Chaar~Max Returns!

Goodbye Blogger; Hello Wordpress!

2007-12-10T17:21:00.000+05:30

Shifting homes is sad, especially when you've been there for (a bit) more than a year, and you've entertained 10,000 unique visitors and some 50K page loads.

You get use to it your little place in cyberspace, and start feeling homely, but ofcourse there are those things that bog you down, and when they start creeping up, you feel like trying out another place. It's a tough choice, to go into the unknown again.

But it has to be done, I've made up my mind this time (there have been may times I tried before). So What can I say the times have been good, but I'm hoping for better times.

After all if it doesn't work out, I'll still have my old home. So then it won't be good bye, but see you later!

So, please drop in for a cup of Sri Lankan tea and my usual rants HERE!

PS - Don't forget to let me know, what you think of my new home. Comments and criticism, welcome as usual!

PPS - Taking a pick from Cerno's post, let me take this opportunity to thank Indi, the janitor and the brain child of Kottu (I believe). You see without Kottu, many of my visitors wouldn't have found the road to the place I call home.

Claymore found at Summit Flats

2007-12-03T11:04:00.000+05:30

The Airforce has found a claymore mine near Summit Flats close to TNA MP Sivajilingham's house. The Air Force Commander's residence is also in close proximity.

The Price of Vigilance and Living in Terror

2007-11-30T12:25:00.000+05:30

The news items followed after the Blast in Nugegoda, apart giving out different death tolls had one thing in common. That was the message from Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara asking the public to be vigilant and noticed any suspicious activity or parcel to notify the Police, and not to act on their own.

"So what if you see a suspicious parcel, notify the authorities and half an hour later your still looking at the bloody parcel waiting for the cops."

This is not a hypothetical situation. This was the actual situation at the site of No-Limit, the Clothing Store where there Blast occurred in Nugegoda. After waiting for 30 mins, for the Kohuwela police who are literally next door, the security guards together with a Traffic Cop decided to do their own poking.

As to whether the Bomb was on a timer, or whether it was detonated using a Mobile phone or some sort of a remote by an unsuspecting Terrorist silently watching all this happen we are yet to know. It's easy for us to blame the poor security guards, but what about the response time of the so called emergency unit.

Anyway, what I want to focus on this is not who to blame, and how this matter can be resolved as we all have our own opinions on that. I just wanted to stress the fact that, after some time I think it was the Kebtigallawa Massacre, (which seems like ages to us as everything becomes second nature to us) the LTTE or the Cowardly Pussies (as identified by some in the blogsphere, including my self) have resorted to targeting civilians, after a host of missed attempts on high profilers.

Upto now we happy go lucky folk were pretty much ok, although bombs went off in our backyard, it was targeted at some bugger who wizez past in a couple of Range Rovers accompanied by about 10 Defenders (just the AD for the Rover Company one would think). To get caught in one of those bombs, you really have to be unlucky. A by-stander on the road, a motorist on the opposite lane of traffic etc.

But when these buggers start dropping off parcels at Sunday Polas and Shopping Complex's your chances of getting bumped off are more. Very much more than a Guy in a Sarong, with a Crimson shawl around his neck traveling in a Level 3 Armour'ed RR. What I am trying to say is that while certain Ministers may point out that these are the last tactics of the Tigers, blah blah, while there might be some truth to it, you cant take away the fact that the terror has moved from our back yard to our door step. The very fact that schools were closed and Liberty Plaza was sweep'ed for bombs are mere examples of this. After all that parcel could have been delivered to ODEL, House of Fashion or your door step.

Blast in Nugegoda - Sri Lanka

2007-11-28T19:31:00.000+05:30

Just received news of a Blast at the Nugegoda Junction. No news of casualties and who (if any) was the target of the Explosion.

Will update when I hear more... Looks like there will be some post celebrations by the Big Kitty after all.

UPDATE

The Sirasa Breaking news reads as a Vehicle near the Nugegoda Traffic lights exploded and caused a fire (Duh..). There is no indication whether this is a terrorist activity or a merely car blowing up.

Now what are the odds of that?

Meanwhile I'm stuck at work, as the roads are jammed with Traffic, with commuters shifting to alternative routes.

UPDATE 2

Appearently it's not an explosion in a Car at all. Supposedly some bloke had handed over a Parcel to Security Guard at the New Shopping Complex near The Nugegoda/Highlevel Road Traffic Lights. When accepting/poking the parcel they suspect the explosion to have occurred.

The Cat Survies the Blast in Narahenpita - Sri Lanka

2007-11-28T10:09:00.000+05:30

Douglas Devananda, who shall be referred to as the "Cat" here after (by me for successfully surviving a good 9 times of more) survived another attack on his life this morning. This time it was a female suicide bomber, apparently appearing to be a polio/handicapped patient. Well the bomber was stopped at the entrance to his office, and she had 2 options available :

Get Caught -or-
Go with a out BANG!

Obviously choosing the latter, she took the lives of 2 other security men of Dougy, and seriously injured a few. The fatalities could have increased if she had gotten any closer, being an Open Day for public to meet the "Cat" himself and discuss what ever issues they had.

OPEN for Refurbishment

2007-11-07T09:52:00.000+05:30

It all started last Saturday. The ritual is that on weekends (mostly on Lazy Sundays)... we (the babe and I) head out to McDonald's to enjoy some cuddling time and eat 2 Sausage Burgers, 2 Hash Brown and 1 Hot Choc (for her) and 1 Cappuccino all for the Rs. 330/= (There I have done my bit of Viral Marketing for you folks at McDonald's).

After a stressful week, and maybe a drunken Saturday night, the Sunday morning thing seems like the right thing to do.. atleast for me..

Unfortunately what we realized on Saturday was that, McDonald's (Col-3) was closed for Renevation... quick alteration of route...to KFC (Bamba).. closed for Refurbishment.... dude... do they plan these things together?

Anyway later in the weekend I realized that even Flower Drum is being refurbished although they are open...

So the moral of this story you ask?

I dunno.. just wanted to say that I'm alive... and I've realized that this Blog Sucks.... and needs a revamp.. and more than anything... MORE POSTS.. for crying out loud...

So I will try my best... I promise!

Oh I almost forgot... I'm getting MARRIED NEXT year...! Busy booking people and running around... Expect more posts about my Experiences.. Who knows I might turn my blog into a Wedding Planner...!

Are we prepared for war?

2007-07-19T11:14:00.000+05:30

For a long time since the mistakes made like Black July, Sri Lankans as a whole have come to the realization of the hard truth that this Ethnic Conflict (which in my books is more a power struggle, the true ethnic conflict was over way before the 2nd or 3rd Ealam War started) cannot be won by war, but a negotiated peace settlement. Atleast that's what the majority believed, including my self.

However if you haven't noticed together with the media, there is a small hype being created for continued war. Specially with this nonsensical brandishing of the Thoppigala victory. Either I'm dumb or can anybody see where all this is heading? Isn't it what you call Politicalisation of the War, and those who sacrficed their lives for the war.

This is how I see it :

Mahinda made loads of promises ("Chinthanaya") that he hasn't been able to deliver. People are sick of the rising cost of every bloody consumable known to us, that there basically sick of this Govt. In order to shift our focus, this chap is putting this war in our faces, with the help of nearly all media stations and todays "Mini Independence" ceremony.

I mean what is he trying to say :

"That this war CAN be won, and to keep HIM in power come election time".

What does he really mean :

"You fools as long as I can get you to believe that this war can be won, this war can be justified. So can the spending on my Range Rovers, the cut I have from the MIG's and flying my wife and children in a Helicopter from Kandy to Colombo on a daily basis. After all there is a war going on! So my stupid mistakes in governance and policy making can be covered up."

The sad truth is :

Mahinda (if he has his way) is not going to end this war, like many chaps in the armed forces want to, but pro-long it for another 10 years by which time he would have completed his second term as Exec President and probably have one of the members of the Rajapakse clan running for President. Just to ensure the continuity of their power, and the down fall of Sri Lanka as what we know it.

And courtesy of those plans he presents to you "Nagenahira Navodaya"

3 Days of inconveniencing public with road blocks, waisting the time setting up security check points around the premises, where these chaps should be stationed in Thoppigala, guarding what we won (or is the agreement that we have to hand it over after the celebrations..), the millions of public funds waisted on a stupid show off that could be done with.

My opinion :

What ever celebrations should be done in Thoppigala. Not in Colombo. Not because it's going to inconvenience me, but it's the folks in Thoppigala who deserve the celebrations, after all they were the one's who lost their homes during the battle. It's the soldiers who gave there lives who deserve the Honour, not the president and his cronies. It's their families that should get the money, that is being spent, and the celebrations should be for those soldiers who fought extreme hardship to win the battle.

Ranil's boo boo :

Yup he does it again. While trying to give out the same message what does he go and do? Calls Thoppigala a "Jungle". While on the outset it is, calling it is only going to rub salt in the eyes of the Soldiers who fought for it, and he's basically putting his neck (I was thinking of something more graphic... but then again) out between the door, and giving the Govt the opportunity to slam the door on it! Just like the "Chewing Gum and Bracelet Story".

All I can say is that all this stupid crap is turning people. Specially those in the rural areas (who were initially brain washed by him in the first place.. then after the election realized that they them selves were the suckers...) who thought of a negotiated peace settlement are now telling them selves.. "Ok so if we won Thoppigala.. we might as well finish the rest!"

As for the reality of that happening will all have to wait and see... and this blog post will remain here.. as it doesn't have to it's breath.

Pic Courtesy of : Daily Mirror

63rd Bradby Shield Video - 2007

2007-07-16T14:45:00.000+05:30

Royal College managed to regain the Bradby Shield and bring it to it's rightful resting place this year. I thought I'd post the links to the videos of both the legs. The delay in posting is coz, Rapidshare took ages to upload each file.

So hope this is worth for those who missed the match, specially those who are abroad, and for those of you who want to re-kindle the match again.

Bradby Shield 1st Leg (Kandy) - 9th June 2007

Bradby Shield 2nd Leg (Colombo) - 23rd June 2007

PS - The part files are rar's broken into two parts. You'll need to download both to unrar(extract) the file.

Happy Downloading!

Photo Courtesy of : Vishkid

Thoppigala.. Jungle or LTTE Strong Hold

2007-07-12T16:52:00.000+05:30

Yesterday saw the fall of Thoppigala or Barron's Cap. Firstly our hats out to those who fought bravely and also a moment to mourn those who fell, for their motherland.

Now we have to deal with the comments after the big win.

Is Thoppigala just a Forrest like Opposition Leader Ranil W. says?
Are we going to spend more defending Thoppigala?
Was this all a put on show by Mahinda and Prabhakaran?

To start with the last question first, my political knowledge is not enough to comprehend the buy-outs and sell-outs between the two parties. However LankaWhistleBlower has the details of the Mahinda-Prabhakaran deal.

With regard to the Second Question, only time would tell, how many of our soldiers will fall keeping those FDL's.

Now to the first and most important question in my opinion. What is Thoppigala to us? And what is it's worth?

The Govt. implies it's one of the security fortresses of the LTTE, and all their equipping of Suicide-Bomb Trucks are carried out there. There was also some indication that the cannabis that the LTTE use to trade for their weapons are grown in those jungles, thereby cutting some of there cash flow.

For the people living around Thoppigala, you'd have to ask them who'd they prefer as a Neighbour.

As a firm believer of "This War Cannot be Won", I believe this is going to play a bigger role in pushing/pressurizing the LTTE into Peace Talks. Which in turn is the right track to settling this conflict.

UPDATE : A detailed account on the mission to free the east, and the Thoppigala victory can be found here.

"Charrmax" on LakbimaNews courtesy of Rajpal

2007-07-12T16:15:00.000+05:30

Well the newest heat on the Blogsphere is courtesy of Rajpal. So I don't need to get into the minor details, if your an avid reader of the Kottu community, you'd know. If not here are some places you could start.

So hoping you didn't get lost in the blogs above, I've been silent all along coz, the article they ripped from me didn't make it to their website - www.lakbimanews.lk, but was copied word for word, picture to picture.

You can be the judge of it.... The Original Post - "What to Shout at Rugger Matches"

Not only have they copied everything but they have copied my "Bonus"... which any Editor in their right mind would have a problem stating in their news papers. Wonder what Mr. Brian Thomas has to say abt it.

So now that you know how unprofessional these folks (Mr. Rajpal specially) are, here are my issues to a certain reply he (assuming it's him/them) have posted on another blog.

Anonymous said... Hi Mr Rhythmic etc., (others)
Greetings!
First thing, we tried to contact you, but it’s not possible in most of the blogs. We did contact some of the others though, who left contact e mails.
You bloggers know that you are anonymous.
We'd like to publish the stuff you write, of course, more of it! Profuse apologies, but the reason was that we here were unable to contact you guys was your anonymity.
Maybe a post would have helped; but didn't think about the exact efficacy of that. because we did post at some sites, with our contactsw, and nobody bothered to reply!
But then, it would have been difficult to give our contacts to you that way..
Anyway we like the comment that this is a tribute to Sri Lankan bloggers. If your stuff is good we’d like to publish -- it’s in the public domain too. So I think you should have a positive take on it.
It’s not as if any stuff was published without credits.
Anyway, we’d like to publish more of your stuff; and as you may have noticed, 90 per cent of our still is NOT from blogsites, so its just that we'd like to use SOME good stuff that comes from blogs that are of relevance to Sri Lanka..
We'd also like to pay you -- for anything published in the future, as well as what was published. We don't pay enormously, but we pay reasonable rates.
So please write to us at sumathienglish@gmail.com, and we would like to get the payment across to you, if you furnish an address.
In the meanwhile, we'd like to use some more of the blogs -- and we hope you can send some of your other material on the e mail so that we can publish it..
Many of the boggers we published -- including some such as Mr Fazli Sameer have got on board, and we hope you do that too. They write EXCELLENT stuff, and were not so harried. We don’t expect the same reaction from everyone, but then we are trying to set the record straight here.
We would have liked to get you on board at the very outset, except that your contacts were not available. At least, they were not available at our scrutiny; maybe they were available somewhere.

Thanks then, and so here is to the blogosphre -- and here is to the mainstream!! We'd publish more, I hope you can write to us at our e mail and we'll use more of yours, and pay you as well.
Thanks and no offence,

‘Mr Lakbima’
alias
those at Lakbimanews.

My reply :

Well Dear Mr. Lakbima,

This is with regard to the word-for-word copy and picture-to-picture copy of my post “What to shout at Rugger Matches” which was published on your paper under “Local Rugby Lingo” page 28 - July 8th 2007.

http://chaarmax.blogspot.com/2006/09/what-to-shout-at-rugger-matches.html

I would like to bring your attention to a few points, you mentioned that contradict certainly in my case.

1. ///First thing, we tried to contact you, but it’s not possible in most of the blogs. We did contact some of the others though, who left contact e mails.
You bloggers know that you are anonymous.///

Well all you had to do was leave a comment. Just like the one you left here.

2. ///If your stuff is good we’d like to publish — it’s in the public domain too.///

Just because it’s in the Public Domain it doesn’t give you the right to publish, without proper citation and stating the sources. Just mentioning the Blog Author’s name in the “by XXX” is not enough. That would give the impression that the Blog Author is writing for your paper, and indeed getting paid for it as well.

What you need to do is, state the source, as “Source - www.abc.com” or “Courtesy of www.abc.com“.

As in my case, I wish to bring your attention to the Creative Commons License that I have, I certainly hope you are aware of it, and that your are committing an illegal act. Also you had incorrectly spelt my name as “Charrmax”.

3. Are you going to take responsibility for the statement “Brian Homa”, as for I did not write it, with the idea of my publishing’s to get into the mainstream print media. I certainly hope you guys do a better job as editors, than blindly copy content without going through them properly, checking for what might cause an offense to others.

Lastly, it’s not that we (atleast myself) aren’t glad to get our writings published but, with proper attribution to Us and our Blog web sites.

I certainly hope you would be more careful, since this is not the first time that this has happened.

Yours,

Chaar~Max
Contact Email - chaarmax-at-gmail-dot-com

I got one of my friends Confab to call the newspapers and this is what happened :

Over the last 24 hours I've been acknowledged, abused by and apologised to by Rajpal. The reason for this post? Just to make sure the blog sphere (and the ever intrusive and secretive Lakbima Reporter) is kept abreast of what went down. (more)

What I, and I am sure most of the other Bloggers will want is :

1. An apology to be published in the papers.

2. Proper Attribution (Proper spelling of the Bloggers name/pseudonym and Link to the Bloggers site)

3. Approval from Blogger before publishing his/her post.

This may seem to be blown out of proportion, but it was aggregated by Rajpal and Co. them selves. If they responded in an appropriate manner when contacted and owned upto their actions and apologized I would have let it go.

They may buy some of the Bloggers with their notes and "get on board" crap, but not me. I didn't start my blog to make money. If I want I'll set up google ads.

Mind you it's not like I'm NOT flattered that my rants and ramblings our worthy enough to be published in the main-stream media, it's just the case of not wanting to be a part of an Institution that does NOT honour the rights of others.

After all it's not the first time. I believe Sach will agree with me.

So Rajpal try and ignore the CC license a second time and see what happens. Interestingly enough I wonder how many Bloggers have been featured on this weeks Lakbima. All those who got left out, are bound to get included this week. I think the "Mag" should be called "Local Blogsphere".

How to tell what the Referee is Signalling at Rugger Matches

2007-06-22T19:20:00.000+05:30

Well it's been almost a year since I guided you in "What to Shout at Rugger Matches". So I'm thinking you bookmarked the post, took a print out of it and stuck it up on your wall, and take a glance before every match. If everything has gone to plan, you still have all your limbs, and no bruisers after any of the matches. Chicks dig that your on "top" of the game, maybe you landed one even... (if so you owe me a Drink). If you have a GF, she's mighty proud of you, and her friends think your cool too. :)

Untill she or one of her friends ask, "Hey what happened?" and you see the Ref, doing a number with his Hands... bomber... Ok so you say "you didn't see it", it's gonna work maybe a couple of times if your on the 200 buck Concrete Tier being shoved and pushed, but if your in the Grand Stand.... hmmmm.... I've got just what you want..

Objective :

Give you the ability to connect the with top man of the game, the Ref, who gets to call all the shots on the field (Off field feel free to throw a Flower Pot at him). If you thought you were on top of the game before, you'll feel like you grew an extra 6 inches... vertically ;)

In the end.. upgrade you from Cool Dude to "Rugby Jock", just in time for the 2nd Leg of the Bradby, tomorrow! Go Royal!

Assumptions :

You have already read and followed My Previous Guideline, and it's a fair assumption that you have made the upgrade from "Geek" to "Cool Dude". :)

So a few tips before you get behind the wheel, Ref's unlike our parents do not reward us for good behavior (don't expect an XBOX or a PS3 for being a Good Sport), so when you know he's signaling something that means somebody gonna get a hurt.. (oops sorry that was Russel) basically your only chance is that, your opponents committed the crime and maybe it's Christmas for you after all.

Here goes --> IRB Ref Signal Guide!!! (PDF 1.2MB)

NOTE :

If you want to upgrade to "Rugby Guru" try going through the entire IRB Rule Book (PDF 15MB). If your found murdered in your Hotel Room the next day, only to be later realized that you died of natural causes, you know it WORKED!!

As usual, my disclaimer as follows :

"If you Score.. I'm your Man... If you Screw Up... There's always another Rugger Match next week" :)

Another Year - Same Result

2007-06-19T12:30:00.000+05:30

Well they say, it's all water under the bridge, but then would Blogs exist, if people just let it go, and not stop to bitch about it, and then maybe let it go?

So it's this thing that comes around every year around this time, that get all those who have a liking for the stage excited, 4 weeks (sometimes more.. sometimes less) of tiring practices, and getting the set, costumes organized for the Big Day. Actually 2 Big Days, if your lucky enough to get passed the 1st one.

The goal is to put up a good show, and in the meantime knock the socks off 3 individuals seated some where in the middle of the audience, in whose lap sits the scrap of paper that your fate is decided on.

In all this my experience is slightly different being the old geezer I am, still find my self roped into this whole experience. So obviously I'm not the schoolboy who's on stage, but come the time of announcing the verdict my heart beats equally to the tempo of the school boy. I share the same sorrow, but I know the feeling of winning is worth all the sorrows, and in time they will too. But 3 years in a row is enough waiting and I hope the light shines upon them next year.

As I hit the "Publish Post" button I cant help but think whether it would have been different if we had gone ahead with the original plan, specially with the judges routing for the comedy against the tragedy.

The Bard would say.. (from the Play itself) "What's done cannot be undone!"....

No More Invites!

2007-05-24T12:48:00.000+05:30

Hello... ppl.. so I finally found some time.. amidst the bombs the road blocks and the million dollar corruptions. So what do I decide to empart on you lovely folk today? The simple answer to all those of you who haven't switched and still stagnating in your archaic web mail providers.. Yes.. the answer to Why use Gmail?

The good news is, it's no longer limited to Invitations.. so YOU don't need to feel LEFT OUT anymore!

What can be Better than Gmail you ask? That's Gmail on Firefox coupled with the following Extensions :

Is the TRUTH out there?

2007-04-24T13:30:00.000+05:30

There was a report by the LTTE and subsiquently all Foreign Media sources picked up on it about an Attack on the Pallaley Air Force Base in Sri Lanka.

This is a snippet on what the LTTE carried out. (I dont like linking to TamilNet, so therefore I'm just going to take a snippet off their site.)

Two attack aircraft of the Liberation Tigers bombed the Sri Lankan military’s main base complex in the Jaffna peninsula in the early hours of Tuesday morning, inflicting heavy damage and casualties, LTTE military spokesman Irasiah Ilanthirayan told TamilNet. Both planes returned safely to base, he said. Meanwhile sources said continuous explosions were heard from inside the High Security Zone for five hours after the air raid, fuelling speculation that a major ammunition dump had been hit.

However the SL Govt, have categoraly denied the statement, and issued their statement, saying it was artillery fire , and that too away from the Pallay Base.

The Sri Lanka Air Force denied the statement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) that the Tamil Tiger air planes bombed the Palali air strip by using their propeller driven two fixed winged air craft and called it a complete fabrication. But military sources said by artillery fire six soldiers died at Myladdi , away from Palali air strip.

Reuters carried both version of the story :

This either another blown up set up by the LTTE propaganda machine, to justify the moola rolling in from TRO and other dim-wittted LTTEsympathisers, for their new light aircrafts, reportadley manned by the junior prabha him self.

On the other hand, this might be a cover-up by the local army chaps, in-order to show face despite the serious security lapses being brought to light.

What ever the case, my hind-sight tells me that the Happy-Go-Lucky Islanders (specially in the south) have bigger things to worry about at this moment. No it's not the increasing price of fuel, and the domino effect on consumer goods, it's the plight of Sri Lanka at today's World Cup Semi-Final. :)

Dilhara or Maharoof - Tharanga or Atapattu

2007-04-23T17:49:00.001+05:30

Hey folks, braking the shackels, and cleaning up the spider webs on this blog I decided to bore you with my 2-cents on the team selection for the all important semi's. The team selection is all but final except for 2 spots, according my limited knowledge in the cricketing fields. That would be :

Fast/Medium Pace Bowler #3

After a stunning performance in the game against Ireland, the overuled Maharoof bought himself a spot to contend for the above position. Although Maharoof is not the most reliable of Bowlers, specially due to the fact that he has this nack of bowling short, and getting wolloped to the boundary at times, his late order batting skills make him a good contender.

Dilhara is yet to pass the fitness test, but from what I hear he's bound to be fit, thereby causing a little dilemma for the thinking dept. of S.L. Cricket. After all he's seemed to find his form during this world cup, bowling at good space, over come his over stepping problems, and the last over against England was a proving factor that he can hold his nerve (or he got lucky).

Opening Partner for Sanath

The master blaster is having a pretty good world cup, despite loosing out on the last 2 games. The only problem we seem to have is that his partner is suffering a bad patch, despite the century he scored in the practise match against the Kiwis.

Therefore giving rise to many a cricket wise folk in this island nation to question as to why former captain Marvan Atapattu has not been given a chance.

My Choice for the Semi's.

To start with the latter, it would be wrong to dump Marvan in the opening slot, without a proper chance to bat, and expect a ton from him, althought knowing the class of Marvan and the technique, he could deliver it, on his day. I would suggest get bringing Sanga to open (I know he's had a rough patch over the past games too) and drop Tharanga. Thereby opening up a vacancy which Maharoof could fit in, in the late order.

So, now that I have stirred up a controversy, in the fact of going against one of the cardinal rules of "Dont Change a Winning Combination", I will rest my case, and go hide under a rock, for fear of fanatics stoning my house and my blog. He he..

Another World Cup Weekend

2007-04-09T11:43:00.000+05:30

With Sri Lanka taking a break till Thursday, I figured the weekend will be a dull one, but has the WC 2007 ever had a dull moment? To start off, Bangladesh pulled another shocker to beat South Africa on Saturday. One of the few regrets I have in the WC, is not getting up to watch the 2nd innings of the match despite setting the alarm. The other being missing "Slinger Malinga" 4-in-4 live.

England saw their hopes being dashed after Aussies sailed though for a comfortable victory. Well atleast Prince Harry was enjoying him self. :)

In other news Indian Cricket Board Empire Strikes Back. The BCCI chappies have decided to tighten their grip on the cricketers. Not allowing em to give statements to the media without permission and limit their sponsors to 3. I'm sure that like a heavy blow to the Cricketers, coz the little Indian TV I've watched (thanks to the WorldCup) I've noticed that Indian Ad's are bomb-barded with either their Bollywood Stars or their Cricketing Gods. Yes you wouldn't be surprised to see Sachin Tendulkar jumping on a couch to catch a packet of Crackers - one of his endorsements. Maybe those chaps will now get a chance to concentrate more on their Cricket.

Amnesty International's Cricket Team

2007-04-05T17:44:00.000+05:30

The gutter politics that Amnesty International are using is yesterdays news, so I wont waist time talking about that. If you want to read up, here are what some bloggers think abt it:

1. Voice in Colombo
2. Sitting Nut
3. Billy - Ground Views

Instead I thought I'd post this picture that I got as an email, as MY PROTEST!

Sri Lanka stick head out in Down to the wire game against England

2007-04-05T11:30:00.000+05:30

Good morning sleepy Sri Lankans. If your feeling groggy at work, the feeling is mutual mate, after a killer match last night, those who missed it, missed some good cricket played by both the sides.

To start off, there were a lot of bad omens on the Local Scene, being our popular waterhole not putting the match on Big Screen in the garden area (coz of the rain), and yours truly had to run back home to change in to a pair of jeans to gain entrance to the bar.

That being the case, missed the few blasts of the Master Blaster, and just as I was getting back, the dude had to get out. I'm sure that was the deciding factor of Sri Lanka getting a TON or not. If Sri Lanka need a 300 score this dude has to fire.

After the departure of Sana and then Sanga, Upul and Mahela steadied the ship just to get out when we needed to consolidate, which was definitely the deciding factor for a 250 score not being reached. Even our "Not-out Arnold" had no choice but to get out trying to hit out. This is where we lacked Maharoof yesterday and the run out of Dilly. They're the closest we've got to a Symonds.

After a quick breakthrough which I think Vaughan was maybe a tincy wincy bit unfortunate, Peterson and Bell steadied the innings. But Mahela did well to tighten the screws by holding back the last power play, and operating the spinners. I was concerned for a moment thinking shit, he might have to "power play" the last 5 overs, but this is where luck comes in the form a of a paka run out, by Jayasuriya to dismiss Bell, and upset the partnership.

Mahela not missing a trick called for the last power play which saw further wickets crumble, most importantly the in-form Peterson, and many thought (including yours truly) that it was time to right off England from the game.

But a superb partnership by Nixon and Bopara brought it down to the wire like nobody including Mahela expected. The last overs were bowled by Murali and "Slinger" Malinga. Malinga came good in the last 2 overs, which makes me think he's more of a tail end knocker than a first up bowler. Only time will tell. The master spinner Murali got sent off in style being whacked for 6 by the form of a Reverse Sweep by Nixon, which in my book was unorthodox but the shot of the day.

When it came down to the last over with 12 runs needed in 6 balls my choice was Vaas, but Mahela thought otherwise and brought on Dillo. Not letting down his captain Dilo held his nerves to bring down the target to 3 runs in the last ball, and when some thought there might be a Draw in the cards the bugger manages to bowl a "You miss, I hit" ball under pressure!

Although Sri Lanka go away with the 2 points, England too go with restored pride to face the in-form World Champions. Till next time your favourite reporter from the popular waterhole in Colombo signs out!

Royal Thomain 2007 - The Big Match

2007-03-08T13:04:00.001+05:30

Oh my god I'm so excited that I cant belive I'm sitting here and bloggin about it instead of being there in the midst of all the Papara Bands, Filthy Baila Songs, Loud Chants, and the Sweet Smell of Alcohol (and even maybe a few of Hot Chicks, but looking at them makes me feel old right now).

Unfortunately a quick reality check tells me I gotta be at work. Maybe I'll sneak off after 3pm or so. Can't wait for Saturday!

Why am I so excited? Well it's been 3 years since I'm getting to enjoy the Roy/Tho in it's purest form without any bother about stupid exams (which happen to fall right smack in the middle of the whole thing).

Oh added the fact that it's gonna be my first big match since the conversion!... well dont you think thats enough reason?

So till I get over there... here are the scores at the end of the first day!

Royal College won the toss and decided to field.

S. Thomas' College - 1st Innings 374 / 7 declared
(A. Peiris - 161, N. Mazahir - 162 / Thanthirigoda 14.1-0-47-2)

Royal College - 1st Innings 40 / 3 (234 needed to avoid follow on)

Live Scores Brought to you by - RoyalThomian.info

GO ROYAL!! - THORA PARIPPU!!
(oops did I speak too soon.. oh hell.. THORA PARIPPU!)

Show Day of Govt. Inspector

2007-01-26T13:30:00.000+05:30

By now you ought to know that there is a Paka play happening this weekend at the Lionel Wendt.. Well today is our Opening night, so thought I'd leave this final reminder for those of you who missed all our publicity stunts...

So.. leave your thinking caps (after all you know that it's not the REAL Government Inspector that has come to inspect the town..) and the Thespian in you (this ain't Shakespeare or any sort of deep stuff, just plain and simple) at home, and enjoy an evening of pure rib tickling humour! :)

Dose of Cynical Satire - The Government Inspector

2007-01-25T15:18:00.000+05:30

By Vidushi Seneviratne

Literally walking into a rehearsal of the latest thespian innovation to hit Colombo, it was interesting to note the mix of intensity and informality in the atmosphere. To top it all off, the cast member accompanying me, went from having a perfectly normal conversation, to delving unannounced into his character, and joining the scene being rehearsed! Just a taste of the extremely original action promised when The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol, is performed at the Lionel Wendt from January 26 to 28 at 7.30pm. (More)

Courtesy : Sunday Times

Coming Soon to a City/Town/Village Near You - The Government Inspector

2007-01-22T10:28:00.000+05:30

Gentleman I have bad news...the courtroom is filled with three hundred geese, the hospital doesn't have any beds, the postal department is full of delays and the English teachers can't utter a word without stuttering.

If you think thats bad, the streets are filthy, and the soldiers haven't been given their rations. There's also about forty cartloads of garbage stashed behind the old fence near the cobbler's. What a nasty little town this is. Nasty, nasty, nasty.

And who'll be blamed. The Mayor of course... along with his cronies (oops Distinguished Officials I mean).

Will they Survive.. a visit from The Government Inspector on the 26th, 27th and 28th of January, at the Lionel Wendt , from 7.30 pm onwards.???

Be there to find out!

P.S. - Hope this justifies the limited amount of Posts, you've been seeing recently on my Blog.

Happy New Year - 2007

2007-01-01T10:12:00.000+05:30

This message comes to you all the way from the happening city/town of Hikkaduwa. My other roomies are still passed out, after the heavy partying, but myself on the other hand have this thing that I cant sleep past 8 a.m. So I get up take a shower, long stroll on the beach and when I get back on to the Galle Road, what do I find? “Cyber Cafe” – 1min 2 rupees. So there you have it!

So I shall end this post with an SMS I received for the New Year :

“May God increase your Happiness daily like the price of Petrol & decrease your sorrows like the skirt length of Anarkali’s...”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Blast in Kollupitiya

2006-12-01T10:49:00.000+05:30

I have received news that there has been a blast in Kollupitiya, Colombo 3. The blast has occurred in Dharmapala Mw., (opposite City Bank) and people have been brought to the National Hospital.

A Govt Minister has been the target I hear. --> Ghotabaya Rajapakse - Defense Secretary.

News Update - http://www.army.lk/

They say that Ghotabaya Rajapakse has escaped unhurt, or at least alive at this time.

interesting Facts about HSBC

2006-11-23T18:30:00.000+05:30

I thought that you might find trouble falling asleep without knowing the valuable information I'm about to give you.

1.) HSBC Increases interested rate to 3.25% on their Credit Cards. Yup that's a staggering 39% annually. (Just when you thought Petrol prices are coming down and things are getting better)

2.) If you have access to HSBC Internet Banking, there is this great link that makes you feel good about your self, called "Net Worth". It reduces your Credit Card and Loan Payables from your Savings account and tell's you what your worth. I'm yet to break even. (I know this isn't a fact but thought it'd be useful, for an ego-boost or maybe not)

3.) Family Planning have detemined that the Highest Condom sales in the Country is from an outlet (Laughs Shed/Supermarket I think) close to the HSBC International Call Center known as HDPL in Rajagiriya, with some 2000 employees working under them.

There... now for some nice sleep. Now now, don't go thinking what those chaps at HDPL get down to. Servicing customers or their own. lol

Shaken or Stirred? Blondie or Bald?

2006-11-21T10:30:00.000+05:30

Yes I'm talking about Bond! So there has been much rife about the new Bond, and most of it has been put in it's right place (atleast what I hear) with the folks who disliked Daniel Craig, admitting that he's "Not That Bad Afterall".

I know this it's too late to discuss all this now, since the movie is already out, but being the slow bugger/blogger I am, I thought what the hell. It all started with Craig being the first Blondie Bond. But then it went to a frenzy, and I even heard stories of he doesn't know how to handle a Manual Gear Shift. God me saying to myself "How the hell is he going to handle the Aston Martin?"

So it got me thinking of the likely replacement in my opinion. Now I'm not the movie buff like many on the Blogsphere, so the names I come up with may sound absurd and there might be many more worthy out there.

Looking back at the movies that caught my eye, the most likely to me, who had the same class, posture and finesse as the previous Bonds would be Jason Statham (The dude from Transporter 1 & 2). I know his Bald, but if we can have a Blondie Bond, and a Black Bond, why not a Bald Bond?

James Bond (Ian Flemming's impression)

Here's my list on judging a bond :

He's got to look good in a suit, and in trunks coming out of the pool. (The Bond Look)
Have the class and personality on and off the camera. (One thing Daniel Craig lacks I feel.. he's too shy off camera)
Physique. (Able to rough it out with any Terrorist threatening World Domination but not Rough around the edges.)
Flare for the Ladies (Typical Playboy, Charm the ladies off their feet and into Bed.. goes with no 2.. I think)
Handle a Car.. Manual Shift preferably. (I know it's kinda Ironic coming from a Guy who drives an Automatic, but then again I'm not Bond.. lol)

Well there you go, enough of my rambling, considering the fact that I'm yet to watch the movie, so you can expect a new post (or an update to this one) after that. So lets give the bugger a chance. Some people were skeptical about Brosnan too, but I knew he was the guy to replace Sean Connery, after his role in 'Remington Steel'.

Is This The Case In Sri Lanka?

2006-11-16T09:30:00.000+05:30

Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a bunch of bananas on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the bananas. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result -- all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.

Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the bananas and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted. Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth.

Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.

After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the bananas. Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.

Posted at
http://www.shof.msrcsites.co.uk/work.html

Friends, Enemies and Countrymen

2006-11-15T16:14:00.000+05:30

Taken off the Asian Tribune. By Dayan Jayatilleka

Post war Italy’s most respected political and legal philosopher was Norberto Bobbio, who died a few years ago. A liberal leftist in orientation, he nonetheless endorsed and considered foundational, the work of a thinker of very different ideological persuasion, Carl Schmitt. The political theorising of Carl Schmitt, a conservative Catholic who initially opposed and then supported the Nazi state, was so brilliantly pioneering, that he is acknowledged (and taught) as a seminal political theorist, just as his contemporary Martin Heidegger, who had a similar political past, is widely respected as one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century.

Many contemporary Leftists - Marxists and post Marxists such as those around the journal TELOS and political theorist Chantal Mouffe- have rediscovered and appropriated Carl Schmitt’s insights, resulting in a school of thought dubbed ‘left Schmittian’. Schmitt’s best known conceptualisation is that the defining characteristic of politics and warfare is the distinction between friend and enemy. This definition is independently echoed by Mao Zedong around the same time, when he identified the key question as ‘who are our friends, who are our enemies?’

Norberto Bobbio refers to Schmitt and in his 1997 work Left and Right, develops this definition. According to Bobbio, there are only four basic positions which are possible in serious politics, deriving from Schmitt’s duality: friend/enemy. Bobbio’s fourfold categorisation is:

• Enemy’s Enemy
• Enemy’s Friend
• Friend’s Enemy
• Friend’s Friend

What then is the picture that emerges when this matrix is applied to the contemporary Sri Lankan conflict?

Enemy

The enemy is the LTTE which seeks to dismember Sri Lanka as a country and a state (and expand beyond what could reasonably be claimed as an ethnic homeland). The LTTE engages in terrorism of the worst sort, entailing assassination of democratic political leaders, suicide bombings and the witting targeting of civilians. The LTTE is also a formation which bears at least a family resemblance to fascism. It is therefore the enemy. This enemy is waging a war of aggression, an unjust war. (In his Just and Unjust Wars, the prominent, left-liberal, just war theorist Michael Walzer defines aggression as the violation of the territorial integrity or political sovereignty of a nation–state).

Friend

The country is kept together by the State. This would be so whatever its character. Sri Lanka is a sovereign democratic state, a legitimate authority and actor (unlike the LTTE). We are afforded a defence from anarchy, some form of representation and a minimum of civilised life by the state, which is a democratic state; a democratic republic.

At the heart of the state, any state, are the armed forces.

At the apex of the state is the executive.

The state is waging a defensive war to protect the country. For the reasons just mentioned – legitimate authority and defensive war - the war fought by the Sri Lankan state is a Just War.

When the state is at war and society stands threatened, the rights and freedoms that obtain in peacetime may temporarily be circumscribed or suspended. This is in a situation other than of normalcy; it is that situation described by Carl Schmitt as ‘the exception’. Who decides on which situation is exceptional? "Sovereign is he who decides on the exception" says Schmitt, referring to the Executive.

While it is greatly advisable, preferable and to be recommended, that war should be waged in a moral manner (and this, as Fidel would have it, is an imperative for liberation struggles and movements), the words of the great Karl Von Clausewitz, who (as Lenin acknowledged) knew these things, cannot be readily discounted:

“Of course moral scruples and legal principles may, by lucky accident, happen to coincide with the intelligent application of force to gain an objective. But of themselves, in the nature of things, they can have no direct effect on the conduct or the outcome of war”. (Clausewitz, On War)

That having been said, our common humanity demands as a moral absolute, the eschewing of deliberate - as distinct from accidental or coincidental – lethal targeting of unarmed, non-combatant civilians.

In Sri Lanka the executive is directly elected by the people. It is the most unmediated expression of popular sovereignty, unlike even the American executive in the election of which the Electoral College plays a crucial part.

Furthermore in Sri Lanka the executive can be elected only by a plurality i.e. 50.1%, unlike in many countries (say, Nicaragua) where one may be elected president with less than 40% of the vote.

In a distortion, President Jayewardene initially elevated himself to the presidency without an election (1978) and was re-elected while his main opponent had been disenfranchised. However this was not so in the case of his successors Ranasinghe Premadasa, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and now Mahinda Rajapakse, whose wielding of executive power was not lacking in legitimacy.

No democrat can therefore fail to classify the elected president of Sri Lanka as friend, and by the same logic, no one who classifies, regards or treats him (or earlier, her) as enemy, could in turn be classified as democrat or ‘friend’, and may indeed have to be regarded as objectively serving as ‘friend’s enemy’ or worse still, ‘enemy’s friend’.

The main duality that structures the Sri Lankan reality then, is the opposition – and it is an armed opposition- between the LTTE and the State.

Enemy’s Enemy

The enemy, the LTTE’s main enemy is the Sri Lankan state. Its secondary enemies are the anti-Tiger Tamil organisations, chiefly the Karuna faction (TMVP) and the EPDP, because these are the most consequential military and political opponents of the tigers. The other anti-Tiger groups, PLOTE and EPRLF are but residual, and the TULF is unarmed. Thus the enemy’s enemies are the Sri Lankan state – with the armed forces and the executive at its core – and the TMVP and EPDP.

Enemy’s Friend

Those who regard or refer to the LTTE uncritically: the TNA, some prominent elements of the UNP, the so-called peace lobby, one newspaper and perhaps an electronic media organization or two; externally some parties in Tamil Nadu.

Friend’s Enemy

The LTTE and those who, in this situation in which Prabhakaran prepares for his grand slam, treat the armed forces and/or the elected executive as the main enemy or the enemy or co-equal to the LTTE: the TNA, a stratum of the UNP, the so-called peace lobby, extremist Tamil Nadu politicians, some journalists local and foreign.

Friend’s Friend

According to all opinion polls, this would embrace the clear majority of the country’s citizens. Also the SLFP, many UNP MPs and most UNP voters (who probably identify with that party’s Deputy leader Karu Jayasuriya, a former volunteer Army officer who served in Jaffna), the JVP, the JHU, the bulk of the Buddhist clergy, most journalists in print and electronic media.

In this exceptional and extreme historical situation of existential threat it is incumbent upon all who are participants, observer-participants or simply commentators on the conflict to be aware that there are only these four standpoints or roles that can be played - deriving from the two main positions - whatever their subjective views and self-perceptions. There are no intermediate, neutral, or above- the-fray positions that can objectively, historically and concretely be occupied.

Four Thousand Traitors

Throughout this island’s recorded history, the recurrent and crucial factor in all defeats suffered, has been the presence of internal fissures and factionalism and the role of traitors. Therefore it is of critical importance to estimate the extent of this factor, as Prabhakaran sets the stage for his all-out offensive.

There are only 3,500-4,000 traitors in Southern Sri Lanka. The upper figure was the most generous estimate in the international media of Monday’s demonstration in Colombo. We should be thankful to the organisers of the march, ostensibly to protest the killing of parliamentarian Nadaraja Raviraj, but in actuality a demonstration marked by the most lurid charges against the Sri Lankan state and society: "stop killing Tamils! Open the A-9!" A garrulous woman even described the Southern areas such as Colombo as under fascism while denying that the Tiger controlled areas were!

These demonstrators, a conglomeration of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the Trotskyist Left, the so-called Antiwar Front, an MP each from the UNP and SLFP, and the Free Media Movement (FMM), represent the sum total of treachery, behind our lines. The Trotskyist banner (which reminded me why Stalin chose to bury the hatchet so to speak with old Leon, just before he had to deal with the Nazi threat) characterised Mr Raviraj as one who “built an alliance with the Left and fought for Tamil liberation”. Now that would be an accurate description of many non-Tiger and anti-Tiger Tamils, ranging from K Pathmanabha right up to Kethesh Loganathan, all of whom were killed by the Tigers! Except for those who died in combat, all those Tamils who "fought for Tamil liberation in alliance with the Left" were assassinated by the LTTE and none by the ‘terrorist’ state! However I did not see these Trotskyists such as Dr Wickremebahu (bootha) Karunaratne carrying this banner at their funerals!

The ‘National’ Antiwar Front, or more accurately the Anti National Anti War Front, or even more accurately the Anti National Pro (Prabhakaran’s) War Front carried a banner which hailed Mr Raviraj as "one who would be vindicated as a patriot by History". While that is debatable to say the least, I did not see photographs of these worthy citizens unfurling this same banner at Kethesh Loganathan’s funeral. Jehan Perera is quoted by Somini Sengupta of the New York Times as describing Kethesh’s style as ‘adversarial’ (which implies that Kethesh provoked his own death), but I have yet to read a line from him which describes Raviraj’s TV performances as being the same or even more so!

As we face Prabhakaran’s decisive ‘Final War’ over the coming weeks and months, we now know how large the Fifth Column is, how many collaborators with Tiger fascism we have amongst us and who they are. Luckily, they aren’t that many.

Royal Retain Hayman Trophy

2006-11-13T10:03:00.000+05:30

This Saturday saw the 2nd Leg of the Dr. R. L. Hayman trophy being played at St. Thomas' Pool. Royal team going in with a lead of 6-4 from the first leg, managed to hang on to a 4-4 draw which enabled them to hold on to the Coveted Trophy for a 2nd Year in a row.

For more detail comments on the game I hope Shanaka might decide to drop by and not be too biased, since he together with Aloka were the Referee's of both the legs.

Raja FM Clips

2006-11-11T08:30:00.000+05:30

Be it "Radio Sex" or "Sex Education" you decide. Try to listen to them with an open mind. I decided to provide all the links here, coz in my previous post I have quoted their Wiki, and glad to say that someone has put that page in order, so no more links for those who are really interested on what "Kanata Cool" as they call it was.

Here goes :

Attempt on life of TNA Parliamentarian Raviraj

2006-11-10T10:30:00.000+05:30

Just heard that an attempt on the life of TNA Parliamentarian Raviraj, was made in the morning today. Some speculation was made that he actually has passed away at the national hospital.

The shooting has taken place in Elvitagala Mw.

I don't know much of the political scene to assume who would have committed the crime, coz it could be any one from the Govt, Karuna to LTTE. Although a similar incident took place last year when another TNA MP Joseph Pararajasingham was killed while attending midnight mass on Christmas Day.

Only time will tell, when different speculations arise whether the LTTE wanted to shut him up like they have done to soo many Tamil Parliamentarians or was it a foe.

All I can say is that he was a fun guy to listen in political debates on T.V., was amazed of his command of the Sinhala language. Although I'm not sure what his ulterior motives were, the loss would be saddening.

UPDATE

Mr. Raviraj's death has been confirmed.

Sri Lankan Sex Radio

2006-11-09T22:00:00.000+05:30

No no, this is not an attempt to improve my hits nor increase random visitors who Google for "Sri Lankan Sex", but a true story I happened cath tuning in on Gold FM (although I would welcome the extra hits).

Raja FM, owned by the E. A. P. Group has been pulled off the air by the GOVT, due to the extent of Sexual Content on it.

Unfortunately I am not a listener of the said radio station, and only happen to listen to "Sirasa", "Y-Fm" and "MAX" on the Sinhala Band, so I cannot give you my opinions on the issue, however I found a wiki page that was already modified by an obviously irate listener, who also has provided some recordings of "Raja FM".

Here's one. Seems more like an open forum for discussing sexual problems people have. Hmm...

Complete List of the Clips I managed to find.

Core2 Duo

2006-11-09T09:39:00.000+05:30

Cabbie & Nun - Hilarious

2006-11-08T09:15:00.000+05:30

A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that the VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She asks him why he is staring.

He replies: "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you".

She answers, " My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."

"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."

She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: #1, you have to be single and #2, you must be Catholic."

The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and Catholic!"

"OK" the nun says. "Pull into the next alley."

The nun fulfills his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush.

But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying.

"My dear child," said the nun, why are! you crying?"

"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish."

The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."

Royalists on the Roll

2006-11-04T09:58:00.000+05:30

The ball is finally rolling. The 'high-command' (as the self appointed, self proclaimed leader who cant stop saying enough about himself and his intrinsically interwoven ideas would like to call it) have made their final decision on the selection (like there were soo many choices of rib tickling humour out there without having to pawn your balls off, to barely get you through mere legalities of "Copyrights and Royalties", you'd think we had a tough time), and things are on the way. A good muster of fellow old (who want to be considered still young and able to approach that hot 16 yr-old shaking her ass to "My Hips Don't Lie" on the dance floor.. gettable) Royalists have been gathered up by all available methods of communication in this modern day an age (thankfully we didn't have to resort to an advertisement in the papers).

Dates for auditions have been set (which are bound to be postponed, courtesy of the Director who has a thing for not showing up, the shy bugger he is) and then practices of course (no more late Saturday nights they say.. have to be on time Sunday morning.. but that would mean nobody bring up the idea of "Alcohol" after practices on Saturday evening in the first place.. like to see how many sessions we get through.. considering the fact that the very first meet up, ended up with a 12,000 bill in our hands.. now who's bright idea was it to go there?).

Discussions of the 'portraying of the fairer sex' are never short, since everybody seems to come up with this chick or that chick (who they tried and tried.. and still want another shot at them) but she turns out to be either Married (happily I hope) or 10,000 miles away. Upon hearing this some other chappie would say, "Ado sirawata..." and then a gossip session would start.. till everybody.. including the security guard in the hut.. (turns out noise carries much longer than you expect) is properly briefed on the life and times of the said person... no no, we're not women just like to catch up on things.. women would analyze, theorize, categorize and another million "ize' things :)

So if you still haven't figured it out, we're getting ready for a Public Production of....... (maybe I'll keep you guessing for a while longer)!

Sanath says more than "Howzaat"

2006-11-03T15:49:00.000+05:30

Got this in an email, so you might have already read it, never the less.. nothing short of a good laugh.. no offense Sanath.. Bat On!!

Most cricketers, who are not comfortable in conversing in English, go prepare for some standard questions that are asked to them when commentators chat with them during the awards ceremony.

Sanath was once asked a different question after Pakistan won the match, for which he was not prepared. He always used his standard response to the first question after winning.

But this time.....

Tony Greig: "So Sanath, that's fantastic, your wife is pregnant for the second time and u must be happy?'

Sanath:

"All credit goes to the boys. Everyone work hard for it, especially Sangakkara. It was tight situation when he went in. Also Watmore was keeping close watch on progress and giving instructions. It's all team effort. we all will work together as a team, put in big effort and deliver good result all the time and will be able to REPEAT the same result"

Tony fainted!!

Web reaches new milestone: 100 million sites

2006-11-03T10:54:00.000+05:30

• The Web now has 100 million sites
• There were 18,000 Web sites in August of 1995
• Web sites have become a way to bond and belong

Source - CNN.com

I caught this story thanks to my G.F. So can you imagine what has made most of the difference between 1995 and 2006? Well us of course. Although I have not contributed in an actual addition of a domain name as such, being a part of the Blog community makes me proud. :)

One Post to Rule Them All

2006-11-01T12:40:00.000+05:30

The past few days have been really a sorry sight for my site, as I've been bogged down lately. Yes, I have to admit that work is getting the better of me, the dark side has gotten more powerful during this week and made bad things happen in consistently, like making our mail servers hang, or some form of program to corrupt and the site visits, seemed like i was never in my seat, at home my modem acts funny and for some weired reason doesn't want to dial. (Yes, I'm still in the archaic dial up era @ home, cant afford/find the use for adsl).

So along with this there were many incidents that affected me directly and indirectly that were worth a blog post and since I missed out on all of em, I thought the second best thing to do would be to summarize all of them into one singe post, hence "One Post to Rule Them All".. (not influenced by my night reading.. on the 5th book now)

1. Talent Search Organized by The Interact Club of Royal College (Fondly known as I.C.R.C. although they have no dealings with the LTTE or any N.G.O.'s)

Well true to the name this year, you had to actually search for talent (on stage that is) as I found only 3 performances worth writing home about. 2 Soloists Nevanthika and the dude from Lyceam who sang Drops of Jupiter, and there was this band was kinda ok. "Thriloka" did a guest, which was pretty good. Those guys need to stick to the traditional "Sinhala/local" pronunciation though, instead of going with "Thryloka".

2. Hayman First Leg at R.C.

We thrashed Thora 6-4 in a thriller drenched in rain, (to which I owe my flu in the weekend). Now getting into detail, I dont know jack about the game except you have to get the ball inside the goal, so I wouldn't know whether you can call it thrashed or lucky because I wouldn't know the minute details of the game, of who showed more potential and who's technique was better and crap like that. All I can say is we got 6 of em in, they got 4 and it seemed keenly contested. 2nd leg should be interesting, maybe make it a winning habit after last years, a good 14 years after.

More on the build up to the encounter

3. Firefox 2.0 Release - Rediscover the Web indeed
Man I have been waiting for this a long time. I actually downloaded it and installed it at office, well the inbuilt spell check is fab! Most of the other features, I'd already incorporated with the a host of add-ons/extensions.

4. Ubuntu Edgy 6.10 Release

Now this I didn't expect. My god, these guys at Ubuntu are churning out O/S's like on a conveyor belt (true to their word, of not stagnating like most of the other Community Projects) . Now eat that Bill Gates! think you might hold on to your Vista release (the commercial proper) till you can copy some more off the Open Source community. And to think I couldn't even check out the "Breezy" release properly, I hope the XGL component is still included in this, need a new Graphics Card though to experience it (my nVidia Vanta 16MB aint good enough).

There that's it... oh almost forgot.. lemme take the opportunity to wish Shanaka (who drops by and shares his Expert Opinions on some of the Subjects I bring up) "All Z Bust" you are "OLD" my man... :)

Popularity & Paparazzi

2006-10-26T09:38:00.000+05:30

It’s a common fact that with popularity comes le paparazzi. If you don’t believe me ask Princess Di (God rest her soul). So what has that got to do with me? Well it’s been a good 3-4 months since I launched my blog and lets just say that it’s catching up some visitors, making some ground, and basically has attracted more than a handful of loyal visitors some of whom who’ve taken the time to add my RSS Feed (Dont know how to, will do a post on that along with a review on Firefox 2.0) to their RSS readers, and some who just keep coming back “Old School” style (10 points to all of you coz you took the effort. Count on me to buy you Isso Wadei, when Galle Face re-opens).

So to cut a long story short, I’ve started getting hounded by le paparazzi of z bloggers! A.k.a Spam Comments. It was all cool for a while since they had “Good” things to say till y’day, I got this :

“Hey nice blog. Although it�s not what I was looking for. I am looking for info on Payday Loans or a Cash Advance so I can buy some Hoodia Diet Pills.. I found your blog very interesting“

I mean the NERVE… so anyways sadly, I had to implement the “Word Verification for Comments”. I know this is an absolute pain, coz I myself can’t seem to get it right the first time (yes.. I know I’m dumb.. thank god they don’t use them for IQ tests). So all in all, this would be to apologize for any inconvenience caused to you good folks out there.

There are some brilliant work-arounds to this, if any of them could be incorporated with Blogger, please let me know and you shall regarded as “The Man”.

Sri Lankans eat Humble Pie Dished out by the Chickens

2006-10-25T17:02:00.000+05:30

The Story begins like this. Once upon a time (Ok this is not a fairy tale..) there was a sport/game called Cricket played (to how the sport is played I wont get in) in a paradise isle called Sri Lanka. Now this country has been marred by needless violence by an ongoing war for 2 decades between the Govt and Separatist rebels. But among all this violence bombs going off and all life still goes on. Ask anybody. So a Cricket tour was scheduled between the Countries Sri Lanka, India and South Africa. Unfortunately upon their arrival a bomb went off, and the S. Africans got all scared and decided to run back to their own country (with their tails between their legs). Once they got back to their safe haven (Pls compare Crime rates of both countries), Mark Boucher being called a Coward (depicted as a chicken in the local newspapers) turned around and said "Bring It On"... so there you have a quick sum up of the build up to Y'days match, although the teams might not have had the same animosity towards each other, we Sri Lankans were hoping to have a big Brag, after the South Africans were well and truly beaten by us.

http://www.cricket365.com/news/story_22114.shtml

Unfortunately that was not the case to be. :(

So I’m not going to give my comments on the match coz I am not the Expert, I’d leave Shanaka and the others to do that. But since I own this space, and I have the cover of the “title” of the blog, I thought I’d voice my opinion on some points. (Yes, I know you thought I was going to keep my mouth shut… I’m sorry)

1. Our “Pace” bowlers cant bowl for toffees.

Dilhara is not fitting in. He cant handle the new ball, he cant handle the old ball, in other words he cant handle any ball. Plus the no balls. I think the coach need to keep the dudes fancy high priced wrist watch on the bowling crease and get him to bowl.

Malinga’s talented, but he needs to brush up. Whats the point of bowling at 80 miles an hour, if it’s not directed properly. It makes it soo much easier to dispatch to the boundary, and the slingy action only takes like a few balls for talented batsman to get used to.

And some one teach these dudes how to bowl at the end of an innings. I am no Bob Woolmer or John Dyson or Tom Moody, but come on you need to bowl yorkers and maybe some bounces. Not in-between!

Notice I’ve left Vaas out, coz he’s Medium Pace, and he sticks to his job. He has his bad days, but most good days.

2. Middle Order Batting

Has been strengthened by the return of Marvan, but I feel Chamara Kapugedara still can find a slot, after all.

3. Lower Order Battling

Our lower order sucks at batting. Buggers like Murali have played a tons of matches just go and have a whack for the fun of it. I mean hell this is International cricket. Get the bugger to play normal cricket shots. The way he’s going now, is just pleasing the commentators and giving them a good laugh and maybe get an inside edge to run off to the third man boundary.

It was clearly evident that there was no one to hang around Vaas and atleast bat out the innings. I mean we all knew after the dismissal of Jayewardene that it was pretty much over. The right thing to do (imo) would be to bat out the 50 overs, and have a go in the last two overs, just like the S. Africans did. After all we’ll be coming in on the net run rate, and if my math is correct that would be the no or runs you score against the no of runs your opponents scored. So it made every sense to bat out the overs and scrape every run possible.

There that’s all I can think of right now.. over and out…

Eid Mubarak

2006-10-24T09:14:00.000+05:30

Yess.. Fasting is over and time for Feasting! Mmm smell of Biriyani and Wattalappan. This is to all those celebrating please remember the less fortunate (that would be me) and kindly invite me to your humble homes for the feast.

I hope the cleansing and purification of your souls went fine although I wonder whether it did any good to my friends (now they are all good souls.. mind you) but I bet they cant wait get back to their old routine. To keep away from the sight food and women is a hard life for anyone I should say.

BTW : Let me take this opportunity to say a belated “Happy Diwali” too, to those who celebrated it the other day.

Galle Harbour Under Attack

2006-10-18T09:10:00.000+05:30

The LTTE terrorists have launched an attack at the Galle harbour and SL Navy camp Dakshina at 7.45 this morning.

Three explosions have occurred in this attack. Naval troops are retaliating the LTTE attack and the exchange of fire is still on.

Few casualties have also been reported and they were rushed to the teaching hospital in Karapitiya.

Reinforcement are been sent to the location.

More info will follow.

Source - www.defence.lk

Suicide bombing at Sri Lankan port

COLOMBO - Suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bombers Wednesday infiltrated the port of Galle in southern Sri Lanka and were attacking facilities there, defense spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told AFP.

"The attack is going on at the moment and we have no reports of any commercial shopping areas being attacked," Rambukwella said. "Obviously they have come to Galle on a suicide mission."

The spokesman said the military had sent gunboats into Galle -- a popular destination with foreign tourists -- to counter the attack by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The military also maintains a base in the area and ammunition depots in Galle harbor, which is also used by commercial shipping companies.

Details of the attack were sketchy, but residents in Galle, located 110 kilometers south of the capital Colombo, said at least 10 explosions were heard and there was also gunfire in the area.

Police used loudspeakers to ask residents to leave their homes.

The attack on Galle came two days after a huge suicide bombing against a naval convoy in Sri Lanka that killed at least 103 people and wounded 150 others. AFP

Source - http://uw.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=53548

As you can see there is no end in sight. Even though both parties are scheduled for peace talks on the 28th. I'd hate to predict more violence in the upcoming week. Even in Colombo....

UPDATE - L.B.O.

COLOMBO, Oct 18, 2006 (AFP) - Suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bombers Wednesday infiltrated the port of Galle in southern Sri Lanka and attacked naval facilities, defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told AFP.
Guerrillas in five boats broke into the habour and detonated powerful explosions, police said while reporting that two people were killed and 10 wounded in the early stages of the attack.
"The attack is going on at the moment," Rambukwella said. "Obviously they have come to Galle on a suicide mission."
He said there were no immediate reports of merchant shipping being attacked, but the naval facilities were under fire.
The spokesman said the military had sent gunboats into Galle -- a popular destination with foreign tourists -- to counter the attack by the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)....

Pa-ster Po-sting

2006-10-17T14:10:00.000+05:30

As fondly remembered by many of us (after one or more individuals over the annals of time have mispronounced or we call "CARD") also referred to as "Poster Pasting". Usually back in the day, this would be one of those things that every youngling would look forward to, a sign of becoming of age some would think.

Normally before an event, to popularize it many colourful and not so colourful posters would be designed and printed and then the daunting task of putting them up. Carried out during the wee hours of the night, close to the breaking of the dawn. Many a story can be told as it's doubtful than any such campaign has been completed "uneventfully".

The teenagers would jump to say they'd bring the car at the meeting, and would be later begging their fathers to let them have the family car or pickup, if driver not provided they would first resort to naming a few senior "aiyas" that would be there with them.

"4am at the Parlour" or so meeting places and times are agreed upon but often the crew would over-sleep and set off a good hour later (if they’re lucky). Once they assemble they'd realize that they forgot a vital essential required for the glue commonly referred to as "Pappa", and be found waking up folks at the hostel or looking for 24hours stores to buy the Flour or "Piti". This would be overcome by many a youngster coaxing their mothers to make the beloved "Pappa" at home but would often not get either the mixture right or underestimate the volume required. For making “Pappa” is a fine Art, it has to be watery enough to be applied by paint brushes but sticky enough to put a up the Poster. Anyway if you don’t run out of "Pappa" then you have been "Icing" on the job for that is the first to run out.

Often we'd stop at "Rahumaniya" or "Pilla" asking for hot water and some spare flour if we didn't have any and make do, for the rest of the remaining posters.

It's a common occurrence that many other events would be taking place in close proximity to your event’s calendar date and so the requirement for publicity and the space on billboards share are common relation. Therefore you'd find the posters that you happily put up being covered by a thick wall of some other form on the way back home just after your campaign. There has been many a fellow who'd run out and carefully peel off the new layer of posters to reveal their own, and leave the other posters at the foot of the billboard.

Fun and games turn sour when it comes to the times of General Elections where, we have had many encounters with JVP dudes (in their white colored vans) rather unhappy to find their posters being under a sea of "Talent Search" or "Drama Comp" or some other sort of Posters.

In the middle of the night when all sorts of odd characters that are known to prowl the streets and when they too have indeed gone to their own beds (or whatever they call it) does creativity strike in the young minds! Yes, that is the only explanation for posters put up at an angle, upside down or even leaving gaps to create some sort of pattern.

AH.. those were the days when the campaign ran late, and you ended up pasting near L.C. or Metho (or some other Girl school.. didn't mean any discrimination) when people you know walk past you [most of the time pretending not to know those who are dressed in hacked old t-shirts and shorts (spare the Adidas and the Nikes from the "Pappa") covered in "pappa" (obviously after a fight with paint brushes or leaning on a billboard freshly glued) with paint brushes in their hands] to school, confused and amazed are some of the looks that parents give us dropping their younglings off to school, often muttering to their kin “Those are the Boys that Daddy/Thatti warned you about!”

The remnants of the trip are not forgotten by either the merry men (now coming of age) or their vehicle as often the interiors are stained with the horrible "pappa" where the bucket spilt taking a fast corner or where the "pappa" clad hand opened the door etc.

I also forgot to mention that the open roads in the middle of the night bring out the "Schumacher" in everybody and want to take a turn at driving (often their first). The few experienced individuals would show off their ability to "Wheel Spin" while the others would make a great effort to keep the vehicle straight for a good distance before they realize the Handbrake is still on.

AH.. the memories of the "Good Old" . These were easily 7-9 years ago and wonder whether it's possible now with all these checkpoints and heightened security. Anyways what inspired this post was the sight of a single guy pasting a poster on a Lazy Sunday morning around 11am. When I ventured closer, I realized he was putting up a Poster for a Stamp Exhibition at R.C. and turned out to be a familiar face. He'd come with his driver and the car was parked beside the bill board and the driver waiting for him. Hmm.. now where is the fun in that I thought to my self?

Attack in Habaraba - 67 killed

2006-10-16T15:50:00.000+05:30

LTTE terrorists rammed the Naval convoy at Digampatana in Habarana with an explosive laden vehicle around 1.30p.m today (Monday the 16th of October).

A huge explosion has occurred causing severe destruction to both naval personnel and the civilians in the area.

According to the latest information available at least 67 people were killed and over 60 people suffered serious injuries in the explosion. However, the sources said that the death toll and the casualty figures could be increased further.
The naval convoy comprising 15 buses were parked at the Diagmpatana rendezvous point at the time of the attack. Over 150 unarmed naval personnel who were going on leave were believed to be present at the location.
Hospital sources said five buses filled with the victims have reached the General hospital Dambulla. Those with critical injuries have immediately been air lifted to Colombo, Kurunegala and Kandy hospitals.
Source - http://defence.lk/

So is this the Start to Peace talks.. or is this what has been churning in the belly of those tigers?

Oliver at the Wendt

2006-10-16T11:15:00.000+05:30

Saturday saw me hit the Wendt with my GF of course and some of her friends to witness the magic of the Workshop players in their rendition of Oliver. The twisted boy who doesnt seem to stray to the dark side (oops this is not Star Wars now is it) no matter how much he's exposed to it. Anyways I have yet to see the "theatrical production" of the book so this is a truly first for me. There fore my comments may be purely ignorant to just plain old stupid. :)

Upon arriving there was a sense of this is being a "Children's Play" dished out and murmur in the audience waiting outside for the door to be opened suggested it too. The no of kiddo's even in the balcony gave me un-easy feeling coz I was already getting a bad feeling of :

Either it's going to be a children’s play that is of low caliber or
Good adult play and the kids in the audience are going to ruin it with their constant nagging their mommies.

To my utter delight none of these were the case. Although the play had a majority of children involved in it, it was handled in a professional manner and the adult actors stole the show. The audience was pretty good apart from a kiddo crying for his mommy once in a while. (Wonder why these mommies cant keep their kiddo's with them instead of letting them sit alone and get scared)

So lets get on with the play, shall we? It was a musical as most would guess, and done very well I must say. The singing was beautiful to the ear, atleast most of it. They used clip on mic's, to their advantage in this case. It was obvious that they have rehearsed with them and got the sound levels balanced way before. Except for one occasion their wasn't any annoying feedback or mishandling of the mic's.

Actors(es) were pretty good in their portrayals. Nancy I would say stole the show. Fagin was great too, although his beard was a wee bit of a hindrance to his expressions (Or may be I'm just blind and my -2.25 glasses dont server their purpose anymore). Oliver was good but lacked clarity in his speech. Sikes was good too. However his appearance wasn’t as menacing as it could have been. I'd picture him with longer hair thick side-burns and maybe even some stubble on the face. The artful dodger's performance also needs some mentioning.

As always the production had some points they could improve, so let the critic in me do my business of pointing out in my opinion what could have been improved on.

The stage setting was nice, the props seemed to have been used well. There was a circular part of the platform that was on rollers and basically did a 360. The movement was fluid except for the noise it made. Maybe they could grease the wheels better. The problem was that the turning thingy was used a little too often. It worked well in some scenes like when Oliver runs away from the Funeral parlor and they use it to show both inside and out. But it was often turned with no purpose and felt more like "hey check out our new fancy gadget.."

Also it would have been nice if the curtain(I think it has finally given away, the runners weren't that cooperative the last time we used it) or the white screen they used was closed at the start as a sense of the magic was lost when you could see the stage before the production started in general house lights.

Playing the stage on two levels was nice, however it cut off the Balcony audience. I know we contribute only 200 bucks to the cause, but that doesn’t mean you should cut us off like that, as a fair proportion was played on the upper level. In such cases they should have brought the 2nd level a bit lower, so that it wouldn’t look like "headless" people singing.

On a side note : Those who are familiar with the Wendt staff, our beloved “Rupe” has had another fall, and most of the weight has gone on to the leg he broke the last time he had a nasty fall.

With regard to singing, some actors like Mr. Bumble had a tough time, I think he should have been relived of this heavy burden with all due respect to the actor. I hope this would be addressed. And that rather vulgar scene between the two, well with all the kids present hmm..

Finally correct me if I’m wrong but there was a part left out according to the book. But it’s understandable that you can fit in only soo much. Just haven’t seen the play before so wondering whether it was cut off by the Workshop players or is it the case originally.

Anyways that’s just me going at it. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the production. 200 Bucks well spent!

Looong Weekend - Finally Comes to an End.

2006-10-12T08:57:00.000+05:30

Why am I still talking about the long weekend on a Thursday? Well this post was due Wednesday morning the actual end to my extended long weekend, but unfortunately with extended holidays comes extended work as soon as you get back. So as you can guess I was a victim of that.

So getting to the weekend. It started off fine with some nice chilling and cleaning my room in patches. For the love of all I finally managed to unearth my bed and did most of the chilling on that. Everything seemed fine till I ate some form of indigestibles that just didn’t tally with my stomach on Saturday I believe and that was the beginning of the end as you may call it. I was ok in patches and managed to do the following during the weekend :

Evening stroll on the Mt. Beach with my GF and her friends on Saturday
Dropped in for Talent Search Semi's (man I tell you, that is the best way to feel "Old", be surrounded by teeny-boppers that you feel guilty to look at.
Catch the motor-show. (My beloved Rangie was there. :( So sad to depart. And soo many MG's. )

Besides that, it was all suffering. I was shitting like a I don’t know what. "Diarrhea" they called it. Anyways I found the two days of Medical leave I got (I say these doctors should be made MD’s of our Companies, they dish out Medicals like it’s their own company) was put to use at the hands of the “Lord Of The Rings”. Yes, finally managed to do some proper reading being disturbed only by my bowels and my GF checking up on me. Finished Book 1 and a bit of Book 2 in the two days. Yippeee. I tell you the movie is nothing like it. Atleast the normal edition. Yet to get my hands on the SEE (Special Extended Edition). 4 DVD’s per movie I’m told.

It got me wondering whether it’s better to read the book first and be disgusted at the movie (like with Da Vinci Code) or Watch the Movie then read the book and realize that there’s a lot more. After all I managed to follow the movie with out the book although some said it would be difficult. Hmmmm... Off to work now!

Mid Week Humour

2006-10-11T09:47:00.000+05:30

I've been sick.. and this was a cheerful welcome in my email. Thought I'd share it with you till I find time to conjure up a post.

Checkpoints Galore and a Claymore

2006-10-04T17:34:00.000+05:30

The morning saw two Kudda’s (Druggies) finding a Claymore in their attempt to salvage metal off the rail tracks. Ironic isn’t it, with all the Police Patrols a Kudda has to go find (accidentally of course.. rumour is it that he actually started hammering at it till some other dude pointed out that it was actually more than 15 kilos of metal)

From where did I hear the breaking news? All the way from Australia I tell you. Technology has so freaking improved that I had to then switch on to the YesFM Online just in time to catch their hourly bulleting confirming this.

Anyways the Police not to be left out started a massive search operation on various roads entering the city, and basically any other placed that would cause a huge traffic jam and an inconvenience to the public. Yes I got caught to it on my way to Rathmalana and yes I tried many routes to avoid it but to no avail. Hence this post is in front of you. 

For the benefit of the reader I have attached a pic of a Claymore Mine(off Battlefield) so you too can identify these fancy metal objects dotted around the city on your next evening stroll.

How do you want to go?

2006-10-03T09:37:00.000+05:30

Last night was a Chaar-Scene. One of my friends father had passed away in the morning and therefore spent the night at his house. Which means I missed LOST (on ART TV). One of my friends said he has the complete season and he’d give it to me. But it’s just not right. Having the entire collection with you doesn’t seem right. That would mean I’ll start watching episode after episode non-stop thereby killing the enthusiasm and that hunger to know what happens next week. True it gives you an easy way out without having to watch all those annoying Ads in the middle, but that’s just me. I’d love to have the collection however as a reference of some sort after I’ve watched the series.

Anyways, getting back to the funeral, the cause of death was Liver failure, some sort of cirrhosis. In other words he’s drunk him self to death, although he’d stopped 6 years ago it had let to many complications. I'm no doc, I'm just putting out what I heard. Anyways it got me thinking “is this the way to go?“

The classic joke would be :

I want to go, just like my grandfather in “silent slumber”, not like his passengers screaming.

Something to think about…

Happy B'Day - Russell Peters

2006-09-29T17:09:00.000+05:30

The anglo indian standup comedian turns 39 today. More info on (I dont need to say anything ya??) :

Happy B'Day Dude... In your words... "Be a Man.. Do the Right thing!!"

Buying Condoms - Friday Joke

2006-09-29T11:48:00.000+05:30

A young man goes into a drug store to buy condoms.

The pharmacist says the condoms come in packs of 3, 9 or 12 and asks which the young man wants.

"Well," he said, "I've been seeing this girl for a while and she's really hot. I want the condoms because I think tonight's the night. We're having dinner with her parents, and then we're going out. And I've got a feeling I'm gonna get lucky after that. Once she's had me, she'll want me all the time, so you'd better give me the 12 pack."

The young man makes his purchase and leaves.

Later that evening, he sits down to dinner with his girlfriend and her parents.

He asks if he might give the blessing, and they agree. He begins the prayer, but continues praying for several minutes.

The girl leans over and says, "You never told me that you were such a religious person."

He leans over to her and says, "You never told me that your father is a pharmacist."

UNP Linked to Brothel

2006-09-29T09:27:00.000+05:30

Ok ok.. I just had to put this up. Not that I'm engulfed in Brothel's or anything, but this is just to hilarious. The way the cookie crumbles, is just unbelievable.

After my last post, Last night while watching a Political Discussion on ITN, the JVP Parliamentarian Anura Priyadharshanayapa shows a lot of pics and says that the accused "Kumari Cooray" (brothel owner) is a staunch UNP'er, her husband was an old UNP dude, and has been sited with J.R., Premadasa and invited Karunasena Kodituwakku to the so called home in Palawatte.

However I figured it was Mr. Somawanasa's younger sister that was in question. According to Mr. Priyadharashanayapa it’s the eldest sister.
Lets see what happens next.... :)

Brothel Saga Continues

2006-09-28T09:57:00.000+05:30

Continuation of my previous post.

Yesterday on Sirasa News First, new issues were highlighted, showing a row at the "Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha" meetings regarding this issue and an angry UNP Paliamentarian speaking at Parliament as to why they dont disclose the identity of the politician in concern, and say "Majour Political Party". He was pissed coz when you say Majour Political Party there are only 2. SLFP and the UNP.

Anyway, people who can lip read sinhala could hear him say "Somawansa Amerasinghege Nangi (Younger Sister)".

With all this happening one of my friends couldn't help but comment on the Women Arrested. Saying "Fit Badu". :)

Anyways I think Sirasa news is the program to watch. It's soo freaking Hilarious. It's like the Sri Lankan version of "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewert. (If you watch it with a applicable sense of humour).

Mid Week Humour

2006-09-27T09:29:00.000+05:30

A woman takes a lover home during the day while her husband is At work.

Her 9-year old son comes home unexpectedly, sees them, and hides in The bedroom cupboard to watch. The woman's husband also comes home.

She puts her lover in the cupboard, not realising that the little Boy is in there already.

The little boy says, "Dark in here."

The man says, "Yes, it is."

Boy - "I have a football."

Man - "That's nice."

Boy - "Want to buy it?"

Man - "No, thanks."

Boy - "My dad's outside."

Man - "OK, how much?"

Boy - "$400"

In the next few weeks, it happens again that the boy and the Lover

Are in the cupboard together.

Boy - "Dark in here."

Man - "Yes, it is."

Boy - "I have football boots."

The lover, remembering the last time, asks the boy, "How much?" !

Boy - "$600"

Man - "Sold."

A few days later, the boys' father says to the boy, "Grab your boots and football, let's go outside and have a game of soccer.

The boy says, "I can't, I sold my ball and boots."

The father asks, "How much did you sell them for?"

Boy -"$1,000."

The father says, "That's terrible to overcharge your friends like

that. That is way more than those two things cost. I'm going to take you

To church and make you confess."

They go to the church and the father makes the little boy sit In the confession booth and he closes the door.

The boy says, "Dark in here."

The priest says, "Now, don't start that sh*t again. You're in MY cupboard now"

---------------------------------------------------------------

Sirasa News First - Fights Back.

2006-09-26T16:28:00.000+05:30

Ok.. firstly neither am I a Sirasa Fan (although I love the MTV porgramme's) and the last thing I am is a JVP'er.

So now that's clear everybody know the row between the two. If you dont, VIC's the man to ask. So now JVP have come back at Sirasa calling it "Koti (Tiger=LTTE) Sirasa". So if you guys have been watching the news yesterday or day before, you'd have seen a big publicity given to a Police raid on a brothel.

Why? I mean these are done on a daily basis. And then re-opened and patronized by the same cops. So why make such a big fuss, featuring this brothel on two occasions? Any guesses?

Turns out that the Owner of the so called brothel, is none other than Mr. Somawansa Amarasinghe's (One of the JVP Leaders) sister, according to an email I received and the hinting on the news.

This is not to support Sirasa or anything but, just funny of how people can dig up some sort of dirt, and feature it on "Prime Time News". These guys are turning out to be like the Leader (Sunday News Paper).

Trip to Kandy - Bradby 2nd Leg

2006-09-26T10:48:00.000+05:30

The much awaited post (after my take on the 1st leg) is finally ready for publishing. My apologies for not coming through sooner. This was not due to "Hang Over" problems but being drained out on Sunday, and loaded up with work on Monday. The trip yielded as many up's and down's you'd expected from a proper Roller Coaster ride. (I haven't had the luxury of it yet, but traveling in 120 Route Bus is a close second I believe).

Colombo-Kandy

Traveled in style. Our group/batch had organized a Bus (not just any bus.. one of those Jet Wing Tourist busses. Breakfast was provided on the bus, and lunch was arranged at Devon. Altogether there were 45 of us, from the batch, so got the chance to talk to most of them, and figure out who's doing what and catch up on old times. Basically nothing to complain about, and this part of the journey could be attributed to the "incline" of the Roller Coaster.

The Match

26-5 Trinity. Doesn't that say it all? I'm sure most of you have read the paper review, watched the match on TV or watched it live. So I won’t go into detail. Except the fact that we freaking lost! I mean the Royal Team looked so disorganized. I think the injury of the Center, Senanayake had a big effect in upsetting the team. Basically as predicted the lack of a proper Place Kicker lost us 8 points. 2 Penalties Nikki (Captain of the side, tried he's hand or foot at kicking) screwed up, and a kickable conversion was messed by Hassen him self. Something Jamaldeen should spend some time on.

Everybody looked lazy, or burnt out well before the 2nd half. Forwards didn't secure the ball at rucks or mauls and the line didn't charge the kicks made by the full back. Although the kicks didn't have the power not the height, when going for “up & unders”. Tackles were slow and lacked power. When that "Sean" dude started running it took like 3 guys to bring him down. Not that he's that big, but our guys weren't going low. I attribute the lack of fitness, to the warming up. They warmed up and did their drills for more than Half an Hour I think. Funny part of their drills was that during the tackles, they kept tackling late, which was the same case in the match and in the Pathana match too. Wonder why the Coach hasn't been speaking to the lads about this.

The Trinity side looked far superior and looked with brains on top of their shoulders. Made far lesser mistakes and made good the opportunities they got. The working of the line was pretty good, with the wingers cutting in, unlike our chaps who were caught thinking and getting tackled in the process, lack of forwards to support and eventually turning the good ball over.

Clearly this part can be attributed to the "down" side of the ride.

For those Automobile fans : A Ducati, Black Hummer and an RX8 were among the Vehicles that caught my eye.

Here are some reviews :
• Shanaka (You need to organize that site mate, or start you blog mate)
• Sunday Observer
• The Nation

And the much awaited 2nd Leg Video off MTV/Sirasa TV (as I mentioned in my earlier post, download this fast, as they might take it off soon)

( Best Viewed on 360 X 288 Pixels Resolution Screen Size, To enhance Picture Quality Connect Your PC's VGA LINE OUT to your TELEVISION LINE IN )

Grounds-Bungalow

After being heart broken during the match, the consolation was some sort of a fireworks display. 100 bucks seemed ok, considering the fire works. Anyway, the deal was I come to Kandy with one set, and stay the night with another set, thereby getting to spend time with more buggers, and in the end have more fun. Well the start to that wasn’t' that great. Why? The Van that they came had broken down on the way, so it was in the garage.

That meant we had to walk from the Grounds to Cargills, to stock up on essential items. Funny thing was, there were only few people that we didn’t know, each person I bumped into at Cargills was from Colombo, like the entire place was filled with them. Wonder whether it's the same feeling people get when they go to places like Melbourne?

After filling up on stocks, decided to grab dinner from the next door KFC, as the lunch at the Bungalow ended up being too authentic (looking at the card they gave us, it doesn’t say anything of Authentic Chinese, only Traditional Sri Lankan & Western Cuisine) for the liking of my friends. After that it was a bloody long walk, in the night back to the bungalow, with stocks in hand, and my heavy bag. Walking around the Nuwera Weva, in some what darkness and the incline and decline of the hills, could be definitely attributed to more downward slopes in the Roller Coaster ride. To add to it, once you get there you realize that the Mobile Signal of all three operators, is only available in the garden at one particular spot. :) Need I say more?

The Night

Hmm, since we did not have transport to check out any night spot in Kandy, we decided to stay in and get high. It was fun, watching each other getting high on their own potent nectars, from Martini (Yes, one dude drank a whole bottle of it, don’t ask why?) to Smirnoff to White Rum and a bit of left over OR. As is always the case we found the shandy running out, why because some dude bought like 7 bottles of Coke at Cargills, and finished their stock. I'm pretty sure we sang the chorus's of pretty much every song we could think of from English to Sinhala, with the accompaniment of one of our chappies strumming away at a guitar till he's fingers were numb. This point of the trip can be attributed to the highest point of the ride. Felt we were closer to heaven at that moment (no no, I wasn't that high, and didn't get myself blind drunk). It was called a night around 3am, although many of the souls were knocked out before that.

The Morning

I woke up around 6am. No hang-overs as I was well within the limit. One of our buddies who was called upon for some emergency “rolling” had to leave early, to catch up with his set. After saying bye to him, I got out my IPOD, looked around at the rest of the buggers fast asleep. The dude at the Bungalow was cleaning up and asked me how the night was. I told him it was good, and asked him whether we kept him up with all that singing. He just smiled. Offered me a cup of tea and started chatting, asking me what I do for a living where I am from etc. He then got on to say how there were lots of people from Colombo in the City last evening, and lot of nice girls and how he could tell they were from Colombo. So I asked him How? He was telling me by the way they dressed. Supposedly Kandy is more conservative, girls don’t dress in tight/mini skirts to go to Town. Only when they go Clubbing or similar sort of places. The disadvantages of a small town, is everybody knows everybody and rumors spread fast if you wear something short, or do something not so conservative. :)

After that, I strolled down the road for a morning walk. Funny thing was people kept staring at me, that is when I realized I was still wearing my skinny and shorts. I don’t think many people in Kandy are use to seeing a Hairy bugger walking in the morning with an IPOD. I ended up near the Nuwara Weva (Kandy Lake), and was chilling on a bench, my god the atmosphere was so serene, no hustle an bustle of the City, (maybe coz it was a Sunday) little kids dressed in white going to Sunday School. I decided I need to live in Kandy. Soon a "Bulath" (Beatle) selling dude pushed his cart and started selling. He seemed to be a regular coz all the people passing by smiled and said "Good Morning" and gave me a weird look. I came to the bungalow a good one an half hours later to find about half of the group awake and chatting about the previous night, while one by one the others got up, some complaining about Hang-Overs and others still High.

This part was the lateral movement from the previous highs reached on the Roller Coaster.

Kandy-Colombo

Just before we left, we got the bill. Realized that the bed tea, served on a table cost 30 bucks each, the string hoppers, pol (coconut) sambol, potato and fish curry cost each person 250 bucks. Need I say more?

The van was fixed, in the sense the alternator had got fried. So the driver had charged the battery over night at some other joint, and hooked it up, disconnected the everything that could kill the battery (Brake Lights) and we drove off to Colombo without A/C as well. Did I mention that I got stuck on a jumper seat from Kandy to Colombo? Oh yes, my butt didn’t find that too entertaining specially a big bugger like me self. The repercussions of that ride were felt all through out the next day I tell you. So you would guess that coming back was a bit of a Low.

There, that’s the end to the Roller Coaster Weekend I had. Hope you enjoyed reading it.

What to Shout at Rugger Matches

2006-09-22T13:10:00.000+05:30

Ok it's the Bradby Weekend, and many of you will be heading down for the Game, so I believe this might come in handy. Even if you don't please bookmark the page, so it'll be around for the next Rugger season (providing that you don’t reformat your machine).

Objective :

Make the geek in you, sound like the "Ultimate source of Rugby Knowledge" and make you the cool dude. (I cannot guarantee whether it'll get you chicks. Your looks will have a big say in that.. await a post on how to improve your looks)

Assumptions :

In order to follow the command's you'll need a prior understanding of the game. For eg :

a) Ability to tell your team from the other.
b) Ability to tell the Referee (referred to as Ref in the rest of post) apart from the players .
c) Tell the linesman (the dude in shorts on either side, with a flag in hand, no they are not cheerleaders of either side) apart from the security personal on the side lines, and maybe the Sirasa TV crew.
d) Relative understanding of positions. (No not the Kamasutra and When I say hooker, I don't mean Russian.)

Finally.. Things to Shout Out :

1. "Support", "Forwards", "Over It"

This is when your boy gets tackled and a bunch of players are trampling his genitalia. A common incident that happens in regular intervals. You wouldn't look out of sorts by shouting this.

2. "Off Side"

The difference between off-side and on-side is a fine line that even the Ref, has trouble defining. Therefore feel free to shout out, at usual junctures of the game. (Obviously not during a stoppage of play though. Eg - Half Time)

3. "Holding On Sir", "Not releasing"

Unlike no 1., please feel free to shout this out, when the opponent’s boy gets tackled (with the ball of course, would be rather embarrassing if he appears not to have the ball with him). Please make sure that you give ample time for your boys to go about trampling the Opponent.

4. "Work it down", "Pass it down"

This never happens, because the coach and the players beg to differ, but the "ultimately cool" thing to shout. Make sure you shout it out when the ball is given to those skinny legged players that stand in what would looks like a line across the field. Hence the word "line".

5. “Get-em”, “Bring him down”, “Deepan Okata”

When an opponent starts to run with the ball. This doesn’t mean that they are going to wait till you shout the above to tackle the chap. But after hearing your encouragement your team might decide to treat him in a "friendly manner" while tackling him.

6. "Shove Royal" - assuming your an RC supporter.

This is when a bunch of the fat buggers (Fat Doesn't mean they look less sexy, it's actually more - for the women folk out there) from your team get together and seem to run into a bunch of your opponents. The players must be on their feet, and must continue to curse each other while the Ref isn't looking. The moment they drop to the ground, find it applicable to shout something like "Out it".

7. "Send Him Out"

When a Ref pulls up a player for a friendly chit chat and discuss the day's proceedings, maybe ask the bloke whether he has any cute sister's, shout the above at the top of your voice. Oh BTW, make sure the player in concern is not wearing the Jersey of the Team you happen to support. If the Ref hears you clearly, he will take the opportunity to flash something yellow (I meant a card.. lol), and send that chappie for a well deserved break.

8. "Referee Hora"
When the Ref doesn't hear you in no 7, or the situation in no 7 is happening to one from your team, or if your side is losing shout it out. Specially if a Sirasa TV Camera Crew is nearby. If frustrations run wild, and you find throwable objects nearby don’t be shy to aim at the linesman. The cardinal rule is not to get caught. As soon as the crime was committed, look at the people around you to avoid suspicion. More information can be gathered by speaking to your friends at Thurstan and Isipathana.

9. "Good Touch"

When a boy on your side, is about to make an attempt to kick the ball away, you can shout this out in encouragement so he'd stop eyeing the cute chick in the grand stand and remember to kick the ball out, even though it doesn't seem to travel that far, make sure you applaud and try to figure out who the bloke was eyeing. (That might be your GF with her Rich Parents, while your stuck in the Concrete Tiers)

10. "Ball Out"

This is when a scrum, that is when the heavier dude's of the teams face each other and appear to kneel and pray for the ball to come out their way, technically speaking the Ref, doesn't like them resting their knees. As soon as you see the ball bubbling out on the opponent's side, shout this out. Not that anybody on the field will hear you, and turn this into an opportunity. It will simply appear to the people around you, that your on "top" of the game.

BONUS : "Brian Homa"

If the Rugger match has been rated as popular as the "Sirasa Super Star" programme, you might find the likes of Mr. Brian Thomas giving an introduction prior to the start of the match. Feel free to shout this out, with an opportunity to be selected for the next “Sirasa Super Star” star search. It would be ideal if you could get a friend to shout out "Tell us something we don't know" in unison.

Disclaimer :

Please note that I will not be held responsible for any negative feedback you receive after following the above. If in case you get into trouble, I'm pretty sure that you have missed atleast one step. In doubt please shout out what the others' shout. Find out what team they support prior to this.

I'd also encourage you to count the no of opposition supporters around you, prior to shouting out the above mentioned. A life insurance policy is also a wise option unless you are a hefty bugger that can take a few blows or a skinny bugger that can squeeze through a tight situation. Note - Don't count on your friends to bail you out. Specially the drunk one's.

If any good comes about (I sound very optimistic. Don’t I?) after following my steps please recommend my blog to your friends, who are dying to be as "cool" as you are. I will soon be starting up an Approved Charity where you could donate your life savings towards a movement that would encourage Geeks to be the New Cool Dude's in town.

Contributors are encouraged to add their own things to shout, but would emphasize that I will not be responsible for any negative outcome. If it is positive, I already thought about that, but had to limit my list to 10. :)

Enjoy!

* Pics have been added to illustrate for the pure geek in you.

Similarities between (Girls and Windows) and (Boys and Linux)

2006-09-21T09:36:00.000+05:30

Girls and Windows

Both have a great UI.
Both consume large resources and do less work.
Both crash unexpectedly.
Both are not easily portable on different architectures (environment).
Both can't work on low resource architectures (environment).
Both are costly to maintain.
Both give mostly unexpected outputs.
Both's working often contradicts with their documentation.
Both are easily prone to viruses (rumors and doubts) (and they (viruses) do spread very fast in windows based networks).
In spite of all above disadvantages, both are liked.

Boys and Linux

Both have an average UI.
Both are robust.
Both are highly secure.
Both can be easily modified to support new concepts/features.
Both are efficient.
Both are easily portable to any architecture (environment) no matter how low are resources.
You can easily guess the output for your input (in Linux just open its code, for boys they are mostly transparent by natureJ).
Both provide large support for development (work environment).
Both are poorly documented.

* Taken off an email I received. Thought you guys would like it. Pls feel free to add more. :)

My take on Venice and Theatre in Colombo

2006-09-19T16:03:00.000+05:30

Just like a parent would "sweeten" bitter medicine given to a child, Feroze Kamardeen and SLM have mixed Pop Culture with Shakespeare to make it more sellable to the masses of Sri Lanka. Okay that wasn't a good start. I'm sure I pissed off many Shakespeare fans by comparing the Bard's work to "bitter medicine". This is not my thinking. I swear by the Complete Works of Shakespeare, I posses.

The production of Venice was a severely commercialized one, and made to appeal to the masses as opposed to a few in the theatrical arena in Colombo. If there be a person who doesn't agree with that, well "may the wrath of the bard, be with you!". Those hard core Theatre lovers especially the lovers of the bard's work would have had the shock of their lives. So it's understandable the critical reviews the play has been getting. This is however in contrast to the reviews on the main stream media.

So.. "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Feroze, not to praise him". Although it may seem like I'm praising the dude during the rest of this post, I'm actually trying to strike a balance (Star Wars style). So I know I'm going to put my reputation (yes I to have some sort of a ding bat one at that) on line for the rest of the post and there'll be a mob gathering to hang me in public (at the crossroads of Kottu), but I do ask you to bare with me, till you come to the end.

No, this wasn't a Modernization of Shakespeare. That would be same theatre companies adaptation of Julius Caesar done in Military Fashion with a Live Newscaster and Projectetion Screens. I kinda liked it. ‘Venice’ was more like what Bathiya & Santhush do to Sinhala music in the country. Not that it's bad (I like them too.. ok now hit me on the head publicly admitting that), it manages to capture a larger audience who normally would think it's boring and wouldn't get half of what is communicated.

It's a debate about portraying/communicating 10% of the play to 90% of the audience or 90% of the play to 10% of the audience. One would argue that a single production of the Bard could be done at all these level's making it appealing for all categories of audience's, infact I like to think the production by us (Royal Production of M.O.V. in 96 or 97) managed to achieve some of this. However we must acknowledge the fact that times have changed and it's not an easy task, with the "teen's" of today being influenced by "Jay-Z", "Eminem" and what not, spending most of their time on Xbox's and PS-2's (is the PS-3 out?) , the last thing they're (atleast most of them.. there will always be exceptions) going to find cool is Shakespeare.

Productions in Colombo have become a "Social Event" where people want to be seen, specially the youngsters, and once they don’t understand what's going on onstage (not that they really pay attention to it, they expect it to get up and hit you in the face), they become restless and bring the house down. Inter School Drama Comp (by the I.C.R.C.) and the Shakespeare Drama Comp (by the Y.M.C.A) are perfect examples. The talent (onstage I mean) at these plays are over shadowed by the loud/restless balcony (comprising ofcourse of the very people I was talking about). A show at the "Wendt" is more of a chance to show off your modified car, your new hair do or the new top (revealing being an understatement) you bought, than enjoy a production and be dragged into the world that the Director portrayed. Let's face it!

Yes I know, you are dying to bring out "Checkpoint" and how it's the perfect exception to the above argument. Hmm.. I don’t know but atleast the audience seemed more mature than what I saw at "Venice". Yes I chose "mature" since I realized that you actually cant use "age" as the metric to understand theatre, as discussed above (forgive me I too make errors you know). I think it's more to do with the audience you cater to, and target in your productions.

So in the end, there would have been more people (who don't dig Shakespeare) in the audience that understood what M.O.V was about, all though it lacked the depth the bard would have liked to be portrayed through his lines and replaced them with songs that people (above mentioned) connect with. In the end it's a compromise between people walking off not understanding the play and what was being said, and people walking out (shaking their heads in disgust) saying "this is not Shakespeare". Again you may point that both these segments of the audience may be captured in one production, and the Director in this instance took the more lucrative and easy way out. To that I bow my head humble silence.

Anyways what ever camp you fall into, there were big "No no's" committed in the play (in my opinion ofcourse). Here's my list.

Clip on Mic's.

Takes away from a Theatrical experience. The need to project and connect with the audience is gone. One would argue that the actors’ voices needed to be preserved because of the long drawn out performance schedule and the singing. The cast was doubled/alternated this shouldn't have been a problem. The singing should be done by, a chorus (to be discussed later). The use of pick up mic's are understandable but still, the Wendt is a perfectly audible stage. One of the first things we get our chaps to do is Projection Training at the Navarangahala.

Live Singing

I first saw this incorparated in "Noices Off" by the same theatre company (I'm talking about live band, and the whole works, not an unaccompanied soloist). This requires people who can sing. Mind you it's a load of pressure on a lead portraying a role but to add a live performance is a little too much even to a brilliant actor or a brilliant singer, unless your both. If you really want to have live performances use a chorus (that can sing of course) so that the burden is on them. The lead can do a Milli-Vanilli if they really want.

Basics in Theatre
Some of the basics in Theatre were ignored, mostly due to the clip on mic's, where the actors made very little effort to make proper eye contact with the audience and deliver to them. Often were found delivering their lines with their back to the audience. Also the lead actors were upstaged a few times during crowd scenes, where there was too much of movement.

Lighting

It's fancy to use Moving Heads and all that, but they failed to focus on the faces of the actors or the actors didn’t walk up to the light. Hence most of the facial expressions were lost (if they had any). Only during a solo (not soliloquy, but a solo or duet) was a Follow spot used.

Character Build Up

There was no character build up as such. Each was played in the same level. Shylock (played by Marsh) and Gratiano (played by Zaiqi) were the two roles who stuck with me, although the others kept coming and going.

Other things on my head :

Stage - Backdrops and Platforms

I must say the backdrops were beautiful. The stage consisted of platforms forming different levels. The highlight being two platforms on rails, with the ability to move forward and backward. Brings me memories of our production of the M.O.V. where we used Steps and Platforms on wheels. I remember the audience being amazed. (Well actually most of them didn't know they were on wheels, there were amazed that after a quick ‘black out’ those bulky steps weren't where they used to be.) Enough of that, my point was that a good 10 years from that production couldn't the Production Managers come up with something better than a stagnent set of platofrms that moved forward and back?

Costumes

Looked amazing, and in period (according to my knowledge). You'd expect nothing better than that from Sonali White - Haddai.

There you are. I hope this managed to bring some balance to the force, rather than seem like I'm praising the dude for his efforts. Maybe we'll call it a "Pop-corn play" (I'd give 4 pop-corns out of 5) so that there's a clearer distinction from the others (other plays performed in Colombo) that the critics will be satisfied with.

On a side note : I came to the realization (at the end of this post, during spell check, I had to, soo many Theartre buff's will be reading this, who are already pissed with me :) ) that I keep messing up the spelling of Mr. Shakespeare. The fact that, there being numerous ways to go about it, being beside the point. : )

Pics have been taken from their photoshoot available on the SLM site.

More Killings. For Water??

2006-09-19T09:03:00.000+05:30

10 or so Muslim civilians were found massacred repairing an Anicut in Ampara. As usual both parties are pointing at each other. Govt is holding the LTTE responsible, while the Tigers have been quick to point out a STF camp nearby. Usual story.

Who ever is responsible, innocent people who were repairing an Anitcut were killed, bringing the hold Mavil Aru situation back to my mind, where the LTTE were holding the anicut for sometime and stopping the flow of water to civilians in the area.

Is there going to be more blood shed for Water?

Thomians learn a new word at Roy-Tho Rugby Encounter

2006-09-18T15:17:00.000+05:30

This Saturday saw the Thomians adding a new word to their Vocabulary. A-N-N-I-H-I-L-A-T-I-O-N! 35-0 (The letters and numbers were brought to you by the Rampaging Royalists - 'Sesame Street Style') This was after they learnt M-A-S-S-A-C-R-E during Zulki’s year where the Thomians were massacred for 38-nil. Thomians have been getting a right Royal bashing consistently with the exception of last year, so much so that, at the end of the game it was just another ‘walk in the park’ both to the Royal Team and it’s supporters.

The view from the 100 buck stadium was as good as the Grand Stand, as the turn out on wasn’t as packed as the Bradby the previous week. The very mobile “takarang” had been taken away, and the spectators were exposed to direct sunlight. Not that I cared, but one of my friends had issues with the possible alteration of his complexion. Not that he (yes I’m talking about a guy.. surprise! surprise!) could get any darker.

Now to the match proper. Well there’s nothing much I can add as expert comments, except for the fact that the Thomians played pretty badly, didn’t seem to combine as a team, and in my opinion didn’t have any determination or enthusiasm to make something out of it. Why? I saw some of those dude’s laughing away while they were getting thrashed to bits. No I’m not talking about the Thomian Spectators, but the members on the team, I specially spotted a young winger “All Smiles”, I’m not sure whether this was the chap that was supposed to “run circles” around our line, but he seem to be smiling at the few women folk in the Stand.

For those of you who missed the match the Royal team drove in 7 tries, with the Help of some lovely drives from the front row, and a brilliant charge down off a “get out of jail” kick to score tries. What was interesting was the fact that the regular place kicker “Hassen” was rested and all the kicks were taken from the bloke playing full back, which was much to be desired. I’m not sure about the thinking behind the coach’s move to rest the dude, but we found out one thing. Our full-back can’t kick for toffees, and I’m not talking about 40 meter penalties, this was under the post stuff. So much so that, the team hardly wasted time on bring out the “tee”, and let him try “Drop kicking” which wasn’t any help either. I certainly hope the usual kicker is not injured; on the day (Bradby 2^nd Leg) as it’ll be an absolute disaster.

Ending on a hopeful note, I got to say that even though Thomians were crap, our boys played much better Rugby than what we saw the previous week. Therefore lets hope that the we’ll get a chance to be on the dishing out end, rather than the receiving end at the Lion’s Den, although a 10 point lead is hard to catch up, a keenly fought, evenly contested match maybe on our hands.

Over to you Sophist, for your expert comments, till then you can read the Sunday Observer Article.

UPDATE

Shanka speaks

It's the Weekend!

2006-09-15T16:41:00.001+05:30

Firstly what the hell happened to Blogger? It was down saying Internal Server Error. Not a very friendly message. Scared me to shit, thinking my lost post had some screwed up code. Then I realized that it was the entire server, not only me. Phew!

So anyway hooray the Weekend is here. So can I put my feet up and just chill? Sadly not. I’ve like a gazillion plans. Here are some (coz you didn’t believe me. Shame on you) :

SATURDAY

a) Clean my room - It's a bloody mess.

I’m actually happy that people who have been there haven’t lost them selves. But my DVD collection is shrinking by the day, and I have reason to believe they are lying around somewhere in the room.

b) Software Freedom Day

I hope I get the chance to drop into one of the locations.

c) The Book Exhibition is On..

d) Royal Thora Rugger Match.

Wonder what we can expect from that. Royal is a better team on paper, turned up winners except for their last two outings. Thora haven’t got their act together, so I hear. Haven’t seem them yet. Although they performance this season isn't much to write home about come the Big Day, I'm sure it'll be an interesting one. I've decided if by chance we loose, my phone is off! All my Thomian friends, wont be able to get through... ha ha!!

Hopefully can have revered Shanaka and his expert comments on a Blog post after the match. Come to think of the Irony of the "Sophist" posting on a Blog with the title "The ability to speak does not make *Us Intelligent". ha ha... why didn't I think of that one. :)

SUNDAY

e) Royal College Old Boys Tap Tourney

Must drop in and see what the "Old Boys" are getting them self into. Our batch has been winning the Tourney for some time me thinks.

f) Venice.

Yup going to see what the Bard has got in store for me. 300 bucks a Balcony Ticket, I think is too much, I say... No matter how good the show is.

Software Freedom Day - Tomorrow

2006-09-15T09:40:00.000+05:30

What is Software Freedom Day ?

One of my friends asked me whether it's a day we can use Microsoft for free? he he.. Sadly not. Microsoft believes that it has done enough service to the World by developing their "Wonderful Software" and charging exorbitant amounts for their licenses is only justifying the efforts put in by their developers. And more importantly free software is not about being Free to purchase, but the “Freedom” to use.

"Software Freedom Day is a global, grassroots effort to educate the public about the virtues and availability of Free and Open Source Software. Local teams from all over the world are organizing events on 16 September 2006."

Source - http://softwarefreedomday.org/FrontPage

So the Sri Lankan Team has planned a bunch of activities I'm told. I've taken a copy of their invitation and put it here, so you guys can drop into any one of their locations and get a better understanding of what "Linux" is, and more importantly what it can do for you. I'm not asking you guys to switch. But atleast be aware of the choices out there. Linux has come far, from the days of being the Operating System for "Hackers" who work, typing nothing but Text Commands on a Green Terminal Screen.

On my account I will try my level best to drop into atleast one location, besides the jumble of work I've planned/got for tomorrow. Good Luck Guys!

ICANN needs to take action against "Tamil Canadian"

2006-09-14T15:40:00.000+05:30

So called Sri Lanka Army Site : http://www.srilankanarmy.com/

Just after I put up my previous post (Appointment of a Sri Lankan to the ICANN) I received an Email regarding a Sri Lankan Army web site.

I say now is this how the LTTE and their supporter’s are going to dish out mud against the GoSL and it's troops?

a) It's illegal in my knowledge to allow such a false front to operate..
b) Unethical. Not that they care.

Yes, if you haven't taken a look at the site, it's a nice little front of the Tamil Canadians. Click on any link and it directs to their site. There is absolutely nothing on the site. Except a bunch of links that lead back to Tamil Canadian. This site falsely guides people into the site thinking it's the SL Army site.

Sooner with more traffic to the site (which I have helped by posting their link) it’ll end up at the top of a Google Search.

I hope the Govt, and the ICANN with it's new Sri Lankan member will look into this. It's pretty obvious to any one.

For those of you who are wondering about the actually Army Site it's : http://www.army.lk/

I wrote to both the "Feedback" on the site and to Veri-Sign the dude's operating the .com Domains. I hope they will take some kind of notice.

Sri Lankan Chosen for ICANN

2006-09-14T11:10:00.000+05:30

A Sri Lankan, Mr. Jayantha Fernando has been selected by the ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to serve as a member of a panel of experts reviewing registry services. I believe this is a great honour for our fellow Sri Lankans. Who know may he'd help me set up my own domain. :)

Here's more about the dude : Taken off ICTA (Oh yes he's a member of the ICTA too)

Jayantha Fernando
Legal Advisor

Jayantha Fernando is an Attorney by Profession and holds a specialized Masters Degree in IT & Communications Law from the University of London, which he completed on a British Chevening Scholarship of the UK Government (2001-2003)

He has extensive ICT Legal experience which spreads across Government and Private sector (both local and overseas), with exposure to several areas such as ICT Policy and Legal reforms, negotiating and drafting contracts for large ICT Projects, DNS, IP addressing & Internet resource management. As head of the eLaws program he played an active role in the formulation of the Electronic Transactions Bill, which was enacted by Parliament on 7th March 2006 and also helped in the preparation of the Computer Crimes Bill and addresses law enforcement requirements from 1996 todate. He is presently advising the adoption of a Data Protection Code of Practice.

Jayantha leads several ICT Legal and professional development programs and has overseas experience lecturing and training policy makers and government officials on ICT Legal and regulatory issues. He is also a lecturer at Sri Lanka Law College, the University of Moratuwa and University of Colombo School of computing (UCSC).

In 2005, he was selected to function as the Associate Chairman of the ICANN Nominating Committee and was invited to serve as a member for 2006. Recently he was selected to serve as a Member of the ICANN’s Standing Panel of Experts for the review of gTLD Registry services. Jayantha is a Board member of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution and also serves on the board of LK Domain Registry.

Here's the official announcement on ICANN.

Matching Shoes and Hand Bag

2006-09-13T11:27:00.000+05:30

I'm not sure whether this is also a part of the age old question, but I'm going to ask it anyway. Why do women have to match every thing? From Shoes to Handbags, from top to bottom, Eye Shadow to Nail Polish?

I'm sure that this post will generate an uproar by all the women folk on the Blogsphere but atleast I'm counting on the guys rallying behind me. he he. This all started with me having to drive my Baby to a Shop in Mount from Col-3 (after work - peak traffic time) to get her Turquoise shoes. Why? because she got a Turquoise bag? Hmm...

For the guys who are wondering what the hell is Turquoise. Check the Wikipedia Definition.

I'm not a fashion guru from Milan, so I wouldn’t know the sense of it, but I tell you being a Guy is very less complicated. Why? When you want to go out :

1. 2 mins before you pull the Jeans or Shorts that are lying on the rack.
2. Grab the first T-shirt from drawer.
3. Pick up your shoes/sandals or Bata and your off.
4. Some times you might stop for a moment to check your self infront of a mirror. (Not me... he he)

The same operation for a girl, would be like:

1. Talk to their GF's to see what they are wearing (not wanting to wear the same thing) also make sure they aren't going to be over dressed or under dressed.
2. Spend the next half an hour in front of a mirror deciding what to wear, which colour etc.
3. Realize that the shoes that match that top are broken and start the process all over again.
.
.
.
.
I stopped at 3, because I realized I might end up writing a book, instead of a Blog Post. he he.

If you guys think, I don’t have dress sense, I'd have to answer both Yes and No. The effort is much less and uncomplicated on my part. Only for Work and special occasions that I bother about matching. ANd that would include ONLY Tie, Shirt and Longs. Yes, I don’t wear Brown shoes, with Brown Pants. The black one's I own, look just fine. Oh yes, I also make a note to wear dark colored socks with dark pants. I know a certain few who dont bother about that either.

Speaking about shoes, how much of them do women own? I'll leave that upto you guys to figure out. he he.. Speaking for my self.. 2 Black pairs (One for Work, the other for Special Occasions) 1 Trainer(Hardly gets worn) 1 Pair of Slip on Sandals and 1 Pair of Batas (Actually my uncle, believes that they belong to him, so it's half-half I guess.)

So it's time for the Judgments... I'm the Typical Guy (as you can see), and my GF.. the Typical Girl. Mars and Venus Story. Anyway end of the day, we like our Women to look Good(I meant Gorgeous/Stunning etc.), so all this complaining is just a "Guy Thing", so you women folk out there, don’t stop what you've been doing, just on my or any other guy's account. Besides my GF is totally grateful for the pains I took, so everything is cool over here.

But, just in case you don't hear from me for a while, that isn't because I switched to "Blogger Beta", most likely my GF clobbered me (after reading this) with her New Hand Bag. :)

Bradby Shield First Leg Video

2006-09-11T11:38:00.000+05:30

In my continuing search for Free Media in my previous post, I found something better than a Rugby Guru's views on the Match. The match it self on MTV (News First) Website. So that the Guru in you, can come to your own arguements. Download this while you can, before they take it off. If possible some one submit it to You-Tube too.

( Best Viewed on 360 X 288 Pixels Resolution Screen Size )

Blogger Beta

2006-09-11T10:58:00.000+05:30

I've been seeing the Blogger Beta icon many times and actually gone through the tour, but scared to do the switch. Today I've finally decided to go ahead, why? The ability to categorize your posts!

Does any one have any experience with this? Pls let me know what I'm getting my self into.

So if all goes well. You'll still see me. If not it's Goodbye to the Blogsphere.

Hope the force is with me, this time!

UPDATE

I decided against it, after going through the Blogspot Blog on Known Issues and the Google Forum.

Issues that concern me are :

Classic bloggers cant post on Beta Blogs (as the Beta login is based on Google Accounts.. me thinks)
Beta bloggers cant post on Classic Blogs ( ..do.. )
Inability to Post Pics at time.
Cant view the Blog at times.

Still waiting for some feedback from you guys..

9/11 - 5th Anniversary

2006-09-11T09:42:00.000+05:30

Today is a somber for many Americans, and humans alike. While taking a moment to respect those victims, it is very important to look at life after 9/11. I'm not talking about how the Americans are going to rebuild the Tower, nor how secure they are 5 years after. You can find that information here.

I am talking about how it has affected our lives, miles away. Bush's war on Terror, had it's impact on the LTTE, having some weightage on the E.U. Ban and ultimately showing that Terrorism is not going to be dealt in a Friendly manner.

Along with that many controversies have arisen over justification of War in Iraq and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and more interestingly the controversies surrounding the 9/11 attacks. Did American's help/support Bin Laden/His Family, Was Saddham Hussein aware of the attack's and Was the Pentagon hit by a Plane or a Missile?

Bradby First Leg 21-10

2006-09-10T11:12:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, was the much awaited "Blue Ribbon" as you would call it of School's Rugby. I found my self with my GF, a few friends getting up their by 3pm to catch a good spot, and ofcourse "Park the Car". Yes, this year I found my self financially incapable of reserving tickets at the "Grand Stand", 600 bucks a piece they go for. I say that is way too much. What was more horrifying was to find the "Pathana" match tickets priced at 350 bucks. I say you, it would have been understandable if it were the "Thora" match. Which means I can anticipate how much that encounter is going to cost. So the "Tiers" are comfy enough, till I find a better job, that makes me feel 600 bucks is like toffee's.

Over to the match. Being the Royalist I am, I was expecting a defeat. Yes, yes, seeing the way our lad's performed against "True pressure" (@ the Pathana Match) I knew when "Push comes to shove", there's little we could do. But by golly's our chaps put up some Good Moves, surprised the Trinitians and registered the first points. We had more of the ball in our hands, and the forwards kept driving, but kept getting tackled, the line was under-fed me thinks, but then again both the opportunities they got, they fumbled and that mind you was like 25yards into the Goal Line.

All in all I was unhappy seeing the way our guys fluffing opportunities right at the end. It would have been understandable, if Trinity just dominated the game, (like the Last year) but this was really saddening. To add salt to the wounds, we saw a few gutsy moves and runaway points scored by the Trinitians, when I felt our blokes were too tired or unorganized or both to stop them. I wouldn't have minded a 4 point lead going into the 2nd Leg, but 11 points is too much of a dampener. That means we have to make our own fun. he he..

Atmosphere was well alive, with buggers bringing down the "Roof Down". I mean literally, the make shift tents on the tiers weren't fastened enough for a ravaging mob of Royalist's of all breeds, some potent from the "Nectar of God's", shaking and slamming the sheets, just to see them drop one by one onto their very own heads.

Well that's a Rugger Match for you. Over and out.

Here's more on the Bradby (Experts opinion over mine) :

1. Sunday Observer
2. Sunday Times ??
3. Sunday Island ??

?? So much for freaking Free Availability of News in Sri Lanka. All those sites require Registration. Ba-humbug!!

UPDATE

Found this new Paper in town to have a nice web site.

1. The Nation

And for those of you who don't know what the Bradby is, well you can't be living in Sri Lanka, if so "Shame on you". It is a Rugger match played between Royal College and Trinity College Kandy, in two stages (or Legs as we like to call it) one in Colombo and one in Kandy, hosted by the respective schools. The name "Bradby" came about after Mr. E. L. Bradby (then Principal of Royal College) awarded a shield for the match played in 1945, which turned into a two match series and the Winners being declared on the aggregate of the points in both the matches. Prior to the awarding of the Shield both schools have been playing each other since 1920.

Where did I get all this? Well it's common knowledge to any member of the two schools, in addition I had the privilege of Editing one such Bradby Souvenir back in the day.

* Pathana - Isipathana Vidyalaya
* Thora - St. Thomas' College

Nothing Like a Poya Day

2006-09-08T09:38:00.000+05:30

Yesterday was Binara Poya Day, celebrated as a Mercantile Holiday in Sri Lanka. The relevance of this Holy Day is the Starting of the "Bhikkuni Sasana" order for Female Priests and the Start of "Vas" season, where Priests tend to restrict them selves and stay within Temples (atleast in ancient times).

More on the establishg of the Bhikkuni Sasana.

To me, a Poya day gives a well earned break. I actually spent the whole of Yesterday, without the Internet. he he. Cleaned my room and did a bit of driving for my mum.

Many economists would beg to differwith me, that Poya Day's cause huge economic loss to this country, and too many holidays in Sri Lanka, blah blah. My point is that, it gives us a chance to get out of the "Rat Race" atleast for one day. We can't do that on weekends, because most of our Weekends are full of plans, from Marketing to Laundry day. An unscheduled holiday in the middle of the week, gives us a chance to just chill out. After all this is a tropical country ya?

5 Years!

2006-09-08T08:49:00.000+05:30

5 years since we bumped into each other on ICQ
5 years since we cliqued and thought we were soul mates
5 years since I said "Are we falling for each other?"
5 years since she said "yes".. after a pause that felt like an eternity!

She is the love of my life, my earth angel! and today we are 5!

Stratergic Victory over Mindless Acts of Violence

2006-09-06T15:30:00.000+05:30

The Govt of Sri Lanka secured Sampur on the 4th of September. This was seen as a welcome turn of events proving the Govt's Military Power over the LTTE, as many of their attacks in Colombo took center stage in the Media. Unlike the mindless bombings and failed attempts of the LTTE, the Govt chose strategic targets to execute their goal. A blinded one may still argue that a Training Center is still an Orphanage, I will let you decide.

Sampur has lately proved to be a very huge threat as the LTTE acquired the ability to mount long range artillery attacks on Trinco Harbour from there. The victory at Sampur I'm sure will prove a Moral Booster for Govt Troops who were being teased and their patience tested all these days by the LTTE taking to account the numerous CFA violations.

A few points from the Govt Press Release regarding the take over are pasted below.

"The entire Sampur area is under the control of the Security Forces and the troops advanced and captured the heart of Sampur town and coastal areas in the early hours of yesterday. Ichalampattu, Kadakaracheru and Kattaparichan were taken under the control of the Security Forces at the beginning of this operation," Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

"Our aim is not taking over or occupying the territory but neutralizing the artillery for the safety of civilians. There is the Prima Flour factory and an Indian Oil farm which are located close to the port. These locations and civilians are under immense risk and threat. Therefore we have to provide them security and safety," Minister Rambukwella said.

"The LTTE cadres have been attacking the Security Forces since August 27 from Sampur using artillery and mortars. The Security Forces retaliated the attacks for the sake of civilians, Army spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said.

As a country our gratitude goes to those Brave Soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Unity and Peace of this Country. Let spend a moment for those fallen hero’s as well.

I’ve included a picture posted by a certain “Suren” on one of my previous posts as a Tribute to our Heros.

Check Point the Play

2006-09-06T09:58:00.000+05:30

Managed to catch the much talked about production in town on it's final day - Check Point. Thought provoking to say the least, brilliant production where the Actors did a splendid job I must say as a whole.

Last bus story was a Good one man show! Actor handled the Transitions very fluidly. Although there wasn’t enough gum to pass around.

Loved how the Orphanage/Training_Center was depicted and the symbolism of the Colpetty scene. Auction was an interesting idea, but dragged a wee bit at the end. My friend Boycy suggested a Counter on the back drop for the no of Tamil/Sinhalese or GoSL/LTTE.

The forum was brilliant. The sheer nature of starting something that you wont know how it will end is mind boggling. Although the Characters know their limits well before us, it upto the Audience to set up confrontations in a way that will lead to a Resolution. I felt that the audience was stuck to the traditional school of thought and failed to accomplish the goal, not that it was a must. Although I'm curious to know what means led to the Resolution on that "fateful" day. I'm happy that although we didn't reach a resolution a Conflict within a conflict was pointed out, that being the plight of People like Rajive(an) the Tamil Married to a Sinhalese sandwiched between two Hard Liners. I thought he played his part brilliantly and didn't stray for his Characterization, although the audience was begging for him to slip towards a one side. Hat's off to you mate!

Shanaka (also being called Rambo by Prakash the possible LTTer) was found out of sorts at one solitary point when he said he doesn’t like "JVP and JHU" but continued on his war path, it's difficult to find such war mongers who don’t support the above organizations. Although an interesting point was that he never actually said he likes war, and wants to finish this off through war. Maybe I'm contradicting my self then, but leaves us something to think about. Maybe we should have provoked him more, on how he wants this to end.

All in all GOOD SHOW!! Worth every Penny!! (the best way my little vocabulary can describe the play, rather than getting into all posh posh words)

Petrol Hits 3 Figure Mark - $$$

2006-09-05T09:00:00.000+05:30

Yesterday saw the last barrier being broken for Petrol, the 3 figure mark. Yep for those of you who didn't know, Petrol is now available at Ceypetco Shed's for Rs. 101 per liter. I think the IOC guy will be selling it for 4 bucks more.

So it's time to pull out my trusty Mountain Bike, which I used to call "Knight Rider" ha ha.. and start peddling from Colpetty to Nawala. Who knows end of the day I might lose some extra flab too.

Any other suggestions?

Over and Done With... I hope!!

2006-09-04T14:47:00.000+05:30

Last Sunday saw the end to exams in my External Degree program . I hope! (Unless I flunked any ones, but I think I'm cool) So an end to exams means, an end to misery!! Yey!! No classes on Weekends, at 7.30am (not that I make it on time).

With that over, I had a very rude welcoming at the Office. Our SLT Modem had decided to Freeze up and say bye to this lovely world. Make matters worse, my Boss was here before me, wondering why he can't check his mail.

Well, response was not that bad from SLT, didn't have to wait long, very helpfully guy replaced the modem, without having to persuade him.

So here I am, after finishing my daily work, reading Kottu!

Isn't it Ironic?

2006-09-01T09:02:00.000+05:30

"A traffic jam when you're already late

A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break

It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife

It's meeting the man of my dreams

And then meeting his beautiful wife

And isn't it ironic... Don't you think?"

In order for you guys to get any sense out of this post, I'd have to explain a bit of what I do. So go ahead take notes.

Some of you would have already figured out I work in some IT company. That's a head start. My company is one of the few companies who sets up Broadband Internet for Hotels. Our main competitor is an Indian Company operating here. Anyways this starts of with one of existing Hotels wanting more from the system. Myself and my Senior colleague spent over an hour debating with the Hotel's IT Manager (who still doesn't seem to understand how our system operates) about certain reports he wants. We were explaining to him, we simply cant provide them as they are not available in the current system, and got into a long drawn out argument about "Company Policy".

After that we come back, our General Manager is complaining that he's home internet is not working. We've set up an SLT Dial Up on card because the guy hardly has any use of it. So I take his username and check it out on the SLT Site and I get "Account Expired", and no place to recharge the card. So I go through the SLT F.A.Q. and is says can do so. So I call up, and wait on hold for like 10-15 mins and get through to a lady who says you cant Recharge after it's expired.

Obviously pissed off I say go through your F.A.Q's. And she explains that if the card balance is over they can recharge it, but if the duration has expired, they cant do anything about it. Which makes perfect sense, but the wording on F.A.Q suggest otherwise.

Anyways I push her to the bone, and speak to her Supervisor and Manager and all, to get something impossible done. Why? Coz, if I create a new account for my G.M. that means I need to go all the way to Wattala to re-configure it. (Yes, he cant do it on his own). When all of a sudden it hits me, hell these guys are just like me, it's their company policy, the system is set in that way. So I just give up, thank the lady for a patience.

Isn't it Ironic? How you don't want to change your policy, but go all out to change some one else's?

Unemployed Undergrads - Tharuna Aruna

2006-08-31T08:52:00.000+05:30

Yes, today I have decided to dedicate my rant to the above mentioned. I do not know much about the "Tharuna Aruna" programme, but I'll give my opinion about it and the fellows anyway.

So C.W.C Kannagara got this brilliant idea of Free Education, and did his part making all Text Books freely available for Students. I think it was Premadasa who gave out Cloth for students uniform, and then some one pitched in with "Milk" and "Banis" for the students too. Hell even Mahinda pledged Lunch for students (I don't know how far it has gone to being implemented on a daily basis). Anyway, all these efforts have been made inorder to support the notion of Free Education. Hell some of these kids who do well in Scholarship get a monthly allowance until they complete University. Not that you'll see those kids, playing pool with that money, but it's something. I knew a few guys back in School who used to get it.

So what am I getting at? Well my thing is that, you get a free education upto Uni (if you make it, unlike me) after that why do you want a Free Job? What do I mean? Well these guys want it easy! They expect to be Educated by the Govt, then to be found a Job by the Govt! Hell, I'm thinking they want the Govt to find them a Wifey too!

Why? So these lazy asses can go to their Govt Job's and live a cool life working probably 3 hours a day, striking every 3 months for various reasons, and when they retire end up with a healthy pension. Talk about giving something back to the Country eh?

IMO, you got a free education, now get off your asses and make your self useful! Don't sit around expecting the Govt to find you jobs! Don't be afraid of the Private Sector! They might work you to the bone, but they'll pay you in return!

"Tharuna Aruna" - According to the minister (I have no respect for) this programme was meant to give a training for Grads to seek jobs in the Private Sector. So now you have buggers who finished their training asking for "Govt" jobs!! What the hell, why can't you guys make it in the Private Sector??

"Monks" - My respect for Buddhist Monks is going down, day by day. I think Mahinda needs to carry out a "Dharma Sangayanawa". Anyways, what's wrong with them? I see a monk on T.V. complaining about the same topic. Geez! I thought they were supposed to get their education in a "Pirivena", go to university follow something in "Buddhist Philosophy" or something in those lines, so that they can use those teachings in their Temples. I don't have anything against Monks teaching in Schools. But thats it. Not politics nor other jobs!

Women-Only Traffic Police Unit

2006-08-30T08:50:00.000+05:30

Russians have done it again! They are going to create Women only unit to patrol the streets. Why? Coz the men apparently let the traffic offenders get off in exchange for bribes. So why women? "There is research which proves that women are not inclined to bribe-taking,"

Hmm.. so now do I hear all you ladies shout discrimination? "Women also Except Bribes!, just like our male counterparts!" or just blush away and say how rightoues you are, forgetting about the equality of your fellow males.

Anyways I caught this on GOLD FM, so I did some "Googling" here's what I got.

Yahoo - Only women need apply for Russia traffic police
BBC - Russia to get women traffic cops

Anyways that leads us thinking about one thing. How would this apply to our Beautiful little Island Paradise Sri Lanka? Yes we all know that corruption is high on the streets all over from Cops to Govt Offices.

Think of your self being pulled over by a Female Cop. How are you going to get her to accept a bribe?

Cop - "Ah mahaththaya gamu License eka eliyata"

You - "Ah Madam? (I use Ralahami on males, but Ralahamine aint that hip eh?) Mama awe "Kaha" Light eke ne!

Cop - "Me aiyse boru kiyanna epa, kaha light eka thiyenne enna newey ne?"

You - "Na ethin, kola eka enna hitiye, ewunata eka Kaha wunane"

Cop - "Ehanang eka api Usawiye balagamu!!!"

You (hearing the mention of Court, pullin out your wallet) - "Naha naha, apita monwath karaganna barida me gana?"

.. For you guys to fill the rest ..

Check Points in SL

2006-08-29T15:51:00.000+05:30

Not be confused with the Production going on the boards this weekend - Check Point!

What is the practicality of all these check points imposed all over Colombo and the spot checks carried out at entry points to the city?

For most of us affected, it's merely a Traffic Jam and a bloody inconvenience. I mean realistically speaking, you don't find concealed bombs during these checks. Most of these are discovered by tip-off's of vigilant law abiding citizens. There is no way by holding the mirror under a car you are going to discover anything, except maybe the no of dents on your under carriage that you've accumulated going over "over-sized" speed bumps.

It gives the chaps a chance to have a good look at a Hot Chick driving her Maruti or Beemer. Get her to step out, open the boot, and check her "Boot" out.

If your Tamil, your in for trouble. As a ton of questions maybe fired at you, and watching you with skeptical eyes as you winch while answering them. Basically it's safe to get your self a Police Report. I experienced this, when one of my contractors was refused entry at a 5 star hotel, saying high security blah blah during SAG, just because he was Tamil. I know this is going to cause an uproar of people claiming "Discrimination" and all the works. Well taking the situation into account, I think you have to live with it. No I don't think all tamils are Terrorists, and I believe that all Terrorist's AREN'T Tamil either. Gives you something to think abt.

So what do these "Checkpoints" achieve besides the above?

It servers as a deterrent! The effort required to plan an attack would have increased. In some instances even avoid such attacks. Not that it gives you a true sense of peace of mind, but knowing that it wont be easy as the last time, gives you some satisfaction. Specially for people like my self, who are always on the move.

One thing I need to comment on is the Army H.Q. I am a firm believer that the attack on the Army Cmdr was plausible due to the simple fact of the lack of a metal detector at the entrance. This has been rectified (little too late), however additional measure of a ramp being installed in the location, to check vehicles entering the H.Q. is commendable, however the practicality of them will be something for us to see in the future.

On a last note, well I'd like to thank all those manning these checkpoints (I know I might have insulted a few of them, with what I said above, lets not generalize it may be only a few) as our lives are at their hands! So the next time I curse their parents, it's only out of sheer frustration!

Microsoft Get Ass Whipped !!

2006-08-25T15:44:00.000+05:30

Patent penalty against Microsoft increased $25 million!

Microsoft willfully infringed on the patents of a small Michigan company and engaged in litigation misconduct in its effort to defend itself, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis upped a jury's award against Microsoft by $25 million, plus nearly $2 million in legal costs. He cited several instances of misconduct and "ample circumstantial evidence" that Microsoft viewed the patent-holder, closely held z4 Technologies, as "a small and irrelevant company that was not worthy of Microsoft's time and attention, even if Microsoft was potentially infringing its patents."

Serves you right Mr. Gates, caught with your pants down, thinking you can run over small companies! Although the penalty must be like toffees to you!

We need Google-Fi in Sri Lanka.

2006-08-25T11:43:00.000+05:30

Wired News: Putting Google-Fi to the Test - Google has pledged Free Wi-Fi in US, and here's Wired News, putting it to test. They've pleged 1mbps. So far the guys at Wired have experienced 900kbps - 190kbps.

When are they gonna come over here? This is what Sri Lanka needs.

Shit Happens only in Sri Lanka

2006-08-24T16:03:00.000+05:30

All Sri Lankans should be proud, of our Lads and Lasses as they are doing the Country proud at the SAF GAMES! Are we 2nd or 3rd? According to GOLD's, we're third?

Medals Table

However there are a few droplets of "Gob" that cant stop hitting the "Milk Pot" as would be expressed in Local Terms. What am I talking abt?

1. Andrew Abeysinghe. There is a lot of controversy regarding this, and myself do not have any links to the Swimming Arena in SL, therefore cant comment on who is right or not.

BUT, I certainly can give you my opinion on how he's being treated. The lad after winning two gold's, gets cat called by the affected parents "Go America, Cmon America", while taking his mark on what ever that thingy they take their mark on, and during the ceremony. This is outright BULL!, and proves how Pathetic we Sri Lankans are. After he's selected to represent Sri Lanka, he is "Sri Lankan". No matter what, whether in disgust, either protest outside or be silent while the boy is taking his mark, not for anything but he's trying to win Sri Lanka a GOLD!

Thats all I'm going to spend on Andrew for now. Further readings.

Poncha taken by surprise by Abeysinghe

VIC's Blog Post that Spiked a bit of controversy

2. A potential Gold Medalist, Sri Lankan mind you, beaten by 6 men, broken limbs and in hospital. He's even is the Marathon scheduled for Monday. So is this the epitome of someone's jealousy towards some others achievements? I don't know the entire story behind this but it's truly saddening to see things like this happen here.

Daily Mirror (Need Registration)

3. Also I read that the Games have been marred by Biased Judging of Officials in the Boxing Arena, giving Pakistan the upper hand. Why couldn't this be avoided, is beyond my comprehension?

Daily News - Winning silver is good as gold - Harsha, Indika

Anyways, please do share your opinions and comments. I don't mean to be a dampener, but these are the Facts behind the SAF GAMES.

Exams Finally..... AREN'T Over

2006-08-22T10:26:00.000+05:30

Ok so, whats this all about? By now I thought I'd be flying as free as a Bird. But unfortunately it is not the case. Now I have to live my life, in doubt, fear, anxiety. No I'm not taking part for Miss Universe nor am I a "Terror Suspect". Just that one of my papers got postponed. The one that I was kinda "fit" with. This is how it all happened :

Exam start time Saturday 2.00pm, we are supposed be in the Hall 1.30pm. I get their on time, do some last minute prepping and realize that there are some confusions in some Commands (Linux). Make up my mind to write what ever! So we take our seats and notice an a low turn out. I figured the subject was not a Popular one, but hell people that had places reserved for them, not showing up isn't that common. Then at 2pm, a coordinator announces that a Security Check Point at the Kelaniya Bridge is causing a huge jam, and many students will be getting late. So lets give them Half an hour!!

Arrrgh!! That just what you need. When you've got your self pumped up, turned those nervous growls in your stomach into some sort of Adrinalin. I just lost it. Many of us there were pissed. Half an hour later, people start talking about postponement, giving us full marks (yeah right) and what not. This is killing me as right now I'm not in a position to sit for it, coz I've lost the "oomph" and fear that I wouldn't give it all I got, if I have to write it now. Thankfully, the coordinator dude steps in and announces the Exam is postponed indefinitely, tomorrows papers are on schedule.

So where does that leave me. Pissed that I couldn't finish off this headache that I've been carrying on for 3 years. Knowing the dudes at UCSC they'll give like 3 days notice, and by the time they have it, you'll have to start studying again. Aharrgh!

There you go, any ways the Good news is "I'm Back" and the bad news is you have to deal with my "Ramblings"!

I wish I could rip your HAIR out ?!

2006-08-22T09:30:00.000+05:30

Darrell, Darrell, Darrell, what have you got your self into? Is it us South Asians that you fear? Did you think that just because a few Pakistani's were (supposedly) involved in the British Hunt Down for Terro, you could do your part on the Field?

Well this wasn't the first for you? You had to call Murali a "Chucker". Why? Does he scare you? Ok, the first mistake was forgiven, but after the bloke being cleared, you have to write in your little book "you still think Murali is a chucker".

So what you have created history, getting two teams to walk out on Test Matches. Hope you can sleep well in bed tonight, knowing that you have the Indian Team to "play your little games with" and maybe even the Bangladesh team, before you quit.

It'll be a sorry situation though, if the Asian Teams could getogether as "ONE" like they have stood for many things in the past, and demand you apologize publicly (if you can put your self to it) and keep you away from Cricket Pitches that they trod on.

Was there a smirk on your face, when the Pakistani team had to walk into the field among the "Boo's" of the crowd? Felt happy about your self eh? Well sleep well, you lowly bastard, since none of the 26 cameras on the Ground caught some thing

Here's a list of Hair's contributions to the "Gentleman's Game".

Further reading.

About the Bloke.

On a different note, the mighty Mark Boucher say's "BRING IT ON". Oooo we are soo scared!!

Both these guys should be added to the "Google Failure list". If you aren't sure what I'm talking about. Type "failure" on Google and look who's on "Top".

Exams exams.. urgh!!

2006-08-15T14:32:00.000+05:30

Some of you must have been wondering why I have been silent for a while. Specially when soo much has been happening around. Well I have no fears as the rest of the bloggers are keeping up with the posts, and whenever I have found time, I've added my little comments on them

No I have not been silenced by the Pussies, with a gun to my head nor have I received any threatening phone calls. (Upto now)

As the Title would suggest, I am sitting for me Finals on Saturday. For those of you who are wondering what? where? Well I started this External Course at University of Colombo in IT, what they call "BIT". Well while I thought it would be something I'd do on the weekends and keep it on the side, I got more than what I've bargained for, and on many occasions wanted to quit.

Kudos, to my girl friend who kept me at it, hopefully finishing what I started this week. There fore please except my humble apologies for the emptiness of this blogspace, if you miss my posts (yeah right?) go through my archives or check my blog roll.

Anyways, this is over and out from me, in my vein attempt to study, for what would seem like a monumental moment in my life.

PS - I forgot.. pls wish me luck! That's the only thing I can count on at the moment.

Kandy (Asela) Perahera - Online!

2006-08-11T15:57:00.000+05:30

This is two days late, but thought I'd put it down anyways. While watching Rupavahini on the 9th, I happened to see an Ad : "Live Web Cast of the Perahera". About time I thought, that some thing as beautiful as this, boasting the cultural heritage of our little island be broadcasted for the rest of the world.

Since I'm stuck with a Dialup at home, I wasn’t able to enjoy the experience, so I cant comment on the actual "Web Cast". However I feel that not enough publicity was given, not that anybody in SL is going to bother to Watch the Perahera online, while it was been shown Live on 2/3 TV Channels. But it would have given a chance for the Local's to call up their relations abroad and
inform them. I wonder what the international publicity was like, as the web cast was catered to the Foreign Audience as well with narrations in English, Japanese, French and German.

Wonder whether they'll release a Streaming Video of the "Perahera". This coming at a time, where international media sees Sri Lanka once again as a Country full of conflict, would be an ideal, to show that it's only in a part of the country and as indi says, the country is still going on, and there are many things to see in this beautiful country.

Proper undergarments should be worn but not visible.

2006-08-11T10:57:00.000+05:30

While going through one of V-I-C's posts I stumbled upon another story. "Cleavage Ban in Arlington School". Thought I'd post the Dress Code, so you guys can compare and let me know what you guys think. I for one, wasn't lucky enough to be placed in "Mixed School".

Now isn't this a crime against Humanity? (Seems to be the in thing, in SL - I meant crimes against humanity) Human Rights violation? Not letting them nice girls wear what they want. Googling more on this issue I found this : Panty Ranting. I'm sure, attendance rates are gonna drop in School.

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THE STUDENT DRESS CODE

A student’s conduct is related to his/her clothing. Therefore, the school is directly concerned with the student’s clothing. The appropriateness of a student’s clothing for the school environment should dictate the choice of clothing and grooming practices on each given day.

Some campuses have implemented a uniform requirement pursuant to AISD policy FNCA (Local). See p. 56-60. Parents and students should check with the campus to confirm whether uniforms are required.

All students are expected to adhere to common practices of modesty, cleanliness and neatness; to dress in a respectful manner within the acceptable standards of the community and in such a manner as to contribute to the academic atmosphere, not detract from it. Students who fail to comply with this dress code may be sent home and be subject to disciplinary actions.

Any clothing, accessories, symbols, jewelry, or other paraphernalia, which depicts or suggests association with a gang, secret society, or fraternity, shall not be brought to school, worn at school, or in any way be present at any school-sponsored event.

ANY OTHER CONSIDERATIONS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER ANY CURRENT FASHION TO DETERMINE ITS ACCEPTABILITY FOR SCHOOL WEAR.

Clarification regarding apparel should be obtained PRIOR TO WEARING IT TO SCHOOL; this can be obtained from the school administration. Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the school’s administration.

Teachers are charged with the responsibility of enforcing student dress code in their classes as well as on campus. Administrators and other school personnel share the same responsibility. Teachers shall follow building procedure for discipline referral regarding dress code violations.
No attempt will be made to dictate fashion styles as long as they are in keeping with district policies. It should be noted, however, that it is the responsibility of the student and parent that the student adhere to the dress code, as follows:

GENERAL:

1. a. Any clothing, jewelry or accessories with decorations, patches, lettering, advertisements, etc., that may be considered obscene or offensive are not to be worn to school. This includes any clothing, jewelry, accessories that may be used as weapons, accessories having drug, sexual emblems, tobacco or alcoholic beverage references or designs.

b. Form-Fitting garments such as spandex may only be worn with another layer of clothing, which meets the dress code.

SHIRTS & BLOUSES

2. a. Crop tops, tube tops, halters and spaghetti straps are unacceptable (anything less than 2 inches is considered a spaghetti strap.) Strapless dresses without jackets are unacceptable.

b. The display of cleavage is unacceptable. Low cut blouses, tops, sweaters etc. with plunging necklines are not allowed.

c. The length of an untucked shirt must be no longer than the tip of the longest finger with the student’s hand fully extended down the side of the student’s leg.

d. Transparent and/or see through material is considered unacceptable. Shirts/tops must touch the waist of pants/skirts at all times (i.e. when in movement, when arms are extended or raised, and when in seated position, etc.)

e. At the secondary level, a boy’s shirt should cover the entire crown of the shoulder.

f. Tall T-Shirts are not permitted.

DRESSES, SKIRTS:

3. a. The length of a skirt/dress must be a minimum of half the distance between the fingertips and the top of the knee when the student’s hand is fully extended down the side of the student’s leg.

b. When measuring skirts, dresses, or shorts/skorts that have slits, the length will be determined by measuring from the top of the slit.

SHORTS, SKORTS

4. a. The minimum length of shorts/skorts must be no shorter than the tip of the longest finger with student’s hand fully extended down the side of the student’s leg.

PANTS:

5. a. Intentionally torn or cut/slashed pants are considered inappropriate.
Manufactured boot-cut slits are acceptable.

SAGGING PANTS:
6. a. No Sagging.
b. Students shall wear their trousers or overalls properly at the waist.

ACCESSORIES:

7. a. All students must wear shoes.
b. Students should wear athletic footwear in order to participate in any physical education class.
c. Hair should be kept neat, clean, and reasonably styled.

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Blast in Colombo - Humanitarians @ Work!

2006-08-08T15:14:00.000+05:30

Just minutes ago, a blast was reported in Dickmans Road, Bambalapitiya Sri Lanka... land like no other!

I'm waiting for it to hit the net, according to the radio (Sirasa), they've seen a Vehicle caught fire, and the injured been taken to Hospital.

Hmm.. maybe the vehicle caught fire on it's own.

UPDATE :

Reports are that it's an EPDP member with the name of P. Sivadasen. The blast has happened (reportedly) come from within the Vehicle it self.

LTTE making it clear that, they are the Only voice for Tamil People. After all when you keep bumping members of other Tamil Political parties, your bound to be the ONLY representitve, now aren't you?

UPDATE # 2

Sivathasan NOT dead.. only injurred! An innocent School Girl, and a passenger in the Vehicle are identified as the victims.

Entire story below :

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - A car bomb exploded in front of a girls' school in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on Tuesday, killing at least two people and wounding seven, the Media Centre of the Defence Ministry and police said.

Among the dead was a girl who was walking past the car when it exploded, said Rienzie Perera, a police spokesman. The identity of the other victim, whose body was inside the vehicle, was not immediately known.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe of Colombo's National Hospital said at least seven people have been admitted with injuries.

The apparent target was S. Sivathasan, a former legislator for the Eelam People's Democratic Party, which bitterly opposes the country's separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas, according to party leader Douglas Devananda.

Sivathasan, who was injured and admitted to a hospital, was near the school when the explosion occurred, Devananda said.

Officials say they suspect Tamil Tigers were behind the attack.

The EPDP renounced violence decades back and joined the country's political mainstream. The Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam, who are campaigning for a separate homeland for the country's 3.2 million Tamils, oppose the EPDP.

In July 2004, a suicide bomber targeted Devananda, who is also a government minister. The bomber detonated explosives that killed four.

Here's the Tamil Net version of it.

A senior EPDP official and six others were wounded in a bomb explosion in Colombo around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday. The EPDP official, Sankarapillai Sivathasan, a long time EPDP advisor, a relative of EPDP leader Douglas Devandanda, and a former parliamentarian of the EPDP, was rushed to Colombo hospital. The explosion took place opposite a restaurant on Dickmans Road in Bambalapitya.

Further details are not available at the moment.

EPDP is a paramilitary group working with the Sri Lanka Army military intelligence in the Northeast SLA controlled territories and an ally of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Just glancing through both articles, you'd say they are pretty much the same. But if you read it carefully you'll notice, LTTE chose a Restaurent as a Land Mark, while the other chose a School. If your familiar with Dickmans Road, you'd realize that both are relatively close and opposite each other.

Oh also they forget to mention the loss of a School Girls life. How very HUMANITARIAN of them?

Mavil Aru belongs to the LTTE or GoSL?

2006-08-03T23:02:00.000+05:30

There has been a notion put forward by many that Mavil Aru, is under Tiger Controlled area, and the offensive launched by the GoSL is a clear violation of the Cease Fire. However the Govt, claims that it has always been under them, and the maintenance of the dam, has been carried out by Govt. Engineers.

If this is the case, a huge unjust has been done, as a different picture has been painted for the International Community courtesy Mr. Erik Solheim. Also the fact that, the deprivation of water, equals an act against humanity hasn't been highligted at all by the foreign media. Only headlines that amount to "GoSL launches offensive into Tiger Controlled Areas" are seen.

While we debate on these issues, a nation is waiting for a Miracle in Buddhist Temples, and it's sons are fighting a fierce battle with the LTTE, on different battle fronts.

There is absolutely no news (Released to the public) regarding the exact situation at Mavilaru, from both parties. From what looks like it, the GoSL troops find it difficult to proceed, as they have to cross a bare land, which is heavily mined/booby trapped, amidst LTTE artillery fire, 300 meters away from the anicut. They have been stagnant in this position for over a day, either waiting for reinforcements, or the perfect time to strike.

On a different ground the LTTE launched an attack on Muttur, attempting to claim the village, however it is reported that the Govt. Forces managed to successfully retaliate. According to the Govt. the mission saw the demise of two senior leaders of the LTTE are "Muttu Selvi" and "Purachchi" who had led the attack on the unsuccessful capturing of Muttur area along with several other cadres .

The LTTE were further discouraged, when one of their boats were blasted off by SLN Multi Barrel Launches, and found their second boat fleeing the scene.

However they(LTTE) chose to retaliate, by pointing their artillery in the direction of 2 Muslim schools "Arabic College" and "Nuriya Muslim School" where civilians were temporarily sheltered. As a result over 20 civilians have been reported dead, and many more wounded. Among them are Children as well.

The very same allegation has been landed on the GoSL, by the LTTE as well.

Test of Faith?

2006-08-03T21:55:00.000+05:30

This post comes along with a host of others on the local Blogsphere. Since this is holy ground I don't want to tread on anything in my attempt to gravel at this mystery with my limited knowledge of Buddhism. Yes yes, I'm a Buddhist too.

So we all know that there have been "rays" in many Buddha statues around the country, causing many traffic jams and an insurgence of people to temples. There have been many arguments presented, and I'm merely going to give you my opinions on those, rather than side with one party.

What do 'they' see?

1. The most simple is that it's a trick of the mind, when you stare at the Statue, around the region of the neck of Lord Buddha. This can be true as the robe is of "Orange" colour, and the skin of the Lord Buddha, is depicted in a "light yellow" colour. So experts argue that, staring at these two colours, your bound to see "green". Which supposed to be the colour of the "rays" that people see.

Scientific Explanation (Copied off an Email I got)

The sensitive area in eye is known as retina. This retina consists of large number of small sensitive cells. When you look at the edge of the two colors, the cells in the orange area saturates to the color orange while the cells in the yellow area saturates to the color yellow. When a cell is saturated to a color, it takes some time to come to the normal state. If you look at some other color before that cell get normalized, the cell would not be able to identify that color immediately. As a result of this you would see a different color in that region.

Basically if you stare long enough at the center line between the 2 colours, you see a shade of green invading from the center line towards the yellow side. Looks like it's rising from the center line.

2. People have seen the air floating around/up the same area of the statue. People argue the same happens when you see a "mirage". So is this all a mirage?

What is the symbolism behind all this?

1. Something "Good" happening :

Well Sri Lankan folk law states that the birth of "Diyasena Kumaraya*" will be marked with such unusual happenings like "Budu Ras" from all the Temples and a "Sal Mala" of a notable size (As big as a cart wheel) on the Tree near the "Kirinda Devale" are a few. Arguments against this are that he's due, 2500 years after the birth of the "Lord Buddha". In other words he's 50 years late. Well my opinion is how sure are we of the counting and tracking of years, after all our history is just a bunch of folk tales, written into "Mahawansa".

* For those who aren't familiar with "Diyasena Kumaraya" he's supposed to be a prince that will bring Buddhism to what it was, rescue the faith, maybe unite the country, and also future "Lord Buddha" some argue. (Some argued it was Mahinda, coz he was born in 1946, fat lot he has achieved..)

Anyways there's a nice song detailing the wait for the prince and the situation of Buddhism in this country by Gunadasa Kapuge. I've included the lyrics for you guys to go through. Gives you something to think about.

These happenings have also been justified by some saying it's the Perahera period.

2. Something "Bad" happening :

Well there is reportedly a "Buddha Statue" in the "Maligawa" that sweats** when something "Bad" is going to occur. This was supposedly the case just before the "Maligawa" was attacked by the LTTE. Inside sources say that there is no change in this "Buddha Statue".

**Sweat/Perspire means the statue gets a moisture covering of some sort. I believe the statue is a relatively small statue made of stone, kept inside the chambers of the tooth relic it self.

With the waging war, it could be easily argued that its a sign of "Bad" things to come, rather than "Good" things to come.

After all rumours are that, the LTTE want another uprising like the '83 to justify their cause, and hope to ignite it, by setting off something close to all Sinhala/Buddhist hearts and souls. Many of my friends and I have debated possible targets like "Anuradhapura", "Polonnaruwa", "Maligawa" again, or massacring of "Several Bikkhus".

Unanswered Questions ?

1. Many are asking how come this is not seen in statues made of stone? Eg: "Awkuna", "Samadhi", these statues are also considered heritage and high in religious value. Many people have seen "Budu Ras" emitting from the "Samadhi" statue but those people have been meditating nearby and in some sort of an attained state, not the common folk. So is that "Budu Ras" and the one seen these days different?

2. Smart Observers have claimed that the phenomenon can also be observed in other statues. Eg: "Sariyuth Thero"?

3. If this is only a phenomenon in the eye .. how come nobody saw this before? It's been like that for centuries. A answer maybe that, one person would have noticed this recently, and got people to stare long enough to see it, and basically it spread like a wild fire. (A similar argument is being formalized for the Alien sighting in SL, people actually didn't know till they saw "Bhavatra"). A priest has come forth an stated that "Green" isn't the colour for "Budhu Ras".

4. What is the actual Colour of "Budu Ras" is it the stereo type "yellow"? I have a few friends who've seen similar rays, in "Ruvanvalisaya" where they conduct a "Pichcha Mal Pooja" with an offering of 100,000 flowers.

5. Is this only happening in Temples? Nope. This phenomenon have been taken place in churches, kovils all over the world, not only is Sri Lanka. However some have been proved as hoax.

My conclusion
Although some might argue that we are soo easily fooled by such things, specially the innocent "Upasaka Amma's", I believe that if something increases your faith towards something there is not harm in it. However Lord Buddha him self has taught us not to believe everything you see, and get rid of all those illusion, or "mithyadushtikathwaya". You can argue on both sides, so I'll let you guys decide on your own, for your selves. I just wanted to present my thoughts on this issue. Not to make you a believer, or a non-believer. (ok.. ok.. maybe I wanted you to listen to the song.. you got me there!)

Listen to the Streaming of "Dampiyawa" - (Real Player Req. - 11th Song on the list.)

Humanitarian Efforts - Part II

2006-08-02T09:38:00.000+05:30

Since my previous post -Increased Humanitarian Efforts by the LTTE, the chappies have realized that their efforts have been recognized, and decided to further increase them. How is it possible to further increase? Well take a look at our Fuel Prices, just when you think there's no way you can increase the price, they just mock you and make you look pretty dumb.

Anyways LTTE have a few chappies who like swimming and diving besides the usual tiger sports (like blowing themselves up) who call them "Sea Tigers". So they decided to help out some of the blokes at SL Navy when they were transporting troops, thought they'd pull up close and say "hi", maybe tag along to the Trinco Harbour as well, just 25-50 meters away from where they were. Our edgy Sailors decided to shoo them away, coz they weren't too friendly the last time - Perl Cruiser incident. Well the tiger chappies didn't like being shoo'ed, and each side decided to pull out their guns, and play "Cow Boy" in the sea. Well unfortunately the tigers had to swim back to their hommies in "Ealam Land", so the totally biased GoSL reports.

Now how can I not talk about Humanitarian and not talk about the "Mavilaru" incident. As I stated in another blog, this was totally blown up by the GoSL. This actually wasn't a Humanitarian effort by the LTTE. They were doing their rounds, and saw them gates, and since they hadn't been checked for a while (open and close them), thought they'd do it then and there. Unfortunately some bloke got it stuck, so they had to wait for the Tigers who are good with their hands to resolve the issue, (Engineers they call them). Now why didn't they let the Army Engineers help em out, coz their mummies had told em when they were cubs "Clean your shit, your selves!" Now you at home thinking where am I making such a baseless argument. Well I have my facts, from none other than Tamil Net. Unbiased media reporting. Wonder why they didn't get the award for "Best News" along with Rupavahini and Sirasa.

Anyways this is what is said on Tamil Net :

Serunuwera Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Priest

Serunuwera Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Priest the venerable Saranakeerthi Serunuwera Thera told the Daily Mirror he was informed the LTTE was preparing to re-open the Maavilaru anicut just hours before the military operation was launched and believed the confrontation could have been avoided.

See, if only those 30,000 odd families waited a measly hour more..??

Swedish Major General Ulf Henricsson(SLMM) :

"It is definitely the wrong method. It is definitely overkill if you want the water,"

“We sat talking and got clearance from the government and tried to convince the LTTE to have confidence in the government,” he said. “[Then] they dropped a bomb in the vicinity. That's not the right signal.”

See, our chappies at SLAF sent the wrong signal, and mind you "over kill". After all the tigers were getting ready to open the gates. And why couldn't they do it?

Elilan told the Daily Mirror :

“Even if we are to open the anicut how can we go there with a military operation going on. They will first have to stop the military operation and only then can we discuss other issues,”

Why did all of this start. Some say (besides my accurate justification) that it's coz the GoSL was planning to build tanks in Govt. controlled areas. How rude!?! To leave out the Tigers, to fend for them selves. After all their "Ealam Home land" has to be built by the GoSL with the money ADB approved for "Sri Lanka". Well more thoughts/justifications are discussed in following posts (I hope you guys don't mind me linking):

On a more serious note.. (now you guys know I was joking... he he) The situation remains unknown to many of us as both parties remain tight lipped about the current proceedings, as this is a crucial point of the "Beginning of the End".

If the GoSL troops manage to secure the anicut, and drive away the LTTE, the LTTE would be forced tp increase the intensity in other areas, and even drop a big ass bomb in city, to asertain their dominance, and lost pride.

If the LTTE manage to keep the GoSL at bay, the GoSL will increase air strikes on other LTTE strong holds and keep on trying to regain MavilAru.

No matter what happens, I don't see both parties sitting back for discussions after this, as the Foreign Community (Norwegians and SLMM specially) have lost hope, and the EU countries pulling out, would weaken the SLMM, and sooner or later the entier SLMM would pull out and declare the proceeding as a failure.

How to know of a Fuel Price Hike, a week before?

2006-08-01T22:04:00.000+05:30

There are many ways to get to know this.

1. Insider info.
2. Use your own intuition.
3. In SL. A politico will claim that he will make sure Fuel Prices wont go up.

Yes yes. From the horses mouth. There be a chap called Fowzie by name, and Transport be his game. Well he's being given the task to play mind games with dumb Sri Lankans.

The last time, (ok not the last time but the time before) he went on to say that he will not let a price hike for another year. I mean we all know thats ridiculous, like you have control over all events happening in the World. Eg: As if you can control the Strikers in Nigeria. (Ofcourse they can, they have good experience back home.. what was I thinking?). So before a week went by we heard the same fool say, "Since the Winter, (at the time in US and Europe)we are forced to increase the price since the high demand, we have no choice".

Ok so learnt your lesson Mr. Fowzie? No! This chappi goes on record saying there is no reason for the Ceypetco to raise prices, although the Indian buggers will be selling at a high price.

Well what do you know, 5 days later... today.. from midnight.. Fuel goes up by 3 bucks.....

If by chance you pay for fuel by CC, add another 3.5 odd percent for Fuel Surcharge and 10 bucks for every 1000 bucks. Add another 10 bucks for every thousand if by chance you pay your CC by cheaque or withdrawal from a Bank.

*CC - Credit Card

Thank god we have our own Nostradamus.

Superman Returns -> Lt. Gen. Fonseka

2006-08-01T08:23:00.000+05:30

Lt. Gen. Fonseka : "I, as the Commander of the Army on the day of my return to work after surviving the recent gruesome suicide terrorist attack, wish to extend my sincere gratitude and tribute to all Religious dignitaries of Major denominations, His Excellency, the President, Prime Minister, Government Ministers and Members of Parliament, Secretary Defence, Medical Specialists and Doctors, Nursing Staff and Paramedics, members of the Army, Navy, Air-Force and the Police, Media Personnel, Foreign dignitaries, Principals and Teachers of schools, various Associations and Public Forums, School Children, Members of the Public, Friends and former colleagues, Relatives and well-wishers who remained a tower of strength behind myself as well as members of my family ever since I was hospitalized after the attack. I also regret that I may not be able to express my gratitude individually to all those who visited the hospital and sent messages, as it was not possible to remain acquainted due to the tragic circumstances prevailed at that time". "Your prayers and blessings by way of Bodhi Poojas, Special Poojas and Holy services, no doubt enormously contributed to expedite my path to recovery after the dastardly crime that took 11 lives and injured another 28. It is your thoughts and consideration that inspired and provided much required solace to me as well as members of my family to rise to the challenge enabling me to return to work. So did all greeting cards directed to me." "Let me also assure you that I will proceed from here to fulfil my responsibilities undeterred by the dastardly act. I strongly believe your blessings and sentiments will provide me with the necessary strength to complete that unfulfilled mission for a better tomorrow. Thank you."

Courtesy : Daily News

The man of the moment has made his return. I'm not too sure of his health condition but he seems preety fit in the pic. Despite claims/rumours, that he'd lost his leg, arm etc.

The need of the hour is a stong leadership, and since I dont see much of that around, I hope the return of the Lt. Gen will bring balance to the Force (as they would call it in Star Wars). It's nice to see a Military Toughy returning to the seen rather than bowing out, while he had a good excuse.

Kudos to you sir!

War for Water?

2006-07-30T22:11:00.000+05:30

What better cause to start a war? If not Land, Water is a good enough reason. (Or is there ever a good enough reason for War and Blood Shed?) It won't be the first time in history. Now I don't mean to light a spark or create rumors, but just want to acknowledge the fact that the "war footing" has been heightened, with the Government forces launching a move to secure the Mavilaru reservoir, and the LTTE vowing to retaliate if confronted.

This all started with the closing down of the gates sluice gates to the Mavliaru reservoir, which supplies water to 30,000 odd people in the area.

According to source SLA, have positioned them selves close to the anicut, around 5pm today, and were in the process of de-mining the area to get to the gates. The actually success of the mission will be known tomorrow, when we know whether the SLA managed to get the job done without confronting the LTTE, or was there one.

If a confrontation occurs, it would be the first major confrontation between both parties since the cease fire, and might very well be the starting point to what will be known as a fully fledged war.

This is all speculation by myself, and while I hope this matter could be resolved in a sane manner, I don't see any hope for it.

Counting down to Eternity

2006-07-28T17:31:00.000+05:30

I saw the coolest thing ever in Sri Lanka! It's been there fore a couple of day now. You would have seen it, if you go through the Castle Street Junc. What am I talking abt?

.
.
.
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Counter/Timers on Traffic Lights!

Why is it soo cool? Well I haven't seen them any where else, except for a similar concept at Race tracks! Yup Sri Lanka has it's own GP Track now.

Is it Good? Well I think so. While your stuck in Red, and you feel like you have waited an Eternity, all you need to do is look up and realize, that nope.. it starts at 60, and you've got a 59 secs more to go. (They have different calibrations for different times and directions.)

Anyways, I think it's pretty Hip. And when the light turns Green.. it gives a counter of how long it's gonna stay that way. So you can start hooting at the slow "Uncle" infront of you.

Ofcourse the Irony of this will be after counting down to Zero, and your just about to speed off, leaving the rest in dust, a Copper bugger comes and decides, No! I need to make an ass of my self. Why not keep these buggers for some more time. (Havent seen that happening yet though.. Fingers crossed)

So, now I just need to wait till I can get a decent amount of Juice, to practice my Leaving everybody in dust on the countdown. Oops I forgot, I run an automatic. Well maybe I'll have to settle for Revving on the 2nd and a Hand Brake release... he he..

PS- Some one go take a pic of em funky counters and post it will ya.

After Effects of Striking

2006-07-28T11:08:00.000+05:30

Day before Y'day, I achieved a small victory. After using my street smarts.. or whatever you call it, when I managed to locate a shorter queue on "Inner Flower Road" opposed to the longer one on "Flower Road". 10-15 cars vs. 40-50 cars. After deciding to stick it out for a good one and half hours (with the short queue) I was finally treated to a Tank Full, or I thought... to every one's horror, they ran out of juice. I was the luckiest, as my meter showed an almost full reading, as for the guy behind me and the other frustrated lot had to go home, busting more than they had, having to start/stop the engine each time a car moves fwd.

Today, how many freaking days after this blooming episode it's still the same in most sheds I pass. You'll see all sorts from wives of 3-wheeler drives sticking it out with their cans, to Bus Drivers, it's freaking crazy. But you wont see a Politico's vehicle in the queue. Wonder why?

Why? Why? Why is this Country soo Chaar-Max!! I mean how many lively hoods have been disturbed by this. Although many think it's just a mere inconvenience, I'm sure there is an economic loss, although uncalculated and intangible. Is there an end to it? I don't know. With a simple strike for 2 days, those guys managed to create soo much of uncertainty that, the average Joe, who'd be satisfied with pumping 1000 bucks worth of juice wants "full tank" now. Why? Because of the Panic Buying. Is it likely to stop? Not, when there is a rumor that the Prices are gonna go up as well. This is all adding Fuel to the Fire... Did I say Fuel?

Now lets look at the Ports Authority. Is it functioning properly. This comment was made by Mr. Evil him self:

You know.. the port lost so much cash on this crap issue. And now there is an additional charge on every single container and they are calling it "Port Congestion Fees" So still the customers pay thru theyr noses for this loss.. after all the losses they incurred as well. Pretty pathetic managment. Sad noone's talking about the after effects and how they are going to get out of a mess. Problems and solutions for individual needs. But nothing for the case of development. I somehow get the feeling that this country is all out to go back a step or 2 in development just to earn a quick buck.. I mean those days long long time ago.. companies had to pay 5 bucks per container as an "Incentive" (If you know what i mean) to the crane operators. Thank god they got that off.. You should check out the efficiency of the port in singapore.. by the time we've loaded 5 containers they've loaded about 12 or so..

Who's to blame?

I am not going to side with any party, I think both are to be blamed. The union leaders, if you want your msg to be heard, find some other means that doesn't bring the whole country to a halt. Strike during your lunch hour or something. Think twice about your demands. Don't aim for the sky, although the common practice is that, it puts the other party off.. specially when your aiming for the freaking moon.

Politico's, you guys are shameless too. You have contacts, within all these unions, you know when something Big is going down. So don't sit on your lazy asses, do something about it. I don't mean to make the Union Leaders disappear.. but start negotiations before they strike. And stop trying to look good on freaking TV. We aint Chinese, and our hair aint in a freaking plat. (My apologies to the Chincs.. that wasn't targeted at you.. the guys know the colloquial term I was referring to.) So don't say "We're not gonna give them a Cent", when you actually end up giving them 1500/= as a monthly reward of some sorts. Just cut the crap!

Another reason I see is that the freaking Political Structure is ridiculous. There is a Transport Minister, and a Minister in charge of Trade Unions, stepping over each other. Both of em make contradicting statements, and who is responsible for them? Who do they report to? This needs to be sorted out. A proper structure needs to be formed, where people are given authority, and also have to accept responsibility for their actions and words. All this because "MR" has to create posts to give all those cross overs, and to satisfy the left out'ers of his own party.

Can the general public (us) do anything abt this? I don't know. Maybe not panic, but when your Tank is hitting low, you cant sit at home, like the politico's who get their Juice delivered home.

To let you know how serious the situ was, the Defense Ministry has admitted, that if the Strike went on for another day, their troop movements would have been hindered. Gives you a clue how prepared our mates in the Defense are.

* Cartoon courtesy of Today's Lakbima.

Me First Beer..

2006-07-26T14:07:00.000+05:30

After being sober for a period of 6 yrs, I had my self a beer, last Friday. Well.. it still tastes the same. He he.. hic hic. Ok ok.. I aint stoned now, nor was I stoned after the beer, and this is probably gonna sound crazy to most of you. Since blogs weren't around back in the day when I used to tempt my self with the gods so called nectar, I thought I'd just note it down here.

Sooo... it tastes shit. Not that I expected it to get all sweet and stuff during a period of 6 yrs, but I dunno, I somehow like it.

What made me cross the line? Well I have been on the fence for a few months now, and on that fateful Friday, I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and made the wrong(or right) decision. We(myself and a colleague of mine) were at a client location, stuck till 11pm.. yes wokring. After finishing up, since we hadn't had any propper dinner (the clients were nice enough to bring some grub from KFC), we were stranded with the notion of "where do we go next?". Coincidently since all this was happening in Nawam Mw. and all the noice at that time was comming from a spot that called them selves the "White Horse", we found our selves heading over there.

All in all just like the "Lion" advert goes, it found a hard working guy, ending the day near a water hole. So predictable yar?

So there u have it. My silly story. This year has seen alot of changes, I vaguely remember myself being "Vege", and now licking my fingers after eating Chicken. What else is instore for me? Maybe some Weed... or better yet.. Marraige! (I think I'll save those for the next year)

And for those who think this guy is crazy.. your probably right!

Increased Humanitarian Efforts by the LTTE

2006-07-21T10:22:00.000+05:30

After the GoSL granted permission for Daya Master to incidently get himself checked up and an Angiogram done, to make sure the right amount of blood is being pumped through his heart, on Humanitarian Grounds of course, them tigers have decided to show their humble gratitude.

Await 12 LTTE ambassadors in Colombo! Unfortunately due to there shy nature, these 12 ambassadors do not want to be disclosed, as they believe that publicity of them would hinder their humanitarian work. Incidently all the ambassadors are of feminine breed. There you go Tiger Leader Prabha setting a perfect example of Genderr Equality, in a country that women folk seem to think otherwise.

All this information was gathered by another LTTE ambassador who'd been identified (much to the dismay of the LTTE) in Tissamaharama, on her mission to show gratitude to some influential political figure of the Govt. After being identified, our chaps have decided to have a chit chat and gather the above details. I hope our chaps treated her Humanely, without pushing or poking her. Coz the folks in Govt have to keep to the Geneva Convention eh?

As a sign of good will the Tiger Chappies have also decided to modify motorbikes to suit Sri Lankan roads, with extra ball bearings and plastic, just in case you might need it, when you accidently bump into a Vehicle, and coincidently some well known chappie is being driven in that same vehicle. 2 such bikes have been found by the SLA, and they will be running a full quality test on em, before granting SLS standards to the LTTE. The SLA were itching to get their hands on one these babies, since the first one happened to explode, and only parts of it were available.

In other news, the chappies in the Govt, have decided to ship most of the goods that go to Jaffna, thereby eliminating them Tigers of a proper living, no wonder they have nothing else to do but bare arms. After all they earn 60 lakhs a day, getting those who transport goods through the A9, to drop a penny in their tills. Hmm.. how discriminatory! Shame on you GoSL!

PS
- Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Humanitarians eat... ??
- Pics courtesy of Lankadeepa, Funlk and Crazylanka.

Thursday joke...

2006-07-20T11:35:00.000+05:30

SALESMAN: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
CUSTOMER: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den,
and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
SALESMAN: Mac?
CUSTOMER: No, the names Lou.
SALESMAN: Your computer?
CUSTOMER: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
SALESMAN: Mac?
CUSTOMER: I told you, my names Lou.
SALESMAN: What about Windows?
CUSTOMER: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
SALESMAN: Do you want a computer with windows?
CUSTOMER: I don't know. What will I see when
I look in the windows?
SALESMAN: Wallpaper.
CUSTOMER: Never mind the windows. I need a
computer and software.
SALESMAN: Software for windows?
CUSTOMER: No. On the computer! I need something
I can use to write proposals, track expenses
and run my business. What have you got?
SALESMAN: Office.
CUSTOMER: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend
anything?
SALESMAN: I just did.
CUSTOMER: You just did what?
SALESMAN: Recommend something.
CUSTOMER: You recommended something?
SALESMAN: Yes.
CUSTOMER: For my office?
SALESMAN: Yes.
CUSTOMER: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
SALESMAN: Office.
CUSTOMER: Yes, for my office!
SALESMAN: I recommend office with windows.
CUSTOMER: I already have an office and it has windows!
OK, lets just say,I'm sitting at my computer and
I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
SALESMAN: Word.
CUSTOMER: What word?
SALESMAN: Word in Office.
CUSTOMER: The only word in office is office.
SALESMAN: The Word in Office for Windows.
CUSTOMER: Which word in office for windows?
SALESMAN: The Word you get when you click the blue "W."
CUSTOMER: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't
start with somestraight answers. OK, forget that.
Can I watch movies on the Internet?
SALESMAN: Yes, you want Real One.
CUSTOMER: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I
watch is none of yourbusiness. Just tell me what
I need!
SALESMAN: Real One.
CUSTOMER: If its a long movie I also want to see
reel 2, 3 and 4. Can I watch them?
SALESMAN: Of course.
CUSTOMER: Great, with what?
SALESMAN: Real One.
CUSTOMER: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to
watch a movie. What do I do?
SALESMAN: You click the blue "1."
USTOMER: I click the blue one what?
SALESMAN: The blue "1."
CUSTOMER: Is that different from the blue "W"?
SALESMAN: The blue 1 is Real One and the
blue W is Word.
CUSTOMER: What word?
SALESMAN: The Word in Office for Windows.
CUSTOMER: But there's three words in
"office for windows"!
SALESMAN: No, just one. But it's the most
popular Word in the world.
CUSTOMER: It is?
SALESMAN: Yes, but to be fair, there aren't
many other Words left. It pretty much wiped
out all the other Words.
CUSTOMER: And that word is real one?
SALESMAN: Real One has nothing to do with Word.
Real One isn't even part of Office.
CUSTOMER: Stop! Don't start that again. What
about financial bookkeeping. You have anything
I can track my money with?
SALESMAN: Money.
CUSTOMER: That's right. What do you have?
SALESMAN: Money.
CUSTOMER: I need money to track my money?
SALESMAN: It comes bundled with your computer.
CUSTOMER: What's bundled to my computer?
SALESMAN: Money.
CUSTOMER: Money comes with my computer?
SALESMAN: Yes. No extra charge.
CUSTOMER: I get a bundle of money with
my computer? How much?
SALESMAN: One copy.
CUSTOMER: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
SALESMAN: Microsoft gave us a license to
copy Money.
CUSTOMER: They can give you a license to
copy money?
SALESMAN: Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(LATER)
CUSTOMER: How do I turn my computer off??
SALESMAN: Click on "START" . . . .