chennai Television

The Chennai Lights out scheduled for May 1st for Global warming awareness is off. The actual plan was to gather as much population of Chennai to switch off lights in Chennai between 7-8 pm on May 1st. In fact a over optimistic Nirmal of Exnora had promised in Late January that they will reach 99 plus percent of Chennai population before May 1st. But now he concedes that they could not reach more than 1% of the population. They did organize some road shows etc plus schools campaign, but now that the exams are over and most children on vacation They feared the worst response. The call by sify for switching off lights on Earth hour between 8-9 on March 29Th was an eye opener for them. 99% of Chennai did not even know that there was something like that. The remaining 1% was also lukewarm in response. Infact I remember TN Seshan had very clearly objected the choice of date. But the rest in Exnora were very hopeful and believed in their organisational skills.

Well the plan is not completely off though. A very diluted version is being planned for August 8Th. 8 minutes starting from 8 pm on 8.8.08 is what they will request the public to switch off. They plan to reach most of Chennai before August 8Th.

“Awareness about global warming is very low in the city… we have only been able to reach one per cent of the people of Chennai so far,” said Exnora chairman M.B. Nirmal last Thursday, explaining why the Chennai Lights Out campaign is being postponed from May 1 to August 8 and reduced from one hour to eight minutes

“Many people aren’t ready to switch off their ACs for one hour in the hottest part of the year,” said campaign coordinator Miriam Chacko, explaining why the voluntary switch-off period is being reduced.

Exnora kicked off the new ‘88888’ campaign with 33 visiting Swedish students riding through the Koyambedu market on a bullock cart.

There was some confusion on what this was supposed to symbolise, with organisers saying it was meant to promote the concept of transport simplicity — reduce greenhouse gas emissions by walking, cycling or using public transport. Several speakers, however, used the slow procession as a cautionary tale — if the world runs out of fossil fuels, we could end up returning to the bullock cart.

Exnora hopes to rope in government support and the endorsement of the film community for its campaign. On April 29, an awareness meeting for film artists will be addressed by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin, according to Mr. Nirmal.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is about to fulfill a promise it made about three years ago: re-installation of a Jawaharlal Nehru statue at the centre of the Kathipara junction.

The statue will be back at its original site near the recently erected high-mass lights within a week, according to sources. At present, it stands on the Inner Ring Road, close to its former site.

The statue was shifted in mid-2005 to make way for the grade separator at the junction. The move annoyed locals and politicians, following which TR Baalu, the Union Minister in charge of National Highways and the local MP, promised that it would be restored to its original location after construction was over.
- Source: New Indian Express

The following is a photo taken by ira_senthilkumar and posted in Flickr. Go to kathipara bridge for seeing photo of it posted on February 29Th.

Go to Ira’s photo’s for viewing his collection.

Vijay TV has already announced a bouquet of programs for the Women’s day 8.3.2008 special.

Raj TV is also having a series of programs lined up for the day. A special episode of ‘PENN’ and a 3 hour variety entertainment program, to felicitate women achiever’s form various fields, shown ‘LIVE’ on Raj TV!.

At 8.30 am there is a program about World Carrom Champion Illavalagi [ Chennaiate]. The live program is a honarary function for eminent women where prizes are given by our Chief minister. Kanimozhi, Kala Master, Sripriya, Priyamani, Saroja Devi, priya selvaraj, akila srinivasan, elma issac, bhavadharani and singer Chitra are some who recieve prizes.

SS music is also giving a series of programs on th wome’s day.
‘Women Speak,’ March 8, 21.30, features six accomplished women-
Poet and politician Thamizhachi, actor and social activist Revathi, psychiatrist Dr. Shalini, filmmaker Leena Manimegalai, advocate Arul Mozhi and journalist Kavita, who discuss issues that affect women. It ranges from the kind of clothes women wear and the consequences thereof, whether the caveman sentiment still exists in men to how women are portrayed in cinema.
Join VJ Craig as he talks to these fiery women in this segment. The programme encores the next day at 12 Noon.‘In the Director’s Chair,’ March 8, 18.00, profiles the women who are wielding the megaphone and gets them to talk about their movies which are being scheduled to participate in the First Women’s Film Festival being held from March 1 to 8.
Join VJ Paloma as she chats with all these women directors on the show. The re-run will be at 16.30 on March 9.
Stay on for a lively chat with actor Nandita Das in ‘Voyage of Discovery,’ March 8, 19.45. [The Hindu]

Makkal Tv is also having special programs.At 8.30 am in penn 2008, female poets discuss by poems on various pertinent issues faced by women like dowry etc. At 12.00 noon, in unnal mudium pennae, women in army is highlighted. At 12.30 in Magalier arangam, College girls and women discuss about reservation for women in parliament. In the evening at 6.30 pm, female achievers are celebrated in sadhanai penngal.

Ippadikku Rose second episode was about models. Rose had invited six models and then a former Miss south India. They discussed about modeling, a few tips, about sexual harassment if any, image prevailing about models, conservatism vs. models etc.

The advantage Rose has is her present gender. Being what she is, she gels easily with females. She asked some straight and provocative questions which a female will not dare to ask and which a male if asks, will not entice proper response. That is her strength. She is fearless and is not unduly worried about the outcome. She lets her to be her own self and that is it.

Two episodes have gone but it is not an arousing welcome to Rose. Neither are their any adverse remarks. The show is definitely not a sensation, not as yet. In one of the forums, some one had written that this could be hosted by anyone why Rose in particular. Rose replied that the aim is to bring Transgender to mainstream and to prove that given an opportunity they can perform like any other gender.

Rose is eager for feedbacks and looks like she is improving. But she has a long way to go. Her shows can be made better with proper introduction to the day’s agenda by using video clippings and using more such clips in the midst of the program. She should also use the stage audience and should not end the program abruptly.

The greats like Oprah, Visu, Anu, Lakshmi etc conduct their programs like it is a film. They have a definite screenplay with a starting, end, climax etc. and that is what makes their programs interesting. Visu is commendable for even after so many shows, his shows are still enticing. There is a tempo in his talk shows.

For the second episode our mark is 5.5/10.

1. Chronology of events

a.Dayanidhi complains to police on Feb 15th that SCV operators are harassed and blackmailed to switch over to a rival company
b.Opposition leaders like Jayalaitha Vaiko, and Sarat kumar voice support to his cause
c.Maran’s paper carry lots of Aiadmk friendly advertisements on the eve of Jayalaitha’s birthday.[ Feb 24]
d.Dayanidhi goes to Delhi meets Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi- Details not revealed [Feb 25]
e.Dayanidhi attends Parliament session and is seen sitting in Ministers benches. [Feb 26 March 1]
f.Karunanidhi writes a poem describing Dayanidhi as ungrateful and a prahalad of Murosoli Maran.
g.Stalin Birthday advertisements in Dinakaran [March 1]
h.Kalanidhi visits Stalin to wish him, and before that meets Karunanidhi with close relatives.

The Aftermath
Tamil weeklies and newspapers analyze these events and there are more than two versions on the aftermath. Junior Viketan, Kumudam Reporter, Tamilan Express, Nakeeran and Thuglak carried this news and analyze them as front-page stories.

While both Junior Viketan and Kumudam reporter claim that Azhagiri fumed after this and went to Karunanidhi’s house and sought explanation. Junior viketan claims Karunanidhi had a tough time in pacifying Azhagiri and with a help of a minister assured Azhagiri that status quo will be maintained. Stalin was summoned and was told by him not to show any friendly gestures to the Marans. Stalin had opposed this and has said that It is in the Interest of the party that the family feud should end. He is supposed to told Karunanidhi that Azhagiri is getting all importance and is using his clout to use police and Kalaignar Television. Karunaidhi had used a emotional blackmail of willing to step down if not heard. Stalin is supposed to have retorted that he will resign in case his wish is not met. All this in Junior Viketan in a format as if their reporter was in Scene. They also mention all the people around when these took place-giving credence to their report.

Kumudam Reporter also says Azhagiri fumed but ends by saying that Karunidhi has clearly told his officials that there is no peace and things have not changed. It also claims that he did not speak much to Kalanidhi.

Nakeeran in its cover story claims Kalanidhi met Karunanidhi to request him not to precipitate matters by ousting Dayanidhi from party as was rumored as the next eventuality. Other weeklies told that Stalin felt that the Marans getting close to opposition will do immense harm to parties and that is why he responded to peace overture. Also Dayanidhi is supposed to have included Azhagiri as first culprit in dinakaran office episode by using friendly men in CBI.
Tamilan Express gives an entirely different version. It claims that nothing was without Azhagiri’s knowledge. It also claims that Azhagiri has mellowed down in his opposition to the Marans and most probably Kalanidhi might meet him in near future. It claims that Karunanidhi informed Azhagiri in advance that they are coming to meet him.

Of course anything can happen in politics. But Azhagiri not going in person inspite of being in Chennai and also his friendly district head of Madurai and Theni also not coming to wish Stalin gives us an Impression that the Junior Viketen versions more close to Truth. The new Indian Express in March 3rd claimed that Azhagiri is flexing muscles by being serious in making Royal cable vision, [a direct competition to the Marans] as a success.
Karunanidhi being an astute politician is still keeping all options open and is yet to reveal his cards in open.

International Women’s Day is marked on March 08 every year and is a day of celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women globally.

Vijay TV also celebrates this special day with great pride and has many special programmes lined-up for its viewers. At 11am is Azagaai Irukiraai Bayamai Irukiradu - Tamil feature film starring Bharath, Mallika Kapur, Arun Vijay and Deepu.

At 2pm watch the special Samayal Samayal, a lip smacking Women’s Day Special featuring Sneha Nambiar and Neelima Rani, who compete with each other to win the Modular Kitchen worth Rs.60, 000. Special guests for the show are Poornitha and Viji.

At 6pm is Nayagargalin Naayagi - a show in which celebrities like Vivek, Narein, Prasanna, Sakthi and Sibi pay tribute to the ’special woman’ who has made a big difference in their life. The stars take a heart warming stroll down memory lane and narrate few incidents about the woman; be it a mentor, mother, aunt…who was responsible in shaping them to be a complete individual.

Following this at 8pm is Garnier Fructis Vijay Jodi No. 1. The Jodi’s rejoice by giving special performances and S.J.Suryah join the Jodi’s not as a judge but as a guest and applaud the participants.

At 9.30pm is Anu Alavum Bayam Illai. A fear factor reality show hosted by Anu Haasan, exclusively designed for film celebrities like Lakshmi Rai, Monica and Priyanka. These silver screen heroines show their bravery by performing to few stunning action sequences. This show will surely be a visual treat for all the viewers.

With so many special programmes lined-up for Women’s Day, a special contest is also planned for the viewers. The viewers need to answer to simple questions asked in-between the programmes and correct entries get to win some exciting prizes from Godrej Eon. Also one lucky winner gets to win a Godrej Eon refrigerator as a bumper prize.

Plenty of prizes, loads of surprises are in store for the viewers! Do not miss to watch Women’s Day Special programmes and celebrate the womanhood with Vijay TV.

Thanks: Vijay.Indya

The second episode of Ippadikku Rose is about models. The preview of the program is available here.

Rose said in a forum that ‘The first show was a silent starter. Do not be disappointed, the upcoming episodes are much more appealing’

She also said “you can read my profile on ippadikku rose’s webpage at vijay.indya.com. Other than that, i was the third child to my parents. I have three siblings. I live with my family in Tnagar, Chennai. I love Chennai and that’s one reason i returned to the city from the US aside from wanting to make a big presence in the media here as a trangender person.I love music, fitness, to groom myself and to wear the most flattering costumes. I also love good food, greenery, pleasant weather, egoless friends, watching movies”

Call it the Divine Justice, fairy tale or whatever the two finals are life time achievements for Harbhajan and he will never forget these finals.

Two men, Andrew Symonds and Hayden were extremely inhuman to him. The former saw an animal in his unspoken words and the latter saw weeds in him, as a person. The former complained and an over friendly match refree banned Harbhajan for a few matches. BCCI fought for harbhajan and ensured that the racial slur accusation is removed from his name. Otherwise it would have been an irreparable loss to Singh and the country’s image.

Then the Australian media started haunting him., The obnoxious interview of Hayden and the scratch by him increased the acidic response from the Australian media. No other personality was flashed across the front and back pages of Australian newspapers as much as Harbhajan. There was a separate camera covering him in the second final.

Just like how Murali was insulted and troubled they tried it on him. Murali took it on his stride worked his way and subjected himself to further humiliations to clear the chucking slurs. But the turbanotor is built with different nerves. On the one hand he let his performance give a fitting reply. He took the wicket of Andrew in both the finals. And he took Hayden’s wicket in the first and was the most instrumental in Hayden’s run out in the second finals. He also gave back in the same kind be it ricky ponting, hayden or whom so ever. This bold man is what India is made of today. Gentle only till provoked. He has made all sardars proud and hats off to him.

In an on the field Interview he Quoted Guru Gobind Singh and said ‘Sawa lakh se ek ladaun, Tabe Gobind Singh naam kahaun’ [One Sikh is enough for 125,000 people]”.
and that is what he achieved here. “I love challenges and though people were booing me, I tried to ignore it,” he said in the aftermath of India beating Australia 2-0 in the CB Series finals.

“I don’t know what will happen to the Australian media without Bhajji [Harbhajan],” Dhoni said with a smile. “He was always there on the front page.He became a Michael Jackson sort of personality.” Dhoni felt that Harbhajan, and the rest of the Indians, grew stronger in the face of criticism.”The Aussie media criticism worked in our favour and we got used it after almost three months.”

Click the photo for an animation cartoon- The Australian

The Aussies would have learnt that Sardars are good when friends and deadly when enemies. Punjab should be proud of their son.

Breaking News: India has won the finals of CB series. They won the first two out of three with the third pending.
Inspite of sledging, racial accusations and Radio bashing, Indians proved they are on the way to the top and has dislodged the toppers. Australia may soon see a new face as captain and may take a few more matches to regain their confidence.
There was a great show by Australians in the last ten overs of Indian batting and similarly while batting they kept the suspense till the last over.
The best team won and they should now be treated as equals And Indians should be magnanimous to forget past and work for the top most position.

Dhoni is in the top of the world and Chennai superkings must be very happy.
India was 204/2 in 39th over but managed to score only a 258/9 in 50 overs. Their batting failed.
Praveen kumar took four wickets, Harbhajan knocked off Symonds once again,and Tendulkar made 91.
This week belongs to India.

scores:

India: 258 for 9 in 50 overs (S Tendulkar 91, Yuvraj Singh 38, M.S. Dhoni 36; N Bracken 3/31 Michael Clarke 3/52)

Australia: 249 all out in 50 overs (M Hayden 55, J Hopes 63; P Kumar 4-46, S Sreesanth 2-43).

Praveen Kumar has been declared as the ‘Man of the Match’

[I would like Hayden to hear his Radio interview once again. ]

This intense and tense match was not free of controversies. see below the write up in Times now.

“On the verge of losing the Commonwealth Bank series finals, the Australians were seen playing it very dirty indeed.The visuals showed how the Aussies seem to be doing everything under the sun to deny Indians a win. India’s little master Sachin Tendulkar was pulled down by bowler Michael Clarke in a bid to stop the ball and deny the Indians a single.Coming as it does after the Harbhajan Singh-Symonds controversy as well as Sunday’s allegations against Bhajji, this once again highlighted the unsportsmanlike behaviour of the Aussies.
See video here
The second controversy

Symonds’s innings included a rib-rattling shoulder charge of a streaker just after he came to the crease with his team in dire straits.It’s unclear whether the all-rounder, an avid rugby league fan, will find himself in hot water for the pole-axing.

Symonds could face a fine or ban if the International Cricket Council decides he breached section 4.2 of the code of conduct relating to physical assault of a rival player, official or a spectator.

Ponting said “India dominated us over the last couple of games and congratulations to them. They outplayed us in the finals - they deserve the trophy,” he said.

India’s title win justified the controversial omission of veterans Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman for the tri-series tournament.

“It’s very important because I believe this is a building stage of my team because of our youngsters and that we left off a lot of older players,” said Dhoni.

Australia ko chukka diya Dhoni, Chak de India.