The Hindu : Chennai / MetroPlus : Drive to change

The Hindu : Chennai / MetroPlus : Drive to change

DeivaThirumagal - Go for it for its Innocence and worship of Relationships!!!

Latest film of Vikram directed by Vijay, is a movie which has its moments mainly between the lead vikram and his daughter Nila (played by Sara). Though unofficially it is a remake of Hollywood movie I am Sam, director has taken just the plot and woven the characters of his own.

Vikram & Sara steals the show in the first half, while Anushka and Nasser in the second half. Though the movie churn out many logical questions, I would suggest to ignore those questions and watch the movie for its novelty and the fact that films like this come as a rarity in Indian film industry which is known for its larger than life characters, colorful costumes, some songs and action.

There are many poetic moments, not only between Vikram and Sara, but also with Anushka and Vikram, Anushka and her father played by versatile YG Mahendra, Amala & Sara, Amala & Vikram.

Cinematography is best with locations like Ooty captured well in the first half. Music is good with all the songs and Re-Recording is extraordinary.

Songs 'Kadha solla' & 'Vizhigalil oru' have been picturized well.

Not even a single moment you feel bored that the film keeps you engaged throughout with all the emotions right from laughter, sadness to everything.

On the whole, a roller coaster of emotions you can say!!

Go for it!!!!!!!!!!

Will this end soon?

Yet Again Terror Attack in Mumbai. Its been from 1993 till 2011 there are around 8 blasts in Mumbai.

Very sad that government had not taken enough measures yet. I am referring from all perspective: Infrastructure, Hospital accessibility, Intelligence agency reports, etc.

Hoping that this will end sooner. And Government should take serious measures to tackle this.

May GOD give courage to those who lost their loved ones.

Mobile phone radiations are "possibly carcinogenic to humans": WHO - The Hindu and Wikipedia

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on 31 May 2011 classifying cell phone radiation as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B on the IARC scale). It was classified as such after a team of scientists reviewed peer-reviewed studies on cell phone safety. One study of past cell phone use cited in the report showed a "40% increased risk for gliomas in the highest category of heavy users (reported average: 30 minutes per day over a 10‐year period)."

More info @
Mobile phone radiations are possibly carcinogenic to humans: WHO

and

Wikipedia : Mobile phone radiations are possibly carcinogenic to humans: WHO

Germany decides to abandon nuclear power by 2022 - TOI

BERLIN: Germany's ruling coalition said on Monday it will shut down all the country's nuclear power plants by 2022. The decision, prompted by Japan's nuclear disaster, will make Germany the first major industrialized nation to go nuclear-free in years.

More info @

Germany decides to abandon nuclear power by 2022

While most nations are planning to go nuclear free, India is planning to setup few plants which is not the need of the hour as we have multiple issues to look into.

April 13 - Voting Day

Make sure you are voting on April 13 without fail. First and foremost try to read the election manifestos by the parties [eventhough nothing seems to have futuristic plans while most of them are having freebies]. But still find time to go through the manifesto and vote on April 13 without fail.

You can also practice 49-O if you wish so. If you feel going alone and posting 49-O creates problems go in a group to vote for the same.

Wish u a happy voting.

Consumer Respect/Delight?

Few incidents made me think again "ARE CUSTOMERS/CONSUMERS delighted/respected in so called CULTURAL INDIA?"

First one - I booked a ticket for Trichy in KPN Travels. At the last moment I had to change my plan and cancelled the return ticket. Agent has to give Rs.648 and Rs.324 respectively [cancelled two sets of tickets], but had given Rs.645 and Rs.320. Response when I asked was even more shocking. They said that they dont have change and they will round off like this only. And added that if I want the money I need to give Rs.3 and Rs.6 so that they will round and give me back Rs.5 and Rs.10 respectively.

I was wondering if the money belongs to us or them. Though the private travels make you reach faster than government counterparts, I dont think this will delight consumer. Dont know where from they get this courage and how they never feel guilty.

Second one - I had travelled back from Trichy by SETC AC bus. As per the present traffic suggestion, no outstation buses are allowed to enter the Chennai City during 8AM to 8PM. So, when I boarded the bus @ 3 PM, I was informed that the bus will not go via Tambaram, Guindy [Most irritating fact is that Condutor told that bus will go only after 10PM via Tambaram as against 8 PM]. And Bus was in a poor condition that it was very slow. By 8 PM, it reached only Melmaruvathur. Due to heavy traffic, it was by 10 PM only bus reached near Tambaram. When few of us approached conductor to go via Tambaram as it is already 10 PM, conductor told that it will not go because the traffic will be more inside the city. After few fights stating that there wont be any bus in Koyambedu, driver finally agreed to go via Tambaram.

Things to note hear are 1) Govt buses are not in condition in most cases. 2) Govt drivers are not respecting or responding appropriately to passengers thinking that they are working for govt and not for public.

MNP is here, but think before you switch - TOI

Number portability has been delayed by three years, leaving many consumers anxious. Several subscribers, who feel disappointed with billing, customer care, and overall service delivery, have been waiting for this moment. But the real question is whether you should take the plunge and switch loyalties or not. Will the switch really be worth your trouble?

More @ Mobile Number Portability - Think before you switch

From Jan 20, switch mobile operator but keep number - TOI

Much awaited MNP has now arrived. More Details on how to use it @ below link

Mobile Number Portability

Eager to see 'Vaanam' & 'Payanam'

2011 will see host of good movies by actors Suriya, Vikram, Arya among others.
I am eagerly awaiting two movies in the first quarter of the year [Especially during February]. First one is 'Vaanam' and Second one being 'Payanam'.

While 'Vaanam' is a remake directed by Krish, 'Payanam' to be made bilingual in Tamil & Telugu is directed by RadhaMohan. Both the directors have their own style of film making.

Vaanam is story of five people meeting at the climax and Payanam is about hijack of the plane and the emotions and turmoils that everyone in and around the flight undergo.

Google Science Fair

Google is looking for the brightest young scientists from around the world to submit interesting, creative projects that are relevant to the world today.

The competition is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world working on their own or in a team of two or three. For more details, visit the Science Fair Rules [http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/rules.html] page.

For more info on Google's Science Fair:
Google Science Fair

Happy New Year - Traffic Prevention Awareness week

Happy new year to all.

This week is celebrated as "Traffic Prevention Awareness week". I had seen few school students telling the slogans to avoid road accidents by going carefully and slowly and holding banners in their hands today afternoon near Vijayanagar junction of Velachery.

There is no need for those students to raise the slogans by coming out of schools but still they did.

I was wondering if the road users especially motor bike users and auto drivers follow the traffic rules to avoid accidents which are irreparable.

People should understand that there is no right for anyone to play with the life of others.

Hoping for a better and healthier, accident-free city.

UID TO NOW REPLACE PF A/C NUMBER - Financial Express

The retirement fund manager EPFO plans to replace PF account number with unique identification number, a move which will help in speedy transfer of a subscribers' funds in case of job change and allow them to track their accounts online. At present when a subscriber changes job, it takes months to transfer provident fund money from one account to another and so a large number of subscribers withdraw the entire money in their account and go for a fresh account with the new employer. The replacement of PF account number with the UID number will be done by March 2012.

Reference: Financial Express

Medical/Health Website

I found this website to be useful:

http://www.medindia.net/

Take a look when you find time.

One-stop portal for apprenticeship vacancies to be unveiled - TOI

Getting apprenticeship in industries will no longer be difficult for engineering graduates, technical diploma holders and vocational stream students.

The Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT Southern Region), a government of India institution, is unveiling a one-stop web portal on Saturday next which will serve as a platform for sourcing apprenticeship in the right industry for students with a technical education background.

More info @ One-stop portal for apprenticeship vacancies to be unveiled

Public transportation

Today section of MTC drivers are on a strike because of the attack on one of their colleagues by group of autorickshaw drivers. I found it really tough to commute to the office after reaching Tambaram today morning. Share auto drivers demand more money due to this issue.

Article on the strike @
Flash strike by section of MTC employees

Due to the above issue, even railway counters [Electric trains] were crowded. I could see around 80 passengers standing in all the queues of the counter which normally seems is not the case.

Recently, I went to Boston and Public transport is pretty good over there with GPS system and train frequency is more and ticket counters [automated] are customer friendly. Ofcourse, few people can say that number of people using public transport in USA is less and hence they are able to maintain. But I want Indian public transit to become more customer-friendly and to be in international standard.

The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : Rally to create awareness of blood donation

The Hindu : Cities / Chennai : Rally to create awareness of blood donation

Worth of a Life

Yday I had noticed a incident of passenger illtreat by MTC. Passenger was supposedly climbing into the bus when bus started rolling and passenger fell down. Bus stopped and finally he got into. Then Passenger and Conductor had some quarrel. Don't know whose fault it was but I should say life is worth and bus drivers should understand that.
They should atleast wait for 30-40 seconds in a stop depending on the crowd. Also, passengers are to be blamed at times when they try to get into a bus which is already filled. They dont have patience to wait for the next bus.
Anyways life is pretty costly and if u lose that you cant get back.

Back from Boston & New library complex in Chennai

I am back from Boston bfr one week. It was nice stay at Boston and place is good. I did miss India and when I got to know that I should go to India earlier Labor day week, I was awaiting when Friday will come. 3 weeks stay I had learnt to cook. Back in India, I just came to new library complex [Anna Centenary library] has been setup & came through an article in "Pudhiya Thalaimurai" and got excited that the library will be first of its kind in India fully equipped with modern technologies.

Really interested to visit the library.

More info on below links:

1) Children excited about Anna Centenary Library on day one

2) Anna library to house more than a million books

Address of Library:
Anna Centenary Library, Surya Nagar, Kottur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085

In Boston

Have come to Boston on a short visit [40 days] on Aug 21. Its been a week now here and quite enjoyed the weather here during first 4 days. It was raining all the day continuously for 4 days. Now the temperature is normal from 25 degree celsius to 33 degree celsius. Went to Walmart and an Indian grocery store last Saturday [alone :)] and bought some groceries and food stuffs. As I dont have any neither friends nor colleagues here, don't find ways to roam around.

Infrastructure, Transportation & in few other terms USA is better than India is a fact that has to be accepted. But, there is something missing here. Not able to express that, but I am missing my lovely India and Chennai too. Will come to Chennai by the start of october. Will post things that are happening here.

In search of Humanity

I noted many a times that Senior citizens and ladies are not given proper respect in the society [especially in cities]. While I travelling in share auto long ago, old lady has been targeted by auto driver for not getting down quickly when her stop came. He shouted at her.

Today, when I was trying to get into a bus from Vijayanagar junction, bus started moving even when there were few more people needs to get into and also a old man to get down. After people shouted, bus driver stopped the bus.

These are only a few incidents which I am writing down here. But actually there are many which I witnessed. Not really sure if there is any humanity left in this world. Searching for it in this mechanical life.

Hoping for a better tomorrow.

Traffic Rules and Saving Electricity

Wanted to share 2 incidents that happened yday and today.

1) Yesterday I noticed street lights were on @ around 9 AM near Velachery Railway station. Recently there was a hike by TNEB for using electricity. In NDTV-Hindu, there was a discussion wherein a expert told that if TNEB use its power consumption efficiently, there is no need to rise the power tariff now when the common man is already suffering from the hike of fuel prices and thereby essential commodities. Request government officials take extra care in switching off lights and instruments which during day time.

2) There was a complaint that MTC drivers are not following traffic rules. NDTV-Hindu also telecasted a news before a day or two on this. Today there was one such incident near Medavakkam where a bus driver crossed the signal when it is still on. [I mean when the signal is RED]. The bus drivers should be educated in such a way they follow traffic rules because it will a bad example for general public that government staff is not following rule, why we? Hope drivers understand and act accordingly.

Engineering student devises cellphone detector - TOI

CHENNAI: K Mohan, a second year engineering student, can give prison officials a hand in battling the problem of mobile phones being smuggled into prisoners' cells. He had developed a mobile detector that can find a cell phone within a range of 5 metres, and farther when fitted with a Zigbee sensor.

More @ Engineering student devises cellphone detector

‘I-T Refund' fortnight from August 16 to 31 - The Hindu

CHENNAI: The Income Tax Department will observe the second fortnight of August 2010 as ‘I-T Refund' period to solve the long pending complaints of the salaried tax payers up to the assessment year 2008-2009, said Prema Malini Vasan, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax on Wednesday.

More @ I-T Refund fortnight from August 16 to 31

Topslip beckons trekkers - The Hindu

CHENNAI: Topslip, one of the forest areas in the State rich in bio-diversity, has thrown open its serene wooded interiors to students and tourists for a trekking experience.

More @ Topslip beckons trekkers

Google-liable-for-blogs-it-hosts? - Source - TOI

MUMBAI: Is Google India liable for criminal action when bloggers post defamatory content? Contending that the search giant can't be held responsible for defamatory blogs that the site hosts, an ex-employee of Google India has now challenged summons issued to him by a Mumbai magistrate.

More @ Google-liable-for-blogs-it-hosts

Thillalangadi - Review

Finally hit combo Jayam Raja [Remake king] and Ravi is back.

Seen "Thillalangadi" at Satyam Cinemas. Cast includes Jayam Ravi, Tamannah, Shaam, Prabhu, Suhasini, Vadivelu, Santhanam among others. Hope u all know that this is remake of Telugu hit "Kick" with RaviTeja and Ileana in the lead.

Movie was good for comic scenes. Actually, it is Vadivelu who pulls off the first half and some of the second half. Jayam Ravi doesn't fit the bill. Wonder why Jayam Raja had casted his brother for this character. I had not seen the Telugu version but I know RaviTeja's comic timing. Tamannah has nothing to do except to wear glamorous clothes & very less scenes she has to act. Shaam could have done a better job. We cant blame him, but director should take credit for the same. Prabhu and Suhasini does justice to their roles.

Santhanam, Ganja Karuppu, Manobala and even Radha Ravi does comic relief. Jayam Ravi tries his hand at comedy but really didnt succeed.

Songs "Idhayam Karaikirathe", "Sol Pechu" & "Ding Ding" were good. Especially Sol pechu was picturised nice.

I heard that Jayam Ravi had done good job in Peranmai, eventhough I didnt see the movie yet. Even in Deepavali he had spoken good Chennai Thamizh but he didnt do that here.

I am not against REMAKING films but there should a correct casting. Even Yaaradi Nee Mohini I feel doesnt have a correct protoganist.

Even making a small film does involve lot of efforts, but we cant just praise all the films which are released. Criticism is a must for good movies to come.

The Hindu : Cities / Visakhapatnam : Language gets a new face

The Hindu : Cities / Visakhapatnam : Language gets a new face

Those good old days

These days everything become online. We are doing every work by a click. It was not the case in old days. Take the case of putting the amount in bank. We need to go to the bank in person, fill the form and give them so that the money will be credited. From movie booking to getting clothes we need to go to respective locations to get them.

It is not the case nowadays. It may have its advantages - time management, less physical work, etc. But the same too has its flip side or disadvantages - Less physical work indirectly makes the physical imbalance in the body. We will not be able to get to meet different kinds of people which by itself an learning experience.

I am interested in going to banks whenever I find opportunity. I am interested in writing Letters too. Nowadays, mobiles and mails have replaced Letters, but LETTERS will actually retain the feel of the reader and sender even after if you take and read after many years. [Didnt mean that EMAILS will not serve the purpose but feel u get in LETTERS is much more good than from EMAILS].

I remember writing my last letter when I was in First year of the college. After that, I never attempted or had an opportunity because of the mobile phones in the campus.

Seen Mouna Raagam in Raj Digital Plus

Got a chance to see Mouna Raagam [Directed by ManiRatnam - Meaning Silent Symphony] in Raj Digital Plus last Saturday. How many ever times I see the movie, I will fell in love with the movie over & over again because of acting of the leading stars, screenplay, music, backgroud score, cinematography, lyrics and singers and so on.

Just read the column "Arasu Bhadilgal" in Kumudam [which is similar to HAI MADHAN of Ananda Vikatan]. This column is like questions posted by readers and Madhan and Arasu will respond to them. One of the question to Arasu was "Have u seen Raavanan?" and the reply was "Mani is trying to make out movies nowadays catering audiences across states." Last line said "Enge Mouna Raagathin Naayagan?" which translates to "Where is the hero of Mouna Raagam?" Hero here he mentions the Director of the movie. I felt it is really true.

There are many things to post lining up. Will post them one by one.

Trekking

1. Kalakkadu - Mundathurai
Location:Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu
Famous: Wildlife Sanctuaries And Trekking Spots
Best Time To Visit: October To JanuaryKalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

http://www.indiainfoweb.com/tamil-nadu/trekking/kalakkadu-mundathurai.html

2.ELAGIRI HILLS
Location: Near Chennai, In The Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu
Ideal: Picnic Spot
Famous For : Trekking

http://www.indiainfoweb.com/tamil-nadu/picnic-spots/elagiri-hills.html

3. Adventure Trails

http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/tamilnadu/adventuretourism.htm

Tamilnadu Tourism

Tamilnadu Tourism Tour Packages:

http://www.ttdconline.com/onlinebooking.aspx

HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR
1, Hop on Hop off (Chennai to Mamallapuram Tour)

Sight Seeing Tour
1, 1 DAY MAMALLAPURAM TOUR(Round Trip)
2, ONE DAY PONDICHERRY TOUR
3, 4 DAYS ARUVIGAL- (FALLS) TOUR
4, ONE DAY CHENNAI CITY SIGHT SEEING TOUR

Pilgrimage Package Tour
1, 1 DAY TIRUPATHI TOUR
2, 1 DAY GIRIVALAM - (TIRUVANNAMALAI) TOUR
3, 3 DAYS NAVAGRAHA TOUR (Nine Planets)
4, 4 DAYS ARUPADAI VEEDU TOUR (LORD MURUGA ABODE TOUR)
5, 5 DAYS PANDIYANATTU THIRUPATHIGAL TOUR (Vaishnava Temples)
6, 1 DAY SRIPURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE TOUR
7, 3 DAYS THIRUMANA THIRUTHALA SUTTRULA TOUR
8, SANEESWAR BHAGWAN-THIRUARIKUPPAM SATURN TOUR

Sight seeing and Pilgrimage Package Tours
1, 7 DAYS MOOKAMBIKA TOUR
2, 8 DAYS GOA - MANTRALAYAM TOUR
3, 8 DAYS EAST WEST COAST TOUR
4, 8 DAYS TAMILNADU TOUR
5, 14 DAYS SUNNY SOUTH TOUR
6, 6 DAYS SOUTH INDIA TOUR

Summer Special Tour
1, 3 Days Chennai-Ooty-Tour
2, 3 Days Chennai-Kodaikanal Tour
3, 3 Days Yercaud -Hogenakal Tour
4, 3 Days Chennai-Mysore Tour
5, 3 Days Munnar Tour
6, 3 Days Courtallam Tour

TREKKING TOURS
1, 4 DAYS TOUR -TREKKING TO PARAMIKULAM AND TOPSLIP

TRAIN TOURS
1, 3 DAYS RAMESWARAM TOUR BY TRAIN

TN Accreditation Council all set to be launched - TOI

A state level accreditation council which will promote academic audit and accreditation of all arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu will begin functioning later this month.

"The council will ensure that all the colleges, after being accredited, establish internal quality assurance cells so that there is quality sustenance and enhancement in our higher education system. Tamil Nadu will be the first in the country to have such a state level accreditation agency," professor Thyagarajan told The Times of India on Wednesday.

More info @ TN Accreditation Council all set to be launched

TN to mark 250th anniv of Battle of Vandavasi in Tiruvannamalai District - TOI

Tiruvannamalai: Tamil Nadu is all set to showcase its colonial past and historic battles fought between the British and French armies in this part of the country in a bid to attract foreign and domestic tourists.
The government has proposed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Vandavasi fought fiercely between the British and French in 1761.
The Tiruvannamalai district administration has chalked out grand plans to host an exhibition, displaying the armouries, cannons, cannon balls and weapons used by the British and French armies during the decisive battle that lasted nearly a year and saw the 1,700-strong British army drive out the 2,000-odd French soldiers. The British army, led by Sir Eyre Coote, defeated the Count de Lally’s French army in the Battle of Vandavasi. The French army was restricted to Pondicherry and they finally gave up in 1761. The battle, referred to as the Third Carnatic War between the British and French, enabled the former to establish their supremacy among the other Europeans.
The Tiruvannamalai district administration, which had earlier proposed to renovate the 16th century Vandavasi fort, has dropped the plan. As part of the anniversary celebrations, a symposium will also be organised and experts invited to present papers on the colonial past of the historic district.
The exhibition will also include rare photographs and ancient artefacts specific to this region. District collector Dr M Rajendran told The Times of India that the government gave its nod after the administration submitted a proposal to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the battle.
“The anniversary celebration must not be misconstrued as an occasion to glorify the British. Our main objective is to enlighten the general public on rich heritage of the district. The event will also boost the inflow of foreign and domestic tourists into the district,” Rajendran said.
The administration proposes to acquire armoury from private antique collectors and government museums in Chennai and other parts of the state.
Rajendran pointed out that Chetpet, about 15 km from Vandavasi, was the district headquarters during the British rule and Chittoor in AP and other important towns in the present-day Vellore came under the administrative control of Chetpet. The British developed Chetpet and made it their district headquarters in 1801. Chetpet remained as the centre for development activities for the next 30 years,” he said.
Rajendran expressed optimism that the celebrations would bring under the spotlight the facts, the early trade and battles of struggle among the imperialistic forces.

English Supremacy

The British army, led by Sir Eyre Coote, defeated the Count de Lally’s French army in the Battle of Vandavasi. The French Army was restricted to Pondicherry and it finally gave up in 1761. The battle was referred to as the Third Carnatic War between the British and French armies
Tiruvannamalai district administration, which had earlier proposed to renovate the 16th century Vandavasi fort, has dropped the plan
The district collector says the anniversary celebration must not be misconstrued as an occasion to glorify the British. The objective is to enlighten the public on rich heritage of the district and the event will also boost the inflow of tourists, he says

Vaanam - Remake of Vedham [Telugu] - Simbu's New Movie

Simbu after doing a breezy Vinnaithandhi Varuvaya [VTV] is going to do a remake of Telugu Blockbuster Vedham. I had not seen VTV till now and eager to watch that.

Titled Vaanam in Tamil, it is planned to release on Diwali. Movie to be directed by Krish [Same director of original movie] is touted to be containing five stories interwoven and they finally coincides in the climax. Along with Simbu, Anuskha, Manoj Manchu and Lekha Washington will be acting in the movie. Simbu is replacing Allu Arjun while other actors already played their characters in the original.

The director earlier had made Gamyam [which was later remade in Tamil as Kadhalna Summa Illa]. Gamyam is hit in AP while its Tamil version didnt fare well at the box office.

Eager to watch Vaanam and of course VTV as Simbu had changed his normal masala type of movies and switched to a breezy entertainer in VTV.

Profession

There are news every year atleast for the past one decade that Engineering is the most preferred stream by Parents especially. They are in the image that if his son gets a good seat he will get a better job [may be in IT industry or similar to that]. Other professions like normal arts degree and some other fresh degree [like catering, Viscom, professions related to film industry [sound engineering, art direction, cinematography, etc] are not well received by parents of towns other than cities like Chennai and Coimbatore where good exposure is there.

Parents should give choice to their children in choosing their career. Also, government should take steps in popularizing courses other than Engg stream. I am not blaming Engg, but if everyone goes into that stream who will take care of agriculture and others.

My personal favourites in the profession or those profession which I wanted to be a part of but didnt happen are given below:
1) Doctor
2) Journalist
3) Teaching
4) IAS - UPSC

Follow Traffic rules - Avoid accidents

Seen a deadly accident today morning near Pallikaranai Govt. school. Body of the dead was covered. I dont want to imagine how deadly the accident would be.

Just wanted to share that TN leads in the number of accidents occurring in India. This could be reduced only if
1) Individuals take responsibility in following traffic rules. Individuals I mean include general public, traffic inspectors and others who are part of transportation system.
2) Wearing helmet.
3) Avoid drunk and drive.

Hoping to have a better India without accidents.