduma saravanan ithu!).

The most enjoyable entertainment for any Tamil get-together in US is to talk about T.R and watch his videos in YouTube.

So, here is a list of his wonderful videos we had so much fun watching!!! This is my holiday treat for you! Start a great New Year having total fun watching these!

It is so much fun to irritate this guy with a simple question! The first video is him replying a reporter when he was asked this question - "avaru ku en kootam varuthu, ungaluku en varala?" :)

The highlights of this video:

1. The guy standing near T.R who jaldra adichufy for every stupid sentence. 100 ruba ku ithalam too much!
2. His precious English - Try to tell me, why are you came here?
3. "Naan nenacha tamil nade suthum" - ennala mudila..azhuthuduven...

The next one is exposing his music talent. Chitti babu's dance is more than enough to see how people kalachufy T.R!

Karadi with too much self-confidence!

En daa mike la echa thuppara...Thalam thatitte thoonguvanam vera!

No more explanation needed! Enjoy these!

Please leave any other links that you know in the comments section.

I might not write anything more this year! Have a colorful and happy new year!

Go Green!

2009-12-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

As we all read about the COP 15, the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, I would like to bring up some simple things that we can follow in our every day life. Debating whether these are going to do any good for the climate change is unnecessary. Because, all these are going to help us have a more healthier life style and increase our savings. I am going to have this as my personal checklist and encourage every one of you to follow too.

1. Take vegetarian: Most importantly try avoiding beef. This is what I read:
"Livestock are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation is. This is due to the large amounts of petroleum used in creating ammonium nitrate fertilizer (for the corn that they are fed) plus the cost of shipping that corn to the cattle and then shipping the cattle to slaughter and grocery. If one eats meat it should always be from a local source. "

2. Recycle more.

3. Use compact fluorescent bulbs

4. Fill the dishwasher/hand wash

5. Use recycled paper
Use any paper to the fullest extent and do not print unless it is absolutely necessary.

6. Buy locally made and locally grown products

7. Buy minimally packaged goods

8. Use a push mower to mow the lawn.

9. Unplug unused electronics
Also, switch off lights after work.

10. Use public transportation.

11. Use your vehicle as a tool against global warming

Practice green driving. Save gas and lower stress levels by being a considerate driver. Improve fuel efficiency by removing unused external objects such as roof racks, turning off your engine instead of idling for long periods of time (over 1 minute), and removing loads from the trunk/boot that are not necessary.
Keep your car tires adequately inflated
Change your air filter.

12. Use Refills.

To the great CM of Tamil Nadu

2009-12-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

This is a photo that I saw in Dinamalar today. I was completely heart-broken. I could count 16 kids for sure and there should be atleast 20 of them inside this auto rickshaw.

This is what I read in the wiki about 'auto rickshaw' -

An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to three passengers in the rear.

3 is not even mistaken as 13 in our country.

- The kid at the end - how is he/she supposed to hold the rail wihtout falling out and rolling down in the street?

- What if the kids play with each other and slightly try to push the one sitting close to her/him?

- What if the driver hits a sudden break?

I have no answers.

Here is a request to that one person who can do something about this -

"தமிழை காப்பாற்றுவதாக எண்ணும் தமிழ் நாட்டின் CM அவர்களே கொஞ்சம் தமிழர்களையும் காப்பாற்றவும்!!!"

Please spend atleast 5 mins for issues like this in the middle of attending ganesh/arthi wedding and writing scripts for paadavadhi tamil movies.

Getting old is not too bad!!!

2009-11-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

Health, Fitness...these are the words that are lingering in my ears very often these days.
"eppadi iruntha naan ippadi aiten" this suits me perfectly (actually in positive sense), when considering health and eating habits.

Before marriage:
Mom made veggies every day, atleast 2 of them. They were all yummy and delightful with coconut and all the needed kosuru flavors. But, I was not even touching them. She requested me to eat them listing all the good things..but no was my answer all the time. So, she was feeding me (literally). I was immediately drinking water to force them inside. I was not even tasting them.

I was also not knowing the meaning of 'work out'. All I was doing after work is taking rest, sleeping and watching TV. I absolutely had no chores to do. I could not recollect why was I resting for god's sake? (enna panni kizhichennu therila?)

Wheel spinning clockwise...few years later...

Morning breakfast:
Oats, Carrot juice or Butter milk

Lunch:
Some vegetable curry with rice or chappathi, salad on fridays with soup

Snacks:
Fruits and Yoplait

Dinner:
Again vegetable curry.

Cooking spinach atleast twice a week, making sure that I cover all the vegtables available in one cycle, eating fruits as much as possible...

No one is forcing me to do all these now. But I do it out of my own interest. And I also work out as frequently as possible even after all the house work and office work (see office work comes only second :)). Or else I feel guilty.

How did I change?
I think I figured out that there is no one to take care of me and my family if I am not doing so.

Are you curious about my husband? Oh boy! he does not even remember what he had for lunch today. So I need to be more responsible.

Maturity is teaching me to be more responsible and I am getting matured as I get older.

Then, growing old is not too bad, isn't it?

3 years!!!

2009-11-10T15:33:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day for us...the day that tied us together for life. Things have been wonderful so far.

I am trying to remember the things that we used to discuss about our marriage life:

- watching movies all the time: we do this 8 hours a day now :-). We watch serials and movies in all the languages. We never get bored at it.

- eating all good food: All Indian food to be more specific. We prepare varieties at home and have a great pleasure while having it with a movie. We call this as 'Heaven' and we enjoy this more than anything in the world.
In particular, I love the weekend coffee that you prepare. It is so good to get up at 11:oo and have a coffee that I don't have to prepare :-).

- having a nice cute home: We have a cute home and we have it the way we like..simple and sweet.

- having a comfy car: This is your priority area and you have your dream car. I enjoy it as much as you do.

- chatting all non-sense: This is my priority area :-). We can talk about everything and we talk about it again and again. For example, Akshu's "Ange Inge". We never get bored doing this.

We have done all the above exactly the same way as we thought we do.

Things that I would like to add to last year's list :-):
You don't demand anything from me, right from cooking to cleaning. It is up to me and it is all according to my wish. I could not imagine how it would be, if you come and say "Cook chicken today" or "Why the clothes are still lying there?". It is the other way in our home - "We will eat outside, you don't strain cooking everyday" and "You can arrange them later, take some rest now".

I read this somewhere:
"Rocky times are a challenge to be acknowledged, worked through, and resolved so you can experience deeper friendship, greater understanding, happier times, and higher levels of life experience together." - There were some ups and downs in our life too. But they made us understand each other better and love more.

As you said yesterday, like Michael Scott and Holly in 'The Office', we are made for each other. I wish to be the same way all our life. Even at 80, we should keep watching movies and commenting on them :-).

I did not take any vows in our wedding, so I am taking one here -
"To have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

Wishing a very happy anniversary, my dear!

Un Kangalin Ooram yedarkagavo eeram.......

2009-11-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Divine music!!! Lyrics is so touching!!!

In a recent programme, a lady said that her husband sings this song whenever she is sad and every time she cries listening to this line,
"Un kangalin ooram..yedarkagavo eeram..Kaneerai naan maatruven.." - What more a girl can expect from her lover?

I am getting teary eyed too. I am making Arun to learn this song. This song will be more divine if he sings it.

Uravugal thodarkathai
unarvugal sirukathai
Oru kathai yendrum mudiyalam
Mudivilum ondru thodaralaam
Iniyellam sugame...........

Un nenjile baaram
unakagave naanum
Sumai thaangiyaai thaanguven
Un kangalin ooram
yedarkagavo eeram
Kaneerai naan maatruven
Vedanai theeralam
verum pani vilagalam
Venmegame puthu azhagile naanum inayalaam

Vaazhvenbatho geetham
valarkindratho naadham
Naal ondrilum aanandam
Ne kandatho thunbam
ini vaazhvellam inbam
Suga raagame aarambam
Nathiyile puthu punal
kadalile kalanthadhu
Nam sondhamo indru inaindathu inbam piranthathu

My DNA

2009-10-29T23:16:00.001-07:00

I admire one
- who is an early riser
- who is very organized
- who dresses neatly
- who is with positive attitude and a smile on the face 24 * 7
- who is with full energy the entire day
- who is not jealous
- who maintains a great home and garden
- who finds time to read even when she is super busy
- who is very good in financial budgeting
- who is creative and artistic

I know a whole lot of women who fulfill all the above criteria. I want to be like them one day! All the other things I can try, but getting up early..OMG..I think it is in my DNA and I can never change that..sigh!

Nandhalala

2009-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

SPB sang this song in the recent Kamal 50 programme. I fell in love with this from that moment. Is it SPB's voice or the lyrics that I love more? I was not sure. I listened to it again and again.

There is this line:
"un kaiyil antha noolaa nee sollu nandhalala"
where SPB gives a small grin after the word "noola". OMG, his voice is heaven, pure like a child's smile.

It is SPB's voice, I got clarified!

Unakenna mele nindrai oh nandhalala
Unadhanai paadugindren naan romba naala

Thai madiyil pirandhom thamizh madiyil valarndhom
Nadigarena malarndhom naadagathil kalandhom...

aadatha medai illai podatha vesham illai
aadatha medai illai podatha vesham illai
sinthatha kanneer illai siripukkum panjam illai
Kaal kondu aadum pillai nool kondu aadum bommai
Kaal kondu aadum pillai nool kondu aadum bommai
un kaiyil antha noolaa nee sollu nandhalala

Yaar yaaro nanban yendru yemandha nenjam undu
poo endru mullai kandu puriyamal nindren indru
Pal pola kallum undu nirathale rendum ondru
Pal pola kallum undu nirathale rendum ondru
Naan yenna kalla paala nee sollu nandhalala

Unakenna mele nindrai oh nandha lala
Unadhanai paadugindren naan romba naala

Thai madiyil pirandhom thamizh madiyil valarndhom
Nadigarena malarndhom naadagathil kalandhom...

Aadhavan - Flop!

2009-10-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Ayan, Aadhavan and what next?
Arasan??? Go to hell, Surya!!!

Even Arasan would have been better. But his next movie is Singam with director Hari.

"Than thalai le thaane manna vaari pottukarathu" na ithu thano?

En Blog-in soga kathai!

2009-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

What will happen to my blog if I remove these tags:
badusha video
anal mele pani thuli

99.9% of my blog hits are for the above search keywords. That too, the badusha is the box office hit. But the fact is, the badusha video blog does not have a "video" :-). So people come here looking for a video and as soon as they realise that it does not have one, they exit the blog! And there are some visit lengths for '0' seconds. How is this even possible? :-(

Ippadiyum naan oru blog maintain pannanuma? But I have to. For my dear sweet friends and my husband, who visit my blog to keep up my spirit. Even they are also skimming through it quickly these days! If this continues, I have to warn them that I will conduct quiz about my blog! Ithalam oru pozhappu!!!

50 years of accomplishment!!!

2009-10-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

This post is for our Thala...

Your guess is wrong. It is not Ajith and I am happy that I do not have such a bad taste.

Kamal Hassan...

I am a hardcore fan of him. I and Arun, watch all his movies - first day first show. And we watch them again and again and again.

When all these celebrations are going on for his 50th year in the industry, I wanted to write the important things that I detest about him. So Kamal, here we go:

1. I hate the romance that you show in movies and also the things happening in your personal life. Your personal life should be none of my concern and I do not have any rights to intrude, but I hate when I see you with Gautami.

2. Your dance really sucks. They say that you know bharathanatiyam, kuchipudi, this and that. But as a common man(???), I say that your dance is not that pleasant. You are repeating the same steps (Raising and tipping your toe, I could not explain it better but I hope you can understand because this is the one you do all the time :-)).

3. Sometimes, you act as though you karachu kudichified cine industry and you show thousand emotions for a simple scene. I think it is all Shivaji's influence. You need to really improve!

4. Your dressing sense is bad most of the time. Why do you wear pants so high like a 1950-constable?

5. In the roles that you come without moustache, you think that you look young. But the truth is you look sick. For example, as Govind Ramasamy in Dasavatharam, your face was bloated and it looked like you had 2 bondas in your mouth.

6. Please dont get over excited and make films like Dasavatharam. Do not try to show all your expertise in one film. We are ready to pay for your movie tickets. So take one step at a time. I understand your concern about age. But you can direct other young people and enact character roles. Like Unnai Pol Oruvan, you can be a 50-year old hero.

7. And final one..You remade the film 'A Wednesday', scene by scene. Vekkame illama how can you answer all the interview questions as though it is your own story and screenplay? Accepting all the praises, you say that you predicted that this story is very much essential for the society now. You are no better than that Jayam Ravi's brother.

Now this is done! I want to list atleast a couple of good things about him since I called him 'Thala'

1. I always come out with one hundred crticisms every time I see your movie. But every time, I watch you speaking in interviews so clearly and precisely, I start liking you atleast 5% more.

2. During childhood, there was this fight among us whenever we talk about movies - Rajni side or Kamal side. I chose Kamal thinking that people who support Rajni are kathukuttis and kamal fans are geniuses.
I still believe so :-).

Weekend Movies!

2009-10-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Weekend movies:
Thanmathra
Rang De Basanti
Kanchipuram

Three world-class movies in three different languages. We were in awe watching these movies. Particularly, Thanmathra was great. I was not knowing much about the Alzheimer disease before this. We are planning to watch more malayalam movies from now on. Lets see how it goes!

Velai vaasi eri pochu

2009-09-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

Enna aniyayam ithu -
http://shaze.in/Pooja/Agarbatti-cum-Dhoop-stand-98/

Rs. 3500 for a wooden stand!

Mari Mari Ninne

2009-06-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

We went to a 'Light Music' Concert by Yesudas in Seattle.

I was completely excited to see him. He looks just the same...just exactly the same, as I remember seeing him in Ayyappa casettes when I went to Sabarimala ages go (No No...might be, 10-12 years back :-))

The songs that had me in tears are -
Harivarasanam - I am so in love with this song. It was a divine experience listening to him. It was such a soulful rendering. 'The best', I would say.
They were trying to collect Sponsors for selected songs as this is a fund-raising concert for a temple. Till this song, there were like just 2,3 sponsors. But for this one, there were nearly 30-35 sponsors.

Mari Mari Ninne - as classical as it was. Too good!

Other than these, my opinion about the concert:
'OMG..It was delightful' - I would love to say this way. But it was good but not so good just because of one reason. It was a multi-lingual concert. And the only language in which I can enjoy music is Tamil. So I need to wait for nearly 30-40 minutes, 5 songs, to hear one tamil song.

I should not complain much. He sang other languages equally good. But I could not relate to them much.

And, there is one more feedback that I would like to give to the organizers. Then and there, they were pausing the concert and asking for sponsors. In addition to this, they said that they will not continue until they get 'n' number of sponsors. Already, there are families who had spent around 100-200$ for tickets. So it is not rational to expect more from them unless they are volunteering!

There was a medley at the end. May be because he understood that people are upset. It was damn good.

I have one feedback for Yesudas as well. Please bear with me!
Some songs he picked are just so-so kind. There are some beautiful hits that he missed. I could start with "Thanni thotti, Nee pathi naan pathi..." and go on.

Hearing these songs million times, we ended up finding some faults here and there. This is quite common in an on-stage performance. But he changed the lyrics too. But as the song becomes more complicated, more classical, no one can stop him. He was rocking!

I enjoyed it completely! But I would prefer to hear Yesudas singing my lovely Tamil songs for all the 4 hours.

"Tamizh engal uyarvukku vaan
inba thamizh engal asathikku
sudar thantha then"

Sharing Emergency Contact Info

2009-05-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

I got an email from a friend saying that she would like to share her emergency contact info in India to friends.

After reading her email, I cursed myself for not even thinking about this!
I shared my info with her and some of my friends later.

Please share your parents contact info with your friends(soon).

Thank you!

2009-05-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I had a great lunch. Infact, the best lunch.
Arun decided to treat me with his culinary skills. He helps me a lot in kitchen now and then. But today, he made me to completely relax and cooked from A-Z, all by himself.

This is the menu:
Chicken roast
Rice
Rasam

The highlight was the chicken curry which he prepared in a different style. Thanks to the kitchenmishmash blog. Arun followed the exact recipe and added some chilli powder (not in the recipe)
http://kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com/2007/06/chicken-roast-with-kuttanadan-touch.html

It turned out very well.

Thanks dear for the wonderful lunch! Expecting more treats like this from you :-)

These kids..OMG

2009-05-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

We were doing webcam chat with my sis and her 2-yr old on saturday. My sis was trying to make the kutti talk for more than 5 minutes. She was not responding and just seeing us in the monitor. So I switched off my video and my sis said to the kutti "Saranya and Arun are not listening to you anymore, they are gone". After this (we were thinking that she believed us and were making fun at the kutti :-)), she did (she doesnt have an alternative, poor kid) all my sis asked. Dancing, singing, crying like her anna and everything...Here comes the highlight -

She saw the monitor and said, "Chanya (yes, its me), you go away...go to ur home, please dont come inside this room".

Point # 1: She did not believe my sis words at all and she was knowing that we are watching her all along. She did everything just to finish this drama and to go out and play.

Point # 2: she has not seen us till now. She has just seen us in photos. With that, she is recognizing us as someone she is very close to and referring to us in our names.

How smart these kids are! I might have just started calling my mom as "Amma" when I was 2..sigh!

Gardening '09

2009-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we started our gardening journey in the new home :-)
We bought a lawn mower and tried that immediately. We were not sure of the grass length. So, had a look at the neighbour's lawn and after some trial and errors, decided with a length. The mowing was successful. There are still some lengthy grasses popping out here and there. But see.. this is our first time :-(

As Arun did this simple task, I did the herculean task of spreading the lawn food, applying weed control and watering. (all with his help, again :-))

And, I had tried the following seeds:
Beans
Cucumber
Coriander
Tomato
Chilli
Methi

And also have tried
Mint
Onion
Potato

Ok..too much for a first try..but I did. Have to wait and see the results. Pray for me that atleast 2 or 3 of these should show some results. I am waiting for the day to pluck them from the plant when I am cooking and use them.

I have to try some flowers after this.

The weeds..errrrrrrrr..yet to remove them and put weed control. Oh boy! not so simple to have a cute lil garden.

But I loved what we did yesterday. I will post some pictures in future if I decide that they are looking good in my eyes :-). Now they just look like some barren land.

Peanut Capsicum curry

2009-01-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

http://momrecipies.blogspot.com/2008/11/capsicum-curry.html

Hindi Class

2009-01-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the hindi words we learnt from our Guruji Sarmi. Thanks to her for her patience and interest in teaching us!
This email chain (our virtual hindi class) is not only very useful, it also makes our day really pleasant. There is this perfect sharing among us. I just wish it continues to keep our working days more lively and happening!

Abhinay - Act
sujhaav/badlaav - advice
dhophear - afternoon
akele - alone
hamesha - always
nahaana/snaan - bath
sharir - body
vyast - busy
mauka - chance
badhalna - change
dhoka - cheating
sayaani - clever/smart
badhai - congrats
sudhaarti - corrections
sardi-khaasi - cough-cold
Naach - dance
khatarnak - dangerous
Alag - different
vibhinna - difference
mushkil - difficult
Gayab ho jaana - disappear
asaani - easily
shaam - evening
samjhao - explain
mehesoos - felt
bukhaar - fever
jhagda - fight
kshama - forgiveness
mazaak - fun
tohfa - gift
mangalkar - greetings
nafrat - hate
tabiyat - health
madad - help
asha - hope
Magar/Par - If
fahmi - impression
tarakki - improve
upakaran - ingridients
dilchaspi - interest
utsah - interest
jawaab - answer/reply
dher - late
hasna - laugh
sunna - listen
khub - lot
Shaayad - maybe
davai - medicine
galthi - mistake
subah - morning
nadaan - innocent
padosi - neighbours
Khabar - news
pari - angel
hissa - participate
angoan - parts
Khel - play
rakhna - to keep
Safaltha - Prosperity
taang kheechenge - pulling legs
Intezaam - ready
aaram - rest
Daud - run
daatne - scold
mel - similarity
halat - situation
barf - snow
isliye - so
aalsi - somberi
keechna - take
vapas - takeback
swadith - tasty
aansuon - tears
lagta - think/thought
khayal - thought
vakt - time
taak gaye - tired
thakaan - tiredness
koshish - try
Ubalna - Boil
sabzi - vegetables
shakahaari - vegeterian
khabar - Vishayam
inthazaar - wait
Tahalna/paidhal - Walk
barbaad - waste
Saptaah - week
Kab - when
jahan - wherever
shabdh - word
Ghabrao - worry
ghoomne - wander

Body parts
Mooh - Mouth
Naak - Nose
Aaakh - eyes
hont - lips (u can hear it in hindi songs, i dont know how to write hont in english)
kaan - ear
sir - head
baal - hair
gala - neck (u can use it on ur husband, main tumhara gala daba doongi :)))
haath - hands
payr - legs

Vegetables
1.Tomato - Tamatar (tamil it is thakkali, but hindi they say similiar to tomato only)
2. Potato - Aloo
3. Onion - Pyaaz
4. Ginger - Adrak
5. Garlic - Lehsoon
6. Chilli - Mirchi
7. Brinjal - Baigan
8. Cauliflower - Gobi / PhoolGobi (Phool - Flower, since it looks like a flower so Phool Gobi)
9. Cabbage - Pathha Gobi
10. Lady's Finger - Bhindi
11. Capsicum - Shimla Mirch
12. Carrot - Gajar (famous as in "Gajar ka Halwa")
13. Mint - Pudina
14. Cilantro - Dhania

Days
1. Sunday - Ravi-vaar
2. Monday - Som-vaar
3. Tuesday - Mangal-vaar
4. Wednesay - Budh-vaar
5. Thursday - Guru-vaar
6. Friday - Shukra-vaar
7. Saturday - Shani-vaar

Taste
sweet - meetha
sour - khatta
spicy/hot - teekha
bitter - kazhva

Relationships
Friend - Dost
Father - Pita/Baba/Papa
Mother - Ma
Brother - Bhai
Sister - Bahan

Elder Sister - Didi
Elder Sister's Husband - Jija-ji
Elder Brother- Bhaiya
Elder Brother's Wife - Bhabhi

Grandfather (Father side) - Dada-ji
Grandmother (Father side)- Dadi-ji
Grandfather (Mother side) - Nana-ji
Grandmother (Mother side)- Nani-ji

Father's Younger Brother - Chacha-ji
Father's Younger Brother's wife - Chachi
Father's Elder Brother - Tau-ji
Father's Elder Brother's wife - Tai-ji
Father's Sister - Bua
Father's Sister's Husband - Phoopha-ji

Mother's Brothers - Mama
Morthers Broher's Wife - Mami
Mother's Sister - Mausi
Mother's sister husband - Mausa-ji

Husband - Pathi
Wife - Patni
Husband/wife's Mother - Saans
Husband/wife's Father - Sasur
Husband's Younger Brother - Devar
Husband's Younger Brother Wife - Devarani Husband's Elder Brother - Jetth-ji Husband's Elder Brother wife - Jetthani-ji Husband's sister - Nanad

phal - fruits
aam - mango (madhu ne kaha)
kela - banana
seb - apple
santara - orange
angoor - grapes
chiku - whats the english for this , oh god i dont rmber :)
papitha - papaya
nariyal - coconut

jaanwar (animals )
kuttha - dog
billi - cat
sher - tiger
chuha - rat
bhaloo - bear
hiran - deer
mor/morni (male/female) - peacock
gai - cow
bhays [bheh-s] - buffalo
bakra - goat
bandar - monkey

Anoushka - Ajith,Shalini's kutti Angel

2009-01-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

The Man Rules

2009-01-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

I got this one as a forward recently. I need to accept that these are 100% true :-)

The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally, the guys' side of the story.
(I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear ' the rules'
From the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!
Please note.. These are all numbered ' 1 '
ON PURPOSE !

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon
Or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as Hockey or Football.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Tamil Blogging

2008-12-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

I found this very useful site that explains how to blog in tamil..

http://subhashini.blogspot.com/2005/04/writing-tamil-blog.html

இனிய புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

2008-12-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

மனதி லுறுதி வேண்டும்
வாக்கினிலே யினிமை வேண்டும்
நினைவு நல்லது வேண்டும்
நெருங்கின பொருள் கைப்பட வேண்டும்
கனவு மெய்ப்பட வேண்டும்
கைவசமாவது விரைவில் வேண்டும்
தனமு மின்பமும் வேண்டும்
தரணியிலே பெருமை வேண்டும்
கண் திறந்திடவேண்டும்
காரியத்திலுறுதி வேண்டும்
பெண் விடுதலை வேண்டும்
பெரிய கடவுள் காக்கவேண்டும்
மண் பயனுறவேண்டும்
வானகமிங்கு தென்படவேண்டும்
உண்மை நின்றிடவேண்டும்
ஒம் ஒம் ஒம் ஓம்.

Sangeetha Kanneer!

2008-12-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Seriously...I am not exaggerating even a little!

Seattle Snow 2008

2008-12-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

Some lovely pics from my patio...

Vegetable Puff

2008-12-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

I tried this exact recipe of Sudha's and it came out very well. I used the puff pastry.
http://mysamayal.blogspot.com/2006/06/vegetable-puff_17.html

Here are some pics:

Vaaranam Ayiram 'Daddy' Surya - Inspiration

2008-11-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

Wondering about the 'Appa' character of Vaaranam Ayiram...

Why did not Surya portray his dad Sivakumar in the movie? Well..it is Gautham's movie...hence the appa should be like Gautham's appa...fair deal

No doubt Krishnan ('Appa'..No No 'Daddy' Surya) looks perfectly like Guatham's dad..check it out.
(The one who is in the right corner)

Anal Mele Pani thuli

2008-11-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

"Anal mele pani thuli
alai paayum oru kili
maram thedum mazhai thuli
ivai thane ival ini

imai irandum thani thani
urakkangal urai pani
etharkaga thadai ini

........................................................................................................................................................

entha katrin alaavalil malar ithazhgal virinthidumo
entha thevai vinaadiyil mana araigal thirandhidumo
oru siru vali irunthathuve ithayathile ithayathile
unathu iru vizhi thadaviyathal amizhnthu vitten mayakkathile

uthirattume udalin thirai
athu than ini nilaavin karai karai

........................................................................................................................................................

santhithome kanaakalil sila muraya pala muraya
anthi vaanil ulaavinom athu unakku ninaivillaya
iru thadaigalai udaithidave perugiduvai kadal alaiye
iru iru uyir thatthalikayil vazhi solluma kalangaraiye

unathalaigal enai adithu
karai servathum kanavail nigaznthida
........................................................................................................................................................

Adiye Kolluthey - Video

2008-11-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

'Adiye Kolluthey' song video from Vaaranam Ayiram. Handsome Surya, beautiful Sameera Reddy and Stylish picturization of Gautham...

http://www.techsatish.net/2008/11/02/adiye-kolluthey-vaaranam-aayiram-tamil-movie-song/?rfdid=8776293

Happy Anniversary my dear!

2008-11-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today is our 2nd Anniversary!

Take this as a note, token of love...or a letter (kadithame vacukalame..maari..unga thalaivar dialogue)

Both of us don't take this day close to our heart like our Love Anniversary. May be it is because 'April 10th' introduced us to each other and we felt like a couple long long before we got married. The wedding was just a custom to say the world..'hey we are married and we are going to live together'.

I was trying to remember the days before I met you. Seriously nothing..absolutely nothing comes to my mind. Are you there with me since I am born? I dont know..my little boy.

It is you..I come running every time I face a problem, every time when I am physically, emotionally down, when I am extremely happy, when I felt achieved (even for small things like walking a mile...yes...like today :-)).

There you are...telling me "parava la daa kutti..next time pathukkalam".."super daa pattu...unna maari yaarala mudiyum". I know that I am not great..not even good in many things...but what I hear from you is all praise...

Cooking..is not my area of excellence..but I heard this from you many times..'u have become the best cook in the world'...i know if someone else who has tasted my food happen to hear this..they
r going to laugh at me. But I am not going to worry about them. Here is my love appreciating me with all his heart...what else I need in this world?

The most loving gesture from u is trying to fight with my body pain...massaging my shoulder whenever I am tired.

You happen to be my friend too...I dont know how many wives chat with their husbands like I do with you..I just pour my heart and say all non-sense and silly things to you. You listen to all of them patiently.

This list is just a tiny fraction. You know my heart. I need not tell any more.

Let this blog come whisking to your RSS Reader and pour my love on this special day!!!

Happy Anniversary Appu!

Quality Center

2008-11-03T22:06:00.001-08:00

This is some useful technical info for software testers. I found a very good link to know about quality center

http://www.ittipsonline.com/documents/qc/qc_tut_82.pdf

Achievement!!!

2008-11-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

Nov 1 2008
This day I felt that I accomplished something. I know this is not a very big deal for many of you. But for me, this is really really a big achievement!

I passed the driving test and got my license. I did many minor mistakes during the test. But it was fine other than that. You should see me when the LSR said that I passed. Completely blushing....

I felt complete. I know this is silly. But what to do..that is how I felt and I have to admit that. Whenever I have to watch for pedestrians, I did complete over acting. In a place that I have to look just for a second, I was rotating my head 360 degrees, raising from my seat and giving all sort of expressions to prove the LSR that I am watchful. It was like Shivaji in 'Thanga pathakkam'.

I was telling my friends that I am like actor Murali, the evergreen college student. I was taking driving classes for a year (not continuously though). Finally, I finished mine. But I dont think so that Murali is going to come out of his college life.

Home, Sweet Home!

2008-02-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am just wondering what is so special in our home..means our mom's place. Now, I have my own home and I really love it. It is everything to me now. But still, there is something in mom's place...what is that?

sweet lil nothin me, mom, sis and aunts talk?
lovely niece and nephew?
mom's food?
dad's affectionate care?
bro's indirect 'lemme know if u need something' kind of talks?
old memories..my plate, my room stuff?
No cooking, No errands?

I don't know. But it is heaven! The place where every one of us long, dream to be!
But that is not possible. So, am trying to make my home to be a cute little dream world for my family! Hope my kids will feel the same way as I do now :-).

Lucky to have you

2008-02-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

I was reading a blog by Shobana and I really loved the last few lines in it. I could relate so much to these words and I believe this is true for everyone of you :-).

"We may squabble about petty things, call names when angry and even threaten to divorce when there is a big fight, but when the storm has passed and we have calmed down, we do realize that we are lucky to have each other "

This is her blog. Read this when u get time. I really enjoyed it!
http://mybabynaren.blogspot.com/2007/11/my-engagement-story.html

Arun,
I have told this a million times to you. But I felt like writing it in my blog and let you know that,

'I am sorry for all the stupid things that I have done and am doing till now when we fight. I even feel that I have multi-personal disorder and the angry person comes out in 'Anniyan' style. But that is not me. There is nothing common in between that person and me. :-)
I love you and I feel lucky in all the ways to have you in my life.'

U.S. Presidential Election

2008-02-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

I went to India recently and all people ask is about the Presidential Elections. I could not answer 99% of their questions because I was not knowing about the elections here. I was not even trying to know about it.

Coming back to US, I started searching for some good article that could explain me the election procedures right from scratch. Yep! I found one. I am providing the link for people like me who have "Zero" knowledge about elections. Here, it is,

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/election/primary.html

Diwali Special - Badusha

2007-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

I have started writing more culinary blogs these days. May be I am improving my cooking skills or my knowledge in other areas is very very poor :-(.

For this Diwali, I first thought of making Adhirasam, the traditional Diwali sweet of tamilians. But unfortunately, my trial version of it failed in a disastrous way. So I was thinking of some other alternative.

Every time I think of making something new, I call my friend Ruba. There is this difference between a good cook and a great cook - how much they understand cooking. What is there to understand in cooking? There are so many things. I understood this after I came to know Ruba's cooking skills. She would not stop giving the recipe. She also gives so many tips which might sound silly. But when you follow them, your recipe would turn out great. This time, she asked me to try Badusha. By the way, how badusha got this different name???

Ingredients:
Maida Flour - 1 cup
Butter/Ghee/Dalda - 1/4 cup
Baking Soda - Pinch
Water - 3 glasses
Sugar - 2 1/2 glasses...oooooooh...Try to forget the word 'Calorie' for sometime.

Method:

Mix Maida with Ghee. Add a pinch of baking soda. Prepare a nice dough little thicker than chapathi dough. Leave it for 1/2 hour. Then make small balls. Press in the middle with the thumb. This should give you the typical shape of badusha. Meanwhile, add sugar to water in a big bowl and put it in stove. Let it boil for 20 mins.

Heat oil and then start frying badusha. Keep in medium heat and allow till the badusha turns golden brown thoroughly. Only when the flame is medium, the badusha gets cooked in all sides.

Take them out and allow to cool. Allow the sugar syrup to cool. Then put these badusha in sugar syrup. Turn them and allow them to soak in syrup completely for 2-3 mins. Take out and leave them outside until the sugar coating forms on the surface of badusha.

Spinach - Broom of the stomach

2007-11-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

I hit upon Spinach everytime I read an article about health. There is a famous French proverb that describes Spinach as 'The Broom of the Stomach'. It is also called as 'The Vitamin Vegetable'. Spinach deserves all these praises. It improves our health in so many ways and protects us from many diseases.

Here are a few good things about Spinach:

1. Protects against breast, prostate and ovarian cancer

2. Vitamin K in Spinach helps maintain bone health
3. Good source of Calcium and Magnesium
4. Good Source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
5. Provides cardiovascular protection
6. Smarter brain
7. Better eyesight
8. Good source of Iron

and the list goes on and on....

Spinach Dhal:
Ingredients:
Spinach
Toor Dhal
Onion
Tomato
Chilli powder
Salt
Asafoetida
Garlic
Turmeric Powder

Cooking Method:
Add turmeric powder, asafoetida and garlic to toor dhal and pressure cook for three whistles. Then in a pan heat oil and fry onions till they turn golden brown. Then add tomatoes. Fry till the oil comes up and add Spinach. Fry till Spinach becomes a paste and then add dhal to it. Add Chilli powder and Salt. Cook for 5 mins. Serve with rice and chapathi.

Adnan Sami's drastic weight loss

2007-10-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I could not believe this!!! Corpulent Adnan Sami has lost so much weight!!!. He has lost nearly 90 kgs. It seems that he was suffering from many health problems because of his obesity and doctors had warned him very severely. So he worked out and dieted vigorously. Read this article to know more -

http://lifestyle.indiatimes.com/I_did_it_for_my_own_survival_Adnan_Sami/articleshow/2431746.cms

Chettinad Chicken

2007-10-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Bored of usual chicken curry and fry, try this out! 'Chettinad' not only adds glamour to the recipe name, but has a very spicy chettinad flavor in it.

Ingredients:

To marinate:

Chicken - 8 Drumstick pieces (cut the pieces)

Lime Juice - 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder

Salt

To grind:

Red Chillies - 3

Coriander seeds - 2 tbsp

Fennel seeds - 2 tbsp

Cumin seeds - 2 tbsp

Poppy seeds - 2 tbsp

Black Pepper - 2 tbsp

Cinnamom - 2

Cardamom - 3

Clove - 3

Mace - 2

Dry grated coconut - From Fresh coconut - 5 tbsp

Others:

Bay Leaf - 2

Onion - 2

Tomato - 2

Ginger - lil

Garlic - 5

Chilli Powder - 2 tbsp

Cilantro

Mint leaves

Oil

Water

Cooking Method:

Wash Chicken thoroughly. Marinate by adding lime juice, turmeric powder and salt to it. Leave it for 1/2 hour.

Slightly roast the ingredients given in "To Grind" section without oil. Roast it for 3 minutes until the aroma comes out.

Have the pan ready with oil. Put bay leaves and then onions. When the onions turn golden brown, add ginger garlic paste. When it is ready, add chicken. Mix it for 3 minutes. Then add tomato, chilli powder, the ground masala powder. Mix well and add necessary water. Close it for 5 minutes. Take the lid and mix well. Boil it until you get your desired consistency.

Serve with Rice or Chapathi.

Groceries in Tamil

2007-10-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Everytime I look for receipes online, I struggle to find the tamil name for groceries. I found this link today which has the translation of all important spicy ingredients in Tamil. Check it out!

http://www.nriol.com/resources/grocery/tamil.html

Bush - Very Funny

2007-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

A big queue is waiting outside heaven. An agent is checking out their qualifications and deciding whether to allow them inside or send them to hell.

The first among them says that his name is Albert Einstein. The agent asks him to prove himself. Einstein requests for a slate and a chalkpiece. Then he proves his relativity theory as E = mc² (energy and mass are equivalent and transmutable). The agent admits that he is Einstein and allows him into heaven.

The next in the line introduces himself as Pablo Picasso. When he has been asked to prove himself, he requests for the same slate and chalk. He starts drawing one of his finest works. The agent gets totally amazed and allows him inside.

Next in the line, there is a man who is trying to get people's attention right from the beginning. He tries to rush inside heaven. The agent controls him and asks for his identity. He says that he is George Bush. The agent tells him to prove that. Bush asks him how. The agent says that he has to prove the way Einstein and Picasso did. Bush replies him,
"Ok! But who is this Einstein and Picasso?"

The agent is shocked and says,
"Only one person could be this much brilliant and no doubt that it is you, Bush".
He opens the door wide and allows him inside.

I just got a chance to read this in 'Kumudham'. This is a joke and a very nice joke.

I saw a documentary called 'Fahrenheit 9/11' about the 9/11 attacks. Michael Moore is the maker of this and he presents a critical look at Bush's presidency during the attacks. After watching the documentary, I could no more say that Bush is funny. Watch it and you could understand why!

Have you ever thought why?

2007-10-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

I wanted to write about Ilayaraja for a long time. But I was not confident how to express 'what and how' I feel about his music. So I did not take any chance of writing about him. Even, I was not able to answer if someone asked me "why do you like him?". There are so many reasons, but I was not able to tell even one. May be it is because of my poor music knowledge or whatsoever.

Now, I found a solution to these. If someone asks me about Ilayaraja, I am just going to forward a link. Want to know that link???. Here it is.

http://hawkeyeview.blogspot.com/2005/04/music-analyzed-by-drlakshminarayanan.html

My brother forwarded me this blog link last week. The author of the blog is Hawkeye. Not only this post, but the blogger has written so many posts in different topics. His writings has a depth in it and they are very well analysed and written. He has written a post about our Ilayaraja too. The author has explained very nicely about Ilayaraja, his talents and his works. I am very proud that a Tamilian from a remote village is reaching all these musical heights. Go thru this when you get time.

"Planes,Trains and Automobiles" to "Anbe Sivam"

2007-10-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

"Anbe Sivam" is one of the scintillating movies of our Ulaga Nayagan Kamal Hassan. The movie has a very meaningful story line in it. The name of the movie itself tells the moral of the story "Anbe...Sivam" means "Love is God". People who are being kind to others and who can express their love are the real gods. The screenplay of this movie is done by Kamal and the direction by Sundar.C. I guess Sundar.C is just the namesake director as each and every scene of this movie shows that it has Kamal's hands in it. Okie..lets come to the topic. Why am I talking about this movie now???

Yesterday, I was watching an English movie of my favourite comedian Steve Martin. 'Planes,Trains and Automobiles" is the name of the movie. To my surprise, the movie was not so good. I was very upset about it because I love to watch Steve Martin's comic actions. But as the movie was going on, something was coming into my mind and was disturbing me on and off. It was giving me a strange feeling that I already watched those scenes already. I tried to dig out my memory to find the reason behind this strange feeling and Anbe Sivam came into my attention . Yeah...it is.

Right from the first scene where Kamal meets Madhavan in airport, the flight cancellation, going for alternatives like car and train, staying in a hotel room together...hmm...all those were inspired from this movie. Also the emotional touches where Madhavan hates Kamal in the beginning and then understands Kamal...were all similar to this movie.

But definitely, I would not say that it is a copy because these two movies have nothing in common about the actual story line or the moral of the story. Kamal has just taken few things from this movie like the way how two strangers come acrosss each other accidentally and start liking each other inspite of so many differences between them. Thats it!

The purpose of my post is not to say that Kamal has copied this from that. But to say the truth that Anbe Sivam is far far better than the original movie. Whatever things Kamal has taken from the English movie, he has improved it, shaped it and polished it. As I was pointing earlier the original scenes were not very good. But Kamal has given his heart and soul for every tiny portion of the movie and that has come out as our "Anbe Sivam". Hats off to him!

So this post is to say...
"Guru vai minjiya sishyan" nu solra maari...original version ai minjiya kamalin Anbe Sivam

"Kozhukattai - Recipe"

2007-09-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sep 15th is Vinayagar Chathurthi. I know the things that come into your mind now...kutti Vinayagar idol with the beautiful umbrella (kudai :-)), sundal, vadai, payasam and our very favourite kozhukattai.

I tried doing kozhukattai for the first time yesterday. Luckily they came out very well. So here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

Rice Flour
Salt

Oil

Jaggery
Grated Coconut
Water
Powdered Cardamom

Method:
Boil water for some 20 mins. Add little salt and oil to the rice flour. Add water slowly and keep preparing dough with the rice flour. The consistency should be in such a way that you should be able to make the outer kozhukattai layer with it perfectly. Keep the dough aside.

For preparing the poornam, you need jaggery and grated coconut. I prefer not to use the frozen coconut. Fresh coconut tastes better. Boil very little water and to that add jaggery. Let it boil for sometime. When the jaggery gets dissolved in water completely, add the grated coconut and cardamom. Stir for sometime and switch off the stove when the poornam is ready.

Smear your hands with oil and prepare kozhukattai layer with the dough. Keep little poornam inside it. Close it. Prepare all the kozhukattai. Keep them in idli plates and pressure cook them.

Tasty Tasty kozhukattai ready!!!

"Life is beautiful"

2007-09-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

Oooooooh...you are right. It is the Italian film that am going to talk about in this post. This is my most favourite movie. Friends, if anyone of you have not seen this movie yet, please watch it as soon as you get a chance. This is worth it.

I am really surprised that I liked an Italian film so much than any Indian movie. The story of this movie is the real hero. A gist of this movie for people who have not seen it and for those who are not able to recollect the complete story:

This movie is written and directed by Roberto Benigni. He happens to be the hero of the movie too. When I started watching the movie, I was wondering "Oh! Is this guy the hero? what kind of movie is this?" - the same reaction that comes from me when I watch new tamil heroes (Son of this old hero or that famous director` and who look totally unacceptable). But after I saw this movie, I started researching about how many awards this guy got. Yeah...he is mind-blowing.

The story starts with hilarious things that Roberto(Guido in the film) does to attract Dora. Guido is a jew but Dora is not. Finally, Guido succeeds in his attempts and steals Dora from her rude fiance during her engagement. They are living happily and Dora gives birth to Joshua, the sweet little boy.

Guido and Joshua are being taken to the Nazi concentration camp. Dora demands to join them and she is permitted to do so. This is where the real Guido character starts to demand our attention. In order to keep up Joshua's spirits, he makes up a story that the whole camp thing is a competition and the prize is going to be a tank. The way he covers up things everytime to please the little Joshua is the best part of the film. He manages to make Joshua believe that the whole camp thing is a game. Finally when Americans come to liberate the people in the camp, Guido makes Joshua hide in a box saying that this is the final test for the tank and goes to find Dora.

Did the family remain alive after the Americans liberation attempts or not is the climax of the story.

Do watch the movie!!! I was so touched by the movie and the character of Guido. It reminds us of our parents who has sacrificed so many things for us. They are the sole contributors of what we are now. Hats off to them!!!

"Warm up before you work out!!! "

2007-08-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have heard this advice from so many people including doctors, physiotherapists, my husband and my sister. But I never took it seriously, until that day.

Literally, I was not doing any sort of physical exercises for years. Cycling and walking were means of commutation during my school and college and they have been keeping me fit and healthy those days. But after I started working, only stepping up 2 staircases were my physical activity for a whole day. And I was working as a software engineer, I need not explain my job's effect on my health. Even though I was aware of it, I did not take any steps to work out. I resigned my job and moved to US after wedding. One fine day(very bad day for me :-(), I went to play racquet ball with my husband. I was playing after some 8 years. I did not even think of warming up. I just happily went to the court and started playing. After some silly shots, I took the game seriously and tried to play a good game. So I was stretching my legs and running here and there. Obvious that I lost the game to my husband.

I was perfectly fine with my leg. I was wondering that I was able to play better after so many years and I was telling some silly stories about my childhood games to my husband proudly. Told him that I was a good athlete those days and only because of it I could play better after so many years. Things started when I woke up next day morning. I could not move/lift my leg. I could not get up from bed. I initially thought it is some sort of sprain. After sometime, I somehow got up and tried walking. I was able to walk and it was much better after some 2-3 hours. But when I tried to sit, I was having such a terrible pain that I could never imagine in my life. I thought that it will become better in 2-3 days. Even after a week, I was not able to sit for even 5 mins. I was perfectly fine walking and doing all other activites. But I did not take it seriously. Since I was not working, I just passed the time without sitting. After a month, it did not get any better.

My husband was totally scared and we went to doctor. He checked it up and guessed that it could be muscle tear and said that it would heal itself in some 6-7 weeks. If it doesn't, then he asked us to go for physiotherapy. I waited for 2 months. I was able to sit for nearly 1/2 hour, but I had a little pain always. When I travelled to India, I had a very tough experience sitting in the flight for 9-10 hours continuously. I did not go for physiotherapy immediately. Trying to be smart, I started following some tactics to live with the pain. Time went by and I was not getting better. So nearly 5 months after that incident, I was scared that it could be some spinal cord problem since I heard the same from couple of my friends, I went to physiotherapist. For some 4-5 sittings, she was not able to identify the reason behind my pain. But she was sure that my hip muscles were very tight and when the nerve behind those muscles try to do some activity, it was giving me that pain. So she gave me some exercises to stretch those muscles. But I was not getting much better. Meanwhile, I started working out regularly doing Treadmill and stuff. Also, in the 6th sitting or so, she found the exact exercises to stretch the muscle that is giving me the problem. So I started doing those exercises and was working out regularly too. In 2 months, i.e., now...am feeling very much better and I feel like it is 90% recovered. My physiotherapist said that she needs only one more sitting and we could stop with that. The worst part in my pain is I was not able to sit in our new reclining couch since we bought it. I was very upset about it. And now...I am sitting in our couch (it is not new anymore :-)) and typing this blog for nearly 1 hour without any pain.

Sorry for boring you with my story but I wanted to stress the importance of warming up. So friends...

Warm up, warm up and warm up before working out/playing/doing any strenuous activity

"Gushy Voice of Yuvan Shankar Raja "

2007-08-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

First, I thought of writing a post about Ilayaraja. But there is no one as far as I know who is not aware of the great maestro. A salute to our tamil music genius! Listen to the starting music of the song “Kanne kalaimane” from Moonram pirai. I am pretty sure that you might have heard it million times. But do it one more time for me. That music is more than enough to speak about our music king. There are crores of tamilians who started liking music because of Ilayaraja and only because of him. I am one among them. I started liking carnatic, western and all different varieties of music only after listening to Ilayaraja’s songs. His music has the power to bring out emotions and the most surprising part is his music is very simple. If you listen to the song “Neeyoru Kathal sangeetham” from Nayagan, the background music is all a very simple beat of tabla. But it makes the song so rich. How and why? That is Ilayaraja. See, I started talking about him and it would continue for pages. This is why I don’t want to write about him. This post is about Yuvan. So let’s talk about Yuvan.

Yuvan Shankar Raja is a little genius of the maestro Ilayaraja. He is also a great musician. This post is not about his music composing, but about his voice.

Listen to the song “Kanave kalaigirithe” from Azhagai irukkirai bayamai irukkirathu before continue reading this post.

“Ithu thana kathal ithu thana
Anu anuvai sagum vali thana”

When he sings these lines, I cannot believe that he is just singing this song. The words seems to be pouring from his heart.

“Tharayil mothi mazhai thuli sagum
Viralinai thedi imayodu kanneer kayum
Valikkinra bothum sirikkiren naanum
Unakkaga naalum theigiren”

These beautiful lines get their complete meaning when they come out in Yuvan’s voice. That too, the last line…”Unakaga naalum theigiren” , as the meaning of this line says, his voice fades out gently and kekkara naamum apadiye antha kural la mayanguvom.

Next song which is going to talk about his voice is “Yedhodha yennangal vandhu” from pattiyal.

“Viralilla malargal ennai vanthu varudiyathe
Kaalilla katru than ennai vedi thadaviyathe
Siragilla megamum ennai ennai mothuthe
Nagam illa iravugal ennai mattum keeriyathe”

I am really surprised that a tamil song can be sung in such a stylish way with correct pronunciations. I like the way he says the word “iravugal’. We can feel the pain of love when he sings these lines.

Next song is "Indha kathal" from Satham Podathey that we are gonna talk about. But this song is not fully sung by Yuvan. Adnan Sami is the main singer. Listen to it! I am not going to write anything about it other than mentioning that it is too good. Enjoy listening to it!

"Then and There" - The simple key to success

2007-06-29T20:46:00.001-07:00

This time, I am trying my hand at philosophy. I am going to tell a very small story to explain the success key.

I went to meet a friend, who is a very successful career woman. I was sitting in her office and having some personal talks with her. She received a phone call in the middle. It was some personal call for her and they had asked her to deliver some information to her mother. As soon as she completed the call, she picked up the phone again, called her mother and gave her the information. I was very surprised to see that. Because we were in the middle of the chat and the information was not that important. In that situation, I think most of us would have ignored that phone information or would have planned to convey the information at leisure. I believe that is human mentality. So her act was a total shock to me. But I did not show my feelings to her. She continued our discussions. In about 2 minutes, her manager dropped in and discussed about some critical issue and he left. After that, she set up a meeting with her directors that afternoon. Then again she got a call from some orphanage asking for donation. She told them that she will be delivering a check to them that day itself. After she finished her call, she wrote a check and called her personal secretary and asked her to deliver that check to the orphanage. All these took some 5-10 minutes. So she conveyed her apologies to me for breaking our discussion and then continued our chat. I was totally amazed and I asked her why she is completing all her tasks as she is in a rush. Her answer to my question is the key to success that she gave me. Her golden words below:

"You could have noted that there are hundred things happening around me in few hours. I myself could not remember things that happened to me after sometime. Because of this, there are chances to miss much important information and there are chances to miss important guidelines and fail to do critical tasks in time. If I would not have conveyed the phone information to my mother, she would have got very upset that I am not giving her importance. So it may affect both personal and professional life. But to complete tasks like what I did, will simplify our life. It will save lot of time, money and improve relationships. You might have noted that I have set up a meeting with my directors to discuss a critical issue. All it took me is one minute to set up that meeting. I triggered the chain. It takes off from there and activities would be going on by now. People would be collecting all the information to discuss in the meeting. If I would not have done this, I might have forgotten the whole issue ending up in bigger problems. Or if I get a chance to remember it sometime in the evening, it is too late to set up that meeting. The same is in the case with the orphanage. The check would reach them very fast and would be very helpful to them. In that case, why to delay? To explain it simply,

"Do it then and there"

This is the secret of my success".

All of us know the advantage of doing things then and there, but we never implement them practically. But after listening to her, I started practicing it and finding it very useful. You could also try it if you are not doing it before.

"Wow…Vista…wow…"

2007-06-27T18:59:00.001-07:00

This is my first blog. I was planning to write a blog for a long time. But I was not sure what to write. When I got my new laptop couple of days before and started exploring it, I decided "Hmmm…My first blog is going to be about Vista" because I fell in love with Vista. Vista is giving me a scintillating experience which I was dreaming right from the day I started using computer. The look and feel of Vista is awesome.

The things that I like the most in Vista:

The folder view

If it is a document folder, it shows the folder containing excel sheets, word docs inside. If it is a picture folder, it shows a couple of pictures in an angular view. This view is amazing.
Switching between windows:

When I click on the 'switch between windows' icon on the task bar, it shows all the windows in a slanting position one below the other. You should experience yourself to find out the sheer pleasure in viewing it.
Search in Start Menu:

I just ask this question to myself again and again…How they can think of all these cool things. There is a text box in the start menu in which you can search for your documents, settings, control panel, power options and all the system contents. You need not explore the whole system to change the system settings, to find a file or to search anything in the machine.
Gadgets:

You can set up whatever gadgets you need on your desktop. This includes Clock, CPU Usage, Stock, weather, etc. Why to go to a website to find out all this info…just have a look at your desktop. Isn't it superb?

To get a gadget, click on the Windows sidebar icon on the taskbar. Click on the '+' to add a gadget. This will list all the available gadgets.
Windows Calendar and Contacts:

I used to maintain all my appointments, tasks in Outlook. But I need to open outlook if I need to get a reminder for my appointment or task. But Vista comes with a Calendar which reminds you of your tasks, appointments and the only requirement is to have your machine switched on. Doctor's appointment, friend's birthday, bill payment….don't worry, your machine will remind you.

There is Windows Contact to maintain all your contacts phone number, email ids, address, etc. The most exciting thing in this is there is a family tab in this calendar. In this you can add all the family members of your friend/relative and their anniversaries, birthdays and the all the other important things about them.
Other cool stuff:

Personalization:

Go to Start Menu and type 'Personalization'. Go there and set the color, display, desktop background, screen saver, sound and all the other things you want in your machine.

Sticky Notes:

You can create notes by drawing and voice recording. You can use the Sticky Notes accessory to write and store short notes, phone numbers, and other reminders. You can place sticky notes directly on your desktop as quick reminders or in any OLE-enabled program, such as Word, to add electronic comments or reminders to your documents.

Works Task Launcher:

You can manage all the tasks of your family in this. To plan your daily tasks or trips or expenses…use this.

There are so many utilities like the above. But I am not familiar with all. I have listed the things that I got a chance to look into.

Explore Vista and make your life simpler.

Bugs L

I listed all the useful stuff in Vista. But there is also a bug that I found. Power and Volume icon on the task bar suddenly disappears. This happens very often with no reason. I was not able to find why it happens. I tried going to Task Bar properties – Notification tab. Under the System Tray, these two icons are unchecked and disabled. So I was not able to select them. I tried logging off and logging in. Once I do this, these icons become enabled in the notification area and I selected them. This solves the problem.

There is another problem in Vista that I recently found. It is about the CD/DVD drive. I was inserting CD/DVD in the drive and was trying to play it. But the drive was not getting detected. I searched in google and came to know that there are so many people who are facing the same issue. There was one solution given in the below link

http://www.randomfix.com/2007/04/12/windows-vista-%E2%80%93-missing-cddvd-rom-drive/

This worked perfectly fine. The solution is to do some delete in the registry editor. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to start and type "regedit" without quotes

2. Open the registry editor. Click on the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE available on the left menu bar.

3. Then go to edit menu. Click on the find and type "Filters". There will be a number of keys opening in the right side of the editor.

4. Look for two keys named "LowerFilters" and "UpperFiltes". These two keys have to be deleted. Before deleting, take a backup of all the details of these two keys (in case if they are needed in future). Then delete them by selecting them and pressing the delete key. Confirm deletion.

These steps make the drive work.