Does being Wealthy mean being Happy?

A recent New York Times article talks about whether having enough money at your disposal gurantee that you are actually happy. Now this is an interesting aspect. Would you be happier if you could go shopping and buy everything you wanted to buy or would it make you feel good if you had shorter commute distances to office and had lot of time to spend with family and friends.

There is a flip-side. If you had all the money you wanted, then you can choose to work less and still do the things you always wanted to. But does money alone guarantee happiness?

How much of money will make us satisfied? If we have above average income, or if we are earning more than our neighbours or friends? How do we measure that this much money is enough to make me happy?

Above all, should happiness be measured with reference to money?

The time-tested theories and the questions that are never answered. This article also lists some perspectives that are really interesting to know.

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Siddharth, Ayutha Ezhuthu and BITS Pilani

Siddharth stars in Bommarillu, Ayutha Azuthu and Nuvostante(did i spell it right?). Ofcourse i shall duly ignore Boys where he really launched his career.

He has a charming image and i really liked some of the songs in all three of his movies and coming to think of it, he had done a commendable performance in all of them.

This bit from ayutha ezuthu was what i was listening to today and hats off to mani ratnam and vaira muthu for thinking of the lyrics and picturising it the way it was done. Most 20 something girls and boys would relate to this lingo and rapport shared on screen by Trisha and Siddharth.

"Nee mazhai naan illai
Etharkumel uravillai,

Vidai kodu pogeren
Eeramai vazhgiren....

Nee yaro.. Naan yaro...
Kann thondri Kann Kanna Kanneero"

Gone are the days when we lived by the limits that were set by parents, grand parents and elders of the family. We define our own limits and we sometimes dare to go beyond them.

When i think of my days in college, something that stays out is the free spirit we enjoyed there. I know if we go back, nothing would change except for the fun we had and it will get a level higher. Now we all have cool, calculated fun which is restricted by the clock and by the dangers peril on the streets. Back then, we dint care for anything but the 11 o clock curfew. Making it in never meant the fun was over, infact it was beginning to get a new dimension.

So many dreams, wild and secretive.. some came true others went with the wind. But we all learnt a little bit, if not about computers atleast about ourselves.

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Paradigm Shift

Stephen Covey's Seven habits of highly effective people is a real self-help book. Atleast it is one of the book(of the few i have read), that doesn't really list some exercises which would make you look better in your's and other's eyes.

The best part of this book is about the paradigm shift. It was interesting to read about it and for a while i was begining to understand what the author was trying to say.It is difficult for me to beleive that in most of life's situations we have to act rather than react. Most of you would wonder why that's so difficult. It is difficult:- Imagine spending a weekend getting your clothes pressed instead of vegging out in front of television because it would make the rest of the week easier. Imagine missing a game(Suns Vs Spurs) for a trip to grocery store since you want to avoid visiting the weekend crowd. Ofcourse, life is all about choices, the ones we make and the ones we ignore. Going to the grocery store is a choice but being proactive is a choice as well. So you can imagine how complicated this book really is.

There is another concept of circles - Circle of influence Vs circle of concern. The time when fatalism and trying hard enough is separated by a thin line. You must know which of life's events and people fall on which side. Knowing what you can control and what you cant and the wisdom to know the difference.

In all, this book opened a lot of doors in my mind and got me introspecting more and more. The monk who sold his ferrari was the first book i read and thought this genre of books is not for me and stephen covey got me thinking. Reading such books can actually enrich your life. So i give a thumbs up for this book.

P.S: This post was actually written watching the game :), so ignore obvious erros. NBA overrules and my choice was clear :)

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My Alter Ego

I opened a new blog - The other side of me(listed on the right), where you can check out my hobbies - pictures, books and the side of me thats invested in doing things i love :)

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The French Truth

“Every man has two countries, his own and France"

Read this NewYork Times article on the Guide to the French, simply amusing and gives you a better insight to the land of fashion and glamour.

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3 Years and still going

Its been 3 years and a little more since i started blogging. Looks like the going has been good!!!

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Through thick and thin... YAWN!!

I picked up this book, thinking it would be an easy read. But i was wrong. The book did not have a great story line other than two sisters trying to lose weight, but it took a lot of effort to even complete the book.

When i finished it today, i gave myself a hi-five. Man whats with me, why cant i just put aside a book thats so boring as this one? Or do all readers have this undying nerve to finish the book and then claim it to be so boring. That goes even with movies :)

Anyway, the style of writing was confusing, sometimes its the first person and then the third. I would rather prefer the author stuck to one.

The best part of the book was the entry of DB Sweeney, since am doubly sure people wont read this book - Its the dog :) Kind of makes you want to have one.

The only thing worth in this book is the fact that it is difficult to lose weight. You need to try it in so many ways - WeightWatchers, Diet, Pointers, Scale, Clothes, Mirrors - the world is so determined to make you feel that you have to lose weight.

Anyways, if you have trouble sleeping, then go ahead and pick this one otherwise stay away!!

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Exams over!!

After a long time, i was preparing for an exam. My mom was constantly reminding me to read and take some sample tests and i felt i was reliving my 12th.

But its not as bad as you think. I was preparing for the license test and my mom wanted me to get it right the first time even if the DMV was considerate enough to give me two more attempts. She said "Why three, you have to clear it the first time itself" like it was some kind of benchmark which will be used in judging how good or bad i drive. Besides i'm mighty sure that this news will travel to all streets and blocks in my neighbourhood in chennai :))

So i prepared and took a couple of sample tests listed in the website and i thought this was fairly simple. Use logic, throw in some common sense, learn a couple of rules and you are set. There were a couple of questions i dreaded about parking uphill, downhill but i had the answers memorized for them as well.

I took the paper and went aside to mark the answers. It was quite simple, what does flashing yellow mean, should you stop or pass, should you wait or cross and then the uphill question. As with all exams, the one question you fear the most will somehow appear in the exam with its twisted ugly face smirking at you and murmuring "Gotcha!!"

I marked all of them and gave it for correction and then when he was passing through the answers marking the wrong ones i was thinking of mommy dear :)
When he was done, i looked at him with a smile and Voila, I Cleared.

For a long time i dont have to face exams anymore. PHEW!!!

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Interstate Highway System - Part1 (About America)

Now that the writers strike is over and done with, some of my favourite sitcoms are back in action. But this is not about that.


There are two things that have fascinated me from the time i have landed in US. 1) Freeways and 2) Sports. Sports will have to wait since am still hiding from the Suns loss from yesterday.


When i was in Germany for the first time, all i could think about was the AUTOBAHN. My colleague had given me some information about this system of highways/freeways/expressways, but nothing would have prepared me for what i saw. Plus the topping was there was no speed limit as long as you were within the German Borders. Can you beat that?


So i did not find it surprising that the US Freeways take a leaf from that book. Apparently, the Interstate Highway system was lobbied by President Eisenhower who was influenced by his experiences as a young soldier fighting the World War II and was in Germany crossing the Autobahn. Initially, what was commissioned as a means to aid military transport has become an integral part of the country's day to day transport mechanism.


Some facts about the freeways.


a)Most of them need you to maintain a 65mph speeding or you will have a cop chasing your wheels.
b) Primary Interstates are assigned a number less than 100
c) East-West highways - Even numbers
d) North South highways - Odd numbers

There are still some disputes about which was the first interstate highway to be commissioned and which was the last act of completion. Nevertheless this system proves that the leaders of this country had a vision and they started a plan that went well beyond their term of power, something that speaks for the country as well.

When i get back to Bengalooru, i will again wonder how much longer should we wait?

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A thousand times over

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini does not require any introductions.

How much of what you were and were not as a child haunts you when you grow up and sting you time and again is well potrayed by the author.

The author's in depth potrayal of Afghan, post and pre Taliban and the change catches the reader's imagination. The unexpected twists and the characterization of Hassan and Amir live with you long after you have laid down the book.

I was in awe of the language and the choice of words and how he avoided cliches like the plague.(smiles). I started reading the book to kill time during my train journey but i was so hooked on to the book that i finished it the same day i came back.

I might probably go and see the movie as well.

Kite Runner, by far the best novels i have read. Thumbs Up!!!

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Giants Vs Patriots

What do you think?

The first thing i get fascinated by in the US is not the niagara, liberty or the grand canyon.
Its the SUPERBOWL XLII - Giants Vs Patriots.

The second most watched program ever in American history, this game made people swear through all of it. Tom Brady was the man most people pitched for but Eli Manning emerged as the undisputed victor.

The Giants played good defense for the first half of the game and Eli stole the show with the winning touchdown and led his team to victory.

My brother-in law's vocal chords went for a toss when Eli scored the touchdown and i was still grappling with the details of the game but i knew the team we were backing(giants) where reaching where we wanted them to go.

My sister and i went shopping for groceries on Saturday and i realized that the stores were more crowded than ever. She explained whenever the SuperBowl happens, people throw a party and invite friends to watch the game over beer and food. Nice tradition. We had a couple of people coming, no beer but still it was fun.

I learnt a new game, gawked at Eli, booed Tom and understood America a little bit more.

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Dollar Dreams

Nobody is dreaming of dollars anymore with the value plummenting but being in the US has been a strange dream for many. Sometimes it comes with half the family migrated or with the neighbours envy or to get out of the great indian hypocrism. Neverthless the intentions dont matter.

Somehow i never assumed US would be breathtaking. I dint imagine coming out of the airport and not batting my eyelid and jaws dropping. It was quite like any other country i have visited and to think of it less picturesque. I dint think i would hear myself saying that India is better but thats true. Uptill now i think india is def better and more like home.

Ofcourse considering the fact that i have stepped out of the house only for a trip to Walmart and other whole stores, i havent explored California that much to claim that it is boring but somehow when you enter a new land, you get a feeling about it and that pretty much governs your stay there.

Although i started off in a dull note i hope this trip is more exciting than it sounds.
Cheers to me for landing in yet another country :)

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Little bundles of Joy

“Every child is special” and that’s what Taare Zameen Par is all about.

Ishaan is boy struggling to cope with the overload of home works and class works, bullies in the neighborhood and an overachieving brother. Ishaan’s world is filled with asterix, aliens and other such fictional characters.

Aamir does a splendid job in showcasing a child’s dreams and thoughts. Ishaan’s interest in the under water world, his thought process of multiplication and how he sees characters, people and things are brought to the silver screen with sensitivity and creativeness. Kudos to Aamir – excellent directorial debut.

Taare Zameen Par strikes a deep chord within us. We don’t have to force our children to run the rat race and turn into rats. We don’t have to choke them with our ambitions and aspirations. They don’t have to win everything and it is ok to loose. We don’t spend quality time with kids, trying to understand their dreams and passions and it need not be the ones which are largely acceptable by society. It brings to us, a shocking reality of how we manipulate children to really do what we want them to do and kill their spirit.

Ishaan is the real hero in this movie but credits to Aamir for bringing such a movie into an otherwise comedy, glamour sick silver screen.

Children are free spirited and corrupt less bundles of joy. So let them be.

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Period of Excellence

I complete Three years in SAP today.

When i look back, i have lots to feel proud off.

Good friends, good work and some rewards - this has been a significant milestone in my career.

Hope the good luck continues....

Now, am off to celebrate.... !!!!

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Through a lens

These are pics from my trip to Hampi - the world heritage site.

One has to notice the carvings on the pillars. Breathtaking.

A lone mandap - once the rani's mahal.

Pillars that speak a million stories..

More pictures to follow.....

P.S: Man, i do qualify for the DSLR :)

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Chennai Special

What makes movies like Oram Po, Chennai 600028 & Pollathavan click?

No points will be awarded for the right answer.

These movies cater to a niche audience and can be appreciated only by folks from Chennai. When i say from Chennai, i mean, people who have lived in Chennai and can feel the city. The city which offers the beaches, road-side tea stalls, loads of litter, pleasant evening breezes, annoying hawkers, myriad colors of the sky. Ofcourse only some can appreciate the smell of Chennai - Not koovam but there is a smell associated with each city. Chennai reminds me spicy potato curry, suda suda sundal, newly cut mangoes, filter kaapi, masala dosa, jasmine, camphor....

These movies do not capture any of this. But their main focus is ofcourse the city. The city which throws its doors wide open and welcomes you. Chennai 28 is about gully cricket, Pollathavan is about a boy against don fight, Oram po is about the autorickshaws. But they are all about Chennai.

A must-see for every Chennaite.

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Sutum Vizhi Sudar Than

One of the best love songs and my favourite Bharathiyar song.

Sutum Vizhi Sudar than - Kannama
Suriye chandiraro!

Vattakkariye vizhiyil - Kannamma
Vanakkarumai kollo!

Pattu karuneela - Pudavai
Padhitthanal Vairam!

Natta nadunisiyil - Therium
Natchathirangalladi!

Solai malar oliyo - Unathu
Sundarapunnagai than!

Neela kadalalaiye - Unathu
Nenjin alaigaladi!

Kolak kuyil oosai - Unathu
Kuralin inimaiyadi!

Valai kumariyadi - Kannamma
Maruvak kadhal kondein!!!

Sathiram pesugirai - Kannamma
Sathiram yedhukkadi?

Athiram kondavarke - Kannamma
Sathiram undodi?

Moothavar sammadhiyil - Vadhuvai
Muraigal pinbhu saivom

Kathiruppenodi! - Ithupar
Kannatthu muttham ondru!

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Billa

'Billa' starring Ajith and Nayanthara is easily the most awaited movie of this year after Sivaji.
The songs are already topping the charts. (Available here)

The trailer screams of suave screenplay and direction. The cast assembled is top notch sparring Namitha. Neverthless, Ajith holds lot of promise and i beleive it would be a never-before-seen performance from the Ultimate star. The shoes he is filling is larger than life but no comparisons please.

My Name is Billa and Vethalaiya potendi bring nostalgic memories of Rajni but the new Billa will be a must see in a multiplex movie of this year.

The curtains rise and Billa hits Chennai in December.

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The Perfect Manager

Disclaimer: There are always some exceptions, but between few and far.

Now my title is an oxymoron. There is no such thing as a perfect manager in the world of IT. Now don't get me wrong when i say this, because this is not a figment of my imagination but the truth and nothing but the truth.

There are different kinds here(strictly from my observation) and i take fancy in naming them the following way.

Spine of Jelly - This category is one who doesn't have a stiff back. His spine is so flexible that to get up the ladder, he will do anything it takes. Not knowing which is the right way, he always take the short ones.

Mac & Cheese - The name says it all. The only skill these ones possess is an undeniable ability to butter up(mind you, the layer is as thick as tar) his higher ups, subordinates and if need arises his own team members, lest he be exposed.

Highway Man - These are the ones who arguably profess 'Its my or the highway'. So they would have their ears shut and would only hear what they want to hear. Not so pleasurable to work with, this breed of men are almost always wrong.

Nocturnal owls - To say the least, they start working only after the sun has set. The worst of all, they are ignorant of your commute back home and are conviniently deaf of your mute arguments. They are the ones burning the midnight oil and getting their passion out after the clock has ticked away. Sadly enough, their rule is the law for you to abide or get sucked in.

Clueless Cupid - My personal favourite. The only primary task they do is warm their seats and keep a tab on people slipping in and out of the cafetria. Mind you, they do a lot of other significant work which requires you to be awake and devoid of brains.

Superman - This breed is slightly tolerable. Other than insisting on taking all decisions and stepping into your shoes almost all the time, they do and get some work done.

The last of this breed is the ones that pisses me the most. Wielding their powers and almost not giving you a chance to realize you have a voice, this Megalomaniacs, are the kings and we are their slaves to order around.

Having described the people we work for, you must be wondering how i continue to work. You have to grow a few more layers of ephidermis and have a deaf ear and begin to find a voice. If you are passionate about what you are doing, you are almost always ignorant of these pscychopaths surrounding you.

Good day and have a nice time typing through :))!!!

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CHAK DE

In my last post i criticized SRK's choice of roles and i must say he has done an awesome performance in CHAK DE! INDIA.

Team spirit and an overdose of hockey does good for a cricket crazy nation. The girls have done their bit quite well and some of them look quite pretty and fit their roles without much ado.

Vidya sharma the captain, reminds you of someone seen somewhere before but otherwise the movie has a fresh breath that is almost nostalgic.
This is one movie of SRK which i really have to give him, from choosing to wear a rather old pair of ray ban goggles to choosing the right attire which is mostly sweats he has done the role of a coach to perfection.

It is in movies like this that one gets reminded of the excellent actor that SRK is and not the lover boy and teary eyed husband cameo(which he def needs to shed).

CHAK DE! INDIA is a must-see for everybody and gives you the satisfaction of three hours well spent.

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