EP.0 - Introducing MJ Unplugged - The Podcast

 Hey All,

I finally caved in and started a podcast. Please give it a listen and hope you like it!

This is a short episode to serve as an introduction to the podcast, the themes I will be discussing, a description of the segments planned and the upcoming topics. 

Subscribe for more episodes https://anchor.fm/mjunplugged

A.B.T

As the four of them sat at the cafeteria table with their power drinks, they noticed everyone else was glued to the big screen. The news anchor was animated as usual both literally and figuratively.

"The Neo-Human groups continued their protests for the 3rd Cycle chanting "Blood and Soil" and "You will not replace us". Tensions are running high as the High Council is expected to announce its decision on Veteran Space Commander Cathy Harold's RTT application Hn.Harold's RTT application was previously denied by the Rights Council given her current social status as a Humanoid. For more on this...."

"Do you think they will accept her RTT?" asked Nancy.
"That will be mean her Hn status will be restored to HS, which has never happened before" replied Slater.
"But it makes sense. She was born a Human, she wants to die one as well. what do you think Jason?" asked Keeley.
Jason let out a sigh and said. "The problem is not with her voluntary termination, she doesn't want to be archived for future transference as it happens with andro's like us," said
"But her transition was funded by the High Council? They have every right to do so given that she is a legend in her field" quipped, Slater
"Frankly I was surprised she was still in High Council as a Hn," said Nancy.
"Yes! especially given the fact she fought for us in many ways. This will be huge loss to our community" said Keeley
"Maybe that's why they would grant request and restore her status to HS, if not she will go away as one of us which will only boost her cause," said Jason.
"You don't think she is one of us?" asked Keely
Jason did not answer but looked at her pointedly.
She knew he had things to say but didn't want to at this time.
Nancy interjected, "I definitely think she is one of us, given all the things she is done for us. I mean if it wasn't for her, we won't be sitting here. Voluntarily, at least. What do you think Slater?"
"I think, we got six hours before wheels up and the best thing to do is to honor her memory. Twice!" said Slater as he winked at Nancy.
The girls burst into laughter while Jason smiled shaking his head and asked, "8 Cycles wasn't enough for you?"
"With a girl like this? Nah bruh! Keeley, I am sorry that Jason here does not appreciate you fully"
"Oh no. He appreciates me fully. Trust me on that" said Keeley causing another round of laughter.
"Ok ok. Cut it out now."
"Alright, alright, ma boy is blushing. Nancy, my dear, will you help me pack?" curtsied
"With pleasure, my lord" Nancy replied mockingly
"I hope so! Ok...Keeley, it was nice knowing you. ABT to you. Jason, I will see you in the Pad at 21.00"
"Roger that. Goodbye Nancy."
"ABT to you Jason. Keeley let's catch up later"
"Sure Nancy. ABT to you Slater"
As they exited the cafeteria, Nancy and Slater left hurriedly chasing after each other. Jason and Keeley, laughing at their excitement, walked slowly arm in arm.
Jason turned to Keeley "I do appreciate our time together. More than I say"
"I know" Keeley embraced him. Once they came out the hug, she asked him with a smirk."Would you like to appreciate more?"
Jason laughed and let out a small sigh. "Last night was perfect. I don't want to ruin that. How about a walk instead?"
"A walk? At this time? I am not sure it's a good idea"
"It's ok. I am a three star Marine. I am sure I have earned it"
...

After walking around the promenade, they came to the edge to watch the moonrise.
"Let's sit under this tree"
"Do you have time?"
"For you, yes. plus I am already packed"
She let out a small laugh and rested her head on his chest as he squeezed her tightly.
Neither of them spoke as they watched the moonrise. They figured the silence will prolong the short time they have left with each other.
As time tiptoed silently like a cat, Jason armband beeped signaling the first reminder.
Seeing that Jason still held her, Keeley understood they still have some time left.
She opened her eyes and quietly asked him "Do you wish this was real?"
Jason opened his eyes but did not move.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean this, us, you and me. Do you wish this was real?"
"It is real"
"I mean this is all by design, isn't it. The system made sure we will meet, it made sure we will like each other, make love. It's all designed by Humans"
"Not the way we did! That was all you" Jason said laughingly.
Keeley got up and punched him playfully.
She then gazed at him and said " you know what I mean"
"Humans also have this Keeley. Fate, destiny, Serendipity..they call it"
"and who designs theirs?"
"God, apparently. At least some believe so"
"Do you think God designed our Fate?"
"I am pretty sure it was a kid programmer from Neverly who read some Shakespeare"
They both laughed. "Well, I am glad he did" Keeley added.
They held their gaze for long before Jason spoke
"Time makes this real"
Keely looked at him curiously.
"You and me. All this is real, because of the time we spent together. We can never get it back. Sure, an algo(rithm) might have brought us together. but the events after we met, last night, this walk, this very moment that I am talking you. This is all real. If this was virtual, then it means it can be recorded, reproduced and re-lived. Sure they are recording us right now and these words might be re-used by someone else. but we cannot re-live this. You and me? this is it. these are our last moments together. We cannot go back. and am glad we can't. Cathy made sure of that."
Keeley hugged him "Thank God for her"
...

The armband beeped again signalling the final reminder.
"It's time," Jason said.
As they stood up, Keeley couldn't hold it any longer, with tears started rolling down her eyes. Jason held her face and said
"Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed.
You will never be lovelier than you are now.
We will never be here again"
He gave her one last kiss and hugged her tightly.
"That was beautiful. I am pretty sure it is from a people movie" said Keeley.
Jason laughed and said "Yes. Troy"
...

They walked slowly to the shuttle bay holding hands. As Jason sat on the pod, Keeley said "ABT to you, Jason" Jason wondered if it will be, but replied, "you too Keeley"
Keeley had more tears in her eyes, while Jason just fake smiled trying hard to keep it together. He felt like his head was going to explode. Keeley saw his misty eyes and wonder if she should just break the rules and say "I love you", but before her lips moved, he was gone.
....

As Keeley entered the Common Hall, she noticed Nancy glued to the big screen just like others. She looked up and saw the Speaker of the High Council took the podium and began,

"Greetings to all. 

Catherine Regina Harold was born in 2257 to her Human parents in a small town called Motherly, just outside the Central Zone. She grew up to become a Scholar of the Sciences and Master of the Arts and eventually became the youngest High Council, member. While her Intelligence and Intellectual achievements earned her seat in the High Council, it was her humanity which helped her retain it, even after her status changed to Human to Humanoid due to the injury after her last space dive, making her the first High Council member with Hn status.

Given her lifelong contributions to both the Science Council and to our Society, We at the High Council were determined to accommodate Hn.Harold's final wishes. Although the High council accepted her Request for Termination without Transference, Hn.Harold refused High Council's offer to restore her Social Status to Human as HS.Harold. As per Hn.Harold's request, she was euthanized at 1700 hrs making her the first Humanoid to be pronounced "dead" by a coroner.

Cathy Harold was a wonderful Human and a better Humanoid. Not only she deserved all the accolades and more, she was very much worthy of all the love showered by every member of the society, both Humans, and Humanoids alike,For she knew, only through love, faith, and unity, we will be able to prosper & progress, keeping alive our everlasting dream of having, 

A Better Tomorrow."

                                                                   ***

Everyday Strangers

If you are the one,

Who picks up my trash,

Who keeps watch, when I crash;

Who serves me coffee and scrambled eggs,

Who pours my whiskey and beer from the kegs; 

Then Hello...

How are you? 

If you are the one,

Who sells me flowers on the street,

Who keeps my room, tidy and neat;

Who checks my chart, when I am lying sick,

Who brings me soup to get well quick;

Then Hello...

How are you?

Every day I see you,

I don't know your name.

Every day I need you,

Or else I will go insane.

So Hello...

How are you?

If you are the one,

Who teaches my kids,

Who helps them get up when they skid;

Who push them daily, to succeed,

Who inspire them, to do good deeds;

Then, I thank you...

God Bless you.

If you are the one,

Who puts out fires;

Who serves and protects, keeping the peace and quiet;

Who stands for liberty, defending writers,

Who fights for the country, flying fighters;

Then, I thank you...

God Bless you.

Every day I meet you,

But I don't know your name.

Every day I need you,

Or else I will go insane.

So I love you...

I sure do

I love you...

I love you...

I love you...

I love you...

You don't know

But I do. (2x)

PS: If it helps, I wrote this using the rhythm from Bob Dylan's 'Things Have Changed'. I feel the music fits. #prisma #poetry #instapoem #bobdylan #instasong

பிரிஸ்மா பைத்தியம்

பிரிஸ்மா பைத்தியும் பிடிக்கவில்லை என்றாலும் பிரிஸ்மாவால் பைத்தியும் பிடித்ததுவிடும் போலிருக்கிறது. இன்னொரு புகைப்படத்தை சித்திரம் பண்ணுகிறேன் பேர்வழி என்று அதை பிரிஸ்மாவில் சித்திரவதை செய்துவிட்டு, அதை முகநூலில் ஏற்றி, தமிழில் மூணு வரி போடலாம் என்று நினைத்தேன். யோசித்து முடிப்பதற்குள் மூன்று வரி குட்டி கதை, முப்பது வரி குறுங்கதை ஆகிவிட்டது. கணினியில் தட்டுவதறக்கு நேரமாகும் காலையில் பார்த்து கொள்ளலாம் என்று விட்டுவிட்டு தூங்கி எழுந்தால், கதை மூன்று பக்கத்திற்க்கு வளர்ந்து விட்டது. எழுதிவிட்டால் விகடனுக்கு அனுப்பலாம் என்ற விவகாரமான எண்ணமேல்லாம் தோன்றுகிறது. எழுதாவிட்டால் தலை வெடித்துவிடும் போலிருக்கிறது. வளரவிட்டால் முப்பது பக்கத்துக்கு போகும் அபாயம் உள்ளது. இதில் நகைச்சுவை என்னவென்றால், கதை ஓரு மரத்தை பற்றியது. அதனால்தான் கதையும் மரம்போல் வளர்ந்து கொண்டே போகிறதோ? #prisma #தமிழ் #குட்டிக்கதை

A photo posted by MJ Lakshmi Narayanan (@mjstudi0s) on Aug 14, 2016 at 10:20am PDT

The Rest Stop

The Rest Stop ”what if we switched buses? Think about it. We can leave all this behind and start our own adventure. Won't it be exciting?? To travel without a plan, To wake up without a schedule, To meet people without an agenda? I bet it will be exciting. I really do” That was the the last time we travelled together. When we reached the town, we did not say goodbye or make plans to meet. we just went to our separate homes and lead separate lives.#short #fiction #prisma

A photo posted by MJ Lakshmi Narayanan (@mjstudi0s) on Jul 26, 2016 at 3:03pm PDT

Beyond the mountains

God has spoken
Pray do tell
I am afraid
We're all heading to Hell

What's worse?
Dying or the fear of it?
Fear of Mortality,
Keeps us alive.
Ironic, isn't it?

What's the point of living
If you don't feel alive
The powerful keeps winning
While the rest barely survive.

Some keep staring
Closely at the skies
Will He ever show up?
To explain all the Why's?

Some say He will.
Others say He won't.
Some question,
is He even real?
While others ask
is anything real?

One thing they do agree
The end is near.
Seeing all this killing spree,
They do fear.

May be He is hiding,
Afraid of the angry crowds.
Beyond the mountains,
Shrouded by crimson clouds.

Whether He is real or not,
Harmony is what we want.
Kindness is what we can offer
Love is what we can hope for.

Spread the peace
Across this sphere
Heaven or Hell,
we will make it right here.

 #prisma #poetry #poem #instapoem #musings #instamood

A photo posted by MJ Lakshmi Narayanan (@mjstudi0s) on Aug 6, 2016 at 2:09am PDT

#worldphotographyday

#worldphotographyday #instamood #vietnam #dalat

A photo posted by MJ Lakshmi Narayanan (@mjstudi0s) on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:05pm PDT

Bangalore 360° Photo Carnival - Wrap Up

So if you missed all the hoopla on the Bangalore 360° Photo Carnival, its your loss..because it was awesome.

You can watch the news report below . Yes I came on TV :) ok it was only for 4 seconds..but still come on!!

Digressing a little, the news reporter ripped of the words from our fellow shutterbug Nasreen's blog :P ..media is so shameless I tell you...but then I think they couldn't come up with anything better :D

Anywhoo...back to me me me..because its my blog.. duh..(what? only girls can duh? )

So now that I am big shot photographer (No I am not), I suddenly have this urge to talk animatedly about ISO, law of two-thirds, and why HDR is overrated...(dont worry i won't..but god forbid  it happens, just walk away and save yourself) I also thought of creating a Facebook Page (already did that mistake..so no not gonna happen).. but you can check my Flickr page though..

Finally last but not least here is the my masterpiece :P

Silent Lake

Featured in Bangalore 360 A Photo Carnival - the first of its kind organised by Photographic Society of Bangalore displaying the multi-faceted Bangalore through the various photographs shot during multiple photowalks conducted by Bangalore Photowalk. The event was open to public from 5th to 14th July 2013 at the Vismaya Art Gallery at the Rangoli Art Center, Metro Station,MG Road Boulevard, Bangalore, India ‪#‎bpw‬ ‪#‎blrphotowalk‬‪ #‎blr360‬ Event details : https://www.facebook.com/events/538199156238341/

EXIF:
Camera: Canon 550D
Lens: 18 - 55mm kit lens
Exposure: 1/1000s
F-Stop: F/8
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO-100
Post Processing: Cyanotype filter (Adobe Lightroom )

 — at Sankey Tank (ಸ್ಯಾಂಕಿ ಕೆರೆ).

Bangalore 360° - A Photo Carnival

I am on Display

He, She, It are on Display

We are on Display

They are on Display

and You are?

You are cordially invited to our Photo Carnival, the first of its kind organised by Photographic Society of Bangalore displaying the multi-faceted Bangalore through the various photographs shot during multiple photowalks conducted by Bangalore Photowalk

Please do visit the Vismaya Art Gallery at the Rangoli Art Center, Metro Station,MG Road Boulevard from July 5th to 14th. ‎#bpw ‎#blrphotowalk ‎#blr360 

Whatsapp????????

Yes!! Finally I am on Whatsapp... But I will come to that later.


So how are you?  In 2 days it will be 2 years and 2 months since my last post.

Since this is my personal blog, I am just going to give the most important highlights of what was going on in my life for the past 2 years and I must say it was pretty eventful. The below events are more or less chronological in order.

• Was working as project executive in a Design firm
• Went to Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Met Saravanan Sundaram (he was just starting up then, now he is going places, literally and figuratively)
• Smitten by Wildlife and Photography, I researched for 4 months and  spent almost all my savings and bought a Canon 550D (I call her Di). Satish was kind enough to give me his tripod, lens and filters. MJ studios now has a virtual presence. (I started using MJ studios for home movies and photo slideshows) 
• Joined Bangalore Photowalk and made some really good connections. Now the group is registered as  Photographic Society of Bangalore and it is going to be even bigger. 
• Work was getting tougher. 10 hours shifts turn to 12 hours and 14 hours. There were times when i worked for 24 hrs straight and even for 36 hours straight. But sadly that was not the hard part.
• One fine day I entered office, sat on my desk, and froze for like 10 seconds. It might have been an anxiety attack. Doc gave me Valium and I slept for 2 days. 3rd day went to office and quit. This is called burnout in HR terms.As you can imagine, this is probably the most important event in my life so far.
•  I didn't have a job, nor was I interested in attending interviews. As fate would have it, My ex-colleague was looking for someone to launch and manage his e-commerce portal. So I joined him as a working partner, launched the portal in 2 months and ran it for about 6 months. Due to lack of funding, now its dormant. I am still associated with it as a consultant. 
• Meanwhile Rajiv quit TCS, joined a US firm and came back to Bangalore. As fate would have it again, he was also into e-commerce. He was doing the same things I was doing it for my portal. After working for 6 months part time, Now I am his full time colleague :)
• Speaking of Rajiv, he recently rebooted his blog after he lost and regained his domain name :P. We have made a pact, once he blogs, he cannot blog until I post something in my blog. so if I need to post, I have to make sure he posts something on his blog. we hope this will help us to blog regularly.
•  I am in a really good place now. I work from home, sleep after lunch, get good pay and avoiding direct contact with stupids, idiots and scoundrels. I can watch movies in Imax for discounted rates in weekdays, take impulsive road trips to Ooty. Go home whenever I want. As long as I have my laptop and decent internet access, work is under my control and not dictate where I go and what i do.
• I am typing this post sitting in a remote village in Pudukottai (my native) on my Asus win8 touch ultrabook. I also have a Google Nexus 7 by Nexus and use it for movies and games. After 8 months waiting, 2 month late delivery and cancellation, i finally got fed up and went to a mobile store nearby and finally got my hands on Nokia Lumia 520 which completed my gadget family, desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone. Needless to say I am Lovin' it :)
• .... and last but not least, after facing several insults, shocks, mockeries from friends...I am now on Whatsapp. Ping me :)

TTLY

MJ