Blasts at Hyderabad

Yesterday's blasts at Hyderabad killing 41 people and injuring many more people are very disturbing. Just 3 months back, there was a blast in Mecca Masjid killing 12 people. Blast at important commercial centers targetting weekend crowd of Hyderabad creates panic and divides the people among communal lines. As initial investigation suggest Bangladesh based terrorist organization is behind the blast like in Mecca Masjid blast, two Muslim neighbour countries jihadi groups attacking Indian establishments especialy big cities and economic centers, trying to slow down our economic progress adds new dimension to our fight against terrorism. Hopefully all the culprits are brought to justice.

Illayatalapathi Vijay to get Doctorate from Dr. M.G.R Deemed University - bad trend

Dr. M.G.R Deemeed University, Chennai announced it will give Doctorate to Illayatalapathi Vijay for his service to art field and service to human kind. Recently actor Sathyaraj and Gnana famous Musician Deva were given Doctorate by Sathyabama Deemed University. No offence to these stars, as more and more private engineering college are becoming Deemed University, they started giving Honorary Doctorate's to celebrities. This is a unwelcome trend in TamilNadu, these universities are nothing but an engineering college which doesn't indulge in any research activities, did nothing to engineering, science or arts field, they just giving Doctorates to get the popularity. They should ask themselves how many of these universities produced Doctorates ?To earn a Doctorate, a person has to toil 5 yrs of his life, by these actions, Doctorate loses his dignity. This culture is not new to TamilNadu, politicians in TamilNadu right from MGR, Karunanidhi, Jayalalalitha got their Honrary Doctorate from universities in TamilNadu, this trend catching up with film starts is a very bad thing. Again this can happen only in TamilNadu.

New world class Cricket stadium in Chennai

As sub continent is slowly gearing up for 2011 Cricket World Cup, Chennai is going to get new Cricket stadium near Shollinganallur for the world cup. TamilNadu government had given 50 acres of land to TNCA for constructing new stadium. TNCA is even thinking of contructing this new stadium as indoor or retractable roof. Hope this ground is going to be top class

New York Vs London, Financial capital of world ??

Recently, there is a debate doing rounds, Is New York still financial capital of world, does London pushed NYC to 2nd place??. As most of the financial markets revolves around New York, London and Tokyo, London is clearly emerging as a leader as it attracts more international companies mostly from fast growing economies of world China, India. Because of lot of Securities Exchange Commission SEC regulation after Enron debacle / 9/11 incident, New York is not able to attract as much as London. In a recent finding from MasterCard survey, London finds the #1 spot for doing business.

There is a comprehensive article by Fortune magazine comparing 2 great financial cities of world. If interested, http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/08/06/100141310/index.htm?postversion=2007072306

Bridge collapses in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Aug, 1, 2007 - Bridge which runs across Mississippi river near downtown Minneapolis , collapsed during rush hour. Almost 100 cars were there when the bridge came down. Here some pics.

TATA project in South TamilNadu stopped - bad trend

Recently TamilNadu govt. and TATA signed MOU for setting up Titanium Di Oxide plant factory in South TamilNadu bordering Kanyakumari and Tuthukudi district. Investments worth around 2500 Cr planned for plant, would have created more jobs, business opportunity for the local people. But as usual, strong opposition from various political parties and interests groups against setting up of plant. Even AIADMK jumped to protest, AMMA said herself will lead the protest against setting up of plant. Under these circumstances, to avoid possible violence in that area like in Nandigram, West Bengal, Kalaignar decided to stop the project for time being and decided to get the mood of the people in that area about this project.

As a principal opposition party, we can understand AIADMK opposing this project, but Communist, PMK opposing this project just to shows they slowly want to get out of the DMK alliance. PMK for some time always acting against industrial activity in TamilNadu. Kalaignar has to drop 2 satellite towns around Chennai which was planned to reduce load on ever increasing Chennai city as PMK was against it. TamilNadu govt want to extend the existing Chennai airport for building new world class airport but again on the pressure from PMK, new greenfield airport is shifted to SriPerumdur. Only thing communist know is to criticize against people in govt. I personally don't like idea of getting land from people by government for industry group, not properly rehabilitating the land owners, but just for political reasons we cant stop the development activity. TamilNadu is considered to better off than any state in implementation of SEZ and other industrial development, these recent happenings are setting bad trend.

We want to more assertive goverment in dealing with these kind of issue, not bulging to the pressure from various parties. We wish this goverment be determined in implementation of infrastructure projects and attracting new industries as they implementing free tv for poor scheme. TamilNadu would be better of if every poor family gets a free toilet instead of free color TV.

"Robot" - Shankar next project with King Khan Sharukh

Its official now, Shankar is going to direct his dream project "Robot" in Hindi, starring Sharukh Khan. Sharukh Khan production company also producing the movie. "Robot" was first conceived by Shankar for Ulaga-Nayagan Kamalahassan after Indian movie but made to put into shelves for budget problems. Though Shankar's Nayak in hindi didn't go well, Shankar sure to rock Bollywood with Robot. All the best Shankar !!!

More poltical affliliated TV channels coming in TamilNadu

TamilNadu has now 20 TV channels. Most of the channels affiliated to either of the political parties. More TV channels are now on the way for TamilNadu, Kalaignar TV by Raj TV for DMK, Mega TV for Congress, Vasanth TV by L. VasanthaKumar again Congress. This is not healthy trend as media moulds the opinion of people. In any country media can't be neutral and has to take sides on certain ideology, but media openly affiliating to certain political party is very determinant to democracy. We all know how DMK got mileage out of mid night arrest of Kalaignar by showing it thousand times in Sun TV. Recently even popular news papers has started giving more importance to some political parties like Hindu more pro DMK than AIADMK and Dinamalar covering more AIADMK news. Media has to give the information to the masses and people have to interpret /decide but channels are imposing indirecty ideas on to people.

BRIC Economy - GoldmanSach's report

You might have heard lot about Brazil, Russia, India, China BRIC countries GoldmanSach's economy report , how these countries going to dominate the word economy by 2050.

If guys interested to see the complete report, http://www.goldmansachs.com/insight/research/reports/99.pdf

Different kind of election debate - You tube way

As Republican and Democrat presidential candidates are gearing up for their primary election, CNN organized a different kind of debate among democratic presidential candidates. CNN viewers were asked to post their question thro' video in the You-Tube website so these questions can be directly asked to the candidates. As whole American election was dominated by Iraq war, there were lot of other issues American raised like health care, education, same sex marriage civil rights etc. There were some good personal questions mostly on healthcare issue they are facing and candidates were forced to give specific answers to the the problem they raised. Even candidates were also asked to make a you tube type video for their campaign. It almost looks like a Democrat is going to next president of America, if it happens either they are going to get first woman president Mrs. Hillary Clinton who leading the poll or first black president Mr. Barack Obama.

AP CM YSR abuses Naidu - shame on ur leaders

AP CM YSR hurdled very unparliamentary words in the assembly referring to Chandrababu Naidu's mother. Though he tendered apology, its so disgrace on part of our politician in high office office to do this.

Clashes between Trisha and Ajith fans in Chennai

During the release of Kireedom movie, clashes erupted between Trisha and Ajith fans. Trisha fans club erected cutouts all over the theater and Ajith fans had no place to put their Thalae cutout. Ajith fans demanded some of the Trisha cutout to removed so that they can have place for Ajith. This idea didn't go well with Trisha fans, soon clashes started between the fans. Police were called and asked to give security for Trisha cutout. There is no security for individual persin, Security for celebrity cutouts - This can happen only in TamilNadu.

B Corporations - Stakeholders not Shareholders

Most of companies works towards creating value (read money) for Wall Street investors, targetting number for quarterly results. B Corporations are type of companies which creates values for all the stakeholders of the company not just only for Wall Street. It works for the Stakeholders not the shareholders. Some of the characterstics of these companies :

• Philanthropy - How much of money goes for good deeds ??
• The Environment - How environment friendly your business is , do you damage your environment for you company's profit ??
• Political Activity - Does your political lobbying is for good cause ??
• Diversity - How diversified your employees are ? How many women, minority groups are working?
• Sourcing - Whether your raw materials are organic, locally sourced not exported, fairly traded ,environment friendly.

These companies are not charity organization, they create profits in the competitive business while taking care of environment, community, employees.

If interested to know more about B corporations http://www.bcorporation.net/home.php

Real estate prices in Chennai dropped by 20 %

In last 2 months, real estate prices have dropped almost 20 % in Chennai. As the prices were sky rocketting, no takers of flats and plots along the famous IT corridor area. As in any industry, market correction is bound to happen. But reduction in price is no good for common man as big real estate players taking this as a opportunity to buy more lands. In any case, these real estate players gain whether price rise or reduce.

Stray dogs killed by Mayagaal, Chennai

Administration of multiplex Mayagaal, Chennai, killed many stray street dogs. With lot of complaints coming from patrons of multiplex regarding dogs around that area, with help of "Nari kovar", killed so many dogs in that area. Hearing the news, many animal groups held demonstration against the multiplex and gave complaint to Commissioner of Police Letika Saran. Who gave the right to the multiplex to kill the dogs ??????

3 Muslims for vice - presidency

3 Muslims are identified for vice -presidency of India by all 3 coalition group in center. UPA is fielding left backed Mr. Ansari , NDA opted for Ms. Najma Heptullah and UNPA backing Rasheed Masood. Is this show piece time, women for President, 3 Muslims for vice-presidency. When these appeasement going to end instead of real affirmative actions for these groups?????

Bharathiyar Vs Bharathidasan

Both Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan changed the way Tamil poems are written, made it very simple understandable by comman man. Bharathidasan after got acquainted with Bharahtiyar , so much influenced by him, he changed his name from Suburathinam to Bharahtidasan. Though their ideas coinceded on the subject of Freedom movement, women empowerment, Tamil language there is world of difference between them. Bharathiyar used lot of Sanskrit words in his poem, Bharathidasan never did. Though Bharathiyar totally opposed casteism but staunch follower of Hinduism but Bharathidasan is strong atheist, follower of Dravidian movement, he proclaimed himself "I am an undying atheist".

chaos, panic in NYC midtown - another 9/11

Underground steam pipe bursted around 6 pm, rushour in heart of midtown of Manhattan, NYC creating a huge smoke and lot of debris. People in office, tresspasser thought a terrorist exploded a bomb and there's a panic and chaos all over the place. Scene was almost another 9/11 , Mayor Bloomberg quickly said it was not a terrorist act. Whole area is cordoneed off as traces of debris had asbestos.

Jayalalitha never respects coaltion dharma

AIADMK voted in the presidential polls even all other parties part of UNPA abstained from it. Jayalalitha did it again, never respects coalition dharma. To coverup, unconvincingly Jayalalitha responded that she didn't issue any orders to party MP and MLA's , so they went and voted without she knowing. Whole world knows every thing happens in AIADMK on the orders of Amma and nobody thinks on their own in AIADMK. If you can think , you can't be in AIADMK, as JJ is all and all in the party. I want to mention, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said in interview, one of the toughest job while managing 18 party coalition during his tenure as prime minister was dealing with AIADMK (read Jayalalitha)

TATA Motors planning to take over LandRover, Jaguar

As struggling Detroit based US automaker Ford decided to sells its Landrover and Jaguar division to get some cash, India TATA Motors is planning to pitch for this acquistion deal. SUV Landrover and high end Jaguar gives good edge for TATA Motors in very competitive US auto market and will be perfect entry for TATA motors.
There was a news a week back that Infosys is planning to acquire Paris based, IT Consulting giant Cap Gemini. Good to hear these speculations as Indian companies looking for inorganic growth and acquisitions mode to get into global stage.

Anna University getting ready for Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Anna University is getting ready to welcome Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam. As Kalam insisted to have his old room in Ramanujam Computer Center, the room is given a face lift. All students, faculties, support staff will be given access card so that security can be beefed up in campus as per ex- president security protocol. He would be conducting classes in Aeronautical Engineering, Nan0-Technology, Bio-Technology.

Lord Moundbatten wife influenced Nehru decision

Lord Moundbatten wife Edwina and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru shared very emotional , special relationship with each other and it was said Edwina was in deep love with Nehru. In her recent visit Lord Moundbatten daugther revealed that Moundbatten used this influence of Edwina on Nehru to pursue him to refer Kashmir issue to United Nations that time. This decision made the bilateral issue between India and Pakistan to international issue. Pakistan still uses this reference in United Nations as one of important argument on Kashmir and asks for referendum on Jammu & Kashmir in UN security council. Love (read women ) can influence anything in this world !!!!!!!

Satham Podathey - Songs

Satham Podathey , cast : Prithiviraj, PadmaPriya , directed by Vasanth, music by YuvanshankarRaja. I would say another jewel in the crown of YuvanShankarRaja's music career and definitely one of his best. As in any Yuvan's music, some good peppy numbers and great melodies.

Azaku Kutty Chellam song , singer : Shankar Mahadevan , lyrics : Na. Muthukumar - the best melody, you will not stop hearing this song again and again. Shankar Mahadevan showed poweress of his voice in this song , really nice and feel very bad we stereotyped him for only kuthu song in tamil. Song basically describes the baby boy kid but so different wording than usual description of a kid, awesome lyrics . Kudos to lyricts Na. Muthukumar.

Pesukiren - by viva girls - good peppy melody again, Kadhal Periyadha - by Sudha Ragunathan, very sensuous song very different side of carnatic singer Sudha Ragunathan, she rocks in this song.

Overall all the songs can be given by any number of **************** , Hats off to Yuvan !!!!!!!!!!!!!

More government colleges in TamilNadu

As high court ruled against TamilNadu government regarding surrender of private engineering college seats , DMK government is planning to start more government engineering colleges in the state. Plan is to have atleast one government engineering college in each district. This is a very good decision and have a positive impact on equitable education for everybody in state.

Kamalahasan in & as George W. Bush

US President George W. Bush is one of the 10 role played by Kamalahasan in Dasaavatharam. Near ECR road, Dasaavathram crew has erected a huge set of White house. Hearing the news that Kamalahasan donning the role of Bush, out SuperStar rushed to the set of Dasaavathram and personally congratulated Kamal. Superstar and American Consul General were astonished to see the set of white house .

Naxalism in TamilNadu

With the arrest of 3 naxals from Theni district and lot of ammunition from them, Naxalism started slowly spreading its wings in TamilNadu. We should appreciate DMK government acting promptly by appointing Vijayakumar, IPS (who shot Veerapan )as a special officer to root out Naxalism in TN.
Some time back, when Naxalism looking to spread in Dharmapuri district, then chief Minister Jayalalitha dealth with iron hand. Its a disturbing trend, Naxalism has little presence in Southern districts like Theni, Virudhunagar. There is no justification for Naxalism, terrorism, violence in current world it also reminds us we are leaving some section of the society taking along with us in path of development. Hopefully government controls this menace in starting stage itself.

UNPA not voting for Presidential elections, shame on our democracy

UNPA decision to abstain voting from Presidential elections is biggest shame on our democracy. Already our representatives showed to world they are not good enough to give a second term for Presidency to His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, now they don't want to even vote.
UPA made sure more importantly Sonia Gandhi and Communist made sure Dr. Kalam will not get second term. Sonia want to put somebody loyal to Gandhi family decided for Shivaraj Patil, trusted Gandhi family loyalist but he is one of under performing, inefficient cabinet minister in Dr.ManMohan Singh cabinet. He is not even able to win Lok Sabha from his home state Maharastra. Dr. Karan Singh, another Gandhi family loyalist good choice for President but communist played their card totally rejecting them. Instead of congress choosing their candidate, Communist choose Pranab Mukherjee as congress candidate, again some much regionalism as he is from West Bengal. But Pranab Mukherjee is #2 in the government and UPA cannot run with out him having the important portfolio of external affairs. Prime minister and Sonia Gandhi don't want to leave him as he is very indispensable for the the cabinet. Congress as as usual totally tied and black mailed by communists.
Our opposition group, BJP led NDA is in total disarray. People are totally confused whether some party like Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena, JD-U are in NDA itself. BJP is totally lacking authority on its leaders, it looks as if RSS / VHP is the running party. BJP not able to reach consensus with its so called partners to agree on Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekawat as Presidential candidate. BJP has been pushed to corner in such a bad position they decided to put Mr. Bhariron Singh Shekawat for Presidency as independent candidate so that they can get some cross vote.
New group in National Scene UNPA (TDP, AIADMK, MDMK, Samajwadi Party, ....) tried to play politics with Dr. Abdul Kalam. Though Dr. Abdul Kalam said he is ready to consider for 2nd term if there is a consensus on its candidature with all political parties ,later he aptly said he is not going for 2nd term as his name is going to be politicized.

As Communists not agreeing to candidates of mentioned congress leaders, they decided to go for Prathibha Patil. Nobody knows who she is ? but she is going our new President, numbers are on her side. President election became so bad that, so many controversies about her, everyday BJP finds one scandal about her, so much mudslinging. Kalaingar arranged for a large women's rally in Chennai in support of her, used this opportunity to show case DMK popularity in Chennai.

After Dr. Adbul Kalam decided not to contest for 2nd term, UNPA is in total fix and they don't know what to do. They decided not to vote for Presidential elections. UNPA forms considerable % of the total votes with them, they are suppressing that many % of people voice. We send them to parliament, Legislative Assembly to speak for us, but they go there and fight with each other. If they are not going to vote for President elections, they are not exercising the power given by the people . This is shame on our democracy, we all should be ashamed to elect them as our representatives.

As always, Politics wins, get ready to call our future president as Rashtrapatani , first women President of Republic of India. Current President is a great scientist, defence advisor but our future President Pratibh Patil herself revealed in her interview that she use to talk to her dead Guruji some time in night. Scientist President Vs President having power to talking to dead person . What a Irony !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you a Muslim ?

I want to share one of my bad experience when we recently went to Chicago. Night around 10.30 we went to John Hancock Tower building (3rd tallest building in US) which got a observatory on its top. After roaming all around Chicago downtown for cheapest parking spot, we decided to park in Jonh Hancock building itself. When we entering parking space, security officer over there stopped only our car, checked our trunk and asked a very offendable question which he is not supposed to, you guys look nervous, Are you guys are Muslims ???
Stereotyping particular community is a crime but a they are forced to think to that way because of world happenings. We don't know whom we have to blame !!!

Dr. Abdul Kalam in Anna University as Honorary Professor

His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has agreed to be Honarary Professor at Anna University after his Presisdency period is over. He will be teaching Aeronautical Enginering, Astronomy during his stint in Anna University.

Kudos to Anna Univeristy

10,000$ tip for a Pizza store waitress

In Angola, Indiana, waitress of Pizza Store got a tip of 10,000 $. Regular family visitor to this Pizza store were so much impreseed with the smile, service of the waitress and when they got to know she dopped out of her school b'coz she is not able to finance her schooling, they gave a tip of 10,000 $

5 Women DCP's in Chennai City

As we all know, Chennai city took pride when it appointed Letika Saran as first woman Commissioner of Police for a metro. With the appointment of 3 more women DCP's , Chennai has 5 DCP's which is never before in any city in India.

To be - Women President, Women Kingmaker ........... Is it time for fairer sex in India ???????

Good Programming Sense

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then
{
then = else
}
else
{
else = if
}

Gandhigiri in USA

As USCIS took back dates for filling I-485 (for those who don't know :part of Green Card Process), lot of desi's retorted to Gandhigiri to show their protest by sending flowers against USCIS. Fedex, UPS, DHL all have to arrange extra trucks to deliver the flowers. USCIS though sympathetic to what has happened they said they will not apologize and they re-routing the flowers to army hospital nearby.
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I know personally some people spend some 1000$ for medicals, cancelled their travel plan to India, called their wife from India to apply I-485.

Ultimate star Ajith Kirredom - 2 much for you

I'm seeing Ad's popping up in Internet for Ajith's new movie for release "Kirredom" with the caption "End of Boss". Some mischievous elements ( i doubt nammae "Thalae" fans) is creating rifles in Kodambakkam by matching this movie with Sivaji - The Boss. What they trying to tell us , is Ajith is match for Super Star ????????????

"Thalae" don't you think its too much for you.

Gap widening between DMK and PMK

Strong words from Dr. Ramadas for Kalaingar's statement that alliance was only for Assembly elections and PMK is only a opposition party in TamilNadu confirms the speculation that DMK and PMK are not in good terms. Recent cancellations of Co-Operative elections, demonstrations of DMK workers against PMK MLA all making the things complicated between these two parties.

Amma's statement that PMK is most welcome in their alliance is increasing the speculation that Dr. Ramadass is slowly inching towards AMMA. Again everybody knows, PMK knows how to do politics and keep jumping between DMK and AIADMK for every elections.

Good time for poltical observer in TamilNadu