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.

Eager to watch Madarasapattinam

Madarasapattinam which is going to release on July 9th, 2010 is set on 1940s shows Madras [the Then 'Chennai']. Eager to watch the movie.

Raavanan parvayil Ramayanam / Raavanan is the HERO - Raman?

Watched Raavanan in my hometown last week with my parent. It was after 'Kandaen Kadhalai', I am watching a movie in my hometown. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Story was on the lines of Epic Ramayana, but there were minor differences. Will talk that at the end of the post.

Story - Brief:
To avenge the death of his sister [Priyamani as Soorpanaga], Veera [Raavanan] kidnaps Ragini [Sita - Wife of Dev (Raman)]. Veera is shown as the lord among tribals, but anti social in front of the Govt. During the course, Veera develops love towards Ragini because of her beauty and courage she shows before him. Ragini develops sympathy after hearing his story. After few clashes, between police and Veera, Veera lets Ragini go. Dev enroute to their hometown, accuses Ragini of infidelity and it is Veera who told so. Ragini goes to Veera and asks Veera why he told that there is a relationship between her and him, Veera tells he never told. Dev follows Ragini and finds Veera. Veera comes to know it is the trick played by Dev. Veera dies as the police force shoots him.

Cinematography by Santhosh Sivan and Manigandan was extra ordinary. Camera captures the liveliness of the forest. Music and background score were awesome. Lyrics used were sophisticated yet simple. Dialogues by Suhasini were sharp at places and not upto the mark at places. Songs 'Usure poghudhey' and 'Kodu potta' were picturised good.

Acting - Vikram and Aishwarya Rai [Dubbing by herself and Rohini at few places] scores, while Prithviraj tries to put his full effort, but characterisation makes his efforts weaker. Reason: Prithviraj playing Dev [Raman] is shown with shades of grey, that he follows Ragini [Sita] to find whereabouts of Veera [Raavanan].

Supporting cast like Karthik, Prabhu, Priyamani and Munna try to give justice to their roles.

Film is technically sound, but lacks screenplay. Ofcourse, it doesn't remind you of a Maniratnam film at places.

Climax could have been better if Ragini leaves Dev as he accuses her infidelity. Also, Raman's character wasn't good as he try to find Raavanan through his wife. The climax was there as Director wants to show Raavan as the hero rather than Ram.

Differences:
1) Epic: Raavanan falls for Sita and kidnaps.
Movie: Veera [Raavanan] kidnaps and falls for Ragini[Sita].

2) Epic: Rama with the help of squirrel and Hanuman finds Raavanan and defeats him.
Movie: Dev [Rama] finds Veera through Ragini.

3) Epic: Sita hates Raavanan and never develops sympathy.
Movie: Ragini develops sympathy on Veera after hearing story of his sister and why he kidnapped him.

Metro Map - Spots where the Metro Rail stations will be located - TOI

Koyambedu: Near Koyambedu vegetable market on Tiruvalluvar street

CMBT: Inside the mofussil bus terminus campus

Arumbakkam: Near Aiswarya Mahal on 100 Feet Road

Vadapalani: Near SRM complex on 100 Feet Road

Ashok Nagar/KK Nagar: Opposite Udhayam theatre

SIDCO: Opposite Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET)

Alandur: Near Kathipara flyover

Officers Training Academy: Opposite the main entrance of OTA on GST Road

Little Mount: Near Temple Steps on Anna Salai

Guindy: Opposite Guindy suburban railway station

IIT Madras’ social networking site for engg students - TOI Article

Chennai: A social-networking portal created by alumni of IIT-M, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Delhi for engineering students has grown from an ambitious startup to a popular tool that helps and guides students in engineering education, according to a press release from IIT.
Btechguru.com is a free online portal that was incubated in the department of management studies of IIT Madras and consists of free and open source content and also provides students an opportunity to collaborate with their peers through blogs, bookmarks and videos. Several students have benefited from the portal, as it contains links to open courseware of different universities, a huge collection of free e-books for engineering and competitive examinations, interview tips and information about civil services.
Btechguru also provides formats and samples of Bank statement copies, statement for purpose for all engineering branches, recommendation letter and other legal documents which are essentials for higher studies abroad.

Corporation offers Rs 5/kg for recyclable waste - Source TOI

Are you staying in any one of the six zones where Chennai Corporation does conservancy operations? Then think twice before dumping recyclable waste into the street bins. Conservancy staff of the corporation will soon knock on your door with a weighing balance to collect recyclable waste. And you get paid Rs 5 per kg for paper, plastic and other recyclable stuff.

More info @ Corp offers Rs.5/kg for recyclable waste

Places in & around ECR

You can refer below link for the places in ECR:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_Road
http://smartlearningcurve.blogspot.com/2010/06/ecr-mahabhalipuram.html

Chandra, you can refer above link. Thought of commenting to your post, but couldnt do so because I am not able to see the text box while clicking the comments hyperlink.

Two Anna Univs, unitary & affiliating type, from now

Chennai: With the state government appointing a vice chancellor for a new Anna University of Technology (AUT) in Chennai, the existing 32-yearold Anna University is set to revert as a unitary-type university, a status which it had enjoyed until nine years ago. Evidently such a transition has its pros and cons.

“The reversion as a unitary university will make a positive difference. Professors will be able to dedicate more time towards developing their departments and concentrate on industrial consultancy and research. It gives us a sense of relief,” acknowledged a senior professor.

“But the larger issue is funding. As a unitary university, we used to struggle to foot the monthly salary bills of Rs 20 crore. The government takes its own time to reimburse the salary bill forcing us to make internal financial adjustments. Whereas, in an affiliating university huge money comes from affiliation and examination fee,” observed a former administrator.

For the time being the monetary commitment can be handled since the existing second, third and final year students of the affiliated colleges will continue to be a part of the present Anna University. “The crisis will begin two years later when the university will be hard-pressed to raise enough money through research and industrial consultancy for meeting contingent recurring expenditure,” he added.

A section of senior professors who had donned administrative responsibilities over the past nine years are understandably upset.

“Losing control of the affiliated colleges is an emotional moment. In December 2001, when we were given control of over 220 self-financing engineering colleges across Tamil Nadu, it was challenging. The regional universities like University of Madras were handling the affiliation process although they did not have a true understanding of technical knowledge of the subject, emerging areas and courses. We assumed responsibility, set high standards in technical education and created a model for others to follow. Today, we are being asked to leave what we had nurtured,” said a professor.

From 1978 to December 2001, the Anna University had functioned as a premier institution with the College of Engineering, A C College of Technology and School of Architecture and Planning in Guindy and the Madras Institute of Technology in Chromepet as its departments.

Since late 2001, the university has enjoyed powers to affiliate engineering colleges. On a recommendation from eminent academicians M Anandakrishnan and V C Kulandaisamy, both former vice chancellors of the university, the government last year agreed to restore its unitary status.

The new AUT will now take up the responsibility of dealing with over 150 affiliated colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and other parts of north Tamil Nadu.



ROLE REVERSAL:

Anna varsity established in 1978 as unitary institution.

Converted into affiliating university in 2001.

In 2009 it was decided to create a new Anna University of Technology.

The new university will handle affiliation of engg colleges.

Anna varsity professors will not concentrate on research/consultancy.

Existing 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students will remain with Anna University.

Only fresher students will come under AUT control in 2010-11.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5951352.cms

Places to roam around in Chennai

Hello Friends! Any suggestions for good places to roam around in Chennai?
Let me give you a list of the places that I have been to - Spencer's plaza, which I feel now is a commonplace and I would say City Center is a much better place to loiter. Mayajaal in ECR road, a good choice for watching movies after Inox and Sathyam, and if a couple of hours are left for the movie - there is bowling,  shopping stalls and for people with affinity towards alcohol there is resto bar with lots of TV screens. MGM again in  ECR road  has got water themes and I loved it -  it's much better maintained than golden beach. Bela Ciao, the best ambiance I've seen in Chennai- located near Thiruvanmiyur Beach, owned by an Italian, one can enjoy authentic Italian dish. The place is a little expensive and best suited for couples. Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot's Beach), one of the best beaches in Chennai - can see children skating around during sundays, the straight pavement in there is clean and excellent for morning or an evening walk. That's it I can't spare more time :) thinking about more places that I've visited. So Junta, do tell me what more exciting places can be dwelled in Chennai?