Human Being...the most dangerous being in the universe? Maybe…

November 26, 2008

Like any other evening, I sat at my laptop, eating a piece of truffle cake and watching a movie, “The Producers” today…out of nowhere, a house fly flew past my screen, and was hovering around me and my plate. It looked slow though. It was either wet/damp, or heavy, or maybe even pregnant? It kept irritating me for a moment or two. After a while, it landed on my plate. Not on the cake exactly, but on the plate though. Without thinking, purely on impulse…I ended its life. I do not want to say how I killed it.

 

While I was doing it, I didn’t realize what I was doing. But the moment it was done, I wondered why I did something ghastly like that. What drove me to do it? Maybe from an average human being’s perspective, the fly was about 1/200^th or little more than that, of our size. So crushing it wouldn’t really make a big difference. It’s next to nothing. But when viewing this from the fly’s perspective, out of nowhere, a giant object came hurling towards it, and ended its life in a very, very painful manner. Even the almost-invincible cockroach, which I was told can survive nuclear radiations and so on, can’t escape the brutal squishing or crushing death by a human being.

 

Many of you reading this entry might find this stupid, wondering why I am making a big deal out of this. I might even get comments at the end of this note, that may have hints of insults (most of them would probably call me an “uncle”). But think for a moment my friends. Think about all the cockroaches, ants, snakes, worms etc. that you and I have killed for no reasons mostly. Or to be precise, only one reason: fear. The sole reason why we developed weapons, cages, sleeping darts (or poisoned darts to keep the flow) etc….FEAR. To be precise, in my opinion, it’s fear of survival.

 

All this thought process made me recollect another object being displayed at the Crocodile Park on ECR, on route to Mahabalipuram from Chennai. This object was a small cupboard, and had a display board/signage that said: behind these doors, is the most dangerous creature/animal on earth…and when I opened, I saw a mirror.

 

My intention is not to point out and start a debate on insect killings etc. If not anything, it’ll surely lead to Non-Vegetarianism and so on. My point is to help you realize the sheer might of our race…which we often misuse knowingly, or unknowingly out of fear. We think there’re aliens much more powerful, portrayed by sci-fi fantasy creators, having super powerful weapons and strength…they come here and become superheroes, or super-villains…for all that you know, they could be watching us, wondering if they should even set foot here to make friends. Cos the moment they send a messenger, we most probably won’t let him/her/it talk. We would rather arrest him/her/it and subject him/her/it to lab tests…

 

Ladies and gentlemen…we could be the most powerful being in the universe…so you can either celebrate, or wonder why we have probably misused this…I for now, am praying forgiveness to god for acting mercilessly against a living being …

Saroja!!!! Saaman Nikalo!

It's very rare to come across movies where you can relate to the characters or storyline. This movie does that exactly and how!!! Right from the comedy, to almost every aspect of the frame. Group of friends, go on a road trip, get caught in a sticky situation. Well, the sticky situation part is slaaaightly far fetched. Small elements were left out in editing, though the masses may neglect ot not notice. Fortunately or unfortunately, I'm a Mechanical Engr, and eye for detail is a standard virtue :-). The kidnap situation apart, movie is great! Saw it twice already :-). As Our new thala Premji says: Evalavo pannurom, itha panna mattomaa!? Cool!

Freedom...

Pic Courtesy: Darren Coffey

Independence, is not just a day's celebration.

It's a virtue, that needs to be nurtured with pride.

It's a tool that needs to be well utilised.

It's a thought, that makes us realize who we are, and gives us the desire and momentum to survive, against odds.

This day, my friends, let us realize this, and regain consciousness, of this freedom that lies within us, in spite of which we often succumb to Corruption, Poor Governance, and Bossy Bosses :-p.

Wishing you all a Happy Independence day.

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That's one hell of a name...

Try reading the name of this station :-)












This place is on the way to Thrirupathi from Chennai. Not sure how far, but I'm sure you can't miss it... after all, who can possibly miss the famous Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta... no offense to those who live there... found the name long and funny when you hear it...

by the way, if you know a place that has a longer name, do share it with me :-)

This is live! Air balloon in Besant Nagar, Chennai!

This is just in. Live! I just saw this air balloon, apparently owned by ETA STAR, or hired by them. It was either landing or just standing around for display. It was getting deflated when I shot this photo!

The Ninja Game..ultimate slacking tool

This is the ultimate "slacking" software/game I've seen till date. It's way too addictive, and at the same time very very mind boggling. Being an employer, this is probably the worst thing I have ever advised till date, but if you want to slack in office, this is the best way to do so! In fact, this has a "Boss mode", which quickly blanks/hides the window, appearing like just another window and not like a game. As the name suggests, you can use that when your boss appears out of no where :-) ... I haven;' tried it though, never had the need to do so ;-)

You can download it here: http://www.thewayoftheninja.org/n.html

Thank you Metanet Software! You've given me purpose to live !!!!

Not your ordinary Superhero...

...I'm talking about Hancock here! Since childhood, I've always known Superheroes to be Chivalrous Gentlemen, who land gracefully, fly gracefully (refer to my earlier post abt flying and Superman)...Ironman to an extent was a bit casual, in fact slightly playboyish (Thanks to Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of the character in the Movie "Ironman"), but even he had class...

But not Hancock...atleast not during his introduction and few scenes from there on...he's a superhero, having an attitude problem, and a bad drinking problem...in fact he's washed out everytime he goes out to save the world!

I don't want to describe the story to you (bet most of you would have seen it already), cos I'm sure if I write anything more, I'll end up telling the entire script out...trust me, this is definitely a must watch!

Happy Birthday to "The Duck"...Donald Duck

Well, you really can't say it's his birthday today, but the fact is, he was aired on Television for the first time, on June 9th 1934. He's without doubt one of my favourite characters from the house of Disney. Most funniest one too :-) ... image courtesy: disney.go.com

My mother's hand

A hand...a blessing...a gift, that's irreplacable...a hand, that knows only to give, to give love, to give warmth, and good food too :-P ... Ladies and gentlemen, that's my mother's hand...the hand I've held on to for 25 years... :)

Adrenaline Rush...Renewed

Flying by air was never really a fascination earlier, as I was born abroad and flying was the only mode of transport. But my flight yesterday to Baroda rekindled my interest in it for one reason: speed! It's a late realisation, but taking off gives such an adrenaline rush, seconded by my old bike only. I flew by Spice and Indigo. Found Indigo more pleasant :-). Spice people actually ran out of sandwiches!!! And their seats feel awkward. But today, returning by Jet, feels great :-). Comfortable, reasonable and great food! Though every carrier's landing is BLOODY scary, as Superman would say, "Flying is still the safest way of travelling" :-D ... Ya right! That's coming from a guy who flies with a cape and lands like an angel :-P ... And btw, the photo above was shot by me, that's the right wing of the Indigo Airlines aircraft.

Ship of the concrete dessert

Man, this is a rare sight. This camel, along with atleast 5-6 more of them, were found near the junction of Chennai Bye-pass ring road and Poonamalee High Road, at Maduravoyal. Honestly, this is the first time I'm seeing a camel in person!!!

Do your bit for the globe...

My post is nothing different from what the entire world is screaming about: Global Warming!!! You must have by now read countless articles and tv programs about this phenomenon which is threatening to sink islands, drain rivers/lakes and even sink cities in decades to come...and organizations like greenpeace are urging everyone to take a note and do your bit. I guess by now everyone is cautious and alarmed (hopefully) about the depth of the issue. You would have heard these bodies saying reduce your carbon footprint and stuff like that. Well, if you understand all that, good! Happy to have you on board. In case you don't, here are few tips that can help you in doing your bit for the Globe, and also save some bucks:

• If you are not using an electronic or electrical equipment, turn it off completely i.e. switch off the master plug point itself. For eg: in your TV, when you switch it off using your remote, technically, you have put it on standby. In fact you'll notice a Red LED/small bulb glowing in its front panel. Though it hardly consumes any power, and generates very less heat, it does contribute to the Global warming phenomenon. I read somewhere that if every American household followed this tip alone, they can permanently shut down 3 power stations!!! So go figure, and remember to switch off any equipment that's not in use. Including stabilizers for air conditioners.
• Check all water leaks at home and workplace (if you own it). Check for leaking taps, health faucets, etc. Not only do you conserve water, I have read it's also a good way to curtail negative energy (Tarot/spiritual stuff). And above all, ensure if Rainwater harvesting is done at your place properly
  
• Use your vehicle judiciously, so that fuel is consumed in a frugal manner and thus contributing to fuel conservation too. Drive within 40-50 kmph, keep your windows rolled up, switch off your engines if you're stationary for 60 seconds or more, keep optimal air pressure etc.

You can also measure your carbon footprint by visiting this link: http://www.safeclimate.net/calculator/

That's pretty much it. Will keep updating this post for more easy tips for doing your bit for the globe.

Yay :-)

Four months of penance! Knotted hairstrands, that once in a bluemoon dandruff prob, sweat-drenched irritating curls...finally has paid off! Got my hair straightened at Limelite salon! Makes a big difference to the person I see in the mirror.

Which brings me to the point of discussion. Personal care! Off late, I find people more conscious about their persona. The waiting time at the salon is testimony to this. The average Indian is earning more, and proportionally spending more. Such personal attention helps a lot in boosting morale, self-confidence. Being an HR consultant, I can vouch for that. It's proven that people who love themselves (not in an alarming manner :-p) show faster progress. In fact, a recent article also mentioned that well groomed professionals climb the corporate hierarchy faster! So people, go ahead! Indulge in some personal attention. Walk into a salon / spa, and pamper yourself :-)

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Now, Blogger app on my phone!!!

Ok, blogging via email itself was quite interesting (I shouldn't say that, I hardly blog :-P), the new blogger app makes it even more interesting. It's an application which helps in publishing a post to a blog. Quite interesting. Hope it makes me blog more :-P

Quote for the month

This is just to fill the space :-)

"When you encounter seemingly good advice that contradicts other seemingly
good advice, ignore them both"

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By the way, forgot to mention earlier. If you have something better to do other than reading this page, pls go ahead :) ... Or you can probably read the rss feeds on tech stuff, on your right :)

My first post

Blogging from my mobile phone for the first time. I have no clue what to blog. In fact I don't even know why I should be blogging. So prepare to read unadulterated nonsense, served live!

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