HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
We were among the millions of people that gathered at the Times square to welcome the New Year 2006! Iam attending this ball drop event for the third consecutive year !!

(One other episode in my series :: நியுயார்க்க சுத்தி காட்ட போறேன்!! )

CLOCK TICKING !!

AT 8 PM

AT 9 PM

AT 10 PM

AT 11 PM

AT 11 55 PM

PAST MID NIGHT !! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

THE MEGA MOMENT OF THE EVENT !!

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS..CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP !!



PEOPLE PEOPLE EVERY WHERE !!

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Roads "galeej" but was cleaned after the event !!

FYI :Trivia !!

This has always caught my attention every single day !!.
Next time when you visit NYC, don't forget to click a picture of this !!

Related news HERE !!












UPDATE :: Even this is seen here !!

Gang -U- lea(ve) !!

Pic courtesy : Reuters.
Ganguly issue finds echo in Lok Sabha

முக்கிய செய்திகள் :
"நாட்டில் மக்கள் பிரச்சனைகள் தீர்ந்த நிலையில் கங்குலி பற்றிய விவாதம் மக்களவையில் நடைப்பெறுகின்றது

வாழ்க ஜனநாயகம் !!"

அட என்னாத்தா சொல்வேனுங்கோ !!

And now,its the turn of the TEACHERS to pick on TOLLYWOOD !!

Politicians Vs. Sandiyar / Boy Friend / Rascal
Women's organizations Vs. Boys /New
Doctors Vs. Vasool Raja (MBBS) -(Thanks Kicha )
Lawyers Vs. Sivakasi
Teachers Vs. Thavamaai Thavamirunthu

Whoz Left ?? Vs. Whoz Right ??

Can the Cancer !

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The Incidence of Tobacco- related cancer accounts for almost one third of all cancer in India. Excessive use of Tobacco/Tobacco related products might cause cancer of the Oral parts (Cancer of Lips,mouth, tongue,gums,salivary glands) ,throat cancer ,and cancer of the esophagus and lungs .
Look here for a basic overview of the signs and symptoms of Oral/Throat Cancer .
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IMAGINE IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO TALK FOR A DAY ??

IMAGINE IF SOMEONE HAS LOST THEIR VOICE BOX (LARYNX) BECAUSE OF CANCER AND COULD NOT TALK AT ALL FOR LIFE ??

I would like to share this real life incident which happened during my college days. My experience with a cancer patient.

Lets call this person as Subbu .Subbu was a chain smoker in his late 30's when he was diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer . The spread of cancer was so extensive that a total Laryngectomy had to be performed on him .He had to be prepared for the worse to choose either losing his voice box (Larynx) or life. Subbu used to work as a driver prior to the diagnosis. Imagine how could one survive without talking for life or could sustain a means of livelihood?
After the medical procedures were over, the rehabilitation efforts focussed on achieving artificial voice .After continuous rehab efforts and therapy , Subbu could communicate through artificial voice . Currently ,One of my professors has employed him as a driver.

As a Speech Pathologist, am proud that i (as a part of rehabilitation team member) made a difference in Subbu's life.....
Nowadays,Subbu attends various motivation groups for laryngectomees and he himself serves as a positive model for patients with throat cancer . He motivates other patients by telling how he overcame his difficulties and that he got a new lease of life. Subbu, for sure, makes a difference in others life by letting them know that the diagnosis of cancer is not the end of life.
Though am away from Chennai, i do get updates about Subbu from my college mates .

I dont want to write much technical details here. The whole point i would like to convey is that, CANCER when identified and diagnosed at early stages can be conquered thru' the available medical and rehabilitation procedures.

*Laryngectomy = Surgical removal of part or all of the larynx.
*Laryngectomee = a person who has undergone laryngectomy
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Another personal experience :

I lost my grandfather because of cancer.It was pathetic to see him writhe in pain, he became very weak,lost his body weight, hair, changes in skin color..It happened before our eyes. That was one of the unforgettable stressful period of time that our family went through. My brother , a Doctor by profession , says this is one of the reasons that prompted him to opt for specialization in Radiation Oncology .I hope he gives his best to the society and hope his treatment makes a difference in someone's life .
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Finally :

A visit to Jeevodaya would squeeze your heart. This is a hospice center for terminally ill cancer patients that are counting their last days of life. You may want to donate charity to this organization.

Its all about MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE !

என்று தணியும் இந்த சினிமா மோகம் ??

Have you heard about this temple for Vijayakanth built by Rajendran(Dasapatti Village,Tharapuram,Erode District)?

Click here for an amazing 10 -part BBC series on Tamil people that are ever crazy over reel life heroes !!

Listen to those features ! Is there a SOLUTION to overcome this mass hysteria ?

Been to a Baby shower party over the weekend !!



And NEEDLESS TO SAY !!

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Couple of questions to be answered !!

1.Is there any scientific reason for celebrating Babyshower (வளைகாப்பு)?

2.Why is the food cooked by others tastes better than the self cooked one ? :-(

SNOW NOW SNOW NOW !!

First snow fall of the season in this city !!







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Related post HERE !!

கார் வாங்கியாச்சு..ஆனால் இந்த எழை இந்தியனால் கார் இன்சுரன்ஸ் கட்டுவதற்குள் தலை சுற்றுகிறது !!

Here are the estimated rate quotes for basic comprehensive coverage that i got from insurance providers. The factors considered while assessing the quotes :

1. Period of Driving
2. The City i live in
3. "Age" of the car

Approx. quotes here for a 6 month period ! I would have called about more than 1o agencies for "best" rates..But sob sob me :-(

Geic0 = $ 3200
Pr0gressive =$ 3000
AIG = $2200
State farm ,All state , lottu losuku =$1900

The insurance rates are almost double the price of the "used" car !!

Imagine if i had got a new car in this city ?! I'd be paying the insurance thru my nose :-(!

True that comforts comes with a cost !!
Uh!I was better off with a $76 unlimited rides metrocard !!

Manoj rants.....

Thousands fall sick because they had no option but to drink flood waters ;and it is a tiny news item in the last few pages, but when a celebrity feels woozy after a stomach upset-- he makes the front page - full page on a tabloid and half a page on a broadsheet. In India, if you have enough money, everything will follow!

Why isn't anyone talking about Bhopal tragedy today? Why do the newspapers carry 4 full pages of Amitabh Bachan, but not of this biggest industrial disaster till date? Must be because his net worth and future value must be higher than the collective NW and FV of the dead and the living dead. But then, when did dead people have a future?

I AGREE !!

அலோ சார், நம்ம தமிளு பண்பாடு பத்தி பேசுகிறவன்களை எங்கேயாவது பார்த்தீங்களா ?


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Related post Here

International Day of Disabled Persons

December 3rd is observed as International Day of Disabled Persons !

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982.

According to the recent data , out of 21.9 million disabled people in India – that constitutes about 2.13 per cent of the total population - 1.03 per cent are visually impaired, 0.16 per cent speech impaired, 0.12 per cent ‘hearing’ impaired, 0.59 per cent ‘movement’ impaired and 0.22 per cent ‘mentally’ disabled of the total national population.

Lets take this occasion to salute the differently abled persons, their parents that make sacrifices for their special child and providing them opportunites to be one among the society.

WORLD AIDS DAY !!

December 1st is observed as World AIDS Day !

Please visit here and here for more information on TAMIL NADU STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY (TNSACS) !

BE AWARE !! STAY SAFE !!

Click here to participate in World AIDS Day Contest !!

BF sales !!

A loooong weekend comes to a close !!

-On the day of Thanks giving, we had a gathering at home with friends and friendies..Great cook out !!Great food !!
-Started for "BF round up" (adhaanga..BlackFriday !!)by about 11 pm on Thursday.Drove straight to CompUSA but the crowd was very very long. So, dropped this place and went to Queens mall-Best Buy .Already some 100 people were ahead of us by 12 am .Waited in the line at freezing -8C temps . A sales person announced that the shop will be opened at 4am , an hour ahead of the scheduled time.At 4 am, the crowd went frenzy, many people cut line to enter in between, and hence a unruly scene at that point.A stampede kinda event happened.We just came out of the line (like losers!!) but saved some dignity !! Its Ok to spend few extra bucks to get the stuffs than to risk health and life at freezing temps..A different experience though !! No sleep over night !!

-Next day ,been to circuit city and got my car stereo fixed !!
-Few of my friends picked a 200gb hard drive for $29.99 at Staples , a webcam for $4.99,DVD+RW/+R for $19.99 and many many other things..A cool deal for $$$ !!

-Saturday, Caughtup some sleep and in the evening,met fellow blogger Mr.Senthil & Co and I spam U fame Mr.Satya at Manhattan .

-Sunday..Getting ready for the week ahead !!

Currently listening to this NON STOP radio !!


HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD !!

அடேங்கப்பா !!

Remember this Blogpost ??

Read HERE and HERE for the recent related news for that post !!

A news that surely deserves அடேங்கப்பா !!

Grand Theft Stereo..

This morning a rude shock awaited me !!
6.30 AM-started for work for a 8.00AM appointment ,but to see that my car stereo has been stolen.The thief ,for sure, must be a professional,gained access to inside of my car by manipulating the rubber lining of the window glass,opened the lock/door and took away the newly fixed a week old MP3 player set + remote controls for the set.
Why the hell did he leave the operation manual in the car ??He should have taken that along for a complete set !!

Called 911 ,waited for NYPD to arrive ,filed complaint..long procedures, cancelled appointments at work..a totally screwed up day !!

NYPD officer said "Thank god for your car is safe " YEAH !!

வாழ்க நியுயார்க்!!

My car does have an alarm/anti theft system,but if something is bound to happen, it happens.Usually in NY, the vehicle alarm goes off even when a music blaring car passes by .Its quite common to hear the alarm all day, so none actually bothers even if the alarm goes off for a serious thing !!
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I bought this car hardly about 20 days ago ,and had planned a blog post about it..but least expected that this would happen !!
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"CAR STEREO - STOLEN"

"Mr.Thief had left this behind for me "

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READ THE FOLLOWING :


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WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THE PASSAGE ABOVE??


UPDATE : YES-THERE ARE 2 "THE's" IN THE PASSAGE .MOST PEOPLE MISS OUT THE OBVIOUS REDUNDANCY OF THE INFORMATION. This means ,when you are reading , the brain processes short, familiar words as a whole and decodes longer words letter-by-letter.But when you read longer sentences,the brain processes a familiar group of words as a single phrase.The brain stores small words, such as 'of,' as a unit, while longer words require decoding. The brain also stores common groups of words, such as 'in the,' as a whole phrase. Words or phrases the brain sees as whole units are called sight words or sight phrases. If something is missing or odd in one of these sight words or phrases, the brain compensates for the problem based on the context of surrounding letters or words.



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New visitors to my blog :Please visit HERE and HERE for few other interesting tests !!

OOOOOO....

....Tired of eating Bagels and Cereals/waffles for breakfast..Thanks to my Mom for "online cooking classes"..Tried IDLY and DOSA.....maiden attempt by a bachelor..ooravachu, arachu..a good experience..Came out good !!

But what about the side dishes..So tried something Indo-American !!

Weird combinations..but tasted good though !!

IDLY + HOT SALSA + ORANGE MARMALADE
IDLY + PEANUT BUTTER
DOSA + HOT SALSA + COCONUT MIX
DOSA + BUTTER SYRUP (Like McDi's pan cakes)
RASAM RICE + TORTILLA CHIPS
MAGGI + PASTA SAUCE
CURD RICE + CUCUMBER PICKLE (aka Subway toppings)
CHAPPATI = TORTILLA =FAJITA + Baked potatoes or Onion/Bell pepper fry !!

STILL MORE....

Can you share your experiences /anything weird combo but tastes good ??

And any suggestions on how to be a vegetarian/vegan in this country ?


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நியுயார்க்க சுத்தி காட்ட போறேன்......4

But,this time with a "Thalai Blogger".....Read the related posts HERE and HERE


நியுயார்க்க சுத்தி காட்ட போறேன்::
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Related post.....

Apropos to my previous post ,watch this video clip sent by a fellow blogger Mr.Ranganathan street .

PSYCHOLOGY OF CYBERSPACE ::

I came across this topic during one of my recent journal reviews..Its quite interesting to learn how the internet plays a part in our lives. There is a demarcation between the use of internet as a source of livelihood and for entertainment purposes..

For more info :: Read here

Top 10 Signs You're Addicted to the Net :

[In a narrow sense, Would the signs mentioned below be applicable to bloggers as well ??]

10. You wake up at 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom and stop and check your e-mail on the way back to bed.
9. You get a tattoo that reads "This body best viewed with Netscape Navigator 1.1 or higher."
8. You name your children Eudora, Mozilla and Dotcom.
7. You turn off your modem and get this awful empty feeling, like you just pulled the plug on a loved one.
6. You spend half of the plane trip with your laptop on your lap...and your child in the overhead compartment.
5. You decide to stay in college for an additional year or two, just for the free Internet access.
4. You laugh at people with 2400-baud modems.
3. You start using smileys in your snail mail.
2. The last mate you picked up was a JPEG.
1. Your hard drive crashes. You haven't logged in for two hours. You start to twitch. You pick up the phone and manually dial your ISP's access number. You try to hum to communicate with the modem.
You succeed.


Due credits Dr.John Suler

UPDATE :: Related to the previous post..

Namma oorla Namitha avalo famous-a ?? People have come to my blog from Yahoo/Google searches for "Namitha " . Even someone searched for this actress in Technocrati..

Adengappa !!

TringTring ::Call :: Moral Police ::

Sibiraj & Namitha Pix :: Kumudam

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Sibiraj & Namitha pairs together in Kovai Brothers

Namitha has acted in many movies with Satyaraj as the lead actress. Now Satyaraj's son acts with her... No wonders if she would act as Satyaraj's Mom in a few years from now....God Bless Tollywood !!

Articles covered in Kumudam Mazagine (Issue dt.Oct 12,2005 ) ::VijayaShanti's Political venture, Gopika's autograph,Interview with SriPriya ,Yuvan Shankar Raja,Shalini and Kushboo..++ film reviews .. Same is the case with Vikatan too..

I think there ain't any famous personalities than these people in TamilNadu..I blame myself for subscribing to these magazines ..and wonder what would i gain by knowing about these people and what they eat or when they shit ?

Watchman YaaaaaHooooooooooooo !!

YOU ARE BEING TRACKED AND YOUR IP GETS RECORDED AS YOU BROWSE THRU' YAAAAHOOOOOOOOO!!
Am I being paranoid?

Manoj has got details.... READ MORE !!

மாத்தி யோசி !!

I found this article@CNN to be relevant to my earlier post which discusses about the timid nature of Desis...

Though the points mentioned below cannot be generalized, IMHO, majority of Desis are like this :

1. You let others' mistakes inconvenience you.
2. You let others take credit for your ideas.
3. You apologize unnecessarily.
4. You work without breaks.
5. You do others' work for them.


I concur with this fellow blogger's view. What do you say ??

Good Old DD Days !!

German Comedian :: Dieter Hallervorden.


..I was flipping thru TV channels and happened to watch Dieter Hallervorden's comedy show,famously known as Didi's Comedy show. Do you guys remember watching this show on DoorDarshan during mid/late 80's? A total laugh riot..

I felt very nostalgic..did google search and landed up here .
(Note : The files are in .rar format.



Further searches got me to these Amazing old DD cartoon videos..ENJOY !!


1. Ek Chidiya

2. Fraggle Rock

3. Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (Remake)



Due credits to those hosted these videos !!Thanks !!

There are many many more interesting stuffs available in WWW that triggers your memory down the years.......Keep watching !!

OLD DD ADs HERE !

OLD INDIAN PRODUCTS AND BRANDS

Super 307 307 307...

Oh..Things weren't moving smooth for me..seems like Murphy's law is taking its toll on me !!


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Received my mobile phone bill for this month..a whooping $307.32 for calls which i didnt make.I have taken NYC Metro 1000 minutes plan but most of my calls were picked by a tower in upstate NY(some 500 miles away from NYC),and roaming and long distance charges were calculated for it. Its like ,a call made at 4.05 pm appeared as local call whereas a call made at 4.08pm appeared as roaming.I was very much in the city during this period and didnt go anywhere..
WHAT it means to be on phone with customer service guys ,explaining my case on mid weekday afternoon for about 4 hours ??? These guys argue with me that i was at upstate and hence the charges..The reason is their technical error as the tower picks wrong signals and processes them.I was trying to settle this issue and finally compromised on an amount..still came upto $120 instead of my usual $70..

Any suggestions on how should i have handled this case ??

Just googled to check if anyone had an experience like mine..Yeah.. Am not alone !!
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A guy from this company calls me every evening from Bangalore,speaks in Tamil ,canvassing me to take up this plan..Am trying to be good with him..its not good to bang the phone or to snub anyone..but LIMITS TO PATIENCE..Im trying to be nice with him..Hope he understands..
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Been to a luggage center at a mall here (Desi infested Queens boro)to pick a suitcase for my friend who plans a trip to India shortly.As we billed the item,the sales person asked us sarcastically "Will you guys return the case after your trip to India ?? " MAANAM POCHU..
Couple of things can be inferred from this incident :
1.Many Desi's been returning items like this..hence this comment !
2.Even genuine customers are suspected !!
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Been to SBI-NY for remittance to India.I waited for about 30 minutes to meet with person concerned.With every passing by employee as am seated in the waiting room, i heard the statement.."Somebody is coming"..finally someone came over..My Uncle,whoz been here since early 70's says that the bank used to work the Indian way in their early years..Closed for a week during Pongal and for all Indian holidays,But they are doing business in USA...
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This happened few days back ::After roaming the city the whole day with my friends,we decided to stop at an Indian Restaurant for dinner located b/w 6/7 Avenues in NYC.We looked very tired.Just as we entered, we overheard the manager say "aadmilog dekhke patha chalega woh kya khayega"..Totally unwarranted comment..Does he estimate that Madarasis doesnt know Hindi ? Just walked out after a duel with him..When will people learn to respect fellow country men ?

God Bless the twins !!

I read this story with interest. May God bless them with medical miracles !!
Here is one another success story that I have been following for quite sometime..Look here and here for more information !!

Eclipse...

Watch eclipse live here !!


Scroll down to Live Web Coverage of the 2005 Annular Eclipse..

Due credits : "Eclipse predictions (maps) courtesy of Fred Espenak, NASA/GSFC"

Bose it !!

The weekend was great..a great listening experience thru this BOSE Cinemate System . Listening this song thru the system was impeccable.(Thanks Keerthi ) A truly amazing listening experience !!...Could appreciate even the faintest background sound ,better signal/noise ratio..Just been busy positioning the speakers around the home for better effects...

TRULY..BOSE IS THE BOSS !!

Turn me on !!

TURN ME ON : This song by Reggae/Soca star Kevin Lyttle is one of my all time favorites that i often listen to .There are many remix versions and this has been Desified as a pop album by Raghav. Recently, i heard the same tune and background being used for a Hindi movie song..and am still unable to trace the name of the movie.

Dear fellow bloggers :: if you come across this inspired Hindi movie song..do let me know....Thanks !!


Original : Listen here

Desi Version: Listen here (Check box and select play)


YET AGAIN DINAMALAR :: TURNED ME ON FOR REAL :: TAKE A LOOK

அடேங்கப்பா !!

Click on the pic for larger view..
Nehru Family

FLUSH-BRUSH-NEXUS

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Just thought of sharing this research finding which i came across in a medical journal.Though i couldn't find direct reference links, look HERE and HERE for related articles..

Versions of my name....

PRA-BHU : Just 2 syllables , but people call me many other names.Am all ears to them--enjoying various versions of my name..

Pra-hu (Sounds chinese )
Pra-hoo ( " )
Prab-lu
Praebooo ..
Pablo (Easy - common name )
Prabhy
Pra-fhu (as pronounced )
Trabu
Prambu
Mr.P (Aioo,asingama iruke )

Nowadays ,i use syllable tapping-count method when i pronounce my name .Bringing the thumb to the little finger for "Pra "and count next to ring finger for "Bhu"..It eases out error productions..Try out !!

No wonder :: My friend Bharat is being called as Brett .

Just curious :: How are you being called ?

TV

AN ARYAN IN DRAVIDIAN TV.. 
NYC Local network /Ch 57-73/Weekdays 5.30 pm-6.30 pm