An approaching storm

An approaching storm, seen from Besant Nagar Elliots Beach. Sometime in last week of November 2009

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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Sent using Bluebottle™ email from my Sony Ericsson P990i

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!