Another year has passed....

We started the new century with hopes and dreams, of a peaceful present and a hopeful future. Sadly, each passing year has been bloodier than the previous. Combined with the relentless onslaught of natural disasters and the threat of global warming, the world that our children will inherit is a dysfunctional, damaged, hurting, violent place. Is it fair? Is it pardonable?

This is why i am really looking forward to the new year. Hopefully, it should be a new dawn, with new hopes for peace, everywhere. The shift of power in the US offers great possibilities and if well utilized, could restore America's rightful position in the world. Companies are slowly realizing that profitability and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive ideas. Technological advances could bring us closer to the dream of total reliance on renewable energy. We can always hope, and we can always pray....we do not have a choice.

Farewell Peter...

Ray's mom - "I dont want to be your trophy wife"
Ray's dad - "what contest in hell did i win?!!"

And when Peter Boyle (Ray's dad) said this, it didnt seem mean or rude, it was just plain funny! I was really saddened by Peter Boyle's passing. He brightened up many boring evenings for me, and without him, Everybody loves Raymond would not have been half as good. As Ray's dad, he was simply brilliant! With deadpan humor, and tons of sarcasm, Peter enlivened every episode. We'll miss you Peter ... Everybody loves you..

Ode to the Mahakavi...

On this birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathi, I realize that my writing can never do sufficient justice to his greatness, or even adequately articulate the intensity of my admiration and devotion to his thoughts and ideals.

I can only quote from some of my favorite works of his..

"Engirundho vandhaan..
Idaijaadhi naan yendraan..."

(He came from somewhere, and said he belonged to the community of cowherds....- From Kannan yen sevagan)

"Thani oruvanukku unavu illayenil jagaththinai azhithiduvom"

(We shall destroy this world if one person goes without food - From Bharatha samudhayam vaazhgavey)

"Bhoomiyil yevarkum inni adimai seiyyom
Paripoorananukkey adimai seidhu vaazhvom"

(We will never be enslaved to anyone in this world, we will enslave ourselves to the Supreme one and live - From Aduvomey palli paaduvomey)

"Pillai piraayathi izhandheerey
Neer pinnum an nilai pera vendiro"

(You lost your childhood, dont you wish you could get that back? - From Karpanai oor)

"Nandridhai therndhidal vendum
Indha gnanam vandhaar pin namakkedhu vendum"

(We should choose what is right, and when we are enlightened in such a way, what else do we need?)

"Than seyal yenni thavippadhu theerndhingu
Nin seyal seidhey niraivu perum vannam
ninnai charan adaindhen kannammaa
ninnai charan adaindhen...."

(Instead of agonizing over my deeds, I should perform your deeds and attain fulfillment, and hence i come to you seeking solace...)

And then it was winter.....

Where did spring, summer, and fall this year go? I cannot believe how fast time flies. Here are some pics of this year's first snow fall.