Dangerous USB drives and equally dangerous english language

USB Drives? What an invention? I am currently using a 4GB drive and it costs peanuts (when you buy peanuts in one or two sack-fuls)...actually rs 383 - app 8USD...
Why are they dangerous, and why is english language equally dangerous? This is not a geek post, because i know nothing geeky, so dont worry about tech info, the fun(ny) part comes later on...
now coming to the danger of USB drives..they are so fond of picking up conficker virus, and spread them a lot. They dont show up if your machine is properly virus-walled, they simply remain inactive and does nothing. But if you are not virus-walled, like the stonewall in your company, they start acting up. What is so funny is that many USB keys when used for first time have this virus. Dont know if they spread because the infection is in the machine, but inactive because of anti-virus, but simply latches on when your pendrive is plugged in! But they are dangerous USB drives...
So a consultant colleague of mine has this biometric USB drive, very well protected with an-built anto-virus tool. It was so odd shaped, and I was naturally curious. I asked him why there is cover on both sides...and he said thus, very inadvertently without realizing what he was saying:
"Well, Guru...you see my key has two parts - private part and public part...anyone can see the public part, but cant see my private parts. I need to use my finger for the private part, and it opens only after the initial check is done; otherwise, with several infections spreading easily through these sticks, I can only protect using my finger, atleast the private part"
And my dear readers, that's why English is equally dangerous and damaging!

Memorable Tamil Movie dialogs

I know there has been immortalised tamil movie dialogs, like "சபாஷ் சரியான போட்டி!", "ஓடினான் ஓடினான் வாழ்க்கையின் ஓரத்துக்கே ஓடினான்." "வரி வட்டி கிஸ்தி...எங்களோடு வயலுக்கு வந்தாயா நாற்று நட்டாயா, களை பறித்தாயா? நீ என்ன மாமனா மச்சானா, மானம் கெட்டவனே."
But these are old-ones...I think we have had enough time to chart new set of Tamil Movie Dialogs...am proposing some.
If anyone else is as vetty as I am, kindly add/modify the list...
PS: No punch dialogs included
(1) சுப்பரமணிக்கு பொட்டு வைக்கணும் - By Sridevi in "Moonram Pirai"
(2) நான் பாத்தேம்பா நான் பாத்தேன் - from Anjali, Maniratnam movie
(3) I know, I know, I know - from Puriyaatha Puthir, immortalised by Raghuvaran - a versatile actor
(4) எவ்வளவோ பண்ணிட்டோம் இதை பண்ண மாட்டோமா? - By "Vettaikaran" Vijay and Premji Amar (in Saroja)
(5)என்ன கொடுமை சரவணன் இது! - By Prabhu (Chandramukhi)
(6) நான் எப்பவோ கரை ஏறிட்டேன் நீங்க இன்னும் ஏறலையே? - By Master Dasarathi in "Vedam Puthithu"
(7)ஏக் காவ் மே ஏக் கிசான் ரகுதாத்தா - By Baaghyaraj & Co
(8) யாராவது சப்பாநீன்னு கூப்டா சப்புன்னு அறைஞ்சிடு - By Sridevi in "16 vayadhinilay"
(9) "அவங்களை நிறுத்த சொல், நான் நிறுத்தறேன்", "நீங்க நல்லவரா, கெட்டவரா?" - By Kamal and "Nayakan"
(10) "சந்திரமௌலி மிஸ்டர் சந்திரமௌலி..." - By Karthik in Mouna Raagam
(11) "அரசியல்ல இதெல்லாம் சாதாரணமப்பா " - Goundamani in "Sooriyan"
(12) "கூட்டி கழிச்சி பாரு கணக்கு சரியா வரும்" - By Radharavi in "Annamalai"

And some of the eternal dialogs by comedians

"என்னை பார்த்து நீ எப்படிடா அந்த கேள்விய கேக்கலாம்?" "...இந்த மாதிரி கூடை வச்சிருக்கரவங்கல்லுக்கு வெளக்கு தர்ரதில்லே" "இந்த கொசு தொல்லை தாங்க முடியலடா நாராயணா, யாராவது கொஞ்சம் மருந்து அடிச்சி கொல்லுங்கடா"- and several others by Koundamani

"அந்த ஒண்ணுதான் அண்ணே இது" "அய்யய்யய்யையோ.. உங்களுக்கு மட்டும் எப்படி அண்ணே இதெல்லாம் தெரியுது?" - and several others by Senthil

"நீங்க எங்கியோ போயிட்டீங்க சார்" - in Aboorva Sahotharargal

"தங்கமணி ஊருக்கு போய்ட்டா" "No No No, கடமைக்கு நடுல பாசத்துக்கு எல்லாம் இடம் கொடுக்க கூடாது" - BY Janagaraj

"எப்படி இருந்த நான் இப்படி ஆயிட்டேன்" "இன்னிக்கி செத்தா நாளைக்கி பாலு" - and several others, immortalised by Vivek

'கெளம்பிட்டான்யா கெளம்பிட்டான்', "என்னை ரொம்ப நல்லவன்னு சொல்லிட்டாங்க" "என்னை வச்சி காமெடி கீமெடி பண்ணலையே?" - and several others By Vadivelu in several movies

Visible but invisible - Festivity, Fun and Frolic Season in Tamilnadu

Tamilnadu and Winter Season – festive mood around!
Some cynics will say, let the winter season actually come to Tamilnadu…ignore them, am referring to the generic time of Nov, Dec and Jan – when it houses the traditional winter month of “MARGAZHI”…Chennai and Tamilnadu wears a distinctive face and becomes a complete festive cauldron, which no other city in the world has.
You do have carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Glastonbury festival, Christmas season and celebrations in every city in the world, and the boat race season of Kerala…but not anywhere at the scale and variety as in Chennai and in Tamilnadu, and for catering to different aspects of people moods.
It is a pity the tourism ministry or cultural ministry or the tweeting ministry of internal 'external affairs ministry' affairs (ahem...) takes no care…maybe because of the usual biasness all has towards anything Tamil or Tamilnadu or Chennai! But it is sad even the culturals ambassadors, fiats, marutis and hyundais of Chennai fail to recognize, and promote this.
Anyway, laments apart, let me make a laundry list of camaraderie items…
GOLU
Actually, the camaraderie in Tamilnadu starts right in month of October with the GOLU season. It is in this Tamilnadu, where people are ok to live like they live on the earth …30% moving space, 70% water – except that here, instead of water, it is all Golu Padikkatu and Golu Bommai. While Dashara is celebrated, with Devi Pujas in all the other states of India, it is only here in Tamilnadu, where one gets sundal and gets to see the creativity at its best (and sometimes worst) in almost each and every household with decorated dolls
Deepavali
Of course, this is a national festival, and the festive mood prevails in TN as well. But what follows is…

Karthigai Deepam
The Deepam day dots almost every household with beautiful diyas; it is a sight to watch

All these serve as a prelude to the stream of cultural events to an otherwise boring, chilly Margazhi month (mostly mid-December to early-Jan)
Cutchery Season

Much has been written about the uniqueness of 25 day long carnatic music season, where a huge congregation of musical talent present their musical prowess to every nook and corner of Chennai. Can any other city, boast of any such unique musical event?
Chennai Open
Sports is not left far behind…Chennai Open Tennis happens during this time. Home to many Davis Cup players like Amritraj Family and Krishnan family, it is a unique event of Chennai where many foreign players participate. It is one of the reputed sporting events of India

Pongal Cricket
This used to be another traditional fare until about a decade back…no one knows why less and less International Cricket Matches, that too played by India, is being hosted at the Stadium, which has distinctly earned the laurels of many country players alike. Never one would see such a sporting crowd, who would applaud a true cricket game regardless of the country excelling in it. No trampoline pitches like KOTLA, nor unruly crowd like EDEN, where hooligans hide behind the name of fanatics...But no one knows why no more matches anymore, and no one seems to care too, including the “Mountroad Mahavishnu”, the BCCI Selector Chief and the IPL T20 team owner(also BCCI secretary, in a very powerful position)…but the tradition had it, Chepauk stadium will necessarily host a test cricket match during the Pongal season – mid January. It used to be as much a tradition as a Boxing Day match in Australia!!!
BAPASI Book Fair
This is another traditional fare of Chennai. After having the food for ears, with beautiful lilting carnatic music, it is time soothe your reading senses…the BAPASI Book Fair is an annual affair, with so many bookstalls. The crowd to this year’s bookfair is a proof of people’s love for books in Tamilnadu, which has always nurtured the literati. No TV, no internet could keep people away from books
Jallikattu
The bull-fighting feat of Tamilnadu is no less than the bull-fighting feat of Spain. In fact, the Jallikattu (bull-fighting) takes a very humane approach, and with care for animals (Thanks to Government intervention), this courageous sport happens during the Pongal season – early Jan to mid Jan timeframe – in Tamilnadu
Sangamam
Thanks to Kanimozhi….despite her political intonations and her political opposers’ chidings, she has managed to bring the folklore of Tamilnadu back into the hearts of Tamil people… all Tamil folk dances, theater (koothu, poikaalkuthirai) and traditional Tamil music in the form of 7-day event, staged at the public assembly points is a huge boost to otherwise disappearing Tamil culture
And for gluttons like me…
The other good side of Sangamam is to make available in street corners many specialty Tamil dishes….while the carnatic music festivals in sabhas, have canteens to present traditional Brahmin fare, otherwise available to you only in Marriages or other big functions.
So, there you go – feast for your eyes, ears and mouth. Add to this, stimulation to intellectual senses, and to the sporting buffs…everything culminates Post-Pongal with the...
Republic Day Parade and Tradefair
This is yet another feature of Tamilnadu, which is topped only by the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. In Tamilnadu, the parade happens in the beach road. The various “alangaara oorthigal” – decorated vehicle floats – showcasing several schemes of Tamilnadu, go and get

parked at the Tradefair at Island Grounds. This tradefair continues almost till March-end.

There you go…so much fodder and so much cultural, sports and intellectual extravaganza!

Unfortunately, not being promoted internationally, or even nationally…
I sure would feel proud to showcase my tamilnadu’s specialty through any ruling party, despite them stealing the credit for the entire season…the idea is the word should spread around!
And what a traditional season of stress-busting in Tamilnadu!

[Am posting the actual draft in my blog and as a guest post in my wife’s blog, and as a request post in a couple of blogs like idlyvadai, my friend chakra's blog, dubukku's blog etc...for people to read…and spread the word about Tamilnadu...as is being said by people it is not a "NOT HAPPENING PLACE" but the "most HAPPENING PLACE"]

More of Dinamalar

Shouldn't this news filed under "பிரச்னைகள்" here be actually filed under "முக்கிய செய்திகள் "?

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code

From Dinamalar today,
"இர்பான் பதானுக்கும், யூசுப் பதானுக்கும் திருமணம் செய்ய அவரது பெற்றோர்கள் யோசித்து வருகின்றனர். இதற்காக அவர்கள் வசிக்கும் வீடு விரிவுபடுத் தப்பட்டு வருகிறது"
Huh, do their parents accept it really? Have we Indians become that progressive, and broadminded? Does Dinamalar aggressively support the bold part? Do they really "hold this up" in the wedding? (I couldnt avoid the pun - however bad it is...hee hee hee...sorry)
Something the journos write, without understanding the implication....
That's why Kabali Ka Dosth said someday "தமிழ் ரொம்ப நுணுக்கமான மொழி, பார்த்து உபயோகிக்கணும்"

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 8

Because of a too long a break I took, I could just 5 rounds in the 500m trail - 3 rounds of walking and 2 rounds of jogging. It had me gasping for breath already, and I stopped and came home. Tomorrow is my hope to get back into atleast 8 rounds. Once again, next 4 days after that, there is little scope for me to run - 2 days I am off to Management Offsite at our office, 1 day of my returning back and 1 day of festivity (Ganesh Chaturthi). I need to atleast make up with Nordic Walking - minus the ski poles!

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 7

Nothing to add. It rained. My son didnt go to school. So two excuses combined into one big reason for not doing this on Day 7. Bad!

Yahoo...its official

Oh yes...I think I am officially out of the long-term blogstipation ; and require some adjustment and that should explain my 4th post of the day today and the 5 posts in the immediate past...some bit of bloggorhea...kindly excuse!
I would like to recall the famous heart-touching philosophical lyrics that has been a life-changer for me, as an inspiration for this bloggorhea, from Student No:1
"varaamalay poga mudiyuma,
vandhuvitta nirutha mudiyala"

I am scared...

...after watching "Anu Alavum Bayam Illai" - the new (dur)reality show on the Vijay TV. Instead of looking as an inspired show like from AXN's "Fear Factor", this looks more like a spoof of it. To put it crudely, this looks like the Action Stunt's Lollu Sabha.
if only had you watched the episode of crossing the 4 boats, you would know what I mean!
Takeshi's Castle on Pogo TV is much better!

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 6

Nothing to update; I slept off till 9.30am...and got into a vetty conversation with a neighbour for 30 mins...Damn Me :-(

L. Kishore Kumar - Sitar Musician

It was a very proud moment for me to watch my dear friend from Loyola College days, Shri L. Kishore Kumar sharing the dais with esteemed playback singer Shri S. P. Balasubrahmanyam as a judge in Hamam Nalangu Maavu - Ennodu Paattu Paadungal. He is the son of veteran music director Shri T. G. Lingappa - no more alive - who has composed some immemorable songs like "Kaana inbam kaninthatheno", "Chithiram Pesuthadi" "Onnula Irunthu Irubathu Varaikkum kondattam" and many more in Kannada and Telugu. But Kishore struggled a lot to establish himself as a Musician in the Cine field. He wanted to create a unique name for himself, and not linger under the shadows of his father's pride.
He is today a well-known Sitar Player in the Cine Field. He has composed under several great musicians of today. If I remember correctly, he is one of the very few in the South Indian Cine field who can also play a "Sarangi"
Yeah, how do I know him? He was my class mate more than a decade ago in the Loyola College - Statistics Department, "P" batch - if that means something to someone. We were good friends, and managed to maintain our friendship even after so many days, and after being in different fields. Some of the uniting factors for us: mutual respect for our talents, similar tastes in music appreciation, losing dad at an early age, inheriting diabetes from the Father, simple and humble lifehood, being in mylapore, nageswara rao park walks...
The significant part ofour friendship nurturing dates back to college days, when we would go to Kapaleeswarar Temple and spend time chatting up for a long time. (And another routine that nurtured my friendship with yet another great friend Lakshminarasimhan is - long walks in the Marina Beach on sundays, and spending hours of chatting). These are some of my self-awareness growing years, and these two played a significant role at that point of time.
A very unassuming, and highly approachable person he is; and he is extremely talented in his chosen field. May God and wishes from elderly musicians and from his father, take him to good heights in his chosen career. I am so happy to write this post.

Helmets are meant for menial Public you and me..

...of course it is legal for POLICEMEN near VIP areas like Chief Minister House and Opposition Party Leaders House to streak down without a helmet;

Clicked on August 12 2009 @ 4.15pm

Vehicle No: TN 09 V 6355

Location: The street cutting off TTK Road, Alwarpet, and leading into CIT Colony; the road straight goes and cuts left and right. Few meters away on the right is a VVIP house.

Clicked on July 25 2009 @ 4.26pm

Vehicle No: TN 01 R 4601

Location: Cathedral Road, outside Stella Maris, near Poes Garden; again a VVIP area

Of course, the idea and issue about safety, and the traffic laws are applicable only to menial public you and me.

Ignorance of Law is not an excuse, then what will ignoring of the law entail? I feel absolutely safe and happy living amidst such law-protectors...of course, long back, my spine has been extracted in a special procedure so as to accept myself as part of this Generation!

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 5

Yay! Not only could I sustain Day 3, I could do extra.
Covered 6 rounds of walking on 500m trail, and 1 round of walking on the 250m trail
Covered 2 rounds of jogging on 500m trail, and i round of jogging on the 250m trail
In all, covered 4.5 kms today. Yes!!!

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 4

I coudlnt do the intended sustenance run of Day-3. Because I woke up late. Reason for waking up late is because, the kids didnt have school. When I woke up, I din't have the mood to go for a walk/jog. By the time, I pepped myself up, it was hot in the morning.
Later, i covered about 2kms in walking by going up to Kapali Temple Market, and purchasing few stuffs for the Janmashtami celebrations. The stuffs that would guarantee yummy bakshanams. The main ingredient I got was Butter (oothukuli)...yum yum, so lip smacking...
Of course, in the evening I got yummy snacks - murukku, omam podi, ribbon bakkoda, cheedai and vella cheddai
Good, let me see for Day 5. I doubt if I will be able to do the Day 3 sustenance, given all the lip smacking, fat inducing, oily snacks to be devoured

Walk the Talk, Run for Fun - Day 3

Yes, I did it...5 rounds of walking and 1 round of jogging in the 500m trail. Tomorrow it is the sustenance of Day-3 levels...