Thursday, July 2, 2015

A moving speech from "The Good Will Hunting"

"So if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him. Life's work, political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientations, the whole works, right? But I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling; seen that.

If I ask you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus about your personal favorites. You may have even been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy. You're a tough kid. And I'd ask you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right, "once more unto the breach dear friends." But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, watch him gasp his last breath looking to you for help.

I'd ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes, feeling like God put an angel on earth just for you. Who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, to have that love for her, be there forever, through anything, through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in the hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes, that the terms "visiting hours" don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, 'cause it only occurs when you've loved something more than you love yourself. And I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much. 

And look at you... I don't see an intelligent, confident man... I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine, and you ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan right?"

Often told, never listened

People have been trying to rip off each other consistently. But, it's quite a marvel to have come from ripping each other apart.

Only if we realize how dependent we individuals are, this foolish behavior would vanish. As everything we 'assume' to own, think to have earned by the sweat of our brow are simply the labor of hard working men. Look at the device you're reading this off, it took many hardworking souls to build it.

I'm not a saint either. Like the rest of you I'm spoiled by human emotions, and am a victim of it.

The movie 'Body of Lies' showcases the following quote:

"I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.”
                                                                             ―W.H.Auden

In a similar but positive light, don't we reap good by sowing it first?

'The Secret' suggests, positive attracts positive; thoughts and deeds.

Let us try this approach, and see what life has to say.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Are skills innate?

I hate it when someone says “it comes naturally to me”.

I've been striving to read and write all my life. I've only come this far. My friend says that it comes naturally to him and only if he practiced like me he'd be a lot more proficient. That's not what I'd like to hear. It's like the film 'Amadeus'. Why should I be Salieri while I perceive of myself to be Mozart?

How come certain skills are rampant in some people. And, no matter how hard others try they can't even scratch the bottom of excellence?

This is my humble state of mind. The only conclusion I could arrive at is that, I haven't practiced enough. I open a document file and pour my heart out. But, it's those silly people who lack the time to go through my posts. They simply rate me with their standards, and I've to face the fate of their judgment.

I yearn to be more, that's the motto of my life. If people could realize that, I hope they will give honest remarks on my blog posts. A few people read my posts and fewer still comment on it. Some have the audacity to leave behind a thumbs up icon. Am I to understand that you've read my post, if you can't even bring yourself to type a comment?

I'm not lashing out on you kind readers. But it takes effort to write, like any other I simply require recognition for it. I seek criticism, only if I know the mistakes (if any) I make can I improve myself. Take this post as a straight from the heart request to take some time and go through my blog and give your honest opinion. I for one believe like the J.K. Simmons character in 'Whiplash', “there is nothing more harmful than the words: 'good job' ”.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Broadway Danny Rose

The movie opens up with a up-beat mesmerizing song 'Agita'. Comedians shares their trouble with bits.

“..It's a good joke it has been working for years, last night it died.”

“It works when I do it.”

“You do that joke? Maybe that's where I got it”

You can get a sense of how comedians use each others bits and don't accuse anyone.They gather up and start talking and Danny Rose comes up.

Now, we are off to Danny's story. Slowly we learn about this character, a friendly talent scout/manager. He'll back you up with everything he's got, that is if he believes in you.

As we go further into the story we learn about Lou, a has been Italian singer. He is gaining some attention and Danny's got to do everything about that. Lou has a problem with drinking and women. Danny helps out Lou by fixing things with Tina (Lou's extramarital girlfriend).

Tina a seemingly stuck up woman, wins us over with her stunning looks. Men go crazy for her. One of her admirers - Johnny cuts his wrist to show his love. Tina has come to her relatives to fix things as per a fortuneteller's suggestion.

 All the while Danny is with Tina speaking laurels of Lou, trying to mend things. This turns into an adventure while Tina's Mafioso relatives mistake Danny for her boyfriend and seek vendetta for Johnny.

While running from the crazy Italians they get to have an intimate moment, and an adventure. This is the where the love story of Tina and Danny pick up.


In a weird scene Tina and Danny are stuck in an industrial chamber. A gun goes off and hits a Helium tank, releasing the gas all over. Every character's voice is pitched up by the gas, and this scene surely the funniest moment in the movie.

At a crucial stage, besides Danny's good nature and friendliness Tina advices against him to Lou. And he sacks him.

Broken down, Danny visits his ventriloquist friend in hospital who has been hit by the Italians. Previously Danny has pointed to Bonnie Don the silly ventriloquist as Tina's boyfriend to save Lou. Of course Danny was under the impression Don was away from the city. After the visit, Danny walks out of the hospital and rain pours onto him. We see how true Danny has been to Lou, and how Lou has simply laid off Danny for a better career.

After this moving scene we have one of the comedians hearing the narrative go: “I thought this was a funny story”, Woody lays it right on us.

Tina falls head over heals for Danny. In the very last scene Danny has fun celebrating Christmas with his friends. Tina shows up and is all sympathetic, yet Danny refuses her. I was so involved with the scene that I  wished Danny would run up to Tina and take her back, and he does. Few movies make us want something to happen in the screen and deliver satisfaction for our expectations. This movie is one such rare work of art.

Broadway Danny Rose has been one of the most funny and moving picture by Woody Allen. The movie boasts wonderful actors and has a simple and direct story. The variety of characters conjured up by Woody are full of life. You'll definitely fall in love with Danny, and hence Woody after watching Broadway Danny Rose.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Western meets the Flatheads*


*A flathead or a hot-rod is a type of car that has flat elongated engine like a V8.

Mad Max: Fury Road by George Miller is nothing short of a spectacle. The wide screen magic lasted quite long, but the epic scenes were spilled all over the movie.

Though the story is as simple as Damsels in distress; the visual appeal and scope of the movie is the one I've been wanting to see for quite a while now. There's magic in the light that hits the silver screen, and few movies make use of it. I remember crouching down like the first audience of 'The Great Train Robbery' during some parts of the movie. The visuals were spell-bounding, yet not so overwhelming to distract you from the story.

It's one big chase with artful sensibilities of Tim Burton and epic in scale like that of Sergio Leone's films. There were very limited dialogue, which was a blessing for I was watching in a local theater that played a dubbed version. I felt like the movie should have ended a bit earlier.

I remember when I yelled to my friend beside me in the theater, “machan Surreal da”. There were so many action sequences, yet never did I feel lost in the mayhem. The 70 year old director has pulled of such a feat and has gained millions of new fans to the franchise.

The after effects of the movie is quite lasting, it has been more than three days since I watched the movie. Still I remember the shock and awe I had while the sandstorm sequence played. The lightening was made to illuminate the scene in different tone, I felt like I was high on shrooms watching this sequence.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

The 'Kakka Muttai' experience

I've had a good time watching the film that has garnered such hype. The simple fact that the movie has gained two National Awards has made it a better sell. I was disheartened by the short review in the poster, 'the best feel good movie of the decade'(I prefer tragedy to comedy).

The story of Kakka Muttai is well layered. Manigandan has managed to give a entertaining non-masala film. He has successfully showed the true state of rural Chennai, and the impact of Globalization. The pulling factor of the movie undoubtedly was the performances of the actors. Not just the main characters but all the little ones that has made a lasting impression, in-spite of the less screen time.

I found that all the actors performed in a subtle manner. There was no yelling or demanding physical actions, which is quite surprising in a Tamil film. For this I'd like to commend Manigandan.

Apart from writing and directing this film he has also shot this. From the first shot that zooms out quite slowly to reveal the countless slum houses which are just tents of plastic sheets and metal scrapings, he has kept the visuals quite pleasing.

After all the praises I'd like to confess that I wasn't emotionally satisfied by the film. The characters though well played by the skilled actors seemed to lack depth. Maybe it's just me wanting more of the Kakka Muttais.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Fluttering with a rhythm

My mind has been numbed by inactivity. Even the 'Medium difficulty Sudoku' seem hard to solve, for my mind is fluttering in many directions while I attempt to decipher the puzzle. The clouds of doubt and negativity are slowly receding, I can sense that I'm growing stronger mentally. I can feel the clarity in my thoughts, and know that they will reflect in my writings.

In my previous post I decided to 'just write', and to do that in a posh manner. As I usually would, I sent it to one my friend expecting criticism. He was kind enough to praise my effort, but suggested that it was 'didactic'. He asked me to write about how I feel, instead of preaching.

Coming to think of it, how do I feel?

The question brings to my mind, the visual of master Bruce Lee teaching a kid to 'feel' in the movie “Enter the Dragon”. I feel sometimes good, that I'm taking some time off to relax. With so much time at hand, I'm reading but not enough and not at the rate of my expectation. Having filled my shelves with books, I wonder 'when am I going to finish reading all these books?'.

I was under the impression that fiction was far more superior than non-fiction. As all the life lessons are told in a story form. I was convinced there was no need to read self-help and other material. I couldn't have been more wrong. Without self-help books it is hard to raise one's self esteem. People are busy with their own lives these days, and thus fail to see a struggling soul and lend their helping hand.

Pragmatic thinking is necessary to move up in the world, and solve personal issues. It is necessary to grow as a human. I believe, growing to be more humane is the sole purpose of life. (I can't stop being didactic :))

Sunday, May 10, 2015

To Write


A writer needs more than pen and paper to write. As Picasso suggests to know what to paint, one must start painting. A strong will to write and the act of writing are key factors to write.

The ingredients for good writing:
  • Will to write,
  • Confidence,
  • Knowledge on the subject,
  • Practice and
  • Dichotomy.

As a sculptor needs his chisel, a writer needs practice. Also comes in handy to those without the luxury of an editor, dichotomy-- the ability to see your work from an objective standpoint. The talent is required to edit and re-write, the final and decisive stage of writing. It's like operating on yourself, if done cautiously the reward is worth the pain.

A writer can gain knowledge of the subject, learn the nuances of the language, all at his desk. But, to say something in his own voice he needs a life! Without that voice he is just a malfunctioning typewriter! As the lotus flower reflects the depth of the pond, a writer's words show the understanding and knowledge of his heart and mind.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Anger

Sometimes anger takes over us; they make a puppet of us.


I've come to the stage in life where, I prefer reasonable argument over a ruthless row or a fist fight.


We make mistakes and learn from it, that's the way it is supposed to be. To feel human, we err. And to feel like a better person we rectify our mistakes, this is growing up. To accept shame, look at things as it is and still be on our team support ourselves morally; this is the mark of a strong person.


One can have many battles in life, physical and mental. These battles makes us the person we are. Be strong enough to forgive, and kind enough to forget. In the end you'll be left with a sense of pride. You can walk away from a fight with that pride, there's no shame in this.

 Accepting that other people also toil and suffer just the way we do is hard to do. We get on our high horses and judge people, even before we could get to know them.


Peace of mind is not that overrated. Just take some down time, sit relax and enjoy life.He who can conquer anger, can obtain freedom from his own mind.

Friday, April 3, 2015

To be

To be visible on-line is hard. The limited knowledge I possess of SEO and SMO isn't enough to garner readers for my blog.

Inspiration does sprout everywhere. But to sit and write, it's not so easy. Fear of possible grammatical errors and lack of cohesiveness stop me from putting words to paper. I've been sulking in doubt lately. To wonder at your friends work, think that it's better than mine is difficult. Jealousy play tricks on your mind. The little red guy dancing on your shoulder, weigh it down to stop your arm from moving.

Words form. They follow the course of mind, of the one who wields it. Mindfulness helps create good material.

I read recently that people who write have decreased stress levels. This explains the lack of serenity in me lately. I haven't been writing for the last couple of days. I was mostly staring at the computer screen or the roof (which ever one was on my line of sight). This catatonic existence has bummed me out, I remembered "Avoiding writing is the worst possible thing to do".

However, I've been listening to songs to cheer up, sometimes I delve too deep and lose myself to the tune and dance unconsciously. It's the 'Happy' song by Pharell Williams that I've been obsessing over. Bruno Mars' songs are superb, they are upbeat and cheerful. I wish to be the guy on the 'Lazy song', but I'm afraid that I'd turn to be a nube.

I'm battling extremities; and plead: if only moderity is kind enough to linger just a lifetime.

          “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
                                                                                    ― Oscar Wilde

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

William Blake : The Fly

Little fly,
Thy summer’s play
My thoughtless hand
Has brushed away.

Am not I
A fly like thee?
Or art not thou
A man like me?

For I dance
And drink and sing,
Till some blind hand
Shall brush my wing.

If thought is life
And strength and breath,
And the want
Of thought is death,

Then am I
A happy fly,
If I live,
Or if I die.


Friday, March 27, 2015

On Professionalism




A professional by definition is someone with academic knowledge of a profession.


With the passage of time, the old ideology has changed.

If you notice Steve Bucemi's character (Mr. Pink) in Reservoir Dogs will ask his partners in crime to act like professionals. What Mr. Pink really wants to say is: "Cut the crap and stop acting like a bunch of sissies".

In recent times, the term professional denotes someone who acts above his personal conflicts and thinks of his organizations well being, and that alone. He who does this is not a professional, he is rather a big gear who is stuck in an automated machine. The gear will be easily replaced at will, whether or not if rusted.

A human being who toils, enjoys his work while making a living is a professional. A person who works with joy, looks at his craft and understand that 'he who toils with pain, eats with pleasure'. 

A profession can turn to a job soon, this is the death of professionalism. What of those who work with such distaste?

"It is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy", Gibran.


Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Writers write, by Prasanna


So how does anybody start writing an article about writing? Or about anything at all? If you ask me then the answer is fairly simple – by start writing.


Make any sense? Let me explain with an example. An interview done by BBC with Gary Lightbody, the lead singer of Snow Patrol will give you a better idea of what I am going on about.


For someone with a continuous drive to create music, Lightbody was shocked to find himself suffering a crippling bout of writer’s block last year.


“Oh God, I never want to go through that again,” he grimaces. “You’ve done the thing that you do every day of your life for 16 years and suddenly it’s removed from you.
“I just couldn’t write a single word. I was terrified. I couldn’t pick up my laptop, my notepad, or anything, for fear that I was going to sit there and stagnate.
“I was actually catatonic for most of it.”
There was no real breakthrough, he says, just the support of his friends and bandmates.
“The best advice I got, and this sounds ridiculous, was ‘writers write’.
“Avoiding writing is the worst possible thing to do – but that’s what I was doing. I was too frightened to even pick a pen up. So writers write: Even though it sounds so prosaic, it’s absolutely true. You do it until it works, and that’s what I did.”


A person becomes a writer only when he thinks of himself/herself as one. No, I am not asking you to fool yourself into being a writer but to give yourself a reason, an inspiration, a chance into becoming one. You wear your heart on your sleeve, wander around thinking, feeling and leading a life as a writer. With that, you now begin to draw on your personal experiences and from that of others. You learn to set your imagination free and begin to listen to your instincts more. Ideas start brewing, plots become clearer, words begin flowing and slowly but surely, a piece of your written work will be done with.


If you are one with opinions to share, ideas to discuss, stories to tell and can string a sentence together (how good you are at it is a different narrative altogether), all you need to do is put pen to paper and start writing your mind away.


Most of us writers judge ourselves far more aggressively than our readers do. We are a cynical lot. It is an occupational hazard of sorts. Although self-scrutiny is good, too much of it curbs our enthusiasm to write and hinders our creativity.


As writers, our quest should solely be to keep writing and thus remain a writer. Let posterity decide how good we are.

Monday, March 23, 2015

On Art and Its Form

                              
"The end is important in all things."
                    -Tsunetomo Yamamoto, Hagakure

A creator must be clear on the final form of his creation. It is with this knowledge that he can strive towards perfection.

How can he be sure that his artistry has attained its desired and complete form?

One must have forethought in his work, and immense confidence on his ability. To create something is not a simple feat, an artist gives life to his work by giving a piece of himself. He dies a little in the process of creating life (Neil Diamond).

To create something is not as important as to create a meaningful piece of work. The ability to close one's mind, to stop and say its done, finished, is a difficult quality to attain.

An amateur writer like I, can document my life, share my thoughts and write my daily encounters word by word. But, the volume of information cannot measure to a single powerful phrase. Like:

The song and dance of ideas from genesis to completion of an art in itself is poetic.

Thus, to create a meaningful art, an artist must be wary of the art form he picked. Toil, but with ample knowledge. Strive, but in the right direction. What is the right direction? That, the artist must find for himself, for there isn't just one right path. Upon his journey towards this path (Tao-way), he will find it in himself the right answers that he once sought outside. In this is the peace and tranquility of being an artist.

And, important of all as Yamamoto suggests; the end must be sharp and vivid. It may not be too climactic as there are limitations to certain forms, but it must convey a strong and clear message. Just thrust the bayonet a little deeper.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

விலைவாசி

சில எழுத்தாளர்கள் ஆங்கில பெயர்வெய்த்து தமிழ் கதைகளை எழுதும்போது, நான் தமிழில் தலைப்புவெய்த்து ஒரு ஆங்கில போஸ்டை எழுதுவதில் குற்றமும் இல்லை; இதில் எனக்கு எவ்வித வருத்தமும் இல்லை.

It's the best time for me to write, coz I;m so beat right now I won't delve into deep details or technicalities.

Bored at the hostel I ventured outside with a goal on my mind, 'buy an refill for the sturdy AD pen'. I've been using that pen for a few months now, and hope that it'll be with me for a while.

Couldn't find the refill, shopkeepers say 'no one buys refills anymore; customers prefer to buy a new pen rather'. I was on foot, searching for any other Stationary shops that might have what I need. While I was staring at either sides of the road, a kid approached with children's books.

" அண்ணா அண்ணா please நா, வாங்கிகோங்க நா.  இருவது ரூபா தான்."
"ரெண்டு எவ்ளோக்கு தருவ?"
"முப்பத்க்கு எடுத்துக்கோங்க"
"சரி நாலு குடு"
"Thanks நா"
"Schoolக்கு போரியா? இல்ல ...."
"போறேன் நா"

I bought four books for the kids in my family. Had a mind to do some kind thing, and pondered of the kid from whom I bought the book from, and the kids I bought the books for.

Life's strange, it may turn to any direction. One must be glad of his situations, for there are people who are struggling a lot and aren't complaining.

With these thoughts, my eyes were fixed on a book shop. I was enticed and magically appeared inside the shop without any conscious effort.

First words out of my mouth were:
"செருப்பு  போட்டுக்கலாமா ?"
"ஆஹ், அது பிரச்சன்னை இல்ல"

After a few seconds of glancing at the book shelf with a 'Only 20 Rs' tag over it, I said:

"இல்ல uncomfortable-ஆ இருக்கு ", and removed my footwear in a corner. It felt weird, looking at books with my foot wear on. I was reminded of my schooldays, you must remove your shoes before entering the Library.

Found a lot of interesting books, 'Mystic River', and 'The Notebook' are the ones that seemed to tempt me; mainly because they were made into wonderful movies. I settled to buy 'Best Music Written' and 'Webster's Thesaurus', there were plenty of other books but they were out of my price range (especially because of lack of the offer).

I had a pretty good haggling experience with the shopkeeper, I was asking for the old 'Avid Handbook' and he said 50% 0ff and offered it for 200 rupees. I had at this time picked up a Jiddu Krishnamurthi book too, I glanced at my purse and back to the book. I didn't buy those books, I had only got the Music book and the thesaurus.

Walking away I looked at the two sets of books in my hand, one-for which I didn't haggle far too much but bought to make the kids happy. The other I bought to quench my thirst for knowledge.

                                " ஒரு நூலகத்தில் வசிக்க ஏனோ ஆசை "

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

For the love of it...


Why did I call my last post 'Redundancy'?
Is there a connection between the title and the post?
Am I a good writer if I explain one of my post in another?"
That's how I was planning on beginning this post...until my team leader saw my words and yelled...
"You call this writing?"
It was a Rambo's fist to my gut, I stopped writing. Went out with my colleagues and paid they're smoking bills. Paying for passive smoking isn't so prudent wouldn't you say?
Why can't I grab onto my thoughts a little more firmly?

Why do I feel like, 'I speak volumes but say none'?(This verse has been stuck in my mind for sometime now).
Maybe I'm doomed to die 'trying to be a writer'. I know that I'm not alone in feeling like Salieri, cursing the god(s) for giving the longing but not the talents.
Most of my thoughts begin as a 'what if' or as a really good story in my mind. Soon they turn to a ruinous path, I fail to identify the crucial differences between reality and fiction. I write a lot about myself, of what happened to me and how I feel and think. This as clearly pointed out by my dear friend is redundant.
The truth is I really love writing, I like to write about reality.
I must digress, for this post isn't 100% real. I thought if I added some lie, make it a fictional conversation it might be a better read.
The reality is it's a bit late,and I'm on one of my long walks in the empty streets of my neighborhood, typing this post in my mobile phone; almost bumping into parked vehicles.
Isn't the act of doing something for the pure love of it, practiced or appreciated anymore?
I do want to be a good writer, I'm on that very path. I don't feel the heavy shackles of review and grammatical mistakes on my shoulders. I've come to a deeper understanding recently, the quality of the material written is determined by the reader alone and it is by their standards they review my talent.
I must credit Prasanna for pointing out that 'one must leave it to posterity to decide on the quality of a work' and 'The maverick' writer Pudhumaipithan for putting my thoughts into words:

Just like God is not bound by theologians, my creations are not bound by your conventional standards. I am not responsible for that and neither are my creations. I would like to point out it is YOUR standards you are using to judge my creations.”

Monday, March 16, 2015

Redundancy

I was called a blog-walker once. I didn't know what that meant, even now I guess it's simply what I do. I've been committing the act of writing some sense into myself for a long time now. It has changed from actual writing on paper to an on-line diary.

Is that possible, to write some sense into one-self?

Is this blog-walking?

Is it the personal conversation one has with one-self?

The times are gone, when I wonder, second guess myself on the grammar of my writings. Now, I simply write. I've started to absorb literature, learned what the word literature actually meant. The art of putting 'feelings' into words, not mere thoughts but a slightly higher state of thoughtlessness.

Night rides always seem to open up my lungs and inspire me 'to live'!

The late night rides, they're not lonely rather blissful and rewarding. I'm still searching for words to deliver that feeling of purity and race of non-thoughts that rush and fade in my mind unto the reader.

Sobering up, I've learned that it's hard to get the same relief and joy without the use of any stimulant. I used to take long walks to tire myself physically to get a good nights sleep.

Recently, I walked a long-while in search of a library. I require a short term goal often to keep my mind and body active. I blindly walk towards that set goal (library), and pursue it with conviction. I place pure faith on my ability to get what I want, and as in most cases I'll get it (as it's the universe's law; you'll get what you want, you just need to be a little more patient).

I am reaping the fruits of my faith and labor by enjoying the book 'We The Living' by Ayn Rand. The wide ray of glimmering hope survives in my kind heart of- 'life','the universe of things' and my place in it.

As she says:

                            "To a life; which is reason unto itself"

Sunday, March 8, 2015

The Sicilian

I've completed reading "The Sicilian". I was reading this, sequel to "The Godfather" for a long time, and finally finished it. It is quite a rewarding experience, solely because I read a hard copy. I don't remember the stories that I read on-line or on a screen; especially they are not as vivid in my mind as those stories that I read from actual printed books, that I touched, felt and smelt. These intricacies enter your mind seamlessly, and the possession of a book is more of an obsession for me. I pride myself in having a beautiful and bountiful collection of books, and rarely do I lend them to of my closest friends; still pester them on the manner of reading, importance of maintaining the quality of the pages and returning the book without fail and in pristine condition.


Back to "The Sicilian", Mario Puzo kept me entertained throughout. But he hid many surprises and revealed them in a subtle manner at the ending chapters of the book. The story is so visual, and the characters intertwine, walk in and out of a chapter yet are all part of the 'Big plan'. It's like Puzo has built a maze, and it's so huge that one needs to be up high like in the "Maze Runner" to identify the pattern. The characters retain their characterization, the twists and turns are enticing yet not so appalling.

I have hastily signed up for the Goodreads Challenge, have to read 35 books this year! I have left some books incomplete, like "The Acquatine Progression", "The Study in Scarlet", and "The Paths of Glory".  "The Acquatine Progression" was a big one, I wasn't demoted by the shear size of it; but the story progression was picking up at a slower pace. "The Paths of Glory" was a good story on adventure, but I put it in a shelf and never picket it up again. "Study in Scarlet" e-book in the Kindle app on my windows-phone, it simply too tiring to read on a screen. Also I was roaming around searching for a hard-copy of the book, but found "We The Living" by Ayn Rand in a Library nearby and have started reading enthusiastically.


I have in possession Umberto Eco's The Name of The Rose. Its funny that I remember this title, I came to know of the book from my high-school English lesson on Umberto Eco. It was mentioned that the story is a historical one. It involves a lot of semiotics (study of signs), and it's highly modern and complicated, yet sold splendidly . I was impressed by Umberto Eco, he says that if all the vacuum is removed from the Universe, it will be the size of our fist. Granted I was a high-school kid, but even then I was interested in the far and expanding world of the multi-verses; and listening to an author saying "The universe will fir into our fist" is just intense, hard to imagine and believe. He also explains that within a elevator ride he would've written an article, there's such space and time within our grasp yet out of reach of our senses. He seemed to be such an exciting and prolific author to have such capacity.

I hope to read a lot and regularly too, as it will without any doubt give peace and help me with the flow of words in my writings.The last few days I had peaceful dreamless sleeps, all thanks to the hours of reading. I lose myself and the worries that I carry, by losing myself in a different world. I got a spot on the terrace, with the light on my back and my back to the chair read for long periods of time like I used to during my school days. Stopping rarely to look up the meaning of a word or to make a note of a beautiful quote or line from the book, the reading was mostly uninterrupted.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Julie and Julia- Nora Ephron


Watching a Nora Ephron movie riles you up to write; 'Julie and Julia' almost a chick flick, but foodies like me will love it too.

In the credits it was mentioned that the film is based on two true stories. I wondered how can a single film be made from two different true stories, and found that Nora has exploited the non-linear method. The stories happen in two separate periods, post WWII and post 9/11.

There's Julia Childs, bold woman who is interested in cooking and has a sweet husband. He has arranged for them to stay in Paris in the awesome time of 1950s. Ah! Paris, sweet sweet Paris. Julie who is also interested in cooking but belongs in a different time the 19th century, 2002 right after the WTC incident. Julie is working as a call center agent for the Government, mundane routine has made her a soul-less being. Julie's husband advices her to write a blog; she hesitates at first but begins with a deadline in mind, to cook 400 or so recipes within a year and blog about the challenges. I could relate to Julie as she too was looking for some exciting thing to do. In a scene Julie says, I don't want the blog to be about my life. She is already fed up with her life, and writing about it isn't going to be much of a help. My feelings exactly, and many a times she begs the reader to respond; as she isn't sure if her blog is reaching someone or not. Side-note:The very fear conquers me too! So reader please respond, I'm pouring my guts out.

So, the movie is nice and you will be glad to have watched it. Soon after the movie, I was thinking if I must go live in Paris and learn cooking just like Julia Childs. I've spent lots of time acquiring taste. I've explored different restaurants, tasted their dishes and have spent my hard earnings for the pleasure of it. At this moment, I really want to consider the sanity of Wine tasting. Still I'd rather drink them instead of spitting out the aged elixirs.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Rome

I mean 'roam', I purposefully changed the title of the post. The purpose is of course to attract thee, my dear reader.

Let me thank you first, for spending time reading this blog (amidst your busy routine). Then, let me ponder onto the mysterious happening of today.

I was to attend an interview today, and I did; patiently was I waiting for the results. And, came late the HR with the decision. She explained to me the procedure of the selection process, and the levels of clearance my profile need to attain. I wasn't at all fed up, there are just two choices an organization can make, hire me or not. Why should I lose my precious sleep over that. As simple as Tom Hanks' ideology in Terminal there is always a 50% chance of success so never quit trying :)

Determined and patient was I to not move; many Companies have a policy of testing the patience of the candidate. So, I decided not to move a muscle, yeah just like 'statue'. Enough of the Interview, I was asked to leave with the usual closing lines "We'll get back to you".

Walking away from the company, I confided my situation and learned about the company's current situation from some of the employees who were chatting in the parking lot. If they have openings, I'll surely be getting a call. As usual after some serious time-out, I was hungry; went to the Adyar Bakery. It is quite good, I've such an appetite for sweet dishes. I once checked out the Chocolate truffle, and this time there was a hot dog like dish called the 'Eclair'. It melted in my mouth, the dish made my mind go 'wow!

And, to top that, there was a cutely stunning looking girl who was about to cross the road. I finished the dish, paid up and was out the door just in time to walk with her. I followed the girl, she went a long way into the dwindling streets of where I reside. This was actually the very first time I followed a girl. I am against the concept of following girls like their watchdogs; the reason, I'm always occupied with something. If not something useful, something silly and entertaining like watching The Simpsons. Time is a precious thing and mustn't be wasted, but for the right girl-what the hell!

On the way, I got a call regarding a job opportunity. Almost sincerely I replied to the caller, and there was a small crash. A guy on a bike, a kid who was riding a bicycle. It wasn't serious. Ignoring the minor accident I walked steadfast, coping up with the unsuspecting(I hope :) girl. She suddenly went inside a shop, oh shit! She knows, she definitely knows that a guy is following her. I stopped in the middle of the road, acted like I was lost. Fumbled for the map in my phone, and realized that she has made a purchase-'a curd packet'(yeah!). And, was off to her house; I was following like a loyal dog, who was up for a treat. She vanished into a corner, and there were three houses. I am not sure which one she went inside, but maybe just maybe I'll see her again and I'll share this bizarre, yet true story with her. I don't know who she is, who she was or what she could be. For quite a moment, I was drawn to her and that's that. This might even be a good opening for me (not specifically for this girl:), maybe the first sweet anecdote that I'll share with my girl. Chances of the girl I followed, being mine I'd say is 50-50, she might become my girl friend or maybe not. Those are good odds :p

Ah! Life, unpredictability is thy defining quality.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Smitten, I was Smitten

Stepping out of the hostel I realised 'yeah! it drizzles the one day that I decided to leave my umbrella behind'. Strange enough, I also wasn't listening to any music while I was out the door. Maybe I needed a break from the monotony. I was a little late to the bus stand than usual, and wondering if I need to ride the dreaded MTC standing amongst the mad crowd.
I am claustrophobic, but had no time to worry about it; I'll be late to the office. So I boarded the bus, a pole struck my eye; I needed a support to rest by back throughout the ride. A few girls got into the bus, spite of the over crowdedness of the vehicle.
I was reading Study in Scarlet on my mobile, and took a quick break. That was the moment a beauty stole my vision, ah! Words can't come close to explain what I felt. The girl was gone! She saw my gaze, didn't respond; the girl didn't even smile she took a look at me and was off. I was totally smitten, lost in a sense of wonder. Asked some random girl if there was a specific IT company nearby; coz I noticed that that girl who stole my thoughts, wore the watch with that companies logo. She said meh, I replied huh?
Lost in thought-whether or not to take the same bus, at the same time again tomorrow. I got back to the book, some more girls entered the bus. I was focused on the book, and the back of my mind was on the girl who didn't even smile. Some time elapsed, my destination grew closer and I decided to close the book.
Almost close to the stop, I was near the footsteps of the buses' entrance; ha one more cute and lively girl caught my eye. I did the same thing, I smiled a little at her; I was mesmerized at her beauty. She recognized my gaze, responded with a 'thank you' smile. I was lit like a Christmas tree, happiness took complete hold of me. I was floating in the air while crossing a busy road. Her smile gave me the boost of a thousand kisses.
From the bus stop I didn't get into any Auto as I regularly would, decided to walk this time. Was somewhat tired from the walk; had a quick snack before entering the office. Happiness is still around, you just need to wait patiently till it finds you.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Controlled explosion

Climbing out of the bus, I found it hard to walk besides Chennai's traffic. There are no more way/path for the pedestrians in the metropolitan city. The cars occupy most of the road, the heavy and medium sized four wheelers the rest and bikes are pure evil. The people who drive any bike has figured out the way to ride 'em everywhere, and I do mean EVERYWHERE; They just don't care about the pedestrians. Human beings who can't afford to buy a bike/car or someone who simply decided to ride on a bus are people who have a lot patience.                                       

A guy almost ran me over, the tire scratched my leg and I was ablaze with anger. Lucky for the guy behind the wheels, that I was in a good mood; I had it completely under control. I half-yelled at him, so that he realizes the mistake he committed. Being in control felt so powerful; I was happy that I didn't do anything that I might regret, and that was a great thing.

Life teaches you patience and be glad that you will learn to be a lot more patient. If a guy like me(read my blog completely and you'll know what I mean) can do it, you can do it. And, if you own a bike please make sure that you don't hit someone. Cheers and good luck on whatever you are planning to do.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Vacation?


This is the first time I'm getting some time off from work, I mean a real vacation. No calls from the office, no friends who need me to go shopping with them. Lone time was just the thing that I needed, and I got it for sure. Sometimes you will always get what you want one way or another, it's just that you need to be a little more patient. And, that grand quality has always been scarce in me; everyone advices me 'go slow', 'relax', 'patience!' and 'calm the fuck down'. You see I got a wacky nerve, it'll be hard for me to contain myself. I find it real hard sometimes to control the words that fall out of my mouth. It's just sad that I can't go back in time edit,re-edit shuffle things around to make the things that I said a bit more meaningful and beautiful 'like writing and re-writing'.

To kill off sometime, I took a ride yesterday evening. Wearing shorts and a jacket I looked all set for a ride. Music! I love listening music, and almost always do. Be it during a walk, commute, or a ride, I need me some music to mute down the “nagging writer's voice” in my head. And, Apocalyptica - A metal band with a lot of string instruments did hell of a job smoothening my ride. I was listening to the song “I'm not strong enough to stay away” while wondering if I should pay a visit to my high-school crush (more of an obsession really). 

Before I could decide I was at her place. I was strong enough to walk away, while I was a few feet 'close' to her house's threshold. There was a train wreck in my mind while I was thinking things over, and the way back to my bike which I parked cautiously away was 'spooky'. The rules of 'Time' went numb, I heard my heartbeat and was caught up in the moment. No matter how much I hate myself for being in that situation, I enjoyed the moment. The memory of this little encounter may resurface to guide me to walk away from things that are better avoided.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Can you tell me something about yourself?



Can you tell me something about yourself? is 'The dreaded question' by every job seeker. Most of the interviewees answer by talking about his hometown, high-school and college education. But, the recruiter wants to know about your recent work experience, your current/previous employer and your roles and responsibility in that organization. The best thing to do is to draw a map in your head, draw a pyramid and list all your positive attitudes in it. As the answer to the 'dreaded' question, work your way up to the ladder from completing projects within the deadline, types and categories of projects that you've undertaken or gained knowledge in. Finally finish it up with you're best characteristic trait, it might be positive attitude, efficiency or plain old attention to detail.

Learn the difference between talent acquisition team and the recruiter. Talent acquisition team have to shortlist the profiles that have come in, their primary aim is to help as many candidates they've picked to get a job. They are doing this because it's their job to do so, just like salesperson's need to sell. And as they are selling something they have their targets which usually follow with incentives and accolades. The Recruiter is an animal of different breed, his job is to reject as many candidates as possible,and to pick the one who is perfectly right for the job. So, he needs a lot of convincing from the candidate. An interviewee must spend all his efforts to the recruiter, face him with all the might he could muster. One must gain knowledge of the post he/she is applying for, and strain damn hard to learn the nook and corner of it. The recruiter might ask anything that is related to do the job. If the job involves selling products, he might ask you to sell a pen to him. I had a difficult time selling a calculator to the recruiter. If you are nervous, don't say that out bluntly. Say that you're thirsty and would like a glass of water. And in the moment prepare for the answer, make an order of ideas and sell it to him just the way any salesperson would.

Clearing an interview, any interview is actually a easy thing if you're prepared for it. And being prepared is what most people have their difficulty in. As there are lot of misinformation and in-helpful guidelines floating about near the water-cooler and pretty much everywhere. Try to be confident, loud and clear. These are the basic qualities the recruiters want from the candidates.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

A little more personal...

I always had to catch up, since I was and still am reluctant to follow the tide. I believe in swimming the other direction. Respecting the authority and the rules have always been a problem for me. I think rebellion is common among creative people. I'm a more self involved person, at times my behavior may seem selfish. Only those who had had spend some(more) time to know me, can actually know me. Needless to say I've had problems with understanding girls. A rare breed of creatures I must still devote a lot more time to comprehend and mingle with.

Spending too much time in your head might make you go cuckoo. Trust me, I went further into my mind than any other 'normal' person had visited theirs. But, finding your way back to reality is not so easy. I had to take therapy, boggle down a bunch of antidepressants, and boy that was not fun. I hate that, I have to depend on a pair of glass to read and enjoy a book. Now, imagine if I had to rely on some medicine to feel a bit more like other people. Here goes one relevant Facebook status update of mine:

"Sanity is a not a matter of perception for those who rely on prescription."

I had the habit of avid reading, and without proper guidance I read material that were beyond my age and comprehension. When I was 16, I read a Tamil book on a detailed explanation of the research and life of Sigmund Freud. And, after a few years got my hands on 'Interpretation of Dreams' by Sigmund Freud. Ignoring the warning of the father of psychoanalysis, I played dice with my mind. The phrase "When one tries to rise above Nature one is liable to fall below it." by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has haunted me time and time again. 

Let my jagged road to sanity be a kind warning to the readers, the reality might seem boring but bear with it. Try to not to spice up things with over indulgence of drugs or alcohol, else you will be a desperate slave to it. If you want to be truly free, you have to be a master of your body, mind, and soul. It is easy to feel at ease, confident, and comfortable with one's self while intoxicated; but, doing the same while being sober is hard. You have two paths ahead of you, pray pick the path less traveled; it is hard and definitely is worth it.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

To enhance, one must observe.

I really love to write;not type. I always enjoyed the pleasure of writing with fountain pens. I was suggested to use fountain pens, citing that it'll help improve handwriting. The ball point pens were famous, cheap and stylish. Fountain pens however were traditional. One needs patience and forethought to use the traditional methods. I found that I don't scribble while I use fountain pens. If I use ball point ones, it'd be hard for me to read my own handwriting after a day or two. I love to get my hands really dirty while filling up the pen with ink. I'd consider the drops of inks on my hands as a reward for my efforts, like the bloodshed on a glorified war hero.

And, now I'm arbitrarily hitting the keys of a keyboard. I want personal a connection between the modern world and the traditional methods. The joy I had reading and re-reading my words on a published material, i.e printed magazine was overwhelming. And, I never got that feeling from my blog, I try to post meaningful status updates on Facebook and Twitter; and, as all regular writers would, I get pissed off with the lack of recognition. People don't update "What's on their mind" anymore. They post pictures, tag people who they're with, usually in a mall. And, wish people for their birthdays. People these days find it hard to type something cohesive. Even I spend less time on reading and spend loads of it watching a movie or a TV show. I have to get back on the road of heavy reading, intellectual thinking and meaningful writing. And, trying to write these days ha! that's hard. I mean the actual pen and paper writing, I'm so used to the method of typing to get my thoughts out. And, now trying to write legibly with a pen isn't that efficient. We've to adapt to the modern world, and Tweet like any other person would. Still coming up with something meaningful and catchy within the character limits of Twitter is hard than one could imagine. And, gaining an audience is harder still. Okay you got all the content, meaningful stuff that's is grammatically correct and fashionable; what's next?
You need to motivate the readers, visit their blog, read and comment. If you appreciate their comments they will reciprocate the kindness. And, this is the only way to get a number of followers to your blog/material.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Goldie...

I watched Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and it has shut my mind. I loved, enjoyed Sin City; was amazed at the artistic creativity Robert Rodriguez has pulled off with Frank Miller.

If you're not familiar with Rodriguez let me enlighten you before you Google him. He's the one who gave us Spy Kids, The Mexico trilogy. He has written,shot and directed many good movies, but I'd say the collaboration with comic book writer Frank Miller in the Sin City series has made him one of the great directors in the history of cinema. 

A Dame to Kill For, a story that's dark and thorough, that only great writers can come up with. I lived in Sin City for more than an hour, experienced the pain, fear, the darkness that lurks in every corner of the baSin City. Words can't do justice to what I felt.

Friday, January 2, 2015

I wanted to watch The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies

The festive season, a time for hope,joy and love. Special events/ festivals like Christmas and New Year to be celebrated. All my friends are scattered and busy with their own life, I can't blame them for I too am pretty occupied. Still my love for cinema seldom fades away, I was keen on watching Interstellar; booked it watched in on the first day all alone. But, I was kinda hoping for watching The Hobbit with my friends. Still waiting, asked my colleagues to join my venture today. Well I was alone and hate my lone time when there's nothing to do. At first my friend Amber denied my proposition, citing it's the first day of the new shift and thought that I was asking her out or something. Asked Joe too, he said he hasn't the time or money to spend it on movies. I wondered if what he said was actually true, isn't cinema worth the price?

I'm still pondering over that question in my mind. 

Why do we go to cinema theaters?

For me it's the movies and nothing else, and I don't look down on people who treat a movie/cinema as gathereing event. It has always been the thing that friends do together, spend some money for valuable time with their loved ones. Not me, I like to watch movies alone. Want to experience the whole cinematic experience, feel what the director wants me to feel. Yell,cry and laugh with the scenes, that is what I do in theatres; I don't have the habit of sitting idle and watching the film like any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Getting that off my chest, it takes a lot of time to plan these little get togethers. I'm always the spur of the moment guy, and decided to watch The Hobbit. Not even sure if I still remember the first two parts of the triology. I was going through the online booking portals, and man do they bag a lot of money with all the 'online' dealings. I understand the appeal of sitting at home and doing things, but what has it come to? I wanted to watch a much hyped Tamil movie 'Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam', and I spent a lot of time searching for theatres and trying to get tickets, failed at all my efforts and finally went inside the theatre without a ticket caught a small glimpse of the movie before it ended, but was satisfied that my goal was partially achieved.

A avid movie goer should have the dedication to come to theate and buy tickets. But, these days I've to sit home weeks earlier and plan with the peers and book the tickets way ahead so that the opportunity isn't snatched away by someone else. I can still watch a movie whenever I want, but I've to pay the same amount for the ticket that too for a bad seat, thats way to closer to the screen. I've such great love for the cinema that I want all the seats close to the screens to burned to ashes. Anyone who wants to watch a movie must watch it with wholehearted happieness and satisfaction. Not like the terrible time I had watching the movie 'Inception' by sitting in the very first row, slouching in the seat looking up at the screen with a aching neck.