My Wallpapers

Working with computers, my desktop is the most common thing I see everyday. If there was some kind of competition among the stuff (on my PC) which wins my attention the most, then my desktop would win hands down.

The thing that I like the most on my desktop is my Wallpaper. Here's a quick low down of the wallpapers which have caught my attention over the years due to various reasons.

The first one is a plane wallpaper.

American Airlines Plane

This was the time when I was yet to travel on an airplane - about seven years back. And the thoughts of an airplane and their majestic sight was on the top of my mind. This made the wallpaper a winner.

Next one is a snap of a lady whom we know as Asin.

Asin

This was like 6 years back. Asin hadn't made her Bollywood debut, and she was a rising star in the South Indian film industry. It was her rustic beauty which caught my attention.

Thankfully my lady colleague, with whom I shared a desktop, didn't mind her wallpaper.

Next one was this Camping pic.

Camping We Will Go

Calm water, idyllic settings, golden skies offered a very calm outlook in the midst of often confusing work environs.

Some 4 years back, it was this beautiful wallpaper of the Taj Mahal which had me hooked.

The Taj Mahal

It was said that this picture was the best ever snap of the Taj. I wouldn't disagree. The sight of the majestic Taj, with the dry Yamuna in the background, adorned my desktop for years.

Another picture which held me in awe was this snap of Lake Baikal.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is the largest fresh water lake in the world, located in Eastern Russia, in Siberia. It is the world's oldest lake, 30 million old, and also the deepest, averaging 744.4 metres. It has a shoreline of 2100 KMs.

Folks at work had planned a trip to this beautiful lake. Disappointingly, it didn't materialize. This serene snap reminds me of God's creativity.

A couple of years back, it was this picture of the calm sea's which decked up my desktop.

Calm Sea

Blue skies, calm water, simple boats, a wide horizon, white clouds - all of them could set my dreams alight.

And somewhere in these years, Uma Thurman had me bewitched.

Uma Thurman 

Her eyes spoke a million a million words. Need I say more?

Finally, these days, it's this picture of a plane taking off making its mark on my desktop.

Air France - Dreams Taking Off

This picture is a symbol of hopes and dreams taking off. Aircraft's have been one of the greatest inventions of mankind. The manner in which those giant bodies take off, carrying with them hundreds of people, and hope and faith of thousands of men and women is simply mind-blowing.

I'm not sure on who invented the concept of desktop wallpapers. But whoever it was, I would like to thank him or her from the bottom of my heart, for giving wings to my dreams while sitting on a simple PC.

Hairstyles

Audrey Hepburn once said - "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."

It was this quote which ran through my mind yesterday when I watched a movie featuring Indian actress Priyanka Chopra. Snapped at a fundraiser in the movie, Priyanka Chopra is elegance personified courtesy her eyes and her hairstyle. 

Priyanka Chopra Hairstyle Don2

Her fans are debating over the backless dress she wears in the same scene. In my opinion, it is her hairstyle which maker her a winner.

Well, we all hope to learn something new everyday. And I learned a new term today, the Beehive Hairstyle. Supposedly, it is the hairstyle of the year 2011. Featured below is Jessica Alba in a Beehive Hairstyle. 

Jessica Alba Beehive Hairstyle

The name of the hairstyle is quite obvious. It is an attractive dressing option for a lady blessed with long hair. Salma Hayek too does justice to this Beehive Hairstyle.

Salma Hayek Beehive Hairstyle

Khalil Gibran, the noted Lebanese poet once commented - "And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." 

It is as if this quote was written with Kate Middleton in mind. Her long wavy hairstyle, with wind fluttering through her tresses, makes her look absolutely stylish.

Kate Middleton Long Wavy Hair

Same is the case with Katie Holmes. She is one lady who can carry any hairstyle with an aura of elegance. And she always crowns it up with a perfect smile.

Katie Holmes Side Swept Bangs Hairstyle

Featured above is Katie Holmes in a Side Swept Bangs Hairstyle. Don't her eyes look sparkling?

It was Rihanna who said "When I cut my hair, the whole sound changed, my style changed.". Maybe this is what prompted Katie to cut her hair and go in for a Short Bob Hairstyle.

Katie Holmes Bob Hairstyle

The snap would make you wonder whether its the same lady in the last two pictures. This is the power of a hairstyle change. It makes you look different and attractive.

That's why Hillary Clinton said “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”

And coming to short hair, I don't think anyone can beat Keira Knightley in her Pixie Cut hairstyle. Boyish hair, crumpled looks and a bewitching smile makes Kiera a show stopper.

Keira Knightley Pixie Cut Hairstyle

And lo and behold, she is the same Kiera below in a classy Tousled Short Cut Hairstyle. Doesn't she have a flair for short hair?

Keira Knightley Tousled Short Cut  Hairstyle

Who ever said that short hair is not attractive? If some one said so, Keira is all set to prove them wrong.

And if we are discussing about short hair, one actress which would come right on the top of your mind is Bond Girl Halle Berry.

Halle Berry Short Hairstyle

This short hairstyle is Halle's signature style and is often considered to make her look younger.

How can we forget Emma Watson? All of 21 years, this short hair cut suits the petite lady perfectly.

Emma Watson Short Hairstyle

Someone once said - "The hair is the richest ornament of women." You would not disagree considering this picture of Anushka Shetty, an Indian actress, featuring in a Layered Hairstyle with Bangs.

Anushka Shetty Layered Hairstyle With Bangs

~~~~
Attired to please herself: no gems of any kind
She wore, nor aught of borrowed gloss in Nature's stead;
And, then her long, loose hair flung round her head
Fell carelessly behind.

~~ Publius Terentius Afer
~~~~

Doesn't she look like a careless beauty? Dressing in simple clothes, its her hair which her a million dollar lady.

Then you have another princess, Princess Charlene of Monaco decked in a curled hairstyle. Undoubtedly, she does justice to her title  Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco.

Curled Hairstyle Princess Charlene Of Monaco

And if you are wondering which is the next hairstyle, it's titled the Updo Hairstyle. Most suited for formal occasions, the hairstyle gives a swish look. 

Ashley Greene Updo Hairstyle

Jessica Alba Updo Hairstyle

Be is Ashley Greene of Twilight fame or Jessica Alba, both of them look extremely alluring in this lovely hairstyle. And yes, if you have an attractive earring to wear, this hairstyle enables you to cast a spotlight on them.

"I like to be edgy, I like to be different. I`m a little bit of rebel". Well, this is what singer Christina Aguilera once commented. If there is one hairstyle which reflects a rebel, its a Mullet hairstyle.

Scarlett Johansson Mullet Hairstyle

Here we have Scarlett Johannson in a brashly raw mullet hairstyle. This hairstyle is very much popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. It reflects a perfect rebel.

The Roman author Publilius Syrus once said - "Even a single hair casts its shadow." Well, Yes. And when these endearing ladies are blessed with a lot of it, they are bound to mesmerise with their Attractive Hairstyles.

Why This Kolaveri Di?

Why this Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Di?

Well, if you haven't caught onto the Kolaveri bandwagon, it is time. Since it debut on the internet on the 16th of Nov 2011, this song has gone viral and has earned numerous followers.

Why This Kolaveri Di?

What is this song all about? This is a song which discusses about the murderous rage of a girl. 

This Tamil-English song, supported by excellent music and different lyrics, has taken the web by storm. It is trending on YouTube. It was trending on Twitter. This song was seen as a strong competition and threat to Lady Gaga. Most importantly, it has bought the South Indian film industry into limelight and has been widely appreciated by folks across India.

This is a song about failed love. However, this song has also reflected the mood of the moment across the world. 

The entire world is in a murderous rage. (Well, Kolaveri means Murderous Rage).

Anna Harare (the premier social crusader in India) is on fire, pursuing the Indian Government ruthlessly for the Jan Lokpal Bill. All that Manmohan and his team can say is - Why this Kolaveri Da (Di is babe or lady, and Da is male for Di )?

The Indian citizens are "Anxious To Kill" (This was described as the meaning of Kolaveri by my friend). 

In a span of less than 4 days, a single man has slapped two high profile politicians. And like I heard on the news hour tonight, they have been slapped a million times with the videos being replayed continuously on TV. 

Next times the politicians will step out, they will be accompanied by bodyguards and a MP3 player playing - Why this Kolaveri?

Dhanush Shruti Hassan Why This Kolaveri Di? 

The inflation is on fire, and the prices of commodities (petrol included) are shooting through the roof. All that the common man can say against these prices is - Why this Kolaveri?

The Libyans are in a murderous rage. They have bought down the Gaddafi regime, killed Muammar Gaddafi himself and captured his son Saif. The Egyptians removed their ex President Hosni Mubarak from power, and are now gunning against the army to install a civilian government. 

The only thing that the military rulers can say - flummoxed by the attitude of the civilians - Why this Kolaveri?

The Why This Kolaveri Di Team

The list is endless. Singer Dhanush and his team have aptly captured the mood of the moment in this lovely song, making it a huge hit. Catch it right below.

It would be most worthwhile to note that this song is from the debut movie of music composer Anirudh Ravichander, all of 21 years. I just hope and pray that he gives excellent music in the coming years. As for Aishwarya Rajnikanth, Dhanush's better half, this is her directorial debut. The film "3" stars Dhanush himself and Shruti Hassan, and is all set to become a mega hit. 

Well, next time someone is in an angry mood or a murderous rage directed towards you, you know what to say - Why this Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Di?

P.S. I will be downloading it into my MP3 tonight. And playing it in replay for the next few days!!

Wall Graffiti

It was just a couple of days back that hurricane Irene hurtled across the US East Coast, leaving behind lots of rains, water, floods, along with destruction to life and property. 

The Americans did their best to prepare for Irene. Apart from the clinical preparations, what stood out was the spirit of the people. This is beautifully echoed in the pictures below.

Hate Irene Graffiti

Hurricane Irene Graffiti

Hurricane Irene Hopeful Graffiti

You Are Not Welcome Graffiti

Graffiti's commonly give an outlet to the people's thoughts, in the most tense, difficult, and special moments.

If this was about Irene, have a look at some pictures in Libya. A revolution in Libya has almost overthrown Muammar Gadaffi's regime. These are some pictures right when the revolution was its fiery high.

Libya Revolution Graffiti

Libya Graffiti Against Gadaffi

And if you think of wars, one of the first name that would come to your name would be George Bush. He launched an assault in Afghanistan in 2001 to overthrow the Taliban, and later in Iran to take on Saddam Hussein.

People had to resort to street graffiti to stop Bush from starting anymore wars.

USA Graffiti Stop War And Bush

Bush started the pursuit of Osama Bin Laden in 2001. Barack Obama completed his task in 2011. Osama Bin Laden was taken out in a compound in the garrison town on Abbotabad, Pakistan.

Pakistan Graffiti Long Live Bin Laden

Bin Laden seemed to have a huge following in Abbotabad. His legacy will live on in the town.

Moving onto England. When Wayne Rooney contemplated a move to Manchester City from his parent club Manchester United, the fans were furious. This is what Rooney got for thinking about such an audacious move. 

Wayne Rooney Hate Graffiti

This was most ruthless. Rooney and his wife must have spent some sleepless nights after seeing this graffiti threat.

Next stop - Russia. Vladimir Putin is running strong. After becoming the  Prime Minister of Russia, he held the position of The President for 8 years starting 2000. Later, he had his protege Dmitry Medvedev become the President while he himself became the Prime Minister.

Later next year, once again, he plans to contest the Presidential Elections. Considering all this, this graffiti on Vladimir Putin in Russia is not surprising

Russia Putin Graffiti

Moving onto China.

In China - Graffiti Against Capitalism

And somewhere in Germany.

Anti Nazism Graffiti

Need I say more??

Love elicits the best in you. And they say you can paint a town red with Love. Well, this fellow believed in it, and acted accordingly - in spirit and action.

I Miss You Love Graffiti

And then some interesting stuff. This must have been the anger of some parent as he or she saw their child fall in love with Coke. 

Coke Graffiti

Business opportunities come in varied shapes and sizes. If you have graffiti's, you can make money by removing graffiti's. But that doesn't spare you from becoming a victim.

Graffiti Removal Graffiti

Finally, why do people paint graffiti's?

If there is one quote which will summarize the thoughts of a graffiti painters, this is one.

Blank Wall Graffiti

P.S. The credit for these beautiful pictures goes to the painters who painted the beautiful graffiti's. And the men and women out there for taking their snaps. And Google for bringing them to me and you.

Pick 2

Go on, pick 2!!

I would pick good looking and intelligent - screw emotional stability ha!!
what about you?

Double Century

Three years and two hundred blog posts. 

This has been the journey of my blog since I started writing on this very page. 

Just a fortnight back, I posted the 200th post - without realizing that I had crossed a vital landmark.

Landmarks should be stepping stones to further successes. And with this in mind, I look back at a few blog posts from my collection - the one's who bought in the best traffic, and the one's who didn't bring in much of traffic but made me happy.

My first traffic spinner was Ana Ivanovic, the Serbian Tennis Star, with her photo shoot for Sports Illustrated with Pink Tennis Balls.

This photo shoot of hers has been an hit with online community crazy about Female Tennis Players. And when Google listed my blog page right at the top of the result, the traffic flowed in.

Check out the photo shoot on my blog post and see who catches your attention - Ana Ivanovic or the Pink Tennis Balls?

Next one were the all famous "Football WAGs".

Between June-July 2010, when the World Cup football was in progress, the players took all the attention.

And immediately after the World Cup, their wives and girlfriends were in focus. The ladies who garnered the largest attraction were Sara Carbonero, Alex Curran and Sarah Brander.

These ladies too bought in a lot of traffic. Read about their claim to fame on my blog post.

And most recently, it was a blog post on Mao Zedong, who bought in a lot of viewers.

Courtesy Google, an image on my blog post was listed as the first image in Google Search, with "Mao Zedong" as the search query.

Check out my opinion and links between Mao Zedong, Maoism and Maoists here.

But blogging is not all about bringing in more traffic.

It has more to do with writing things which are close to your heart. Things which reflect your very self. Things which highlight your learnings. Things which make you feel happy, and sad.

Here's a list of my top blog posts in this category.

I didn't know that I could write so much on Eyes.

And on Smiles, which can set a few things straight.

This blog post on Attractive Hairstyles was completely offbeat.

And this blog post - on Parenthesis - reflected the complex relationships in our modern time.

And I can't resist listing the next two blog posts.

The first one is on Enchanting Perfumes.

And the next one is on the eternal theme - A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

There are many more which may be worth reading.

Surf around my blog if you would like too. And let me know your opinion.