RIFLE RANGE BOY

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Documentary, 2023) Director: Nathan Price Based on the book of the same name by Mark Manson (2016) I have seen this book staring with sad eyes at me numerous times, pleading to be picked up. I always gave it a pass. Firstly, with profanity flashed on its cover, I thought the target readers must be Gen-Ys or millennials. They may find a reason to seek a book on self-help or, perhaps, perfect the art of not giving a damn about anything or whatever. I, on the other hand, was beyond help. When a trailer bearing the same title appeared on Netflix, curiosity got the better of me. After going through the documentary, I find that the content is more profound than its low-brow title. There is much philosophy to learn, as narrated from the life and times of the author, Mark Manson, by himself.  He started his teenage years on the wrong footing. Caught with drugs in his locker, he got into the wrong side of the law. His parents divorced afterwards. He drif...

Of late, I have across people who have indulged in some activities which would frowned upon. Nobody in the sane mind would ever, even in their wildest dream, consider some of things that these people would do. The more you interact with these people, the more you will realise that they have a tale to tell, and a sad one too! One guy was happily married to university sweetheart till she was diagnosed with the big C. Her health deteriorated as quickly as the news sinked in into the family. Even before the family could come in terms with her impending demise, she left Mother Earth. The guy, devastated with the whole turn of events, was a flicker away from being engulfed by the black dog. He did what most sane people do in situations like this. He ran. Like Forrest Gump he ran and he ran like he had never ran before. At the age of 50, he completed his first marathon and there was no stopping him. The euphoria  of the post run high appears to be the only thing that conserved his sanit...

  மாதா பிதா குரு தெய்வம் The Tamil language is famous for its many saying and quotations. The critics will also complain that its literary circle is only full of talk with no action! Not only they just talk, but there is also so much emotion and gestures to complement this. Just like the joke that has been circulating in the Klang Valley... The Police once arrested an Indian man for helping them in their investigation. This handcuffed suspect was brought in to the interrogation room for questioning. Despite repeated attempts by the junior policemen at exploration, the suspect just would not speak! In frustration, they called in their superior for help. Their seasoned superior just walked in, removed the handcuffs from the suspect and off went the suspect, rattling away, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions until the cops told him to shut up. Another proof of this statement is evidenced in the 'Arratai Arangam' (அரட்டை அரங்கம்) - a Tamil talk show (fro...