My prediction for the best picture Oscar winner

Disclaimer - My predictions are usually wrong, but what the heck!

All our desi actors and directors always wistfully claim that their life's ambition is to win an Oscar. Having watched the award winning movies year after year, the Oscars seem rather predictable. Certain genres and themes get rewarded repeatedly. Here are some -

1a) The dysfunctional but lovable protagonists - They are usually nutty, but with hearts of gold, and their spirit always triumphs. Examples? American Beauty, Forrest Gump

1b) The dysfunctional protagonists in tragic circumstances - same as the above, but these movies are a lot more serious. Ofcourse, for the movie to win an Oscar, hope HAS to triumph. Example? Crash

2) The achiever - They are kinda nutty, almost loserish, but overcome all odds and win. Its the message of hope all the way. Examples? Million dollar baby, A beautiful mind.

3) The magnum opus -These movies are big business to Hollywood. If everyone made low key small budget movies, Hollywood would go bankrupt. So, every now and then, the magnum opuses get rewarded big time. Examples ? Titanic, Lord of the rings, and Gladiator. Though i suspect the award for LOTR was more a case of enough already. And hey, dont forget the friggin hope

4) The offbeat stuff - Movies like Chicago, and Shakespeare in Love somehow struck gold.

5) Patriotic/War hero/Holocaust/Historical movies - Totally obvious reasons. Braveheart, Schindler's list, Life is beautiful, Gandhi etc...I actually dont have anything cutting to say about this genre. Some of these movies were really deserving.

Tomorrow's best picture nominees are - Babel, The departed, Letters from Iwo Jima, Little miss sunshine, and The queen. Applying the above yardsticks, here are my 2 cents

Babel

The movie desperately tries to fit into 1b in the hopes of making an Oscar, but the scriptwriters forgot the all important Hope factor, so, sorry no.




The departed
I didnt get this movie - especially the whambam ending with everyone shooting each other faster than you could say "huh? WTF?". Anyway, everybody else did get this movie, plus it fits into category 3. So, a pretty serious contender i would say.


Letters from Iwo Jima

Hollywood loves topical films, and what could be more topical than soliders valiantly fighting a losing battle? Plus Clint Eastwood is an old hollywood favorite. This movie fits like a glove into category 5, so its a very serious contender.

The Queen

Probably a type 1b, I have not watched this movie. I cannot imagine any compelling reason for it to win the best picture

Little miss sunshine

This movie is surprisingly cute, 1a all the way. It is a sunshine filled version of American Beauty, with the hope factor laid on super thick. However, it's finale with the little girl performing a kinky number may just be too much for the majority of the academy that likes good clean fun. So, while this may be a big favorite, it will probably not win.


So the verdict? In the tussle between The departed and Letters from Iwo Jima, the former may just win, because the academy has not given Martin Scorcese an oscar yet, and they may believe that it is about time.

(pictures source: www.rottentomatoes.com)

Podcasting 101

So what are podcasts?

The name is a little misleading - Pod"cast" suggests live programming, but the term refers simply to radio programs, that are downloadable in mp3 format.

Why cant i simply listen to the radio?

Well, if you want live news, especially when you are commuting, and with no access to the internet, the radio is still your best option. But then, there are many many reasons to listen to podcasts. Live radio is 25% programming and 75% annoying ads (note: percentages not scientific, it just feels that way to me). Podcasts give you many hours of solid programming, with little advertising (and you can skip the boring sections which usually are at the beginning and end of the podcast!) Also, many major radio networks seem heavily influenced by the political party that they are indirectly affiliated with, and hence, the news may not be entirely complete, and the analysis may be biased. You get the real story on podcasts, and not just by American networks, but also the BBC, and many independent organizations like Democracy now and PRI


How do i get started?

1) You need an mp3 player - an Ipod is not a must. Sony has a really cute little mp3 player, and Sandisk's rhapsody is also fabulous

2) Make a folder called "my podcasts" on your desktop

3) Download itunes - You can forget the Ipod, but Itunes is essential. Download itunes, click on the itunes store and then click on podcasts. You can search for and subscribe to many podcasts. Modify the settings so that all your downloads go into the my podcasts folder that you created. Check out the screenshots below.

4) Use your mp3 player's software to import the mp3 files from the "my podcast" folder into your mp3 player

On an every day basis -

1) Open itunes, and choose the podcasts option. Itunes will automatically download all the latest podcasts from your favorite sources that you have already subscribed to

2) Plug your mp3 player into your computer. Delete all the old podcasts and import all the new ones


3) Enjoy!!!

In my next blog, i'll list my favorite podcasts. Itunes' podcast homepage has all the most popular ones listed.

The cutest thing(s) in the world

* Orangutans clapping hands

* Little 2 year olds in the airport walking real fast behind their moms

* A friendly dog jumping and running endless circles around you

* Sleeping babies

* Babies who smile at you at the grocery store checkout line

* Babies. Period.

7 more days to Babyland!!!!! Yaaayyyyyy!!!!

What is happening to the airline industry?

Everytime i fly, i tell myself that domestic air travel cannot hit any new lows, and every single time i am proved wrong. The latest? United has stopped serving even the two measly cookies that they used to with beverages. And just 25 minutes before boarding, they changed gates, and not just within a terminal, but to an entirely different concourse. So, i had to make a mad dash to my new gate, with my baggage in tow, so that i could go in time to beg for a seat assignment (thats right, i had a full proper reservation, but no seat assignment till the last possible minute).

On my return trip, the American Airlines kiosk tried to extort $25 from me.

Reader alert -

This article may be really boring if you have not been in the situation that I have, but, for the sake of consumer rights, please humor me by reading on!
I wanted to travel standby on an earlier flight. The kiosk gave me two options - standby for free, or get a guaranteed seat for $25. I thought "what a rip-off" and chose the standby for free option. A boarding pass printed, with a seat allotted to me. Earlier in the day, I had already checked and made sure that this flight had many empty seats. Why did the airline even give me the $25 option? If I had agreed to that, what benefit would I have had as a customer? A passenger can be allotted a standby seat in one of two ways -

1) The flight has empty seats, so the airline will have no issues with allotting a seat to you. Once the boarding pass is printed, you are already guaranteed a seat. So why trick you into a moment of self doubt? (like uh oh..what if i dont get a guaranteed seat??)

2) The flight has no empty seats, and could accommodate you as a standby passenger only in the event that passengers with a confirmed reservation do not show up or cancel. In that case, when you are at the kiosk, the airline does not as yet know the number of passengers who may not show up. So, how can they give you a guaranteed seat even if you pay the $25? Or, if someone has already cancelled their reservation and if there is an empty seat, that automatically leads you to the above scenario 1, which means that there is no reason to charge you the $25.

I am no airline expert, i am trying to look at this logically. If you know why airlines do what they do, and if you think they are justified, please let me know. I would love to change my opinion on this.

Whats with all the mea culpa?

It has been the flavor of the past year or so. The magnitude of your mis-deed does not matter, you simply have to show up and say "i made a mistake, and i'm sorry" and boom!!! everything is magically forgotten. And do you want to create a PR bonanza for yourself out of your "little" boo boo? Simply show up on a late night comedy show, and smile gamely while the host make a couple of jokes at your expense, further "cute-fying" your gaff.

So, Joe Biden shoots his mouth off about Barack Obama, and then gains more visibility through all the talk shows and newscasts than he ever would have as the 459th wannabe for the democratic presidential nomination (ok the 459 is an exagerration, but it sure feels that way). Lewis "Scooter" Libby lies about conversations with reporters regarding the outing of a covert CIA operative. And guess what his defence is ? He says he just "forgot" what he said cos he had more pressing matters at the time. Its not a big deal, its just a war right? John Edwards voted yes for the war, and strongly supported it even a year and a half later. And guess what? No worries apparently. He says he is wrong, and he thinks that is good enough to wipe his slate clean and he is back to nursing presidential ambitions. Despite her husband being regarded as one of the most brilliant political strategists of all time, Hillary Clinton has not been sassy enough to master the mea culpa game and as a result, is in real danger of kissing her presidential dreams good bye.

Simple question - what happens the day Hillary admits she was wrong? Will time somehow turn itself back and will history rewrite itself? Does John Edward's so called "brave" admission make him any wiser? What is going to prevent him from committing another "mistake" when he is president? Especially scary is his justification - at the time, he was apparently busy with his political campaign and later, when he had the time to sit and think at leisure, he figured it all out. WTF?

I cannot help but wonder - as ordinary citizens, when we botch up something in our lives, we pay the price, but, in the public arena, major mistakes are gladly forgiven, and the doers of misdeeds are endlessly rewarded through bouts of free publicity they could have never dreamed of otherwise. What is wrong with the world we live in?

The Lean Veggie - Thengai paal kootu

If i were to make a list of my mom's best recipes, this is surely number 1. There are days when I am tired of north indian and south indian food, but not in a mood for pizzas and sandwiches. This dish perfectly fits the bill then. The rich flavor comes not from a big pile of spices, but simply from ginger, fresh coconut milk, and cilantro. This recipe allows the flavor of all the veggies to shine through without getting overpowered by the gravy. Serve it with pulao, or fresh basmathi rice, or phulkas or idiappam. I made some instant sevai, but it is not the best accompaniment. The kootu is so flavorful, you need a bland side dish to go well with it.

Ingredients -

* 2 cups of chopped vegetables - beans, carrots, cauliflower, peas, zucchini squash, lima beans(any combination and proportion works)

* 1 peeled chopped potato

* 1/2 cup chopped tomato

* 1/2 cup sliced onion

* 1 tbsp chopped ginger

* 5 curry leaves finely chopped

* 1 tsp cumin seeds

* 1/2 can coconut milk (try to avoid the lite milk varieties)

* 3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

* 2 green chillies slit lengthwise

* 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

* 1 pinch hing

* 1/2 tsp chilli powder

Method -

Try to use a pressure pan for quick cooking. If a pressure pan is not available, use a big saucepan with a well fitting lid.

1) Heat the pressure pan and add 2 tsp oil. While waiting for the oil to heat, perform step 2

2) Finely slice the onions, chop ginger, curry leaves, green chillies and tomatoes3) Add jeera to the oil, take care not to let it burn, and add the ingredients from step 2

4) Stir fry for 5 minutes

5) Add all the veggies, turmeric powder, chilli powder and stir fry for 5 minutes

6) Add enough water to cover all the veggies, close the lid of the pressure pan, add the weight and cook till you hear two whistles. Immediately turn the heat off. After 5 minutes, place the pressure pan on a cool surface. This is important to make sure the vegetables do not get over cooked. If using a saucepan, simply place a lid and cook till the vegetables are done

7) Open the pan, and add salt and the coconut milk and heat through. Make sure that you do not boil the curry, as the coconut milk's flabor gets altered if over heated. Check the taste and add more salt, chilli powder and a pinch of sugar if needed

8) Garnish with the chopped cilantro

5 Things you did not know about me (and wish you didnt!)

I have been tagged..

So, here are a bunch of things you may not have known about me..

1) I really wish i was a singer - Ok, i know i'm not good enough, but my dream is , i will be someday, and cut my own album!

2) I am semi-clairvoyant. If i write anymore about this, i may sound like a complete nut!

3) I am a serious political junkie and I am pretty passionate about American politics. I know, i am not an American, but i really believe we live in a small, totally interconnected world, and it is really important we stay aware and informed

4) I take cooking very seriously - i am trying to perfect all the old fashioned iyer recipes. To me, its more than cooking, it is a big part of my heritage and i want to preserve it for the next generations!

5) I am deeply faithful. Ok, so i'm not your regular slokam reciting, fasting type, but my faith is deeper and more absolute than most people around me know

Top 5 TV shows

I'm suddenly addicted to TV again thanks to my DVR and ability to skip commercials.

5) 24:

Just when it seemed like the show was in serious danger of jumping the shark (what with Jack's torture routine getting staler than bread six seasons old, and with the super predicatable about face that Jack's dad does), the show suddenly made a sharp turn to the left (yes, pun totally intended), with an Obama-esque president mouthing platitudes about civil liberties. Wow! Miracles are possible even in this day and age? Or is it just good ol money talking? (with Fox simply veering towards current public sentiment?)

4) The daily show with Jon Stewart:

Jon has suddenly got his mojo back. He is actually speaking complete sentences, and resorts to making juvenile faces and blowing raspberries only once in every 2 minutes (as opposed to every 2 seconds a few months ago). The high profile guests in his show are proof of his rising influence - Bill Gates the day Vista was launched, Joe Biden on the day of his famous gaffe were some good ones

3)Tonight show with Jay Leno:

Still an all time favorite for me. I'm trying to like Letterman for my hubby's sake, but Jay is too funny, night after night

2) American Idol

The season has actually gotten off to a good start, with some genuine heart warming moments, a Paula who promises to be as loopy as ever, Randy's count of the word "dawg" quickly reaching 1 million, and Simon saying what everyone else really wants to. Watch out for Bailey Brown. Shes probably the next idol.

1) Countdown with Keith Olbermann

This is quite simply the best show on TV (MSNBC). Keith discusses the top 5 news topics of the day, and the topics cover a wide range of subjects - politics, movies, scandals, sports, UFO sightings, and also lists the top newsmakers of the day, and the "worst persons in the world"!!! Warm, funny, patriotic, passionate, opinionated, fiercely independent and totally fearless- Keith is a shining beacon of hope in today's world of party hacks and suits mindlessly mouthing talking points.

Top 10 must-eats in Chennai

Ok, so i love food. And i love Madras. And in just 21 days, i will be homeward bound! I am starting a new series of blogposts, to celebrate the delicious torture of the next 21 days - the waiting, the anticipation, the nervousness and excitement! Its going to be about all the things i want to do when i'm home.

Madras is a gourmand's delight, and here is a list of my personal favorites -

10) Keerai vadai and paneer tikka at Alumni Boat club - best enjoyed in the open air, with the smell of the adyar river wafting around you!

9) Idiyappam and sambar vadai at Dasa Dosa - This is a really classy restaurant, opposite LIC

8) Badam milk at Ambikas appalam depot (and their fiery peanuts to take home) - How do they make it that thick? Ofcourse, best enjoyed after shopping for some leo coffee and bangles at the road side shops near the tank

7) Vegetable pulao at Baahar - I dont know if this restaurant still exists (its opposite the music academy) , and i really hope it does for the sake of their wonderful mint flavored pulao

6) Gobi manchurian and veg fried rice at Saravana bhavan - Its kinda oily, but a truly great celebration of indo-chinese cuisine

5) Fourteen idlis and finger chips at Saravana bhavan - I've eaten fries everywhere in the US, but nothing comes close to Saravana's giant spicy chips

4) Bhel puri from Ajnabis (and some north indian pickle to take home) - This joint is a favorite to many north indians in Madras. Tucked away in a tiny corner, the tastes are truly authentic

3) Channa samosa at Gangothri - Their pani puri stand is too crowded, and the fragrant channa samosa is more enjoyable

2) Kaara kozhambu at Sangeetha - This comes with their thali meal. I dont have the right words, you have to taste this to believe how good chettinad cuisine can be

1) Phulkas and aloo mattar at the Bombay halwa house with a side of hot jalebi and samosas with green chutney - We used to trek all the way to their old location in mount road and were heart broken when they shut it down. And then, miracles do happen. They opened a new branch in luz., and it is almost as good as the old one (and they have also reopened a branch in mount road). Not many Chennai-vaasis know about the Bombay halwa house, but the aforementioned dishes are truly amazing. The phulkas are big and light as air, the aloo mattar is spiced in the most subtle and flavorful manner possible.

My soul sistah

Desperately trying to get out my panneer pushpangal rut (though i could happily listen to the same 20 Raja songs for the rest of my life), I finally decided to get with the times and started checking out the latest and greatest Pongal releases. And then I checked her tamil blog, saw the very same songs reviewed and went all misty eyed. I realized my little baby cousin - my soul sister, is now big enough to write her own insanely cool blogs, find an adorable soul mate, and live happily ever after....

I didnt realize it then, but growing up with my big sis, soul sis, and her super cool baby sisters were some of the happiest days of my life. So many weekends were spent in a happy blur of endless chatter, music, and awesome food. Especially, when we pulled Jiji paati into the madness, we were a crazy group (imagine a group of gals 70, 21, 19, 16, 12, and 11 years young) We had so much fun together!!!

I cant wait. In just four more weeks, we are going to be together again (albeit only for 2 weeks). There will be more recruits to our crazy gang (moms, soulmates, a little 4 year old gal and a handsome 1 year old!) and hopefully some day, our kids will grow up together, and like us, spend many a happy day sharing the joys of the latest tamil album, the cool beach on a hot summer's day, paneer butter masala from chithapa's favorite restaurants, slivers of raw mango during the summer holidays, endless coffee from mom, and chithi's famous pulao!