Google Reader Snippets

Don't ask me why I am writing in orange. Today is Friday and I feel like escaping from the suffocating grayish, sober tones of the workweek and be "springy"..:)

I decided to try out Google Reader after a long while. I've been playing with various feed readers. It's been a sort of a favourite vetti hobby for me. Don't ask me what my fascination is with feed readers! Its like this: I like to have all my news neatly organized, arranged and ready for me to browse with my morning coffee. So I go to great pains to research a feed reader, set up my feeds and go to bed with a satisfied sigh.

I wake up in the morning and think, " To hell with feed readers" and descend into my usual chaotic browsing pattern. And that is basically: "Read whatever catches your eye." Didn't mean to bore you with a lecture on my browsing patterns.

I tried Google Reader a while back and found it confusing, contrary to all popular opinions. It was too chaotic for me with no folders, no option to mark feeds read etc... But recently, after dealing with some complex software, I figured this was easier. And I checked out the "Share" option on my Google Reader. So on the right side of this page, you'll see a box with a bunch of items that I found interesting to read and "Starred" it. Being the optimist that I am, I am going to think that I will keep updating this..:)

UK is constructing a huge parking complex at the corner of Press Avenue and Virginia Avenue. Entry into Press Avenue off Virginia is blocked. That costs me another 8 minutes in terms of diversion because South Limestone is so crowded and to even take a right turn, I have to wait at least 3-4 minutes (yeah, I timed it!). But that's not the point. The other way to enter Press is via Leader avenue. There's a T-junction with a stop sign where leader hits Press Avenue. You can either go right or left. This is probably one of the worst turns ever. You've got cars parked on Press Avenue by the curb that block your vision. It is virtually impossible for you to see if there's any car coming from the left. If its night, you can tell by the headlights. If its day and you've got music turned on in your car, you really are not going to have a clue where you're going! That's not the end of it. Leader avenue has also got parking on the street. Parking stops a few feet away from the stop sign. Common sense. But the past 2-3 weeks, some idiot has been parking right upto and at the stop sign making it a cramped, one-lane road with blind corners on either side. I noticed a week back, a cop was meticulously making out a ticket to a car parked there. And then for a couple of days, the illegal parking stopped. Now, someone's started it again. I truly wish that, whoever this person is, he/she get slapped a fine that they won't forget for the rest of their life! It is causing danger to the lives of motorists.

There have already been two accidents at that exact corner. Now, this parking situation just worsened it and I shudder at the thought of what's going to happen when the parking structure opens up to the public.Hopefully, someone is going to do something about that turning. Either prohibit parking on the street (which I don't think is possible given the parking problem at the U of Ky) or make sure that there's a three way stop or something!

The Fat Lady Sings...

So what's with the fat lady and her singing? Why is it such a stylish phrase used by password mongers and wannabe secret societies? What does it mean? Read here.

Listening...

"Listening is an art. When people are speaking it requires that they have our undivided attention. We focus on them; we listen very carefully. We listen to the spoken words and the unspoken messages." - Frances Hesselbein, The Art of Listening

Just when I was thinking that nothing could inspire me to write anymore, I ran across this article- The Art of Listening- on the web. I was googling for Peter F. Drucker (been reading "Managing Oneself" by Drucker).

Listening is an art alright. We, humans, wear many masks. We mean one thing but we say something else in the hope that the other person understands (If you're a guy and you have a woman in your life, you'll know what I mean!:)). The kicker is in the tone and body language; Not the actual words. This is the reason it is hard to make computers fathom human conversation. There's just too many overtones, too many fine distinctions and too many idiosyncrasies.

Listening, if done right, is one of the most exhausting things one can ever do. Listening to a long technical/business discussion at a workplace can be strenuous. But then, mostly we can draw a line and say, "Hey, I am not going to let this affect me beyond this point!". You have the option of distancing yourself. "Human interest stories", on the other hand, don't let you do this. You start putting yourself in the other person's shoes, you imagine what'd have happened if you were in such a mess, what you'd feel,do etc...and at some point, you start feeling the other person's happiness/agony/anger/sadness/enthusiasm! Your emotions take over rapidly because you're actually listening. This is especially true with friends and loved ones.

I don't know if I am a good listener or not. But many-a-time, I've been influenced by the mood of the people I've been talking to. With the web, feeds, phone, tv, radio etc..., one is just flooded with information. I think that the trick is to listen to the right people at the right time for the right things.

I haven't been posting frequently. I have figured out that there's a direct relation between my reading and writing. The more diverse the topics I read about, the more ideas I have to write about. Of late, it has been a dry run. I haven't picked up a book and devoted time to it in the past two months. The last book I read was "Udaiyar" by Balakumaran when I was in India. I really do yearn for the feeling where I can just lose myself in the yarn spun by the lines of a good book! Ahhh! But then, there's also this little something called concentration that has to oblige..:)
I have put aside Jane Austen's "Emma" for my next read. After reading too many contemporary, practical essays/books, I yearn for a bit of old-world-charm and romance! Perhaps, the direct result of watching "Pride and Prejudice" last weekend...:)
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I was standing in queue at a bank when this quote flashed on a display screen:
"A man in love is incomplete until he marries. Then he's finished"- Zsa Zsa Gabor
Brought a smile on my face..:)
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As if there wasn't enough controversy over abortion, now we have this. I confess I'd never even imagined such a point of view! So this article made me raise my brows. Male readers, what's you take on this? Just curious.

You can tell me anything", a gentle voice prompts me.
"But I am so lost! I HATE EVERYTHING.How can I tell you anything clearly? " I replied impetuously, tears streaming down my face.
My friend took my hands in his, smiled and said,
"It doesn't have to be clear. I am your conscience...I KNOW."

All that was more than 9 years back in the hallways of Burnaby North Higher Secondary School, Vancouver when I was a 15-year old suddenly shocked into a world I didn't belong in. Well, this morning, I sorely missed that "conscience"..:) When you need something the most, it ain't there..:) And you're left wondering......

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Let's say I decide to give up chocolates. Due to some weird destiny, let's say that the next week I run into a cache of irresistible Belgian chocolates. Did fate send the chocolates my way because I decided to give it up? :) Is it some kind of weird temptation test? Of course, this applies to not just chocolates but almost anything. When you've made up your mind that you don't want something, it just stares you right in the face...:) And you're left wondering....

Akshaya

A week or so back, I wrote about Akshaya. Vijay had originally sent us all a link to the article and I was moved enough to write about it.

Dinesh came up with an idea to help Akshaya. All of us pitched in and Laka (and that's short for Lakshminarasimhan) became our point man..:)After innumerable e-mails exchanged on this subject and contacting Mr.Krishnan, we finally pulled through with what we could to help Akshaya.

This blog is not intended to self-glorify, publicize or preen. Our contribution is perhaps miniscule compared to so many other noble acts and there are probably thousands of others who are doing good things we can't even imagine. But I am really, really proud of our little Tamil community and friends gang here in Lexington! Proud of the fact that we have some very creative, dynamic minds amongst us; proud of the fact that they also care; that there are people willing to step up to take the responsibility; that we, as a group, didn't have any disagreements/dissensions in joining hands for a noble cause. I am proud to be a part of this community!

I hope that more communities like ours all over the world (even if just 3 or 4 people) step up to help organizations like 'Akshaya'. They need it!

Forgivance..

I was driving back from lunch via the UK (Univ of Kentucky) campus. At the corner of S.Limestone and Virginia, a young man was holding up a "Jesus forgives your past. Just ask." placard. I used to see such signs often when I was in Louisiana.

What does God forgive? Anything in the past? What if all those 'anythings' were stuff we did knowingly/deliberately? Would just repentance suffice? I mean, if we had a God who forgave us everything and absolved us of all consequences of our actions, we would all grow indifferent. I don't think humans function without incentives..:) God may forgive us but I think it is too much to ask for release from our actions! So, if I were a grad student (which I am) and I didn't do my paper despite repeated warnings from my professor that I may get an 'E' if I don't hand it in today, God would definitely forgive me but I would still get an 'E'. Fair enough? I think so..:)

Everyday gyaan

I don't mean to sound like a finishing school Miss but at some point or the other, every hostess has an overriding anxiety: how to keep your guests entertained. It may not even be a formal party but any successful host/hostess should know to keep the conversation flowing. At least, I feel that way..:)
Our driver, Sanjay, came up to our apartment in Mumbai to drop off a few grocery and vegetable bags. Mom was making some delicious food judging by the aroma that wafted from the kitchen. I asked him to stay back and eat. He settled himself in the sofa. My brother was sitting nearby, engrossed in some puzzle, oblivious to his surroundings. Looking at the two of them, one would've thought they had sworn not to talk to each other. Then, one of my dad's friends walked in and started reading some magazine. They seemed perfectly okay with the silence. I tried to talk but got monosyllables from each of them in reply.

Drat, I thought.

Then, out of a need to do something with my hands, I switched on the TV. India was playing Pakistan (Replay of the day's game) and immediately, three heads shot up in unison above papers and magazines like prairie dogs alerted to a scent..:) Now, I don't mean any disrespect when I say that except that's what really crossed my head at that time!

"You think Harbhajan bowled well today?"
"He did as well as he could."
"M.S. Dhoni is in crackling form!"
"I hope they beat the hell out of Afridi tomorrow!"
"The curators have designed awful pitches, yaar..if only they had something in it for the bowlers!"
"Nah..batsmen's pitches are anyday more interesting."
And more cricket talk followed. Meanwhile, I was thinking that M.S Dhoni's hair color looked rather nice..:)
I sighed in relief. At least, they are engaged, I thought. So how do you entertain an old man, a teenager and a young man, all with differing personalities?! Just put a TV in the middle, tune onto some game and leave them alone..:))

P.S: I used to follow cricket myself and I do notice more than players' hairstyles and coloring..:) I enjoy it every bit but then, I don't think I can ever hope to match a guy's appetite for it!

Yadda Yadda Yadda

I could only connect through phone with a lot of my old college buddies when I was vacationing in India. Some of them are so busy with their worklife that they can hardly breathe. A couple of my friends are getting hitched. I was completely vetti (jobless). A couple of phone conversations left me wondering. For the entire length I talked, I could muster only pitiful "uh-huh"s or "hmm"s as responses. To make things worse, my mind started wandering on miscellania. I had to jolt myself back into conscious conversation time and again.
"yadda yadda yadda...work..you know what I mean?"
A hopeful pause at the other end.
Gosh, I don't really know, I thought to myself. But audibly,
"uh-huh.yeah."
What was wrong with me? These were not "hi-bye" relationships. These were friends with whom I've spent four years of college life. Hours have slipped by unnoticed talking to them, laughing with them, teasing them. Where had that old camaraderie gone? Why did I feel this way with a few whilst with others I still connected as of old? How had 3 years altered some of us?
I knew that the rational answer was differing personal growth levels. Different experiences, hardships, successes all lead to different personas. Perhaps, the few with whom I could still relate to had grown alongside me, albeit in a different way. I still don't know the right answer to this.
And I didn't want a rational or right answer. It was disconcerting to find out that even the best of relationships might eventually go the same way. The frightened child in me wanted a reassuring answer. So, I tried calling again and again to wash away the guilt of the previous conversation. It was only made worse.
I was sitting there biting my lips wondering how this could have happened when my brother came in whistling. He gave me a casual look and said,

"You should change the look on your face. You look like you just stepped in a puddle of cowdung."

I frowned at him for being so flippant. For not understanding me.

"If you think I am going to understand all those pointed looks and long faces, forget it, babe! Tell me what's on your mind and *maybe*, I will try to understand your muddled thoughts." He retorted.

I poured out all my long-drawn, confused, thought processes; how I was feeling confused, alone, upset yadda yadda yadda. He sat through the entire tirade with a look of awe.

Finally, he shook his head as if to clear it and cleared his throat,

"You thought all this from a couple of phone calls?!?!!!! You know, I have fried noodles at the BITS night canteen everyday."

"What? That's all you can think of to say to me? Food?" I screamed.

"Yeah. I think your thoughts are like noodles. All tangled up, confused, slippery and hard to grasp." He shot back.

"Speaking of which, I am hungry. Chat at Chowpati beach sound good? Think constructive thoughts like this. Life will at least be tasty."

I couldn't help smiling. Thank god for brothers.. and men.:)

A Few Good Men

Vijay had forwarded this link via e-mail from The Hindu. Every day I read thousands of news items about murders, deaths, diseases and the innumerable travails of living. In the process of living, we learn how to die every single day..:( This link is a reminder to me that good people, intentions and actions are still alive and kicking in this world. It is also a reminder that there is something called selfless love.
This article shook me up this morning and unconsciously, I lifted my eyes in thanks towards the heavens..

Kurai Ondrum Illai Kannaa...
(I have no regrets, O Lord!)

Paris!

I've been meaning to write about Paris for a while now. But haven't summoned up the inspiration for that yet..:) So here's a few pics in lieu of that!

Scribbles of a jet-lagged mind

I

t makes for interesting conversations over breakfast when your ears are plugged up with a bad cold. "Could you pass the milk please?" sounded like "Coldshoe shazzame please?". "Austin" sounded like "Boston".

"So, it must be really cold there right now? Man, I can't imagine living there..grr.."

I get a weird look.

"Err..not really. It is warm enough in Austin to be in shorts and flip-flops!"

People are grumpier until after breakfast and your repeating "Pardon me" 100 times only serves to irritate them more! :(

T

imes Square, NY is a sight for sore eyes on a cold, blistery winter night. The bright neon lights and cheery atmosphere diverted me from mulling over what a cold night it was. A hot masala dosa from 'Saravana Bhavan' on Lexington and 42nd didn't hurt either..:) I let my eyes wander over the soaring skyscrapers brightly silhouetted against the night sky. A hazy fog obscured the top of most buildings. What with the ambience, I felt like I was in Gotham and was half-expecting a Bat Signal to pop up in the sky! :)

I

t is rather embarassing when you forget to remove the maker's tag from your coats/jackets. Those people just make it harder by having it stitched in. Why not just have something that you can rip off easily? Well, I knew I was supposed to take it off but never got around to it. An airline stewardess in the flight I was in had a patronizing grin each time she passed me. I couldn't think of any reason and I just put it down to one of those human eccentricities. Then, when the flight was about to land, she leaned in and whispered,

"Ma'am, you're supposed to remove this tag."

Considering that I’d walked around all over the place with that stupid tag on, all I could do was nod sheepishly. Talk about embarassing!

[Finally, I did cut the darn thing off when I got home. I guess I need to thank her for that.]

Back to the Bluegrass

The queasy feeling at the pit of my stomach whenever I reach an airport started showing itself again when I arrived at Sahar International Airport, Mumbai. I have learnt to live with it now. I suppose it is the fact that I'd have nothing to identify myself with for the next 24 hours except my passport. No address; no family; no friends; just a few printed sheets of passport. I know that perhaps this is making too much of a big deal about nothing..:) So I am going to stop. After traveling for 2 hours by car (another of Mumbai's travails), we arrived at the airport a bit off schedule. I am not one for saying goodbyes. A brief nod at my parents, a kiss on their cheeks and I was gone. I didn't look back.

Well, after a long and tiresome journey, I was relieved after I cleared customs at Atlanta. The sight of 'Starbucks' warmed my heart..:) After Paris Charles de Gaulle, I have realized how well equipped American airports are. Rather thankful for it. I peeped out the window at Lexington before landing. I was happy to get back to this sleepy little town that has been my hometown for nearly 2 years now. Frankly, I have become rather wary and sick of big, huge cities. Boarding and arriving at these monster cities leaves me exhausted. Mumbai is one monster of a city. Though I did enjoy some aspects of Mumbai, I figured I'd rather not spend my life there. Endless traffic lines, crowds and queues for everything from groceries to airport check-in lines have left me rather jaded. Atlanta was no relief either. I had to wait for a long while before my baggage even showed up and the jostling crowds didn't ease anything. I don't mean to complain. I guess these are the normal appendages of being in big metros.

The flight arrived in Lexington. People didn't jostle to get out of the flight. Everyone was leisurely sitting in their seats waiting for the line ahead to clear up. I did the same. I liked the relaxed atmosphere..:) The sight of k and rs bought a smile to my face. I picked up baggage with little problems and in a few minutes, I was home.

After the crowds of Mumbai, I confess Lexington looks like a ghost town to me! My apartment feels even more weird. I have become used to the colour, liveliness and throb of India after nearly 2 months there. I miss the noise. Sigh. It will be sometime before I get used to this again.

Don't Think. Blink.

Michael Gladwell's "blink" bore me company on Dadar Express from Chennai to Mumbai. For anyone who doesn't know the agony of a 24 hour journey by train, the Chennai-Mumbai leg would be a good starter. After the initial curiosity of gazing at bucolic landscapes and gulping one absolutely horrendous railway Idli-Vada-Chutney (reminded me of 'Anniyan' and 'Kumbee Bagam'), I settled down to read this book.

There have been times when I've taken ridiculous likes/dislikes to people and things. An instinctive feeling of warmth and trust creeps in when I meet some. There are moments when a little voice murmurs, 'No. This thing is BAD for you.' When people belligerently ask, 'So, why in the world don't you like her? You just saw her!', I've never been able to explain WHY. This book explains how we 'thin-slice' all the time and form opinions. The 'Adaptive Unconscious', as Gladwell calls it, guides you surely and firmly in the right direction before your conscious mind even realizes anything. Perhaps this is the 'gut instinct' that people rely on so much.

One thing I found interesting is the fact that people who instinctively make a decision and people who are given time to make a decision eventually make the SAME decision. Perhaps, taking "time" to make a decision is irrelevant? Do we agonizingly confuse issues by poring over too much fringe data? Maybe. Personally, I agree with the author as far as decision making goes. There is only certain core data we need to make a decision and usually, it is available at hand. The other fringe information is for confirmation and safety. And this information, at times, does serve to confuse the conscious mind instead of clarifying it. So we begin to second-guess. Doubt creeps in and the conviction needed to execute actions goes missing.

I believe in instinct. It has saved my bacon a lot of times...:) People sometimes criticize the so-called "feminine instinct". I don't think there's any sort of gender in instinct. I think women are more prone to recognize their emotions and feelings. Perhaps, in the process they end up being more sensitive to that little inner voice.

Definitely worth a read for the examples and real-world incidents that the author details. The good news is that we are born with this instinct and we can hone it. Don't think, Gladwell says, Blink.

Indian Artwork!

Above: Zari work on a silk saree

Each time I set foot into a bazaar in India, it fairly whisks my breath away (even now). Clothes dyed artfully with striking colors, tastefully hand-embroidered handbags, mirror work wall hangings, bedspreads, jewel-encrusted paintings, bronze artfully sculpted into myriad gods and godesses all continue to dazzle the visitor. It is not the presence of these works of art that is impressive; it is the fact that these are so omnipresent and abundant. Even the vendor hawking wares on the sidewalk has goods that have a certain degree of artistry and workmanship!

I recently purchased a painting made on silk that has been so finely woven that it feels like paper. The painting is no Van Gogh or Rembrandt...:) But it is attractive enough to be hung in a living room. From huge silk houses that weave intricate designs on sarees to the simple hawker who sells beautiful accessories by the roadside, here's my salute to Indian artistry and workmanship! :)

How would you phrase it?

Kerala has the evocative tagline of "God's Own Country". Malaysia is "Truly Asia". England has "Cool Brittania". Mumbai is searching for one such logo..:) Image is everything. A tagline describes the city/country in one line. It should have spice and punch.
Why, of all things, does Chennai have to have the unimaginative logo of "Singara Chennai"? Apart from the feeble attempt at alliteration, no one who looks at Chennai would say it is "singaram". I did rack my brains to think of something. I couldn't come up with anything decent but I am sure there are thousands who can do it....:)

Row 1 (Left to Right): Sunset over the Arabian Sea, "The Queen's Necklace" in Mumbai's Marine Drive, Golden sunset over the Arabian Sea

Row 2 (Left to Right): Srirangam railway station captured on my whim, Teppakulam (Temple tank) in Trichy, Tiruvanaikkoil market with the Temple tower in the background

Row 3 (Left to Right): Banana vendor in Tiruvanaikkoil bazaar, River Kaveri in Trichy, Temple tower of Ranganatha temple in Srirangam, Trichy

Row 4(Left to Right): Srirangam temple tower decorated at night for Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, Mumbai's Gateway of India commemorating the arrival of George V and Queen Mary, Statue of Chatrapati Shivaji

பொங்கல் தின சிறப்பு நிகழ்ச்சிகள்- சில குறிப்புகள்!

சூர்யா!
பொங்கல் தினத்தன்று 'அண்ணனுக்கு ஜே' என்ற தலைப்பில் நடிகர் சூர்யாவுடன் ஒரு நாள் சுற்றினார்கள் விஜய் டிவி யில். மேக்கப் எதுவும் இல்லாமல், சாதாரண நடுத்தர தரப்பினரை சேர்ந்த ஒரு பிள்ளையாக, வலம் வந்தார். சொந்த ஊரில் தனது உறவினர்களை அறிமுகப்படுத்தினார். குளத்து தண்ணீரில் குதித்து நீந்தினார். கல்லூரி மாணவர்களை சந்தித்து பேசினார்.
இவ்வளவு படங்கள் நடித்தும், சூர்யாவிடம் ஒரு அழகான கூச்சம் இருக்கிறது. மனிதர் காமிராவை பார்த்து மிக பாந்தமாக பேசுகிறார். பொதுவாகவே, நடிகர்களுக்கு காமிரா முன் நின்று, நின்று ஒரு consciousness வந்துவிடும் என்றுதான் நினைக்கிறேன். 'நான் நடிகன். காமிரா முன் நிற்கிறேன்' என்கிற ஒரு நினைப்பு இருந்து கொண்டே தான் இருக்கும். ஆனால் சூர்யாவிடம் அது இல்லை! அழகாக, தன்மையாக பேசினார். டான்ஸ் ஆட சொன்னால் மிகவும் வெட்கப்பட்டு, இரண்டு ஸ்டெப் போட்டுவிட்டு ஓடிவிட்டார். தான் மிகவும் கூச்சசுபாவியென்றும், தானே இவ்வளவு வெற்றி பெற்றால், நிச்சயம் சாதாரண மனிதர்கள் எல்லோரும் வெற்றி பெறலாம் என்று சொன்னார். நிகழ்ச்சி choreographed என்றாலும், சூர்யா பேசியது எதுவும் பொய்யாக தோன்றவில்லை. மிகவும் பிடித்திருந்தது.

சூர்யா- மென்மை.

மீரா ஜாஸ்மின்!

வணக்கம் தமிழகத்தில் மீரா ஜாஸ்மின் பேட்டி அளித்தார். எனக்கு இவரிடமும் பிடித்தது - அழகாக தமிழில் பேசுகிறார். வார்த்தைகள் தெரியாதபோது, டி.ஸ். ரங்கநாதனை கேட்டு தெரிந்து கொண்டு, உபயோகபடுத்துகிறார். 'இமேஜ் கெட்டுவிடுமோ?' என்று பயந்து கொள்ளாமல், தப்போ தவறோ தமிழிலேயே பேசினார். அவரது credit-கு, வெகுவாக சரியாகவே பேசினார். தமிழ் நடிகைகளே, தமிழை மிக கொச்சையாக பேசும் காலத்தில், ஒரு மலையாள நடிகை தமிழை தெரிந்து கொண்டு பேசுவது மிக பாராட்டப்பட வேண்டிய விஷயம். மிக சரியாக யோசித்து பதில்கள் அளித்தார். பாடவும் செய்தார்! :))

டி.ஸ் ரங்கநாதன் பேச்சை சுவாரஸ்யமாக எடுத்து போக மாட்டேன் என்கிறார். மீரா அடுத்து மேலே என்ன சொல்லுவது என்று தெரியாமல் திணர, இவர் பாட்டுக்கு வேடிக்கை பார்த்து கொண்டு இருக்கிறார்! கூட இருக்கும், இன்னொரு பெண்மணிதான் cue குடுத்து மேலே நடத்தி செல்கிறார். இம்மாதிரி பேட்டியெடுக்கும் வகையில் இருக்கும் நிகழ்ச்சியை தொகுத்து வழங்கும் மனிதருக்கு சற்று presence of mind வேண்டாமோ??

மீரா ஜாஸ்மின் - ஜில்லுனு ஒரு தென்றல்! :)

பட்டிமன்றம்

சாலமன் பாப்பைய்யா தலைமையிலும், லியோனி தலைமையிலும் பட்டிமன்றம் நடந்தது. நன்றாக சிரிக்க, சிரிக்க பேசினார்கள்.
அது என்ன, ஒரு பண்டிகை வந்தால் தான் பட்டிமன்றம் வைப்பார்களா? வேறு எந்த சமயத்திலும், இதெல்லாம் பேச மாட்டார்களா?

பட்டிமன்றம்- அலுப்பு!

பெப்சி உமா

பெப்சி உமா இன்றும் 'உங்கள் சாய்ஸ்' நடத்துகிறார். பொங்கலுக்காக 'திரை கண்ணோட்டம்' நடத்தினார். இன்றும், இவரது பேச்சு எனக்கு அலுக்கவில்லை. மனிதர்களை எரிச்சலூட்டுவதர்கென்றே பேசும் சில தொகுப்பாளினிகளுக்கு (உதாரணம் சன் மியூசிக் ஹேமா சிங்) இடையில், இவர் ஒரு இனிமையான மாறுதல். நல்ல குரல். அழகான உச்சரிப்பு. இயல்பான பேசும் முறை. எவனோ தெரியாத ஒருவனிடம் போய், 'உன்னுடைய மனைவியின் மிக அழகான அம்சம் எது?' என்றெல்லாம் அச்சு பிச்சென்று கேள்வி கேட்காமல் (அய்யோ, நான் பொய் சொல்லலைங்க! நெசமாவே இப்படி ஒருத்தங்க கேட்க, தொலைபேசியின் மறுமுனையில் அவர் நெளிய...என்ன கருமமடா!), contextual-ஆக பேசுகிறார். எல்லோரையும் comfortable-ஆக பீல் பண்ண வைக்கிறார். அந்த நிகழ்ச்சியை உமாவுக்காகவே உட்கார்ந்து பார்த்தேன்.

உமா - கம்பீரம்!

ரம்யா கிருஷ்ணன்

சிறப்பு 'தக தக தக தக தங்க வேட்டை' நடத்துகிறார் ரம்யா. அவரது தமிழ் உச்சரிப்பே மிக வினோதமாக இருக்கிறது. அவருக்கு, நல்ல husky குரல். அதை கத்தி, கூச்சலிட்டு பாழ்படுத்தி கொள்கிறார்! கேள்விகளோ அதற்கு மேல் அபத்தம்.

"எருமைப் பாலின் நிறம் என்ன?"

இதற்கு வேறு helpline ஒருவர் கேட்க, என்னால் தாங்கமுடியவில்லை...:(

ரம்யா - All glitter, no gold.

அஜீத்

'பரமசிவம்' படத்துக்காக மிகவும் இளைத்த, பழைய 'ஆசை' அஜீத். உடலில் நல்ல மெருகு. படம் எப்படி இருக்கிறது என்று தெரியாது.

அஜீத்- புனர்ஜன்மம்.

விஜய்யின் 'ஆதி'

விஜய் கூடிய சீக்கிரத்தில் முடி திருத்தம் செய்யவில்லையென்றால், புறா கூடு கட்டுவது சர்வ நிச்சயம். காய்ந்து, வரண்டு போன வைக்கோல் நிறம் வேறு பூசியிருக்கிறார்...:) நான் விஜய் ரசிகைதான். அதற்காக இப்படியா?? :))

Quite Contrarily...

"Mary, Mary quite contrarily
How does your garden grow?"

I was reading "The bad Times of India" a couple of weeks back when this poem popped into my head. Two news times were arranged side by side in the newspaper.
The first one was that some ruffians had gotten into a train (I forget which one), forced a 22-year old married woman into the toilet and gang raped her.

The second news item was that the Mumbai Police squad had taken moral policing to heart. They swooped down upon some married couples in a public park. Their crime was that they were sitting very close to each other and holding hands while walking. The lady police, being the great Kannagis and Savitris of our era, beat the women with lathis and used obscene language to abuse them! The couples protesting that they were married and they had done nothing "indecent" was of no avail.

Perhaps the editor didn't have the irony in mind when they put these two news items side by side.