nee ennai vittu pirindhavudan
pirandhadhu sogham mattumalla
indha kavidhaiyum dhaan!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Rajini - THE REAL BOSS
I wouldn't be doing justice to this blog if I didn't write about Sivaji. I have loved many Rajinikanth movies in the past like Baasha and Padaiyappa just for his style, despite being an ardent fan of Kamalhassan. If not for anything else, I knew I could watch Sivaji for Rajini's style. I haven't seen this much hype for any other movie as long as I can remember. As I settled down in a seat in the fourth row, this guy who had driven down from Wyoming to watch this movie, thrust a handful of shredded paper into my hand to throw on the screen when Rajini appears. I thought, YEAH RIGHT, like I am going to do this! But when Rajinikanth turned his face towards the screen, I just did it (Mannichidu thalaiva!). What can I say, I was in the moment!!!
The movie was all Rajini, right from the title card to the ending credits. He looked atleast 10 years younger and refreshingly handsome with his new look. The first half was funny with Rajini's antics to get the girl, combined with Vivek's one-liners and his usual ways of mimicking other actors. Both of them even manage to do a Vadivelu, all in good spirits, I hope. My favorite was of course when Rajini says after taking a dip in a tub full of Multani Matti, "Ippo paaru, poi kazhuvittu chumma Kamalahaasan maadhiri varen". The way Vivek makes fun of all the younger heroes trying to emulate Rajini is a bullseye shot not only for the Simbus and Dhanushs, but also for the Vijays and the Ajiths. Rajinikanth's style is just unbeatable in this movie too. Yesteryear tamil actor Suman has been pulled back from the telugu land to play the villain. He has done a neat job in the age of loud villains with long hair. Shreya as the heroine has played her part to perfection both as the homely girl and the glamor girl.
The second half got serious as expected with Rajini getting rich with just one rupee and using all the money to do good deeds. Well, atleast he didn't do it in a single song like his other movies. Rajini as the Mottai Boss was too stylish (obviously). The songs were actually pretty impressive on the screen. The art direction was amazing. Imagine this: A whole bunch of fat men with Rajini's face drawn on their pot bellies! Creativity at its ridiculous best!!! Overall it was pure fun, if you leave the logic in the parking lot. Once again Rajinikanth has managed to show that he is the real boss when it comes to Tamil Cinema, no matter how many younger actors lurk around calling themseleves the next Superstar. And please Mr.Director, stop extrapolating things at the end of the movie and showing that India had become a super power in 2020 without any corruption whatsoever. It's not only impractical but also impossible, atleast the corruption part, whether you do it sincerely, to make yourself feel good or to impress the audience.
The movie was all Rajini, right from the title card to the ending credits. He looked atleast 10 years younger and refreshingly handsome with his new look. The first half was funny with Rajini's antics to get the girl, combined with Vivek's one-liners and his usual ways of mimicking other actors. Both of them even manage to do a Vadivelu, all in good spirits, I hope. My favorite was of course when Rajini says after taking a dip in a tub full of Multani Matti, "Ippo paaru, poi kazhuvittu chumma Kamalahaasan maadhiri varen". The way Vivek makes fun of all the younger heroes trying to emulate Rajini is a bullseye shot not only for the Simbus and Dhanushs, but also for the Vijays and the Ajiths. Rajinikanth's style is just unbeatable in this movie too. Yesteryear tamil actor Suman has been pulled back from the telugu land to play the villain. He has done a neat job in the age of loud villains with long hair. Shreya as the heroine has played her part to perfection both as the homely girl and the glamor girl.
The second half got serious as expected with Rajini getting rich with just one rupee and using all the money to do good deeds. Well, atleast he didn't do it in a single song like his other movies. Rajini as the Mottai Boss was too stylish (obviously). The songs were actually pretty impressive on the screen. The art direction was amazing. Imagine this: A whole bunch of fat men with Rajini's face drawn on their pot bellies! Creativity at its ridiculous best!!! Overall it was pure fun, if you leave the logic in the parking lot. Once again Rajinikanth has managed to show that he is the real boss when it comes to Tamil Cinema, no matter how many younger actors lurk around calling themseleves the next Superstar. And please Mr.Director, stop extrapolating things at the end of the movie and showing that India had become a super power in 2020 without any corruption whatsoever. It's not only impractical but also impossible, atleast the corruption part, whether you do it sincerely, to make yourself feel good or to impress the audience.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Credit Cards, Points, Cash back and whatever
Points points points... wherever you turn, it's points! Is it just me or does everyone feel overwhelmed by this sudden surge in attracting credit card consumers with points or cash back rewards? As a seasoned veteran in the art of maxing out credit cards, I have to say that I am really disappointed about losing a whole lot of points, just because it's a relatively new concept. If someone gave me a point for each dollar I spent on my credit cards when I was a student, I would exactly have - well not exactly - but roughly 20000 points. Where are the credit card gods when you need justice? Where are the pre-approved mails when you badly need a credit card with 0% APR for balance transfers? OK, that is a little off-topic! If it's not the points, then it's the cash back rewards. Correct me if I am wrong, wasn't there a period when credit cards were considered a luxury or a status symbol, way back in the 17th century or something? Now, the credit card companies are giving us cash back? Talk about marketing strategies! I used to think that the credit card companies get their money only from the interest amounts and used to wonder how they would make any money with people who pay their balances in full each month (NOW, which one of you called me a dummy, huh?). And yes, now I know the merchant also gets charged for each transaction. Looks like I have to change the topic to "Credit Card for Dummies" if I keep writing in the same vein. Did you really know that American Express card does not guarantee payment to the merchant if the consumer defaults on payment? THAT IS CRUEL! Ok, I will stop. I swear this post is about the points and cash back rewards.
So, now I am getting all kinds pre-approved credit card offers, like 2 everyday. Anyone who knows me well knows why I even have to mention that here. There was a time when credit card companies used to run with their heads falling off of their bodies (tried to translate "Thalai therikka odinaanaga!") whenever I used to apply for a credit card. When I see all these offers now, I say to myself, "Oh, now you want me to be your customer?" and then I think, "I have never been pre-approved for anything in my life!" a la Joey from friends, while my eyes get all glazed. One more time, coming back to the actual topic of points and cash back, Now one of my credit cards gets me 5% cash back on certain purchases. If you think I am not going to make full use of it owing to my previous experiences, then I am sorry Amigo, you are so wrongo! It's time for PAYBACK. No, not that stupid Mel Gibson movie! I really don't know if I did any justice at all to the topic, but who cares, it's my blog and I am doing some general whining here. PHEW, I justified the label for this post too! THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!
So, now I am getting all kinds pre-approved credit card offers, like 2 everyday. Anyone who knows me well knows why I even have to mention that here. There was a time when credit card companies used to run with their heads falling off of their bodies (tried to translate "Thalai therikka odinaanaga!") whenever I used to apply for a credit card. When I see all these offers now, I say to myself, "Oh, now you want me to be your customer?" and then I think, "I have never been pre-approved for anything in my life!" a la Joey from friends, while my eyes get all glazed. One more time, coming back to the actual topic of points and cash back, Now one of my credit cards gets me 5% cash back on certain purchases. If you think I am not going to make full use of it owing to my previous experiences, then I am sorry Amigo, you are so wrongo! It's time for PAYBACK. No, not that stupid Mel Gibson movie! I really don't know if I did any justice at all to the topic, but who cares, it's my blog and I am doing some general whining here. PHEW, I justified the label for this post too! THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
WC 2007
I have been wanting to write about the very first edition of the Carribean World Cup, but there was always something or the other stopping me. First I wanted to write about that left arm spinner from Bermuda, Dwayne Leverock, but c2c knowingly or unknowingly stole the post right out of my laptop, hours before I started to write. I am not going to read his blog until I finish this one, so I don't lose the little enthusiasm I have left to write this one. Then, there was that little incident of Bangladesh upsetting India, well I woudn't call that an upset after seeing Bangladesh playing far better than India and Pakistan. There has been a constant nagging from my regular readers (2 to be precise) to put something on the blog and here we go.
When India was knocked out of the first round, I was desperately searching for another team to root for, to keep my cricket interets alive. Then came 'BANGladesh with a BANG' (get it? I can write lyrics for hip-hop), beating South Africa in the Super Eights aka SODHA eights, sparking some interest in an otherwise boring world cup. There is always a pleasure in rooting for the underdog, especially when your favorite team is not playing. You always want to see the minnows bashing the giants. When I say giants, Australia is not included as they belong to a completely different category, which experts are still trying to find a name for. I just hope Bangladesh keeps that fire in them burning all the time and not lose it like India. Then came Srilanka, winning all their important matches, without much fuss. When a team has a bowler, who can take 4 wicktes in 4 balls, you can always expect that team to make it atleast to the semi-finals. So, I started rooting for Srilanka as there was a realistic chance of them beating Australia.
On Saturday I woke up at 7AM (I can hear the collective gasp from the two people who are reading this) to watch the finals, only to be disappointed by the rain. Finally, when the match started, it was trimmed to 38 overs a side. That was the first blow. Whenever the overs are reduced, the team playing first only tries to score as much runs as possible. It wouldn't have made any difference in the way Adam Gilchrist played anyway. Heck, it wouldn't have made any difference to the Aussies even if it was a 10 overs a side match. That's the way they have been playing throughout the world cup. They can't even be termed as bullies, which would also be an understatement. They treat South Africa the same way they treat Bangladesh or Ireland. They don't just win, they totally demolish the opposite team, demoralizing them and making them think twice about playing cricket ever again. Once Gilchrist got going, I always knew, Srilanka was not going to win, barring a miracle innings from Jayasurya, reminiscent to the way he used to play in the nineties. And then, there was that stupid rain again along with light issues, leaving the players to grope each other in darkness. Finally, the best team won! Austalians are playing the game with so much power and dedication that it makes it boring to watch. I vote for Australia to play directly in the semi-final game of the next world cup, no matter how they perform during the time in between.
If ICC is looking for a way to reduce the number of matches in the next world cup, here is an idea: USE THE FREAKING RANKINGS to give first round byes to the first four teams or do something like that and please don't make the second round a round robin league. It took forever to get over. Is it really that complicated to find a way with only 12 teams?
When India was knocked out of the first round, I was desperately searching for another team to root for, to keep my cricket interets alive. Then came 'BANGladesh with a BANG' (get it? I can write lyrics for hip-hop), beating South Africa in the Super Eights aka SODHA eights, sparking some interest in an otherwise boring world cup. There is always a pleasure in rooting for the underdog, especially when your favorite team is not playing. You always want to see the minnows bashing the giants. When I say giants, Australia is not included as they belong to a completely different category, which experts are still trying to find a name for. I just hope Bangladesh keeps that fire in them burning all the time and not lose it like India. Then came Srilanka, winning all their important matches, without much fuss. When a team has a bowler, who can take 4 wicktes in 4 balls, you can always expect that team to make it atleast to the semi-finals. So, I started rooting for Srilanka as there was a realistic chance of them beating Australia.
On Saturday I woke up at 7AM (I can hear the collective gasp from the two people who are reading this) to watch the finals, only to be disappointed by the rain. Finally, when the match started, it was trimmed to 38 overs a side. That was the first blow. Whenever the overs are reduced, the team playing first only tries to score as much runs as possible. It wouldn't have made any difference in the way Adam Gilchrist played anyway. Heck, it wouldn't have made any difference to the Aussies even if it was a 10 overs a side match. That's the way they have been playing throughout the world cup. They can't even be termed as bullies, which would also be an understatement. They treat South Africa the same way they treat Bangladesh or Ireland. They don't just win, they totally demolish the opposite team, demoralizing them and making them think twice about playing cricket ever again. Once Gilchrist got going, I always knew, Srilanka was not going to win, barring a miracle innings from Jayasurya, reminiscent to the way he used to play in the nineties. And then, there was that stupid rain again along with light issues, leaving the players to grope each other in darkness. Finally, the best team won! Austalians are playing the game with so much power and dedication that it makes it boring to watch. I vote for Australia to play directly in the semi-final game of the next world cup, no matter how they perform during the time in between.
If ICC is looking for a way to reduce the number of matches in the next world cup, here is an idea: USE THE FREAKING RANKINGS to give first round byes to the first four teams or do something like that and please don't make the second round a round robin league. It took forever to get over. Is it really that complicated to find a way with only 12 teams?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Loosu Pennae...
How many of you have NOT heard this song from the movie Vallavan? Well, shame on you! It's been playing non-stop on the FM channels in chennai and the Harmon-Kardon stereo system that came with my BMW (yes, I am always this modest!) for the past 6 months. Actually, I used to wake up everyday to this song when I was in India, thanks to my brother.
I am not a music person at all. I only need songs when I drive. The first time I heard this song, I was like, what the hell kind of a song is this? I totally hated it. But then, like a lot of other songs, it just grew on me. Now, I am listening to it all the time.
Usually, when I like a song, it should definiltely have good Tamil lyrics, otherwise it's very tough for me to even think about liking it. Though there is a rap segment at the beginning and the end, the main part is just tamil words. The way the rap and the tamil part of the song have been combined without defeating the purpose is just amazing. I am not a music genius, but it takes a lot of effort to keep it simple. This song is too simple and very addictive. I decided to look up for more information on the song on the internet and found out that Silamabarasan (a) Simbu had written the lyrics, though I already knew it was his voice. I wasn't very surprised knowing very well he comes from a gene pool that belongs to a person who used to torture us all with his multiple talents, including sticking posters for his own movies.
More than anything, what makes it a catchy number is the lethargic voice of simbu, which sounds like the music director woke him up in the middle of the night and forced him to sing. Well, whatever works! Of course the credit goes to Yuvan Shankar Raja for giving me something to write about. Thanks dude and keep up the good work!
I am not a music person at all. I only need songs when I drive. The first time I heard this song, I was like, what the hell kind of a song is this? I totally hated it. But then, like a lot of other songs, it just grew on me. Now, I am listening to it all the time.
Usually, when I like a song, it should definiltely have good Tamil lyrics, otherwise it's very tough for me to even think about liking it. Though there is a rap segment at the beginning and the end, the main part is just tamil words. The way the rap and the tamil part of the song have been combined without defeating the purpose is just amazing. I am not a music genius, but it takes a lot of effort to keep it simple. This song is too simple and very addictive. I decided to look up for more information on the song on the internet and found out that Silamabarasan (a) Simbu had written the lyrics, though I already knew it was his voice. I wasn't very surprised knowing very well he comes from a gene pool that belongs to a person who used to torture us all with his multiple talents, including sticking posters for his own movies.
More than anything, what makes it a catchy number is the lethargic voice of simbu, which sounds like the music director woke him up in the middle of the night and forced him to sing. Well, whatever works! Of course the credit goes to Yuvan Shankar Raja for giving me something to write about. Thanks dude and keep up the good work!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Happy New Year!
The new year didn't start off very well for me. I was sick, sick and more sick as my cold/headache got worse and ended up going to the doctor's office (only for the second time in 7 years).
Atleast an OU win in the fiesta bowl against the Boise State Broncos would have eased my pain, but no, the sooners had to make every mistake possible in the game in the first half, only to come back and tie the game in the second half and again lose it in overtime. Boise State deserved to win is all I can say though you wonder if there was ever a team that had executed so many trick plays in one game. Well, OU should have seen this coming from a team that plays on a BLUE turf at home.
From one Broncos to another, the Denver version lost their must-win game of the season miserably to the 49-ers and thus bringing an end to my decision to start watching NFL games with more interest. Talking about names like 49-ers and 76-ers, if I ever manage a start a professional team, I am sure I will name it THE 69-ers. Well, it's a long shot anyway.
At work, it's business as usual, getting killed with productions issues and new development projects.
Since there were too many negative things on this post, let me end it with two positives of 2007, not necessarily involving me directly. The first one is that my brother got placed as he was doing his MBA, with a nice heavy pay package. The best part is that I can make him pay for all my expenses when I go to India (shameless, I know). Congrats dude!
Talking about making someone else pay for my expenses, the first person that comes to my mind is one of my two best friends from my high school days, Karthik. He is getting married in a couple of weeks to the most enthusiastic and bubbly person I have ever known in my life, Rachna. It was never a surprise for me though. I told Karthik the first time I saw them both way back in the spring break of 2001 that he should seriouly think about spending the rest of their lives together. The sad part is that I won't be able to make it to the wedding, for which I have been called a 'Ditch Pot' numerous times and I am sure it will never stop for the rest of my life. A small price to pay for missing my best friend's wedding! Congratulations Karthik and Rachna!
Atleast an OU win in the fiesta bowl against the Boise State Broncos would have eased my pain, but no, the sooners had to make every mistake possible in the game in the first half, only to come back and tie the game in the second half and again lose it in overtime. Boise State deserved to win is all I can say though you wonder if there was ever a team that had executed so many trick plays in one game. Well, OU should have seen this coming from a team that plays on a BLUE turf at home.
From one Broncos to another, the Denver version lost their must-win game of the season miserably to the 49-ers and thus bringing an end to my decision to start watching NFL games with more interest. Talking about names like 49-ers and 76-ers, if I ever manage a start a professional team, I am sure I will name it THE 69-ers. Well, it's a long shot anyway.
At work, it's business as usual, getting killed with productions issues and new development projects.
Since there were too many negative things on this post, let me end it with two positives of 2007, not necessarily involving me directly. The first one is that my brother got placed as he was doing his MBA, with a nice heavy pay package. The best part is that I can make him pay for all my expenses when I go to India (shameless, I know). Congrats dude!
Talking about making someone else pay for my expenses, the first person that comes to my mind is one of my two best friends from my high school days, Karthik. He is getting married in a couple of weeks to the most enthusiastic and bubbly person I have ever known in my life, Rachna. It was never a surprise for me though. I told Karthik the first time I saw them both way back in the spring break of 2001 that he should seriouly think about spending the rest of their lives together. The sad part is that I won't be able to make it to the wedding, for which I have been called a 'Ditch Pot' numerous times and I am sure it will never stop for the rest of my life. A small price to pay for missing my best friend's wedding! Congratulations Karthik and Rachna!
Friday, December 08, 2006
RIP
I don't know how many of you read this news about a software engineer, Sanal Nathan, from India who was shot dead by a mugger about a week ago. I read it and felt sad, especially since the guy was only 26 years old. It was lingering in my mind that he probably might have just started earning enough to live a worry-free (atleast money wise) life. Also, can you imagine the trauma that his fiancee would have undergone seeing her future life partner getting shot at?
So, two days ago, I was sitting at home doing some office work when I got this call from my ex-boss. She used to be my manager at the client company that;s been my office for the past two years. We shared a good rapport at work and we were good friends outside of work too. She didn't sound very good when she called me and I could easily make out that she was in a very sad state of mind. When I asked what was wrong with her and why she sounded so dull, she told me that one of her employees, who was from India, had been killed last week by someone who tried to mug him. That's when it struck me that she moved toArlington, Texas and I remembered that news article I read last week. I was like, OH MY GOD, was that guy one of your employees? His fiancee had called her from the hospital since they didn't have any close friends or relatives in Texas. She was surprised that I knew about this incident. I told her about reading it last week to which she said that she didn't know that they had published it anywhere. I also remembered that she had called me sometime last month to tell me that she had hired a new programmer and he was very good at what he does. He wasn't getting paid much by his previous employer, so she made sure that he gets paid a lot more than that since she thought he deserved it.
Right now, she is the one helping with all the legal procedures that need to be taken care of to transport the body to India. She has been emailing one of the U.S Navy personnel who is in Kerala, about the situation here and he updates the guy's parents. Apparently, it's not an easy process and there are one too many hassles in getting it done. One good thing is, the company is taking care of all the expenses. His mother hadn't eaten for a week and keeps saying, "Please send my son back to me". After hearing all this, I felt like I lost someone close to me. It also made me rethink my decision about staying in this country so far away from HOME.
So, two days ago, I was sitting at home doing some office work when I got this call from my ex-boss. She used to be my manager at the client company that;s been my office for the past two years. We shared a good rapport at work and we were good friends outside of work too. She didn't sound very good when she called me and I could easily make out that she was in a very sad state of mind. When I asked what was wrong with her and why she sounded so dull, she told me that one of her employees, who was from India, had been killed last week by someone who tried to mug him. That's when it struck me that she moved toArlington, Texas and I remembered that news article I read last week. I was like, OH MY GOD, was that guy one of your employees? His fiancee had called her from the hospital since they didn't have any close friends or relatives in Texas. She was surprised that I knew about this incident. I told her about reading it last week to which she said that she didn't know that they had published it anywhere. I also remembered that she had called me sometime last month to tell me that she had hired a new programmer and he was very good at what he does. He wasn't getting paid much by his previous employer, so she made sure that he gets paid a lot more than that since she thought he deserved it.
Right now, she is the one helping with all the legal procedures that need to be taken care of to transport the body to India. She has been emailing one of the U.S Navy personnel who is in Kerala, about the situation here and he updates the guy's parents. Apparently, it's not an easy process and there are one too many hassles in getting it done. One good thing is, the company is taking care of all the expenses. His mother hadn't eaten for a week and keeps saying, "Please send my son back to me". After hearing all this, I felt like I lost someone close to me. It also made me rethink my decision about staying in this country so far away from HOME.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Wishful Thinking
I am a sad man this week since the college football season is getting over, atleast for OU, this weekend. As someone who doesn't find the NFL games very interesting- I have tried to like professional football more than you can imagine, college football is as good as it gets for me.
I will be rooting for the Texas A&M Aggies this weekend. Before you start booking your flight tickets to Denver to kill me, let me make myself clear. If you are a true fan of the Indian cricket team, you would have understood what I meant by now. You remember how the Indian team would lose the easier games at the beginning stages of the world cup, then somehow manage to beat the tougher opponents and wait for that one team to lose their last match, so that we can get into the next round? That's exactly the same position the sooners are in at the moment, except that they lost only one game (atleast legitimately) to a tougher opponent aka Texas Longhorns, though everyone feels that Oklahoma is now playing far better than Texas. The loss to Oregon, thanks to the Pac-10 referees, should not be considered a loss at all. Think I am being too loyal to OU? Take any news article on the OU-Oregon game and you should get a fair idea of how we were robbed of a win.
Coming back to the topic, Texas is playing at home against Texas A&M this weekend, and I, like any other sooner faithful would, wish Texas A&M wins and helps us get to the conference championship game against Nebraska. Oh, by the way, did I mention we beat Texas A&M 3 weeks ago in Aggie Land?
GO AGGIES!!!
Update:
Well well well, look who's back in Kansas City for the Big 12 Championship game, thanks to the Aggies! Ok Mr.Mack brown, you might have beaten us, but we still own the Big 12 South. BOO HOO!!
I will be rooting for the Texas A&M Aggies this weekend. Before you start booking your flight tickets to Denver to kill me, let me make myself clear. If you are a true fan of the Indian cricket team, you would have understood what I meant by now. You remember how the Indian team would lose the easier games at the beginning stages of the world cup, then somehow manage to beat the tougher opponents and wait for that one team to lose their last match, so that we can get into the next round? That's exactly the same position the sooners are in at the moment, except that they lost only one game (atleast legitimately) to a tougher opponent aka Texas Longhorns, though everyone feels that Oklahoma is now playing far better than Texas. The loss to Oregon, thanks to the Pac-10 referees, should not be considered a loss at all. Think I am being too loyal to OU? Take any news article on the OU-Oregon game and you should get a fair idea of how we were robbed of a win.
Coming back to the topic, Texas is playing at home against Texas A&M this weekend, and I, like any other sooner faithful would, wish Texas A&M wins and helps us get to the conference championship game against Nebraska. Oh, by the way, did I mention we beat Texas A&M 3 weeks ago in Aggie Land?
GO AGGIES!!!
Update:
Well well well, look who's back in Kansas City for the Big 12 Championship game, thanks to the Aggies! Ok Mr.Mack brown, you might have beaten us, but we still own the Big 12 South. BOO HOO!!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Casino Royale
The new Mission Impossible movie is a pretty serious one. OH WAIT, did I say Mission Impossible? My bad! I couldn't resisit comparing two of the biggest movies this year. Both deal with how our heroes will even give up what they do best for the women they love the most. I can hear my friends say, look who's talking. I don't blame you my dear enemies, I mean, friends. While Ethan Hunt quits for sure before he comes back for one last mission and quits again, James Bond sends Miss M a resignation email (who knew even 007's need to send one!) before he returns in style.
Without giving out much of the story-yes there is one, all I can say is the new bond is much tougher that his predecessor. Atleast physically he is, though we are forced to doubt his mental toughness when he falls in love with the cute Eva Green. That's right, HE FALLS HOPELESSLY IN LOVE. And Eva green is cute but not really hot as one would expect a typical bond girl to be. So much for the hype surrounding her. But then, we realize why things are the way they are and the movie ends making you want more of it.
Hats off to Daniel Craig, as he carries the movie effortlessly all by himself, with pure sophistication even when he utters lines like this:
Eva: Even if you are gone and only your smile and your little finger are left, I'd still love you.
Daniel : That's because you know what I can do with my little finger
What's more? This bond even accepts his mistakes, but that's mostly due to the fact that he is a rookie in the story. Make no mistake in judging him, he is here to stay for years to come.
Without giving out much of the story-yes there is one, all I can say is the new bond is much tougher that his predecessor. Atleast physically he is, though we are forced to doubt his mental toughness when he falls in love with the cute Eva Green. That's right, HE FALLS HOPELESSLY IN LOVE. And Eva green is cute but not really hot as one would expect a typical bond girl to be. So much for the hype surrounding her. But then, we realize why things are the way they are and the movie ends making you want more of it.
Hats off to Daniel Craig, as he carries the movie effortlessly all by himself, with pure sophistication even when he utters lines like this:
Eva: Even if you are gone and only your smile and your little finger are left, I'd still love you.
Daniel : That's because you know what I can do with my little finger
What's more? This bond even accepts his mistakes, but that's mostly due to the fact that he is a rookie in the story. Make no mistake in judging him, he is here to stay for years to come.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Quick Question
When does Shaun Pollock's bowling figures of 6 overs 0 maidens 21 runs and 1 wicket look very ordinary?
when the bowler at the other end has 5 overs, 8 runs 2 maidens and 5 wickets. Way to go Ntini!!
when the bowler at the other end has 5 overs, 8 runs 2 maidens and 5 wickets. Way to go Ntini!!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Hey Texas, UP YOURS!
Run A.D Run!!!
Indian born, Sooner bred.
Disclaimer: Any resemblance to actual teams is purely intentional
Indian born, Sooner bred.
Disclaimer: Any resemblance to actual teams is purely intentional
Monday, July 31, 2006
I'm back baby!
So, here I am, after a month long vacation, struggling to get back to work. Forget getting back to work, I couldn't even remember some work related passwords. That should give you an idea of the good time I had back home. Right from the moment I landed at the Anna International Terminal to the moment I hugged my mom a month later at the same place, it was pure fun.
My day in India would typically start with a fresh hot cup of filter coffee. Whenever we used to have discussions aka PONGAL about Indian food, my friend ShivA would always say how his eyes would open wide as soon as he takes the first sip. You can't be more right, my friend. I was almost in tears when I took the first sip after 6 years. Then I would go upstairs with the coffee and check all my emails, do some vetti browsing and by the time I am done with all that nonsense, it would be time to have, you guessed it right, nashta/tiffin. So, I'd go downstairs after taking a shower, all prepared for the morning feast, which would be one of the following: Idly, Dosa, Puri, Pongal, Aapam, Idiyaapam, Adai with the most fitting side dishes. The list goes on, but this is all I can remember right now. Well, if you know me very well, you also know that I don't like Idly's. STOP. Before the South Indians start throwing stones at me for that statement, I should say that is the ONLY dish I don't like, so just throw me a freakin bone and continue reading. Whenever IDLY is being served for breakfast, I would keep my face like I just got lost in a carnival (Tamilians pls translate), and look at my Mom. She'd be like, "Oh poor child (!?), I will make you Dosa". My brother would give me a dirty look like, "Idhellaam oru pozhappu!", and I'd be eating my dosas happily with a wicked smile on my face. Oh, did I mention I have been doing this since I remember?
Anyways, coming back to the post-nashta period, I just sit there on the couch without being able to move, watching Sun Music, which by the way, SUCKS except for the few good songs they show. If I start talking about the hosts on that channel, it will become an unbearably huge post, so let me just get back to where I was. An hour would pass and my mom would slowly bring me a cup of filter coffee/buttermilk, depending on the day's supply/demand. As I never say NO to food, especially at home, I would just gulp it down and almost go to sleep on the couch. At this moment, I used to start thinking who I should meet that day and what mode of transportation I should use. By the time I come to a decision, lunch would be served hot and spicy, mostly on a banana leaf. Before I go into the details, I should probably mention how appalled I was looking at the sheer amount of food (read rice), people eat, or atleast people in my family eat. First they have a plate full of rice to eat with the main curry or by mixing it with the side dishes, then they have another serving of rice to have with rasam and finally they finish it off with, again rice with curd or buttermilk while I'd be gasping for breath to finish my first serving of rice. Btw, whenever someone invited me for lunch, relatives or family friends, there would invariably be all kinds of non-vegetarian dishes, FOR ONE MEAL. I'd be forced to eat everything, just to acknowledge their affection.
will be continued...
My day in India would typically start with a fresh hot cup of filter coffee. Whenever we used to have discussions aka PONGAL about Indian food, my friend ShivA would always say how his eyes would open wide as soon as he takes the first sip. You can't be more right, my friend. I was almost in tears when I took the first sip after 6 years. Then I would go upstairs with the coffee and check all my emails, do some vetti browsing and by the time I am done with all that nonsense, it would be time to have, you guessed it right, nashta/tiffin. So, I'd go downstairs after taking a shower, all prepared for the morning feast, which would be one of the following: Idly, Dosa, Puri, Pongal, Aapam, Idiyaapam, Adai with the most fitting side dishes. The list goes on, but this is all I can remember right now. Well, if you know me very well, you also know that I don't like Idly's. STOP. Before the South Indians start throwing stones at me for that statement, I should say that is the ONLY dish I don't like, so just throw me a freakin bone and continue reading. Whenever IDLY is being served for breakfast, I would keep my face like I just got lost in a carnival (Tamilians pls translate), and look at my Mom. She'd be like, "Oh poor child (!?), I will make you Dosa". My brother would give me a dirty look like, "Idhellaam oru pozhappu!", and I'd be eating my dosas happily with a wicked smile on my face. Oh, did I mention I have been doing this since I remember?
Anyways, coming back to the post-nashta period, I just sit there on the couch without being able to move, watching Sun Music, which by the way, SUCKS except for the few good songs they show. If I start talking about the hosts on that channel, it will become an unbearably huge post, so let me just get back to where I was. An hour would pass and my mom would slowly bring me a cup of filter coffee/buttermilk, depending on the day's supply/demand. As I never say NO to food, especially at home, I would just gulp it down and almost go to sleep on the couch. At this moment, I used to start thinking who I should meet that day and what mode of transportation I should use. By the time I come to a decision, lunch would be served hot and spicy, mostly on a banana leaf. Before I go into the details, I should probably mention how appalled I was looking at the sheer amount of food (read rice), people eat, or atleast people in my family eat. First they have a plate full of rice to eat with the main curry or by mixing it with the side dishes, then they have another serving of rice to have with rasam and finally they finish it off with, again rice with curd or buttermilk while I'd be gasping for breath to finish my first serving of rice. Btw, whenever someone invited me for lunch, relatives or family friends, there would invariably be all kinds of non-vegetarian dishes, FOR ONE MEAL. I'd be forced to eat everything, just to acknowledge their affection.
will be continued...
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Nostalgia!
As I am watching this ODI between India and West Indies on a bright saturday morning, yes, I said morning, I miss those good ol' days when my father and I used to sit in front of the TV all day to watch one day games like these. We used to have a constant supply of peanuts or some kind of fried snack, like green chilli bhajji, in a plate in front of us and an occasional serving of filter coffee, thanks to my mom. By the end of the game, we'd be a couple of pounds heavier! I miss those peanuts, bhajjis, filter coffees, and of course my mom and DAD, who is not with us anymore. Those days will never come back. There is one more thing that keeps bothering me. My dad used to get free tickets for cricket matches in chennai as he was a reporter. My cousins used to bug my dad for those tickets and my dad would just give it to them just to get rid of them. I never thought of getting those tickets from him and take my friends to the game with me. Not really sure why, but it sure would have been fun. DAMN!!
Well, I just realized the next world cup is hosted by the West Indies, which means more games in U.S daytime and weekends. YIPPPEEEEEEEE!!! One more thing, while I was writing this post, my ex-roomie called and said that he is bringing some ADAI that his mom made. Looks like I am gonna have company to watch the game and eat some HOT Indian food. My Saturday just became complete.
Well, I just realized the next world cup is hosted by the West Indies, which means more games in U.S daytime and weekends. YIPPPEEEEEEEE!!! One more thing, while I was writing this post, my ex-roomie called and said that he is bringing some ADAI that his mom made. Looks like I am gonna have company to watch the game and eat some HOT Indian food. My Saturday just became complete.
Friday, May 12, 2006
The countdown begins.
June 23rd, 2006 will be a special day for me. That's when I embark on a journey that I never thought would mean so much to me. When I tell someone that it's been six years since I saw my family in India, their jaw just drops to the floor. I don't think I will ever realize that six years is a very long time until I actually see my family. The last time I saw my brother's picture, it took me a while to recognize him. It can't get worse than that.
There will be emotional blackmails to get me to say 'Yes' to the BRIDE SEARCH BRIGADE, there will be questions about my lost hair and what I did/do to save the rest of it and there will be concerns about my lost weight without any awareness to how I feel that I am in the best shape of my life so far. But, what's a trip to India without all these blackmails, questions and concerns??
There will be emotional blackmails to get me to say 'Yes' to the BRIDE SEARCH BRIGADE, there will be questions about my lost hair and what I did/do to save the rest of it and there will be concerns about my lost weight without any awareness to how I feel that I am in the best shape of my life so far. But, what's a trip to India without all these blackmails, questions and concerns??
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Grumpy!
It's 7:20 AM Rocky Mountain Time. I am still not ready to start my day, as in start resolving the trouble tickets in my queue and there are only 28 waiting for my attention. Did I mention I came in to work at 6:00 AM? Well, I have never been a morning person and I don't think it's gonna change in the near future. I can be as nocturnal as a cockroach, but never in my life have I been an active daytime person. My roomies used to call me "Endhiricha Hitler", translated as "Hitler when I wake up", which I think was an understatement. When I see people with happy faces and a starbucks cup in their hands, I just feel like strangling them until they go back to sleep. Why in the world would you be happy so early in the morning?
There were instances when I was still in school doing my Masters (trust me, it was a very looooong time), someone would require my driver services to be dropped at the airport on a weekend day, say around 5:00AM. Being the nice person that I am (anyone wants to argue, call me), I would wake up right on time, drive the car with that same sleepy mindset, drop the person off, come back at around 6 or 6:30 and promptly go back to sleep without my roomies even knowing that I went out. I love my morning sleep so much. That's probably why I have been assinged office hours as below:
6:00AM - 3:00PM
There were instances when I was still in school doing my Masters (trust me, it was a very looooong time), someone would require my driver services to be dropped at the airport on a weekend day, say around 5:00AM. Being the nice person that I am (anyone wants to argue, call me), I would wake up right on time, drive the car with that same sleepy mindset, drop the person off, come back at around 6 or 6:30 and promptly go back to sleep without my roomies even knowing that I went out. I love my morning sleep so much. That's probably why I have been assinged office hours as below:
6:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday, May 08, 2006
Just miss!!
Finally, after a loooooong wait, Vettayaadu Velayaadu (Hunt and Play) aka Vettagaaduuuuu Velayaduuuu in telugu is releasing on Jun 2nd. I am sure the U.S screening will take place the weekend after that. This news is like pouring ice-cold draught beer into my tummy. For en iniya Tamil Makkal, indha news-a solli yen vayithula beer-a vaarthuttanga. There is only one little sadness though, wish they had set the U.S release date during the memorial day weekend since three of my friends, Shivudu, Jo and the cartoon would be visiting the Rocky Mountain land during that time. It's been a very long time since I watched a big-time movie like this in a theater surrounded by whistles and what not. Still, it doesn't take anything away from a Kamalhassan movie, especially for a die-hard fan like me, unless it's an encore of Aalavandhaan. OH YEAH and there's the real Jo, who could very well turn out to be the baddie in the movie as the film crew has kept it a secret for a very long time. I bet it's gonna be FUN in bold caps. Let's WAIT AND WATCH!!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
MI-3
Not exactly the first show, but it sure was the first day. It was 100% pure adrenalin with the usual high jumps, long jumps and pole vaults over sky scrapers. No surprises there, but the movie was surprisingly serious, unlike it's predecessors. The reason could be the presence of heavyweights like Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman and our beloved Morpheus, Laurence Fishburne. I can confidently vouch that this is the best of all the three MI movies. And of course, there is the scintillating MI theme, which is more famous than the movie itself. And it would be a sin if I didn't mention Tom Cruise's acting, which is defintely worth mentioning in this short review. He did a very good job, acting withing his limitations and yet turning in a powerful performance. Overall it was a satisfactory experience for someone like me who was wondering what happened to the genre called Action Thriller.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Not a BLOG VIRGIN anymore!
vizhiyoramaai oru neerthuli
vazhiyudhae en kaadhali
adhan aazhangal nee unarndhaal podhum podhum
azhiyaamalae oru nyabagam
alaipaayudhae enna kaaranam
arugaamaiyil un vaasam veesinaal swasam sooderidum
vazhiyudhae en kaadhali
adhan aazhangal nee unarndhaal podhum podhum
azhiyaamalae oru nyabagam
alaipaayudhae enna kaaranam
arugaamaiyil un vaasam veesinaal swasam sooderidum
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