Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Voicing for the disabled

Voicing for the disabled

During my return trip in the long weekend of 26th January, I was bit depressed to encounter a inhuman attitude of passengers to a visually impaired passenger. This again places an emphasis of whether the humanitarian attitude in Chennai is dying? It was a crowdy bus from Kanchipuram to Tambaram and I was sitting in the rear most of the bus. I could clearly a visually impaired passenger managing to get inside the bus in the front.

He was almost pushed and pulled by the crowd? There was a seat allocated for handicapped. But it was not given to him. Neither did the conductor nor the driver opened thier mouth. He managed to sit near the driver down somehow.

You can ask me why can not you be a role model to help him. True. I was willing. But since the bus was over crowdy and being a lone passenger, I need to find somebody to hold my seat, go and call that guy and how to bring him all the way along to the rear of the bus to my seat and make him seat. Amidst the confusion, my seat would have got taken by somebody else. Even the helping attitude gets disabled in such situations. I sincerely hope that people of Tamil Nadu should cultivate more helping tendencies to other living beings.

Flashback (This day That Age) -- RTG to IBM

Flashback (This day That Age) -- RTG to IBM

Santosh was saying the other day that his wife has also got an opportunity at IBM Bangalore and she would be moving on 30th January 2007. She was previously with ReadyTestGo, the sister concern of Synaptris Decisions. We were kind of busy the entire of two weeks and I was happy that I could assist me at least little towards their family settlement in Bangalore from Chennai.

Just fondly recalled the other day on 19th October 2004, when I got relieved from Synaptris Decisions and had my journey to Bangalore. About two years then, it is my friend's turn to seek green pastures from the sister concern of Synaptris Decisions to IBM.

This blog post is just a fond recollection. Just wanted to share my thoughts. Let us wish them all good luck in their new endeavors.

Documenting the Financial Year 2006-07

Documenting the Financial Year 2006-07

It is time to document the financial year 2006-07 and decide on the various investments. Remember last year we have been discussing about a very excellent tool called TaxCalculator. I am sure that would have been immensely useful for planning. Now we can analyze how effectively we have planned our investments. For the interested readers, check out our earlier discussion here.

As per the scheduled plan reminded by my MSN Calendar, today I went to Citibank ATM to withdraw cash and deposit for my PPF account with State Bank. ATM had some issues and hence I had to avail the teller services. And one teller, I think, was tired when it was my turn to avail the services and inspite of my request to give me all bigger denominations so that number of currency notes to carry would be less.  Remember we have discussed about the atrocities of pocket-pickers in Chennai sometime before. I was reluctant to come out with that and hence approached another counter. He was very sympathetic and took the bundles and gave me higher denomination notes. He was so very kind that even bound them with a thread and gave me.

Albeit the security step taken at the bank counter itself, I still was apprehensive with all those pocket pickers. After all the destination bank belongs to the Princely state of Travancore, the abode of Swami Ayyapa. Hence I prayed Him before stepping out that I am considering this walk from the branch to your place branch on par the Thiruvabharanam Procession and hence you are obliged to protect me from all dacoits. It was also the destination branch was about to have lunch hour.  It was purely with the blessings of the Lord that I just entered the destination branch, made deposits and transfer transactions completely.

The return route to workplace was little tired since D51 (Broadway - Medawalkam) was bit crowded. But again with the grace of the Lord, I could witness some comedy shows in the bus with some eve-teasers getting blows and barks from woman. It was a standing testimony to our Views and Reviews discussion. I reached workplace about early afternoon.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Majestic Route of B51 and V51

Majestic Route of B51 and V51

Sometime back we were discussing about the glory of bus B51 which plies from East Tambaram to T. Nagar. Recently, the bus B51 has been withdrawn which has given rise to some upheavals from residents of Velacherry and Madipakkam. But these routes have now been provisioned with Blue Line Bus services by Government of Tamil Nadu. Route No. V51 currently plies this route.

V51 is really excellent bus with good leg space. Albeit they say that they charge premium, I personally feel that the charges are less than that we give to the fleecing auto drivers. Now the fleecing of autodrivers is just going to increase, with the recent recalibration of meters and revision of fares.

I personally feel that the recent introduction of Blue Line and Yellow Line series of buses are poor man's luxury vehicles. Good work from Transport corporation of Government of Tamil Nadu. The only thing required from them is maintenance of these vehicles in hale and healthy state.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Long Weekend -- Holy Weekend

Long Weekend -- Holy Weekend

It had been quite a long weekend starting from January 26, 2006 to January 28, 2006. The Friday was holiday since it was 'Republic Day' in India. All along this weekend had been dedicated to the Lord with fervent devotion.

26th January 2007

I had a trip to Mylapore to meet a couple of my relatives. It was also coincided with the visit to the following temples over there besides discovering a new Ayyappa temple. I was briefed about the Ayyappa Temple in Sri Ayyappa group. The list of the temples are:

  1. Kesava Perumal Temple, Mylapore (This temple is also celebrated as Pey Azhwar birth place. Check out DivyadesamOnline page for more details).
  2. Madhava Perumal Temple. This temple is being renovated now and the Maha Samprokshanam of the temple is scheduled for today.
  3. Sri Ayyappa Temple, North Chitrakulam Street, Mylapore.

27th January 2007

Weekly saturday trip to Tiruvallikeni

28th January 2007

It was a great exciting trip to Sholinghur to have darshan of Lord Sri Yoga Narasimhar and Lord Sri Yoga Anjaneyar. It was purely with the blessings of the Lord that unlike previous years this I year got the privilege of entering even near the sanctum sanctorum to get darshan in both of the hill temples. It was interesting to note that the temple was visited by a priest called 'Chaturvedi' that time. A lot of legal proceedings are in progress against this seer, which are least botherations to us. But since he was like a VIP, he was allowed till near the sanctum sanctorum and in the Big Hill, I could sneak in the crowd to have darshan of the Lord. A different Bangalore-based affluent group was visiting Small Hill and with thier sympathy, I could get near the sanctum sanctorum to get the darshan of Lord Anjaneyar too.

Check out Sholinghur Temples from their website.

The trip that started at 0600 hours from Chennai and I took the route via Tambaram - Kanchipuram  - Walajapet and I could return back the same route at about 2000 hours. There was a bit of crowd in the Vellore roads since it was Suba Muhurta day with lot of weddings scheduled.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Chennai FM Spectrum

Chennai FM Spectrum

Quick and handy entertainment in Chennai now is not too difficult to obtain and find. There are a lot of FMs that have been launched of late, which helps us keep engaged in listening to some good music. Some of the FMs even have innovative sales promotions, as we have discussed one from Big 92.7 FM sometime back.

Just thought today, I would try to summarize a few FMs in Chennai for the benefit of readers:

  1. Suryan FM from Sun Network -- 93.5
  2. Radio Mirchi -- 98.3
  3. Radio One -- 94.3
  4. Big FM -- 92.7
  5. Aha

Just while blogging this, I could'nt get the frequency configuration of Aha FM. I would keep you posted shortly.

Friday, January 26, 2007

"Kabhi Gaadi Naav Par"

"Kabhi Gaadi Naav Par"

There is a proverb in Hindi which goes like "Kabhi Gaadi Naav Par" and its variant "Kabhi Naav Gaadi Par". Basically the underlying concept is that each one has its own time and tide to showcase thier prowess. The literal meaning and demonstration that the proverb gives goes the boat which could sail on the seas and even carry land vehicles on it. However, the same boat when it has to travel through the land, it has to be carried on the land vehicle.

Yesterday while travelling through Raja Annamalaipuram near Prayer Towers temple, I saw one lorry carrying a boat. Just recalled this proverb and wanted to share the same with readers.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Rediffmail On The Move

Rediffmail On The Move

Rediffmail, the premiere Indian Webmail service from Rediff.com has opened its avenues more. Now the users can check the same directly from the mobile on GPRS enabled phone. The existing SMS based Pull and Push also is supported.

With almost all mobile websites offering GPRS services at a very enviably cheaper rate, this would mean tremendous value for webmail sites and accessibility of the users on the move.

Check out Rediffmail website for further details.

Mantra Likhita Japa Yagnam at Skandasramam

Mantra Likhita Japa Yagnam at Skandasramam

Chennai Om Sri Skandasramam Charitable Trust is organizing Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the twin deities of Sahasra Lingam and Sri Maha Sudarshana Murthy/Lakshmi Narasimhar. They are also organizing the Mantra LIkthita Japa Yagnam which emphasizes participation of all people in chanting or writing of the Siva Panchaksra Mantra "Nama Shivaya".

Interested devotees can collect the book in which the mantras to be written from the following address with a donation of INR 108 per book. The mantra note book would be permanently placed in the Siva Sannidhi. Interested devotees can contact the following numbers for more details: +91 94446 29570 or +91 44 2229 0134.

Adhi Rudra Maha Yagnam in Thiruvanmiyur

Adhi Rudra Maha Yagnam in Thiruvanmiyur

A weeklong Adhi Rudra Maha Yagnam is being organized by Sri Sai Baba Devotees under the august presence of Sri Satya Sai Baba in Thiruvanmiyur. Coinciding with this incident, Sri Satya Sai Baba has arrived in City and is also participating in various city welfare programmes including contribution to Krishna Water Scheme of Tamil Nadu.

Venue: Vasudevan Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar South Avenue (Near Thiruvanmiyur Bus Stand)

The arena of the Yagnam has been built spanning a dimensions of 180 feet length and 60 feet breadth with mental pandals. Eleven Homa Kundams have been erected and each Homa Kundam would be monitored by twelve persons. A special decorated seat has been constucted for Sri Satya Sai Baba in a central location for Him to view the Yagna and bless the devotees.

The Yagnam would be organized for eleven days from today. The days in which Yagnam is being conducted would also feature spiritual discourses by Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba in the evenings along with classic dance programmes by small school children.

With heavy influx of devotees from many parts of the world, there has been a tighter security arrangements all along Thiruvanmiyur to ensure a calm proceedings of the function. The organizers have also rented Thiagarajar Wedding hall to accomodate the pilgrims from distant places. There are hoardings about the function everywhere put up by the organizers and there is a request to avoid mobile phones, cameras for security and spiritual reasons.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Proliferation of Dwelling Places of Kali

Proliferation of Dwelling Places of Kali

The ardent and sincere efforts of King Parikshit to control the rule of Kali, who is the ruler of current age (Kali Yuga) seems to be going steadily on the drain. There are four yugas namely:

  1. Satya Yuga
  2. Dwapara Yuga
  3. Treta Yuga
  4. Kali Yuga

The balance between righteousness and unrighteousness is 100%:0% in 1, 75%: 25% in 2, 50%:50% in 3 and 25%:75% in 4. Check out this Wiki page for details.


A discourse from Mridual Krishna Maharaj and he was telling that at the start of Kali Yuga when Parikshit was ruling the earth, the demon king Kali came down to earth to take over the control. But since Parikshit was such a powerful noble king with so much of Dharma he had tough time finding a dwelling place for himself and he requested the king that it was his time to rule the earth and he wanted place. After much thought and consideration, Parikshit came forward to give him four ugly places for the wicked king, which our noble scriptures deny any common mon. The four places are:

  1. Liquor Shops
  2. Brothels
  3. Abattoirs or Slaughterhouses
  4. Gambling Casinos

I wanted to share this discourse thought from Sanksar TV so that we can avoid any bad activity. I think, with the help of God, we can try to keep off as much as possible from even the taints of the above Frustrating Four.

Currently, we have sufferings in the nation due to our wicked politicians due to all four. They are:

  1. TASMAC Wine shops/Bars opened like anything scott-free. There also scams all around.
  2. The problem of Eve-Teasing Going Haywire.
  3. Cannibalistic Attitude. This typically is visible from Noida - Nithari killing spree.
  4. Widespread gambling offers in Star Restaurants, Credit Card offers and more.

I think let us chose and have a firm New Year Resolution to stay as much as possible from the above four pillars of Kali.

Innovations by Sri Kumaran Stores, T. Nagar, Chennai

Innovations by Sri Kumaran Stores, T. Nagar, Chennai

Textile shops in Chennai are known for innovations in thier product. Sometime back we were discussing about Guiness record long-length-sarees by RMKV, who were also pioneers in bringing the 50000 color saree. Check out our earlier discussion here.

The latest innovation from Sri Kumaran Stores, who have brought in the following types of sarees:

  1. The saree with a pocket to facilitate women to carry mobile phone, wallet or keys over there.
  2. 3D Saree
  3. Maya Sarees -- Color Changing Saree [These change color when exposed to sunlight]

I think the outlook of Chennai for sarees which are currently considered outdated compared to modern garments is getting refined with these innovations.

AshaChennai Calendar

AshaChennai Calendar

Sometime back we were discussing about school visits on behalf of AshaNet Chennai. My volunteering activity in educational has been encountering some lull over the past year. The fourth quarter of 2006 indeed saw a renaissance and more involved efforts.

We have also initiated a weblog for Ashanet Chennai events. You can check it over here.

AshaNet Chennai is also bringing out calendars as described in the mail from Rajaram, the head of Chennai Chapter. In case you would be interested in ordering calendars, let him know at rajaram (at) solnettechnologies.com or call him at 914424662475 or 919444404060.

Saturday Trips and Bountiful Gifts

Saturday Trips and Bountiful Gifts

Today being Saturday and I had some bank chores to accomplish and hence started a bit early from home. While waiting at Kamarajapuram bus stand, I saw a mini bus with Big 92.7 FM painted on it stopping nearby. The conductor was calling passengers bound for Velacherry, Kilkattalai upto DMS. Normally it is common in Tambaram suburb that private buses do ferry passengers and they just charge some 10 INR for the same. This is far more convenient than depending on fleecing autos who almost demand your property deeds.

When asked about the fare, it was a pleasant surprise -- Free Drives. Big 92.7 FM is organizing free drives in random routes and lucky passengers who happen to travel in the places where these buses ply can board it and alight at the destination of thier choice. Absolutely free. I boarded the bus. It was a well-designed bus with good seating and pleasant ambience. The stereo was also playing Big 92.7 FM. So the journey was pleasant as if you are on your own private car. We should really thank Big 92.7 FM for an innovative advertisement promotions that also serves as a valuable public service.

After I reached T. Nagar, I had to manage some deposits at State Bank of Travancore. Quite interestingly, this branch also helped my friend Redhy Issac, to open an account. I got a very nice Kerala photograph calendar. This year, Indian Bank, too has brought in a large number of innovations.

  1. Free Lifetime creditcards.
  2. Double your money Centennial Deposits.
  3. Platinum Savings Account to make the most of your funds in Savings Account.

The Indian Bank calendar actually shows all these products. I think every one should have an account with Indian Bank instead of depending on private banks who bank only for the booty. Just came back to my workplace since I had some work.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Madambakkam Seshadri Swamigal and 18 Siddhar Brindavanam

Madambakkam Seshadri Swamigal and 18 Siddhar Brindavanam

Just a few minutes drive from the gateway of Chennai city (Tambaram) towards Noothancherry and near Madambakkam, you can find the most graceful Brindavanam of 18 Siddars and sanctum sanctorum of Seshadri Swamigal. A few days back, I saw new year celebrations programme being held over there and the mutt was also very graceful to organize bus facilities from Camp Road to Brindavanam and back. 
 
The mutt always conducts some celebrations or other through out the year for the peace and prosperity of the world. The most latest of them is Seshadri Swamigal Aradhana Festival and various Homams were associated with the same. While travelling from Tambaram through Camp Road, Rajakilpakkam and proceeding towards Noothancherry, you can ask for Dhenupuriswarar temple and you can find this Brindavanam very near to the temple.
 
Next time you have a trip to travel through Tambaram and Camp Road, try including Brindavanam too in your itinerary and get the blessings of Swamigal.

Smokeless Bhogi this year

Smokeless Bhogi this year and Happy Pongal

Thanks to the incessant hardwork of Tamil Nadu Pollution  Control Board, this year Bhogi had been relatively less polluting. This is purely due to the increased awareness among the public on the various effects of burning harmful non-biodegradable contents  on the eco system.
 
The Pongal celebrations too have been calm and peaceful. Pongal indicates a lot of different and indepth meaning in different parts of India.
 
  1. Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu and thanksgiving to various bullock and birds that have helped the farmers in getting a bountiful harvest.
  2. Starting of Uttrayanam and end of Dakshiyananam.
  3. Makara Sankrama Pooja at Sabarimala
  4. Ardh Kumbh Mela in Triveni Sangamam in Allahabad
Let us wish each other Happy Makara Sankranthi or Happy Pongal and let us pray God for prosperous and Happy New Year 2007.

Monday, January 08, 2007

A 'Jump-And-Get-Hit' at Tambaram

A 'Jump-And-Get-Hit' at Tambaram

It had been a morning of stresses, pressures, pleasures and discoveries today morning. I had some issues with the Booty Bank (ICICI), which I had to solve it first. As usual, dealing with those folks took some time and energy making a bit exhausted. For some reason, banking with these guys is getting more time-consuming, resource-intensive and a waste of graceful spirit, as is visible from our "Booty - Part II' (derived from a co-consumer experience at Consumer_Voice_India)

After a bit of hassles and getting the recoverered amount deposited to Indian Overseas Bank, Tambaram through the Anywhere Banking scheme, I had to start back to work only at about 1130. While there was victory all over, there seemed to some misfortune to smile over there a bit. I caught a bus G70 but when I saw M70 just rolling out, I thought, I would catch it and darted from this one to that one. There was one good intangible banana snake to lay a trap and hit against the bus while moving and some circus shows. I managed to escape from major hits with light bruises and the shopkeeper nearby, who was a close friend of mine, immedidately came running to help me out from the slip due to the banana skin.

I had to pass a message to my colleagues that I would be dropping late to work and had to return home through Tambaram Sanitorium shortcut. Even though, the bruises were paining, as I walked through Sanitorium Corporation Bank, I entered the bank and greeted 'Happy New Year' since most of them are close friends. I have'nt gone to the branch for a long time and I used this as an opportunity.

Even though it is an accident, I inferred the following advantages from it and see it was actually a simple weapon to brush off all other impending evils.

  1. With the help of my Lord, Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa, it was a minor bruise instead of a big accident. It might be evil eyes to have laid traps but the Lord saved by diluting it, quite similar to Parthasarathy making Karna's arrow to hit only Arjuna's crown by pressing hard the chariot into the earth. There is a Tamil Proverb to this effect:

    தலைக்கு வந்தது தலைப்பாகையோடு போனது போல

  2. The pending things like greeting my old friends at Corporation Bank, who would otherwise think that I did'nt have the courtesy to greet them 'Happy New Year' was also meted out besides the fact that they would be happy to get greeted with 'Happy New Year', which in fact inducing happiness to me.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

A Friendly Indigenous UPS

A Friendly Indigenous UPS

The UPS that supports our home PCs normally we keep somewhere hidden near the sofa and it just gathers dust. No further. Wipro Peripherals has brought in a very innovative UPS, completely manufactured in India and priced at about 6000 INR. It has very good features like:

  1. Approximately 7 minute standby time, which again depends upon the system, monitor etc
  2. Digital Clock
  3. Good Aesthetic Design
  4. CD Holder

Check out 'The Hindu' ePaper today 7th January 2007 for a complete news.



Paradoxical Spelling Suggestions in Nokia

Paradoxical Spelling Suggestions in Nokia

For some reason, I had to flash a landmark where I was waiting near Adyar Signal to my friend who wanted to join me in making payment to LIC office located in Gandhi Nagar. With lot of hustle and bustle with noise all over, I was sending a SMS to my friend the landmark. When I was typing 'Near No Entry' near Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple, it was first suggesting 'ON' for 'NO'. Then while about to send the message I corrected the same.

There is absolutely no pun intended in this post. Just wanted to convey about the paradoxical meanings that simple lexical combinations of words gives.


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Affectionate Chides and Friendly Angers

Affectionate Chides and Friendly Angers

There has been some affectionate chides, friendly callbacks and emails from my readers regarding why has'nt been much of Community-Credit happening towards this month. This was a followup of previous month Top Honor.

Just wanted to clarify that the second half of December was relatively tighter schedules and in January, I needed to prepare documents towards Tax Planning too. I have discussed them over here.

Thanks for the patronage. With all support and encouragement, there are more milestones to conquer, laurels to win.

"Bharathi Tamil Semmal" for Kalaignar Karunanidhi

"Bharathi Tamil Semmal" for Kalaignar Karunanidhi

The Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is all set to welcome one more feather to adorn his crown. He is being presented with award of "Bharathi Tamil Semmal" for his sincere and ardent efforts of upliftment of Tamil language in the global platform. Currently, Government of India has also accepted Tamil as Semmozhi after his repeated untiring efforts.

The eighty-year old youth is still dynamic in creating more improvements to the development of Tamil language. Let us join together and wish him all success for his services to our Tamil language. The award function is being held in Bharatiyar University, Coimbatore sometime around Feburary 24, coinciding with the silver jubilee of the university. The award would be presented to Kalaignar M Karunadhi by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the president of India.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Goal of 'Padikkathavan' film comes true with new Toyota Car

Goal of 'Padikkathavan' film comes true with new Toyota Car

If you had closely watched the Tamil Film 'Padikkathavan' (starring Rajinikanth and Ambika) and which was hitting box office sometime around 1987, there was a very noble thought. The taxi-driver Rajinikanth had a noble thought that he would not ferry passengers who are drunk or carry narcotics(drugs) or liquor. Once when Ambika was hiding liquor bottles in her saree and pretending to be pregnant, his vehicle fitted with an indigenous addon that beeped and refused to start and alerting him that the passenger was carring a prohibited substance. He would "Lakshmi. Start. She seemed to be innocent and you can not doubt everybody". Lakshmi was the name of his taxi. The moment she got down, Lakshmi started but if she sits back, Lakshmi would automatically turn off the engines.


Today's Dinamalar.com carried the news that Toyota is bringing a new system which when fitted to cars would detect alcohol consumption by drivers and then switch off engines immediately. I think Chennai's current buggy system of traffic sergeants asking everyone driving late night to get down and blow air would now get retired once Toyota system comes into production and market. This system is currently in trial runs. Check out this article on AzCentral.


Check out Dinamalar ePaper dated 7th January 2007 (Sunday Dinamalar) and navigate to page 4. You may need to register to view the news.




"VAT" Symposium in Chennai

"VAT" Symposium in Chennai

Introduction of Value Added Tax has brought in mixed emotions in Tamil Nadu. Already VAT is in practice by many states and still a handful of them are resisting introduction of them into their realms. In this context,  Dinamalar.com has been kind enough to organize a symposium on VAT today (7th January 2007) in two places at different places chaired by eminent financial experts to answer any doubts and questions that are plaguing the minds of businessmen and common people. The entry is free. Here are the details I have compiled about the symposium.

Date: 7th January 2007
Time and Venue:

  1. Kalaivanar Arangam,
    Walaja Road,
    Triplicane, Chennai -- 600 005. Tamil Nadu. INDIA.

    1000 to 1200 hours
  2. Balaji Mahal,
    Near Chromet Bus Stand,
    Chromepet, Chennai -- 600 044. Tamil Nadu. INDIA.

Chief Guests:

  1. R. L. Mani (Advocate, Chennai High Court)
  2. G. Sekar (Auditor, Chennai)

Organizer: S. Rajath (Tax Consultant and Press Reporter) 

Broad Topics of Discussion:

  1. What is VAT?
  2. Does the concessions for 'C' form continue?
  3. How to get tax concessions for 'Closing Stock'?
  4. Is there any tax concessions for imports from other states?
  5. Any special tax rebates in VAT which were not there in earlier (abolished) Sales Tax?
  6. Is there any ready-reckoner of VAT for each and every product?
  7. Would sales bill or billing format change?
  8. What are the benefits for exporters under VAT?
  9. What is 'Zero Related Tax'?
  10. Does VAT contribute to increase in revenue for government exchequer?
  11. Does VAT benefit retail or Small Merchant Establishments?
  12. Does the 0.5% surcharge apply to merchants under 50000 INR cover?

Entry to the venue is on first-come-first-served basis.  Let us strive and make use of this comprehensive symposium?

Microsoft Rocky disappearing from Office 2007?

Microsoft Rocky disappearing from Office 2007?


I was casually browsing Digital Inspiration from Amit and I came across his post that 'Rocky and Office Assistant may be disappearing from Office 2007 since the help systems have been vastly revamped. I am not sure whether this feature has been withdrawn or disabled in default configuration. But following the post on Office 2007 website, it seems Microsoft Rocky may not be immediately available after installation.


Immediate solace to Rocky lovers is that Windows has Search Assistant featuring Rocky and Rover. And for interested, I think the Agent Character SDK should be helping out. Woof! Woof!!



TN HSC Examination Dates Announced 2007

TN HSC Examination Dates Announced 2007

The Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Examination (Directorate of Government Examinations) have announced the timetables for tenth and twelfth standard examinations in Tamil Nadu. Let us join together to wish all X and XII aspirants a great success since this would be a turning point examinations transitioning them from school to college. With the entire month of March busy for them in the examinations for our younger brothers and sisters, we should switch off the television sets for this month and ensure that we give them a very comfortable and calm environment for them to study and get good marks in their examinations.



I have compiled the timetable from various sources and would like to share over here. The examinations are slated be conducted from 1000 hours to 1300 hours for XII and for other courses 1000 hours to 1230 hours.



Eradicating Exclusivity in Electricity Distribution in Mumbai

Eradicating Exclusivity in Electricity Distribution in Mumbai

Reliance has been striking headlines against for increasing electricity charges in Mumbai. You can read the full-length consumer grievances over here. There has been a strong urge amongst all Mumbai residents that the non-overlap of power providers should be revisited and consumers should have the option of choosing thier power providers.
 
Check out the online petition for the same and sign it over here.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

VIT -- Majestic March Ahead and Moments of Pleasure

VIT -- Majestic March Ahead and Moments of Pleasure

The college from which I had my Engineering degree in Computer Science and Engineering was Vellore Engineering College. The then, website was http://www.vec.ac.in/. Sometime yesterday, when I was flipping through the newspapers I saw an ad stating 'VIT University'.

It was really sheer moment of pleasure to see our alma mater crossing various peaks and conquering heights. It was VIT -- Deemed University sometime during 2003-06 and now it is an independant university. You can check out the website at: http://www.vit.ac.in/

A Place To Learn and A Chance To Grow!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Sri Hanumad Jayanthi Celebrations at Nanganallur

Sri Hanumad Jayanthi Celebrations at Nanganallur

Today, while travelling to work from home, the bus I chose was B51. Perhaps if you click the hyperlinked post, you can observe other interesting features of this bus. I came across an advertisement where Sri Hanumad Jayanthi celebrations are planned to be celebrated with grandeur by Vikraman swamiji. You can check out the website of them over here.

Note: This is purely an informational post. You can check out more details directly from the website as I am not aware of them in detail.

Other related Sri Hanumad Jayanthi Celebrations:

  1. Sri Hanumad Jayanthi Celebrations in West Mambalam

Elephant Bell First and Elephant Comes Behind

Elephant Bell First and Elephant Comes Behind

There is a proverb called 'Elephant comes behind but you can sense the coming of the elephant by its glorious and loud bell'. This is because the elephant keeps shaking its head and hence the bell tied to its neck keeps swinging over all directions creating a nice melodious bell music.

Today, while coming to workplace in B51, it was a comfortable journey till the bus crossed the Pallavaram - Thoraipakkam Radial road and entered the Kilkattalai. The oncoming of Madippakkam next was announced immediately by the lot of jerks and turbulence that the bus was experiencing as it entered Kilkattalai and hence the caption of this post.

The entire 9 Km stretch for B51 from Kilkattalai to Trident Hotel Junction near Chennai Airport featuring Madipakkam was starring and showcasing an innumerable number of potholes of all kinds to make journeys memorable and also providing free gym practices to passengers and commuters through this stretch. Madipakkam is also known for getting inundated for months along even for slight showers.

There is a light hope for everyone who traverses through Madipakkam that at least some resident welfare association if any, from Madipakkam wakes up from slumber and in turn wakes up other respective authorities to see that things are set right

Monday, January 01, 2007

A Holy and Humble Hall for Sacred Functions

A Holy and Humble Hall for Sacred Functions

There is a proverb which says  வீட்டை கட்டிப் பாà®°் கல்யாணத்தை பண்ணிப் பாà®°். The actual meaning of this is to emphasize the various difficulties in the process of constructing a house and organizing a marriage. While we have a lot of bankers like State Bank of India, which provide professional guideline through the entire process of housing loans, for weddings there are actually two daunting tasks that the bridal party faces. They are:

  1. Finding a wedding hall within the budget and in an ambient atmosphere within each reach of invitees.
  2. Various processes that are associated with a marriage like invitations etc.

While visiting the Sri Ahobila Mutt temple in Selayur the other day, I had an opportunity to learn about the excellent architect premises in a holy atmosphere. The hall is named as Satari Bhavanam. Almost all the criteria pertinent to an ideal marriage hall is met here and it exceeds the bridal and groom's party expectations. The expenses seems to be very low too. And the added advantage of being away from the hustle and bustle of polluting city. You can check out Satari Bhavanam at the following address for more details:

Sri Satari Bhavanam,
8, Arthi Nagar,
East Tambaram,
Chennai, Tamilnadu,
India

Telephone: + 914422397567

While collecting more details, I had an opportunity to gather from my MSN Calendar that two of my colleagues from my previous organization had thier family weddings held here. They were:

  1. Mailchalam Shanmugam (who is resident of Dhairyalakshmi Street, Rajeswari Nagar, Selayur, Chennai -- 600 073 -- Neighbor for me and Neighbor for the Wedding Hall too). I am not sure whether he is still in the same organization and to know more about the wedding hall and details, you can check out his number +914422276969. He is a very polite and helpful person and should be able to help you out with other contact details.
  2. Aravinthan Narayanan


And next coming to organizing wedding processes, while I was residing at West Mambalam, I know of these website operators called Ahobilam.com, who are pioneers in providing packaged and end-to-end solutions for weddings. They have an attractive package called "A Marriage Within One Lakh". Check out their website for more details.

Mills of Gods Grind Slow But Sure

Mills of Gods Grind Slow But Sure

It is true that the mills of Gods grind slow but sure. They have lesser RPM to prove the veracity cum prowess and potential of another known saying called 'Slow and Steady Wins the Race'. There were some known hiccups in reaching out to West Mambalam Sri Sathyanarayana Perumal temple by this blogger due to commuting and other problems known best to the Lord.

Even a couple of information cum pilgrim service posts that are enumerated below were hit with hiccups like powercuts, Trojan attack and interrupted dial up networking. Thanks to the Lord for keeping up the endurance and giving the blessings to be more diligent in serving the pilgrims with this information. With these and having recieved messages that they were really useful, it is subtly and tangibly evident that all those bullshit hurdles are now melt-down snow that has seen the sun.

The information posts that witnessed this Yagna against the evils and won the victory are:

  1. Sri Satya Narayana Perumal Dhanur Madha Pooja Celebrations
  2. Hanumadh Jayanthi in West Mambalam Sri Sathyanarayana Perumal
  3. 30th Year Thiruppavai Upanyasam by West Mambalam Sri Sudharshana Satsangam

My humble and sincere thanks to the Lord for showering the most kindest showers in crossing this hurdle too.

New 'Process Outsourcing'...

New 'Process Outsourcing'...

After the initial market segments of BPO and KPO (respectively acronyms of Business Process Outsourcing), while travelling via Nandanam junction yesterday, I saw a board called 'String -- Mortgage Process Outsourcing' company. I am trying to understand the new market segment and would try to publish a casestudy on the same after preparing the same.

This seems to be a very promising and lucrative business and particularly benefitting the real estate industry, placing emphasis on more loan disbursals alongside placing customercare and welfare as one of its prima facie motives.

You can also check out a casestudy of Real Estate Morgaging in String website over here.