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Experiences with Chennai Traffic Police – The Unfair Advantage(Part 3)

Thursday, March 26th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

Once upon a time, i was waiting at the Thirumanglam Traffic Signal in Chennai. Exactly at the stop line, waiting for the signal to turn green, so that i can zoom past the hordes of other vehicles standing along with me. At that time, an interesting thing happened… Our Signal was going to turn Green and all of us were All Set. Like every other motorist in Chennai, we started inching forward crossing the stop line… It turned Green for us and a few bikes found their way out and went as fast as they could. But, before i could move, a Police Man came infront of us and blocked a few vehicles. I was wondering wtf, why is he blocking us when our signal is Green. Only when i looked over his shoulder, i saw the reason… Two Pretty Girls(w/o Helmet) were crossing the road in their Scooty and the Police Man was making way for them. After crossing the Red Signal with Police help, both of them turned and waved to the Police Man. ‘tata!’ I then looked at the PoliceMan, he too waving back with a Big Smile(called Jollu in Tamil)! Theirs was a Red Signal and they dared to cross it and even got out of it with Police Protection! Too much!!!

On that day me and my friend (who was with me) decided that we too will do the same. Cross a Red Signal and then after crossing the road both of us will wave hands and say ‘tata’ to the mama… :) We got an opportunity soon… But, it didnt turn out the way we had thought, obviously coz we are boys! ;) We were on the way to a Movie and were in a Hurry, as always. The Signal turned Red. But, many other vehicles went even after that. So, we also went along with the so many other vehicles. But… Out of the Blue appeared the Man, Police Man! He let go all the other vehicles, came running to the center of the road and stood directly in front of our Bike. I tried to waver, turn left, right and escape. Vehicles went past us at both sides, but no the policeman didnt even try to catch them. He just stood there, and so i had to halt. I didnt want to kill the guy, you know! He put both hands in the front handle and stopped the vehicle as if he is controlling a bull. And then, he took the keys off the bike and went back to the corner of the road. All our dreams of saying ‘tata’ and escaping shattered! :(

Thats one of the Unfair Advantage, Girls have. No Traffic Police will ever catch a woman. Never ask her for her license. Never Ask for Bribe(Like i said b4, Prestige Problem). Lucky People.

After the Policeman takes the key. He’s in control. And now, like always, the police man’s acting will start. He will act as if you are not there at all and do his duty sincerely. After some time, he will come and ask “How much money can you give?” or “How much do you have?”. Then other dialogs are, “Court ku pona Rs 500, inga kudutha Rs100 oda vituduven”. How will anyone respect them, if they behave like this!

Experiences with Chennai Traffic Police – Until i Got my License (Part 1)

Saturday, February 28th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

Before you start reading this…

Disclaimer: This is entirely my opinion and is not intended to harm any person, group, organization or body corporate. For more, read the Disclaimer of the Blog…

Traffic Police in this context, refers to everyone who stops vehicles to get some Money(Mamool, Lancham). Mostly, it will be some Regular Policeman who is in need of some quick money. I started driving my Dad’s Bike during my High School Days. I used to wear Helmet and drove at a normal speed and always followed the law, so that no one gets a suspicion that i dont have a license. I preferred driving in the Main Roads, where we had a lot of traffic and i could just merge into the crowd. And that quite helped, because i have never been caught when i was in a main road. It was only when i go through the streets nearby, i had been grabbed by the mamas. I have got caught by the mamas(Uncles) quite a number of times, before i got my driving license… And i have never ever paid even a rupee to them until after i got my license.

I usually take a U-Turn if i spot a Khaki man, or else just pick up the speed and escape from the place as soon as possible. They will never ever chase you. Why is that our cops never chase and stop a disobeying vehicle? If you respect their signals and pull over, you’ll be forced to pay a fine or bribe on some pretext or other, those who do not care and speed away are never caught and go unpunished. If i get caught, I used to say that i am student and i have applied for LLR, i dont have a purse etc etc and look at them like the Puss in the Boots in the Movie Shrek (One of the defenses of Puss in Boots is using his cute nature by staring up at his foes with an innocent, wide-eyed, expression, which softens his foes hearts.), some cops get softened and wont ask you money. I dont know why, the Cops never ask mamool from Kids, Students and Women. Prestige Problem? They wont ask any money – thats good, but the Problem is, they wont let you go as well. They just keep on asking questions. What are you Studying? What is your Dad? Where Do You Stay? Okay All these make some sense! They ask you to get to know whether you are an accused or not, and also to know if he can get some money from me in any possible way! One Cop asked me How much Marks i Got in 12th Std? Now, why does he need this? Its just that they are bored by standing alone waiting for a prey. And now that he cant get any money from me, he wants me to give him company! Enna Koduma Sir Ithu!

Category: Experiences  | 4 Comments

Hemophobia and Nosocomephobia

Thursday, February 26th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

I recently watched the movie Salaam Namaste. In the Movie, Saif fears Hospitals. And that reminded me of How i used to dread Hospitals, Blood, etc… when i was young and even now, at times. So, here’s the meaning of the Post Title… Hemophobia is Fear of Blood and Nosocomephobia is Fear of Hospitals. I feel nauseated whenever i go to Hospitals. My heart starts beating a lot faster. The smell of the Hospital itself is enough to create that feeling of sickness. Thankfully, i haven’t gone to hospitals in the recent past, so i don’t know if i still have Nosocomephobia. And about Hemophobia… Even the sight of Blood creates panic inside me. I hate to admit this… I have never ever donated blood. There had been a number of blood donation campaigns organized at School, College, Office and every other place i go. But, I never go to donate blood. When i was in College, a blood donation camp was organized. And we were allowed to leave the class for the rest of the day, if we are going to donate blood.  So, just for the sake of getting out of class, i joined the rest of the guys who were really going to donate blood. But, instead me and my friend roamed around the college, canteen and passed the time. I was in a dilemma. I wanted to donate blood, but i didnt want to donate blood!!! Finally after thinking a lot about it, and for the Greater Good… we decided to go ahead and give the blood. But… When we went there, the doc said sorry guys time up! We’ve closed. wow What a relief! Incidentally, Red and Orange are my most favorite colors!

Orkut vs Facebook

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 | Author: Vivek

Orkut and Facebook are two of the most popular social networking sites, with both offering very similar features and capabilities.

I do have access to both an Orkut and Facebook account and find myself using Orkut the majority of the time. I am exploring Facebook only now. Right now, I actually prefer Orkut when comparing Facebook vs Orkut from a usability perspective. Here’s what i think.

>I like Orkut, because i got used to it. The ease with which you can work in Orkut is really cool but Facebook is qite complicated. I remember when i started using Orkut in 2006, i never had any issue. I joined Orkut on my friend’s recommendation that it was quite useful for him to find old friends. And, It actually helped me find my childhood buddies too.

>Navigation in Facebook is quite confusing. Whereas, Orkut is very intuitive.

>In Facebook, It is difficult to search for friends, as you can only see the profile photo before adding as a friend. But, they have “Discover People you might know”.

>Facebook gives unnecessary updates, which are trivial as to who wrote on whose wall… which quite frankly, becomes annoying after a while.

>Orkut gives you much easier personalization, where you can choose which friends you want to see updates on, birthday reminders, photos, etc. Though, i would like to control parts of my profile, scrapbook and communities too, like that.

>Orkut has themes, Facebook doesnt.

>I feel the communities in Orkut are quite useful and many use it to their advantage. But, Orkut can do something to restrict people whom you do not know, to see what are all the communities you are part of. It sometimes affects your privacy.

>Facebook has lots of ads. Orkut too has started adding advertisements, but i feel its in a designated slot, so doesnt affect the users much.

>It depends on the Country. Here in US people havent even heard about Orkut. Whereas in India, Orkut is quite popular.

>Finally, it comes to where you have more friends and in which Social Networking Site your friends are active. So you go to the site in which he/she is active in and check for their updates. Isnt it?!

So, Which one do you prefer? ;)

Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Saturday, February 14th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

Yes. As everyone knows, the answer to the Question, will depend on how you see things! This Post is just about how i learnt it from my own recent experience.

I started working at the University a few weeks back. Till now i have registered and am working at 2 places. The Office of Disability Services and the Shaw Dining Hall. Both have been Good so far. Initially, I felt like my eyes are paining if i work in ODS(Office of Disability Services), because i have to work on the Computer. Not that i don’t like sitting in front of the Computer, i hate it when i am forced to do something. And then i joined Shaw Dining Hall and felt like my legs are paining, b’coz we had to stand and do the Work. All this just after working 1-2 Shifts! And If i go to attend class, i get “back pain” by sitting in class. If i try to study something, my Brain starts Screaming with Pain. Nogama nongu thingira maathiri ethachum job iruntha sollunga… Pitcha edukurathyum, Kambi ennurathaym thavira!!!

Many people want to work in the ODS because, we just have to sit at a place and do the conversion of files from one format to the other. And at the same time, many want to work at the Dining Halls and Food Courts because they get more pay and also they get to eat anything and everything they want

It’s all about how people perceive on events and objects. Perception is unique to every individual and is simply your interpretation of reality. For me, my perception of things go from one extreme to the other. At times i am Positive and at other times i feel Negative. Right now, i feel Positive about things and this post is a result of that. The power of perception is truly very astonishing! So, when you face difficult situations, remember… It’s all in your Mind! Change your thoughts and you change your World!

Mayakkamaa?!! Kalakkamaa!!!

Saturday, February 14th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

This is the song that is running in the Background of my Mind right now…!
I have my exams next week… And I Don’t know ANYTHING about the Courses! During Group meetings, i am like staring at the faces of my group members(with my mouth wide open), how do these guys know so much! :O

I start feeling dizzy if i think about studying all this!

Mayakkamaa Kalakkamaa Manadhile Kuzhappama… :(

Vaazhkkai Endraal Aayiram Irukkum,
Vaasal Thorum Vedhanai Irukkum! (Aama Othukuren!)
Ethayum Thaangum Idhayam Irundhaal,
Iruthi Varayil Amaidhi Nilaikkum! (Sari!)

Naalai Pozhudhai Iraivanukkalithu,
Nadakkum Vaazhvil Amaidhiyai Thedu! (Athaan Panren!)
Unakkum Keezhe Ullavar Kodi
Ninaithu Paarthu Nimmadhi Naadu! (Enaku kila iruka vendam, enaku company kudukurathukavathu yaarachum irupaangala nu paartha, illaye! Ellarum eppadiyavathu Mark vaangiduraangale!)

Eppadi thaan Exams ku padika poreno!!! Okay… I’m going back to… To Try Studying Something! Paatta podunga pa…

Mayakkamaa Kalakkamaa Manadhile Kuzhappama… :(

Valentine’s Day Joke!

Thursday, February 12th, 2009 | Author: Vivek
A Funny Conversation about Valentine’s Day between me and my friend…
Gowtham: enna da valentine’s day special enna? (Wassup Dude? Wat’s Special for Valentine’s Day?)
Vivek: i think “meen kolambu” will be there in my home.. unga veetla inna special? (We’re Planning to Cook “Fish Curry” at our Place! Wat’s Special there?)
This is Called Nose Cut in Indian Ingleesh! Nose Cut- A Sharp Retort or Insult!
Gowtham: lol
Vivek: rofl!

Wat do you guys think about this?! ;)

American Election

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

A Kenyan born, muslim born, coloured christian man living in Chicago now holds the highest office in the world. Arguably the most powerful man on the planet will now take calls on several issues like free trade between countries, American taxation policy, foreign policy, alternate energy fuel policy, war on terror policy and a much more. I have seen America go crazy over the Presidential debates and the campaigns, and I can totally understand that. I have watched and read a few debates too and its very educating to see two very learned men debate over some fine issues.

However, I feel very strongly that the American elections are overrated outside of the US. The hysteria that follows specially in India is unbelievable. I can understand ‘a following’ and ‘an addiction to debates’ but when people get serious over how ‘Obama is better than McCain for India’ or vice versa, I find it hard to digest. Barack Obama may have a different outsourcing policy than John McCain but its no rocket science to understand outsourcing is not policy driven, rather its driven by business pressures of resource needs, competition and cost. The nuclear deal with India has not been signed by a republican president, it has been signed to bump few jobs and business in America. Even my 92 year old grandma understands that few years ago India was jailed for conducting nuclear test and now we have the direct access and support of American nuclear technology. It was common sense on both occasions and nothing to do with policies of ruling party.

India has seen incredible growth during last 10 years of republican administration ruling in USA, but ironically every heart in India is beating for a Democratic President, Barack Obama. Where is any sense in all this? I guess as usual it is an emotional Indian sentiment that has no room for logic but a trademark Indian passion and dare I say ‘insantity’. I wish people in India would just follow it, enjoy it and discuss it, but not ever get hysterical, captivated, or worst threatened by an American election.

I have had a good time watching elections. I understand it was the most expensive election in these turbulent economic times, and it was historical in some proportions – A black man, a lady, an old 72 year old man were all part of the history. I clearly had a neutral view to the election, but naturally feel a little sorry for the 72 year old, cancer survivor who gave his heart out in this long campaign. Its also exciting to see a black man take control in the white house, particularly because of the millions of interesting jokes that will follow suit over the next 5 years. I guess on a serious note, America has marginally redeemed itself of its dark racial vilification past.

Koffee with Cho and Mauli

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

This week’s koffee with Anu will feature Cho Ramaswamy & Mauli. I like both of them. It will be a very interesting episode where the two great actors, directors, etc… Cho Ramaswamy is famous for his very brave speech and points out the mistakes done by the ruling party in his magazine Tughlak. Mauli is one of the best character actors who recently appeared in Poi Solla Porom film even. I think they will speak about their early days of dramas & film. Dont miss it..

Category: Compuers and Internet 2  | Tags:  | Leave a Comment

Rain in Chennai

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

Here, we are back to the Rainy Season of the Year!

Though i enjoy Rain, Rain in Chennai is anything but enjoyment! With the Poor Drainage System and Flooded Roads…

I wanted to write more but no time here… WIll write another post after sometime about My Relationship With Rain!

Category: Compuers and Internet 2  | Tags: ,  | 3 Comments

Vehla means Jobless! – Punjabi

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

I learnt a new word yesterday. The word is supposed to be spelt as “Vehla,” and is supposed to mean, “jobless.” What is more important is that it is supposed to be a word in the Hindi language and is supposedly commonly spoken in Mumbai!

Someone needs to throw some light on this matter, especially, how/why people think it is a legitimate word from the Hindi language.. and if it is, then I need to find the source…

Update:

I checked for the source of the word and it is a Punjabi word :-) It is used a lot by the Punjabis in Delhi and by Delhi people in general. I checked that it means “in between jobs” But generally it is used to describe someone who is jobless!

Making New Friends

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 | Author: Vivek

How easy is it for you to make New Friends? Might seem like a silly question, but for some people it is so easy. They hit it off as friends straight away. And for others, it takes time. I fall into the second category (at least, most of the times). I do like making new friends but i am kind of slow in making friends.

Why am i like this? This perhaps may be because of the influence of my Destiny Number Seven on my Gemini-ite character. Sounds confusing?!! Well… Let us first see what my Zodiac Sign and Destiny Number say about friendship…

Gemini and Friendship:

The social butterfly of the Zodiac has lots of friends. In fact, the Twins should have twice as many as any other Sign. Gemini make very interesting and exciting friends. They like to leave their mark on everyone they meet. Life is very interesting and fun with a Gemini friend. If you need any advice, Gemini is the one to ask. They are masters of communication and they can help you get what you need by helping you with persuasion and enthusiasm, and they give good advice too. A Gemini friend can fill you in with the latest gossip and if you love conversation, the Gemini delivers! Gemini is the friend to seek when you want to learn something new, need more information or want to talk of your mutual interests. June 12 people have a genuine love of people and value diversity in their circle of pals. The Gemini loves to talk about the latest thing he is doing.  They seem to know a little something of everything.(Yea!) They are very generous with their friends, they will spend lots of time with you and share everything with you. Often Gemini friends have busy social lives which can leave you hanging or puzzled as you wait for their attention to return to you. Even though Gemini is a social butterfly, they always need time for themselves and that should be respected.

One side of a Gemini will want to go hang-gliding and run around outside, while the other is happy to sit at home playing a board game. (Very True!) Their friends need to be as diverse as they are in order to keep up, or they just need to know when to let Gemini go free. The Twins can bond well with lots of different groups. If they get bored with one set of people, they always have a few more groups that will be more interesting – for a while. (True Again! I am part of every gang in the class. And so, I get to go out with all the groups, which otherwise is not possible, if i belonged to just one group. So, i don’t miss out on the fun. But, at times, i also feel like i belong to no group, and am all alone.) If you can match their pace and mercurial temperament, you and your gemini friend will have endless fun. The best way to develop a bond with a Gemini is to make an intellectual connection. Interested in exploring anything at all? Take along your Gemini pal and enjoy the new perspective they give to even the most ordinary situations. If you can match wits with this one, they’ll respect your intellect and work to develop this worthwhile friendship.

Destiny Number/Life Path Number 7 and Friendship:

A Life Path Seven person is a peaceful and affectionate soul. (I Guess.) But you guard your connection to people carefully. You are a highly perceptive person who understands human nature. When you meet someone, you are not often fooled by their outer personality, but seem to scan their inner motives at once. You have a natural talent to analyze deception and to recognize people having insincere attitude. (Yea. Sometimes.) You aren’t one to have a wide circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it’s for life. (That is True.) Most predominantly, people with Life Path number 7 are not characterized as a social person all the time. The reserved attitude may be misinterpreted as aloofness and many find it takes some time to even get up the nerve to approach them. (It is me who finds it difficult to approach new people.) Actually, it’s not that at all, but merely a cover up for your basic feeling of insecurity. You dislike crowds, noise and confusion. You prefer solitude. (Yes, sometimes!)

Secretly, you may feel jealous of the easy relationships formed by others; you may perceive others as less inhibited than you, or more free to express themselves. You may harshly criticize yourself for not being more gregarious. (Yes!) They have a wall up around them due to their ability to see insincerity and deception in the motives of others. Once they get to know someone well and can see that they are worthy, the wall will lower and a lifetime friendship will be established. It’s as if you must get to know someone a lot better before you allow the wall surrounding you to be penetrated. After they have gotten used to a situation, they will come out of their shell more. (Yes, Again!) But they will never intentionally seek out a group of strangers and join in. Chances are you are a very charming and refined individual with great poise and a quick wit. Nonetheless, there is an exclusiveness about you.

So… Is this all true? Yes… True, To Some Extent. I am a little bit of Both… Gemini and Seven. Maybe, this all part of the Gemini Duality!!

Till this point of my Life, I’ve always felt intimidated by new people. This means that I won’t talk a lot when placed in a new environment with new faces. Most people might read this as arrogant and stuck-up, but in reality, it’s just because I’m afraid to say things around people I don’t know. And also because of a bad quality of the Gemini-ites (Short Attention Span), i hardly notice people around me. Geminis never rest their eyes on one object for more than a few seconds. In fact, their alert, quick-moving eyes are often the easiest way to recognize them.

How about you? Feel free to leave some facts about yourself below! And if you know me, do say wat you think about me, it will help me understand myself better and overcome my shortcomings.