Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Habit

Being in the sales and marketing vertical for almost 15 years, I had always believed in the concept of cultivating a habit among customers, it could be a product or concept the mantra has always been the same "Cultivate the habit" (CTB).

10 years back it was Greek and Latin, considered as a luxury product, could be seen only in a foreign hand, one needs to shell out a sizable money for usage and today I use it for an extra packet of milk or an extra water can for my house. . . yes! I am referring to a "Mobile Phone". aam aadhmi cannot survive without this little yet monstrous gadget.

The same mantra stretches to automobiles, especially four-wheelers, today's market offering is "bring in a two-wheeler and drive home a four-wheeler", was surprised reading this hoarding and smirked to myself on the fictitious growth.

So far I always considered Mahatma as the best marketing person the world has ever seen. But to my surprise our good old politicians have proved me wrong and also have overtaken Mahatma as the best marketing experts. Of course they have taken the mantra CTB and have been using to the best levels possible. Having mentioned about CTB, not to forget the mantra CTB is directly linked to "acceptance".

Be it the price hike (to the reasons best known), the poorest infrastructure and the famous 1 hour power shutdown (Chennai city). . . our bureaucrats have cultivated the habit in the common man efficiently and have taken his/her acceptance. I came across few fellow citizens discussing helplessly - roads have become worst, that is because of the heavy downpour and the GOVT needs time to repair them. Power shutdown? what can the GOVT do if our neighboring states are refusing to share and the price hike? Oh come on man; the exchequer is EMPTY.

But why does CTB mantra implies only to the aam aadhmi and not to the politicos? never seen a power shut down in their respective houses, nor are they affected by the price hike and as always they only commute on the best roads available.

As a common man I hope and wish the CTB mantra is used in a positive way for the aam aadhmi. . .

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Chepauk - MCC

Stepped inside Chepauk (Madras Cricket Club) after 10 years. Today was the IPL T20 match between CSK and RR. What a performance from the CSK team, individual credit and applause goes to M. Vijay for his awesome knock and classy bowling from Bolinger.

It was indeed a treat for me, as I happen to experience a live match with many records set and previous records broken; I was told that the total scored by CSK was the highest in IPL history and aggregate score was again the highest IPL tournament. Most number of sixes, individual scores, the list keeps on going. . . .

Nothing like watching a live match with million of people around you with their high decibels. Each and everyone calling aloud for their favorite sport stars, whenever they are in action on the ground. Topping it all was my guruji Sivamani with his touches on the drums making the entire stadium roar. . . .

The renovation work needs applause; chepauk already had its beauty and especially after the work it looks even more elegant and awesome. The entire civil team needs a pat in their back for the meticulous work. To sum it up the whole stadium was like an island standing bold amidst the busiest place of Chennai and proving the level of the second best ground in the world.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Nostalgic

It was the time for reunion of the school and college friends at Bangalore. The occasion was my good friend Appu’s (Arvind) marriage (he was the last one to tie the knot) in our gang.

It all started off with a good drive from Chennai to Bangalore with another friend Subbu. Enjoyed the 4.5 hours drive and after checking in couple of chilled bottles of barley water (what more you expect after a good drive) was served. By late evening almost al the friends checked in from other parts of the globe and we were gearing up for the wedding reception. Had a great time at the reception and followed by the lengthy daru session kicking off at one of the rooms.

The session had lots of emotions shared upon. Happiness, sorrow, difference of opinions, minor quarrels, neglects and sentiments. End of the day we were all the same old little school kids or college dudes painted us as corporate honchos/managers/businessmen sitting under one roof happily tasting the same drink we had 10-15 years back. We covered almost all the topics ranging a span of 15 years and shrinking it to 5 hours.

Apart from pulling each other’s child hood stuffs, we thanked all our teachers/lecturers/principals and mentors for what we are today and without their support we wouldn’t have reached this milestone. Finally the time came to depart with lots of hugs and little of tears, exchanged/updated mail ids & mobile no’s. . . I am sure this trip would remain fresh in everyone’s mind and heart, not forgetting to thank Appu for bringing us together. :)

Happy married life – Arvind and Shwetha!!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Creamest of all..................

My recent hogging was at “Cream Center”; this restaurant serves good Indian and continental cuisines. In addition they also serve some lip smacking tangy desi chats . . . out of the world taste; for sometime I went back to my childhood days I spent at Mumbai. The ambience is simple and good and so are their service; very good customer service and the baristas as friendly and warm.

I started off with their signature starter “American corn balls” followed by thick vegetable soup (unlike the usual soups we get). The briyani was very different and so were their lunch combos. I opted for pasta from their wide choices available. Well I was not disappointed at all; the preparation was authentic and delicious.

Finally, it was the time for the deserts . . . they did not disappoint me here as well. My craving for the Mumbai “Golla” was accomplished at Cream Center, though the look was not the same as amchi Mumbai but the taste indeed was; especially the “khalakatta” flavor.

My best wishes to the owner and the team of CREAM CENTER. I would rate 7 in a scale of 10 and CC is a must visit place.

Improvement: Air-conditioning is poor; they really need to work on that.

Friday, February 26, 2010

SACHIN - LORD of the GAME

Very recently people were talking about his retirement, fitness levels and paving way to youngsters and all sorts of criticism actively going on. . . . here comes the master blaster with yet another world record of 200 runs by an individual in an One day International Cricket match, , , February 24th 2010 has been recorded as yet another great day for this little LORD of the GAME.

He speaks from his bat unlike others doing the chit chatting all over. Criticism coming from BALL to BAL, Pitches to People, Seamers to Senseless; his reply has always been from his WOOD which really weighs heavy. The latest found synonym for the word MODEST is SACHIN I must say.

Way to go Sachin, I pray to the almighty to give you the full support to achieve more milestones in the coming years.

Memorable day in CRICKET: February 24th 2010.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

1411 . . . . declining!!!

We all are lost and feel handicapped knowing the numbers of our nation’s treasure, national animal, part of our prestigious national emblem – our TIGERS. . .

From 40,000 they have come down to a meager 1411 across India. The statistics are very disturbing and alarming. It’s the highest alert to us and we need to act ASAP!!!

I wish we invent and find out ways to protect the species which is fast fading off from existence; generation to come would put the TIGERS on the same slot of where we have placed DINOSAURS.

Articles and news claim that hunting is still going on at some parts of our country which is ruthless and a barbaric act done my the six-sense living thing. I sincerely wish the law has to be really strict with this sect and put an end to the menace caused.

My heartiest appreciation to the WWF and Aircel for this initiative which is never late and we all could still do a bit to make a huge difference. I have joined this move and wish to have a lengthy list enrolled to the cause.

Have a strong mind and soul to browse around http://saveourtigers.com/

Monday, January 11, 2010

FIRST LOOK


One more reason to be a happy Chennaite. I was privileged to watch a tennis match LIVE; have been watching in TV for so many years. Not even in my wildest dreams I thought of watching it LIVE.

I was thrilled to get a call Thursday, Jan 8th, 2010 from my friend for the match. I was on cloud 9 entering the stadium, my spirits and enthusiasm was to the highest levels. The stadium was 60-70% occupied and the excitement was building on and on and on. . .

The stadium was sparkling under the flood-lights and I wish I had an over view, it would have been like a shining diamond amidst a dark forest. My expectation and excitement was rising till the first serve came from Wawrinka (SUI), he has become one of my favorite players. 4.5 hours of non-stop action on and off the court. I meant the food stalls at the venue, right from H2O to aerated drinks, from wraps to burgers, you name it and you have it served fresh and hot. Both my hungers were well take care off.

This would be one of my best memories I would cherish. End of the day, one of my childhood desires have come true (the list is slowing shrinking).

SDAT (Sports Development Authority of India) have done a remarkable job, the construction of the stadium is truly mind blowing. The entire team deserves an appreciation from every ardent tennis fan of Chennai. I would like to mention to the team, it would be great if they could throw some light to the maintenance of the same, by then the look would ever remain new and classy.

Happy playing and watching!!


Monday, December 7, 2009

Beach - Marina

My recent visit to our good old marina beach left me zapped. I understood the meaning of the word "Facelift". A remarkable piece of work done by our Chennai corporation under the guidance of Mr. Lakhoni and Mayor Mr. Subramaniam. These two gentlemen and the team deserve a huge round of applause from the people of Chennai.

The expertise and precision are reflected in the output. The entire stretch looks awesome and am sure it would be a treat to watch it from an elevated point. I also suggest, that we make use of the light house for an aerial view of the beach, as it would attract a lot of visitors and would subsequently generate revenue for the corporation. The inner road is well laid and is butter-smooth for a slow drive/ride (without using headlights). The illumination is brilliant and the entire view from the shore is splendid. It reminds me of the "Marine drive" in Mumbai. Basic amenities are well provided, and the beach is certainly "Litter-free". I wish and hope it remains the same. 

But, a couple of visuals disappointed me, I saw a fellow citizen (further ref to as X) happily finishing his aerated drink and trashing the bottle down when there was a bin adjacent to him. And, another X attending to nature's call in the open without any inhibitions. What are the mobile toilets installed for? Yet , another X enjoying his cigarette facing the waves. I think there exists a rule stating "Public smoking is banned" and the beach is supposed to be a public place to the best of my knowledge !

The irony is that these Xs are the same people who compare India with US/Europe and pull down our country's image. They talk about cleanliness, infrastructure and civic sense (what a joke). They keep boasting about their short trips to a foreign land and relate it in comparison with India. I have a different meaning for these Xs in my dictionary. All I wish is that these Xs must behave the same in India, as they would do in a foreign land. A humble request from a fellow citizen.

Facelift of Marina is just a foundation for the beautification process for the rest of our city. I am sure Chennai is going to look more beautiful and clean in the near future. . .

Gleefully and Eagerly waiting that day - A pucca madrasvaasi!!!


TOP - BOTTOM



Tuesday, December 1, 2009

All in One



Came across this amazing photo. Cool one!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Peranmai - An awesome movie

I am sure all of you would agree with me, that off late we are flavoring a different taste in Tamil cinema, and the first and foremost credit goes to the creator of such good movies - the "Directors".

My recent watch was "Peranmai" directed by Mr. S. P. Jananthan starring Jeyam Ravi in the lead role with a set of new comers playing the supporting roles or should I say highlighted roles. I am sure that this director is going to play a vital role in taking our tamil cinema to higher levels along with the few present stalwarts. Jananathan is no new man to tamil cinema; his earlier projects were "Earkai" and "E", the film "E" made me look up at the director; as "E" had a totally new subject yet to be attempted, and Jananathan has not disappointed me with "Peranmai".

Once again the story of Peranmai is very new and of course a sensitive one to be made into a film, but this director has played with the subject and the result = well appreciated by the audiences. Right from the first scene of the film i was unable to take my eyes of the screen or getting irritated with my fellow audiences in the theater who make a lot of silly comments/noises to pull everyone's attraction or applause. Though there were such comments and sounds in the theater, all i could do was to feel pity for those ignorant souls.

My appreciation goes to the cinematographer for his wonderful work; I am sure this would be an important assignment is his career. Jeyam Ravi has given a splendid performance and has proved that he could certainly do more than the usual quiet and chocolate boy roles, his hard work and dedication could be well sensed in the movie. Not forgetting to mention about the attempt of the female artists performance; they have a given a remarkable performance and have substantiated well with the hero.

Peranmai is a must watch movie (at the theater). My best wishes and heartiest congratulations to Jananathan, Jeyam Ravi and the entire team of Peranmai.

JAI HIND!!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

2012 - a BEGINNING or an END

The 2012 fever has picked up to highest degrees. Anyone and everyone I meet talk about this 2012 and if you are not aware about that looks like we would be either left out of we get a strange look (as if we are from another planet). This increased my curiosity to know more about this 2012 euphoria.

I was really amazed when i clicked the search tab in Google to find a huge list of websites on 2012. . . . . there comes the Hipo Indians prophecies, Mayan philosophies and our good old "Nostradamus"; all pointing out to the end of the world. I am still in confused state of mind on these articles and predominantly these articles route to the movie titled "2012" to be released shortly.

I sincerely wish we all in this world could take this as a reason to end the ongoing wars, stop the communal hatred/violence, stop further nuclear testings, and finally take some effective measures to stop global warming.

In short lets take the 2012 fever as a "beginning" and not an "end" of the WORLD.


http://www.december212012.net/

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Eeram - Tamil Movie

Eeram!! an mazing tamil movie i have recently watched. Just out the box and totally new from the routine flicks we have been watching. A horror movie without showing the actual ghost/or the irritating gruesome face with the most awkward background score - Is this possible? Yes says Arivazhagan the director of the film "Eeram". I cannot stop appreciating this new director who nails his audience in their respective seats.

Every scene right from the starting of the movie is well crafted to great levels. Technicalities of the film is brilliant and I am sure the the expenditure would have been higher, but worth every pixel of the EFX used. Music and BGM is also done well, kudos to the music director.

I really appreciate Shankar for promoting his team of assistant directors with having lot of trust and confidence in them. Shankar has also proving that he is also an efficient producer :)

To sum it up, Eeram is mind blowing and a must watch film.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tennis Fever

I have started to become very active with tennis. Getting really addicted to the game; especially after getting my dream racket - The Wilson K-Factor (The racket used by the master himself - FedEx). Planning to join SDAT asap but looks like I need to wait to get a membership.

Keeping fingers crossed!!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Q U O T E

Men who don't understand women fall in two categories - "Bachelors and Husbands"