Parmacharya! 123 Today!!

#272

Today வைகாசி அனுஷம் Birth star of Kanchi Paramacharya. He was born 1894 and departed in 1994. I count myself very very lucky to have seen him plenty of times between 1968 and 1991. My last darshan of him was 26th January 1991 exactly week after my marriage to seek his blessings with Lalitha. My son family name is after his pre Sanyas name "SWAMINATHAN". He was the last living sage to whom I bowed my head and prostrated. I once travelled 100s of Kilometre to Karnool,AP, to have his darshan during 1983. I have long since moved from so called sages and keep Light years away from them,ever since his departure. I would be visiting Sankar Mutt here in Malleswaram for the event organised this morning. 

In the days of Saffron Scoundrels, Crook buggers, Bastordic Ass holes who are plundering, looting, leading people to deceit in the name of stupid God and Hindu Religion (supported openly by a pathetic Hindu fanatic central government which has only clay between ears/ legs (possibly a fanatic Hindu land similar to muslim Pakistan in say 50 years!!) and brainless Hindu Indians mindlessly following such goons, I cant even imagine such a sage existed who was ordinary and did no miracles and promised nothing and still people thronged to get his blessings in 1000s. I cant even recollect, in my visits, I asked for anything, other than worldly peace and prosperity! 

It is worth mentioning,( I have posted before) this portrait completes 35 years at our home at Karaikudi today. Interesting that this was painted by a Muslim, Framed to hang at home by a Muslim and brought home in Cycle Rixa by a Muslim. All 3 gentlemen didn't take a Rupee for the service rendered. Mr Basha the guy who painted him has never seen him in person. (Islam prohibits Idol connect so I even wonder how he thought about him)

In fact this portrait is the only reason, I am unable to wind down Karaikudi house and move parents from the god forsaken place/state which I quit for good 30 years back. Mom insists that her last breath should be at this place. I have now given up all attempts to relocate them.... (Hhahah Dad has different views, he loathes that place like me, but then, when a Husband prevailed hehehheh)

I am looking for an audio cassette which was released for his Centenary in 1994 sung by SP Balasubramanyam. The Songs were mesmerising. As with Audio cassette the tape got worn out (This was before mp3 era)! I am looking for digital version and all my efforts are futile. I have posted many requests over past 10 years, so far no success. If any one has it and can share I would be much obliged.

I leave with some of pictures of Paramacharya which I find fascinating. I collected years back!!! 

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, god bless
Karthik.
8/6/17 9am. 

21 years Karnataka Thank you! Qatar Isolated! Who is safe now in India & Future!! அடப்பாவி டேய்

#271
Housekeeping:-
1) Lalitha has been flooded with box of sweets from her students who all topped and aced in math exam. With, for me sweets no go, and kids (!!) coming back home around 2300 Hrs from work each day the sweets go begging with no takers!! Irony!! I was joking to Lalitha, Sunday it would be nice if a box of Donuts come instead of Boxes of sweets, 2 hrs later, there it was a parent with a box of DOENUTS !!! hahahahh!!!! (another matter that too is a no no but a different thing to look at!) 

2) I always consider the the icon, LIKE, FAV in face book, Twitter or equivalent is the most stupid thing created. While I Bookmark web pages to read later in a browser, clicking FAV is the most stupid thing human being can do! Thankfully I have done 0 in my 10 years in Face book, Twitter ( Another matter Radhu puts knife in my neck and say click on her posts!!hahahah)  I also cant fathom people going gaaaga on that and getting it counted as is this follower stupidity! Any response to a post is only by comments thro language or move on!Nothing else is better and wont count! Your followers # is nothing! I was always clear that social media is a myth and illusion and wont take you anywhere! Why? I posted my thoughts on TSV Hari passing away. There has not been a single comment in my blog post, FB, Twitter or hardly any mention from people who followed him! I wonder how many from this stupid Social Media even attended his last journey! Not a dozen would be my best guess!

Today I (we) complete 21 years of moving from Ankleshwar, GUJ and settling in Karnataka. (Bangalore 96- Mangalore 97- Bangalore 2000). The state has been very generous to us and gave everything we wanted. Superb, High class education to both children which they duly grabbed, great people to associate, friends, peace, security and harmony! (Yes as a TAMIL it is tough sail during Cauvery madness (every state has its own stupid buggers and lousy assholes) riots but that day I am હું ગુજરાતી છું, તમે શું બોલો છો! હું કન્નડ સમજતો નથી !!! સુપર કામ કરે છે ! Like 999 decisions out of 1000 I have taken so far in my life, I had never even looked back to wonder Did I do the right thing! (Leaving god TN 85,Giving up smoking at moment thought 1989, etc etc etc) this was also a awesome decision when I had to put my career interests of working for a great company (#SANDOZ) in Gujarat vs moving to unknown place and shaking things for better quality of life for all!! I guess my grandfather's death 1995,and me not able to make it to his last journey (I was his most favourite Grand Son)might have triggered the thought, what the F*** thing I am doing here in Gujarat .........

L top New Computer 1999 with internet at home (Dedicated phone!! ahha) Mangalore Took me to different level,  Right Kids 99, 2000, Son, Top notch shcool NPS Rajajinagar!

I have been posting for ages, echoing in a sense on same lines of Osama Bin Laden, Trump that Iran and its allies in Hezbollah, Islamic brotherhood pose a greater threat to world's peace and security! I firmly believe that ISIS is brain child of Qatar funding besides their generous support to any anti Arab Sunni Muslim coalition! In a sense, Obama ouster has brought a new spring in the Middle east politics and it is good that Qatar played much beyond its weight to find themselves isolated! While USA has its station with 10,000 troops there, I expect some realignment change in global politics by this shrewd move by SA, Egypt, UAE etc!

Sources of ISIS Wealth creation!

I leave you with images that says better what I feel so much shit has hit the fan in 3 years !! hahahh!!

What it takes to be a safe woman in INDIA 2017 in MODI's rule!!

I always  say truth is stranger than fiction!! hahahahh!!

younger brother at last minute ties knot with the bride, they have been having affair!! hahahahhhahah!!!! 

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, God bless!
Karthik
6/6/17 0915am.

May his soul rest in peace, TSV HARI!!!

#270

I am shocked and saddened beyond words to read the passing away of Veteran Journalist and my good friend TSV Hari, a couple of days back at Bombay due to cardiac arrest.

I enjoyed his writing in both Tamil and English. He covered politics, Analysis of events, Fiction, besides general philosophy linked to life!! His writing in Tuglaq under Pseudonym "VENKAT" I recollect from the days I read Tamil magazine in 80s!! Hari, like me, brutally blunt and Candid!  
My memorable peice of his writing was his interaction with Fredick Forsyth in UK. Forsyth is a legendary author with Day of Jackal, Fist of God etc. 

Hari's personal side /life is also very complex as I could infer from his writing linked to his personal side. Some learning for men, I guess that some men are very lucky with family and not all get it! Count your blessings!  

He will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.

Karthik.

5/6/2017 1120am 

Move over Robert Bruce, ISIS School Kid soon?, Theresa May Gamble? DIA?? Did u Know?

#270
Housekeeping:-
1) Amazing performance by Lalitha's students in 10th CBSE exams (Results declared Sat) with 3 students getting GPA 10 in math and another scoring 9. All of the students whom she coached in IGCSE, ICSE, CBSE, have their highest marks in Maths and none has managed to score more than they scored in Math. Lalitha's coaching performance becoming routine like Clive Lloyd of 70s!! Nothing but best a foregone conclusion! hahahahahahhahahh!!!!! Sharpening the saw crucial to sustain!  The only down side for me is Sweets from students piling up, I am like நீ அருகில் இருந்தும், தொட பயன்தேனே  !! என் எஸ் கிருஷ்ணன் !!!!

2) After 22 years in Bangalore, Lalitha and I went for our evening walk at SANKY TANK, Saturday evening for the first time.The sunset was beautiful. The tiles are not very conducive for walking! I prefer Brigade! Sanky Tank 1 Km from home. 

I finished Andy Andrews' Book "Traveler's GIFT" in one sitting of about 3 Hours, Friday, An awesome book to recharge yourself when you feel a bit let down and feel things don't go your way! There is always a way to react and it is all in your mind. Interesting fact was that book was rejected by 51 yes 51 publishers before it was accepted and rest is history with printed in many languages and a must read for folks to recalibrate !! But I cant help but ponder, the inspirations, recalibration, etc happens only with reference to western way only, Anything in Indian context exist?Even if so, then in a more open/secular context without the religious overtones!! 

“THE FIRST DECISION FOR SUCCESS

The buck stops here.” (Truman)

“THE SECOND DECISION FOR SUCCESS

I will seek wisdom. (King Solomon)

“THE THIRD DECISION FOR SUCCESS

I am a person of action. (Joshua Chamberlain)

“THE FOURTH DECISION FOR SUCCESS

I have a decided heart.” (Columbus)

“THE FIFTH DECISION FOR SUCCESS (Anne Frank; Girl Holocaust victim 16 yrs)

Today I will choose to be happy.

“THE SIXTH DECISION FOR SUCCESS

“I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.” (Abe Lincoln)

“THE SEVENTH DECISION FOR SUCCESS

I will persist without exception.”  I focus on results…. (Gabriel) 

As I type, I am getting news filtering from 530am, of London Terrorist attacks with 7 killed in multiple locations. This is worst week I sense with bombings in Kabul and its aftermath mayhem, Baghdad and now this! More so this is happening in the fasting month of Ramadan where things are expected to be quiet with kind of ceasefire! Shows As Scott Harvath opines,"Geneva convention norms on war prisoners don't /Shouldn't apply to terrorists" At the same time, ISIS gone beyond normal Islamic way is an emotion and way of life with its own norms ! From what I read/ hear from folks who cover Middle east, We wont be surprised in few years ISIS would look school kid just like Al Qaeda is reduced to!! 

This week UK election campaign shows how things can swing so much!! Theresa who was expected to win with Majority of 160 Seats expecting to break the record of Thatcher and Blair few week back! May just scrape through with 50 + seats or worst case Hung assembly! I expect her to win as James Corbyn despite a personal good guy, is seen by many as unfit to govern UK! That may help Theresa! Shows how lack of good opposition can make mediocre guys govern like Modi, May, Trump etc!!! Also interesting is the merger of political views to vote!

We know FBI, CIA, NIA, NSA!! How many are aware of DIA?? I wasn't until I started reading "THE FIX" by David Baldacci. This was initiated during Kennedy's administration by Robert McNamara!! Interesting coverage of activities from defence standpoint!! 

Ok take it easy, take care, stay safe.

Karthik

4/6/17 0845am. 

Deep Blue II, BA Mess! Rich are Selfish Jerks, What the F***, Syria@ Russia 2018 !!!

#269
Housekeeping:-
1) Parents back at Karaikudi! This was a short visit < 30 days!! Dad a tough time to handle! Mental energy matters! I tell you!!! 
2) During morning walk at Brigade,crossing the smoking zone, I took a look at empty cigarette packs that was on the parapet!! I guess I am even casting a look at pack after good 25++ Out of curiosity, I took a look at the price on the pack! ( I was a heavy smoker,84-89, during Hostel days and immediately in to the job) It was an astonishing to see a pack of cigarette is costing 40 times more now than price I used to pay! I was wondering the money folks must be shelling out to buy evil health as well as in Booze!!! I was bemused at the bold display of WARNING!! Any one cares???? ahhahahahahh!!!! hahhahah! This Brand was one I shunned, ( I was always a Wills man? Wonder it exist??) 

3) Lalitha made an awesome Pasta of Tomato base and Cream base for dinner last night !! I was not amused as now it is a modern day trend, Kids informing her to pack and keep in fridge for morning consumption!! One irksome habit, I never picked up from my western visits is to eat leftover and I strongly disapprove !! It is for Birds and charity give aways!! ahahh! My Gujarat stay 12 years also made it very clear, fresh food 3 times a day at the plate, Being a good cook, I can work it out by myself to if need be!!!

I was intrigued to read that Artificial intelligence is spreading. The Chinese game "GO" far far more complex game than chess and moves are difficult to think far ahead! The Google Algorithm beat the #1 Go player and guy was inconsolable, naturally!! Reminded me of the IBM Deep Blue ripple back in 90s when Gary Kasparov was knocked out by IBM Deep Blue! (8-3 If I recollect correct) 


Another summer holidays, another Airline travel mess! This time it is BA mess more so during the bank Holiday weekend throwing 1000s of passenger plan in to chaos! I am told it is due to heating up of systems thus causing tripping of systems with tripping of a disastrous consequences. I also heard in podcast that the business critical IT systems were outsourced to Indian entities for maintenance/ management as cost reduction measures( Cost Optimisation as they would say) who were not up to speed. Also pathetic was the poor communication from BA management on progress, decisions as well as alternate plans! It would be horrible for folks to hear update from BBC! No amount of Business Continuity plan, Risk Management plans and disaster recovery can be worked ahead for People stupidity, Greed to save money thus pocketing it to themselves in the name of bonus! BA Mess a classic case.

Hhahahahh!! I am not surprised to hear Feakonomics talk show RICH CHEAT MORE and are less generous ! Without doubt, I always have a view that the richer you become, more you become Stingy or even steal from others!!! This is more so in Asian/ Indian context where Greed is ultimate to posses without giving anything back! Indian Inc also classic case loot plunder deception to rich themselves in collusion with politicians! Also this week, I reached out to few Indians in USA /UK for 20$ give away to a deserving situation( I contributed 20$ Equivalent) giving the bank a/c details to credit direct. Not one has even communicated back saying would do,wont do!!!hmmmmmm!!!! 

One thing u would never see in my communication be it email, blog, whatsapp is "Emoticons" I never understood that shit!! I cant even fathom why it was discovered in the first place! Imagine my horror when I read that World's first Emoticon translator!!! WTF or to use dad's favourite cuss word முட்டா ......." ஹஹஹஹஹஹஹ்ஹ்ஹ்ஹ!  (Thank god Kids know only basic TAMIL to survive at home like சாதம் மோர் ரசம் etc hehehehehhehe)

I always Cricket game a piece of Shit! More so Indians going hoopla ever since the fluke win of 1983 when Stupid Viv Richards played that awful shot and Clive Lloyd pulled Hamstring first ball he faced making fortuitous Indians task ever more easy! So a game played in 10 Countries and u consider top notch!! hahah!! I was personally touched and felt so emotional, when I heard the podcast last night on BBC on SYRIA going all out to qualify for 2018 World Cup at Russia and are making very good progress!  That Ladies and Gentlemen is Resilience, self belief and doing things for the people of country and to make world notice not Effing winning, a game played in 10 countries!! hahahahahh!! 

Take it easy, take care, stay Safe god bless
Karthik
3/6/17 0900am. 


PS: 1) I am personally alarmed by too much religion getting in to life across the world! Not a good sign!!! 

2) hahhahahahh! To cast of evil eye in India!!! (Lemon/Chilli)

3) Ideal Husband?? No way??? Not even me??? hehehhe 

JFK 100 !!!! 29.5.2017! Special Tribute!!!

#268
Housekeeping:-
1) My jaw dropped at the rate the new generation scout for things that bring ill health to themselves! I found this in the fridge now, with 40% Sugar content in the milkshake, what could be more disastrous to health! என்னத்த சொல்ல !

I was listening to TED Talk on why schools should start late for teens during my morning walk this morning, I fully agree that schools beginning before 9am puts lot of pressure on kids! Imagine my surprise when I saw buses lining up at 645am pick up and these kids may travel good 1 hr for even 8am start, which is early by any standards!!! Wonder such an early start makes any sense!! 

Today, 29th May 2017, marks 100th Birth Anniversary of John F Kennedy. I have posted my thoughts on Facebook in series of threads covering his life, Man on the Moon, cabinet, sibling, family! Amazing to imagine that he could ascend in to presidency at the age of 43 to be the youngest man elected to the oval office and also the first catholic president. It is mind boggling that Johnson, Nixon, Gerald Ford and Regan who all succeeded JFK as #POTUS, were all born before him. 

JFK was an amazing inspiration to me in my teens of 70s. The Indo- USA relations were initiated and strengthened during his presidency, (of course hit all time low during Nixon) to reach a high level which is well established now.

I am sure, Come 2117 AD, 100 years from now, The generation then would remember JFK and his legacy at the same amazement as world still looks at Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Gandhi about 200 Years on!!!

Take care, stay safe, God Bless

Karthik.

29/5/17 0830am.

My 10 years on Facebook!Chinese Sweet Vengence& Revenge!! BRICS Shambles,45 Years #TMS!

#267
Housekeeping:- 1) CBSE XII standard results have been announced, I am amazed at the phone calls that are coming for Lalitha from the overwhelmed parents of students thanking her. Not only She coaches students for stellar performance, she prepares students to take issues in all aspects of education and life head on besides to bring interest in studies! Having had a glimpse of her teaching over the past 4 years, (hahhah!! நான் மழைக்கு கூட ஸ்கூல் ஒதுங்காதவன், I am more good education are for Idiots !!) I am not surprised over the passion with which she coaches students that is leading to stellar performance.

2) It has been pouring every evening practically over the last  week. Looks like pre monsoon has arrived and appears to be one of the wettest month of MAY in my memory! 

I was surprised this morning when my Facebook page popped up a video which kind of captures my 10 years of Facebook. 2007 was the year I joined Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter. In fact the attention /attraction on the three social media platforms, made me to move away from Bogging. But over the years, I have concluded that Social Media platforms are getting hijacked by GOONS and their loyal scoundrels who defend the indefensible of their masters in politics and Religion. I very much doubt I would even bother about 20 years on such stupid SM Platforms. I already have 0 presence on LinkedIN. It has become JUNKEDIN!!!

hahhahahh!! I care a hoot about Indian movies and all the crap shit pot it dishes out! It has been 32 years since I watched a South Indian one and 28 years since sin of Hindi Shit pot!! But I cant help laughing when I saw the Bhabulai crap in my whatsapp video yesterday! After all the calcification, death by 10000 cuts of Jackie Chan, Shaolin movies in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, etc, Chinese have taken a sweet revenge! So we can imagine how they must be feeling when their movie butchered in Indian languages!! hahahah!!

Brazil in mess, the President who is not even one year in to office is caught on huge /massive corruption scandal. South Africa all set to be a failed state with absolute chaos with no leader since independence even remotely capable of governance. Least Said about India the better! We are land of over promise, Modi=Sibal =0 delivery of results! Russia's Putin, is all about managing TV; Fridge can finger F*** it's ass! who cares! So u wonder why the goddamn BRICS was even initiated! I was always sceptical of the entity and I am glad it is crumbling apart. 

Test Match special this week on the commencement of English season is my 45th of active following of Cricket! English and Aussie Cricket are only two aspects that still keeps my last glue to cricket, especially Test match one covering NON ASIAN Teams. (Asian teams all thieves, fraud, corrupt with most of the matches fixed and players with 0 moral integrity same as mercenaries!) I recollect with nostalgia the TMS commentary team as well as Radio Australia team that made game so pleasure to hear! Even now, my tv time for Ashes which I watch is 15 to 20 min/test match.

CMJ, Johnners, Bailey, Mosey, Blofeld what a team!!

Alan McGilvary who brought cricket to your eyes through his voice!!! 

Who can forget this TMS!! I was listening LIVE !!!hahahhahah!!!

Alan McGilvary's last innings commentary!! 1985 at OVAL !! I recollect hearing!! Thank you TMS!!  

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, god bless
Karthik.
28/5/17 1250pm.

Russian Ozigaa in Latvia, What a planning HOLI 2018, No more Secrets, Breakfast UK schools!

#266
Housekeeping:-
1)Amazed to see this Uniform shirt of Auto Rixa driver being used as Advertising space, that too for a movie!! வாழ்க இந்தியா !!! விளங்கிடும்! 

2)Summer well and truly gone from Bangalore, been pouring over last 10 days, and predictions are showers every day until 10th June. This year weather god has been kind to Bangalore. 

3) Lalitha was amazed that I notice things around during morning walk, this was the Indian Spices display at the Restaurant at ORION Mall, so many varieties to make Indian cuisine distinct / unique.

As they saying goes "The crow is black everywhere" the language issue of Hindi imposition by Stupid central government in southern states is raging issue. ஹிந்தி ஒழிக Gang I am active member!! hahaah! So I was intrigued to hear the same issue in Latvia, where 40% Russian ethnicity live and want Russian to be the language, which the local resist! So language always comes to divide folks, I guess!!

I was amazed by planning that Americans put in to events! The HOLI 2018 celebrations which are 10 months away and details have all been worked out for folks to work out to participate! I am sure our folks would work only 10 days prior! My American friends sent this across and asked if I play HOLI! I responded "NEVER" 

Over last few months, I am personally very intrigued, even uncomfortable with the fact that Facebook and other platforms is showing profiles of folks that I meet in Real life through Phone call, Email to whom there is no connection in Social Media is appearing as Friend suggestions! Also is when you call service providers the Ads appear in Facebook, Twitter pages! This is very disconcerting and intrusion in to one's personal space! I wonder if Quitting SM is a good way!! 
Intriguing to read about in UK, like our TN, midday meal the breakfast in schools in UK is gaining momentum and could be an election issue! Amazing! 

I would leave with this awesome video which came in whatsapp today! More relevant in North South divide!! Awesome one, as I don't watch much of tv, this was released in 2005!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe! God Bless
Karthik
27/5/17, 1155am

RIP Sir Ffolkes!!!!

#264

What a day it has been Double Tragedy!

The day began worse with the Manchester bombing got much worse with the death of Sir Roger Moore at age of 89 following his battle with Cancer.

While Roger Moore may be well known for his James Bond movies. My memory will always be etched as "Ffolkes" a strategy commando in "NORTH SEA HIJACK"!! A totally contrasting character effortlessly done. I watched the movie in Coimbatore, CENTRAL theatre I guess 1984!! I personally loves such character who conquer in the absence of sex, women which are a a distraction in mission. ( More so on Colin Forbes, Alistair MaClean mold) 

In contrast to those parts, he is shown here as a bearded, eccentric, arrogant cat-loving, misogynist showing heroic qualities as a master strategist. Moore once said in an interview that he preferred this film to all the James Bond movies he had starred in while acknowledging that he had been miscast in the lead role.


Rest in peace Sir.

Karthik.
23/5/17 2000 Hrs.