I am done reading, but can't re-enter the muggle world just yet..

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IF YOU HAVE NOT READ/NOT FINISHED READING HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first, I could not understand why people wanted to write reviews for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. However, after reading the book, I understood why. Having read something THAT phenomenal, all you want to do is talk about the book and commiserate with fellow fanantics, because a part of you simply does not want to accept the fact that the series is over.

I loved it...no wait, thats a major understatement. I loved it enough to push it to my list of top 5 books ever read. Is it perfect? Ofcourse not. It meanders for a good 350 pages, there are weeks and months that go by without major events happening. But eventually, the pace picks up, and before you know it, you have plunged headlong into the action faster than Harry jumps into pensieves. This post is not intended to be review - there are more than 800 reviews in amazon, covering every bit of the story admirably (and while you are at it, check out the discussion threads too)

The book reads like the screenplay to a blockbuster movie. I laughed, oohed and aahed, and then cried for 10 minutes non stop when a much loved character dies (i really did, no other book has even elicited such a reaction from me).

Here are some of my pet peeves with the book -

* Harry makes the connection between Godric's hollow and Godric Gryffindor only much later in the book. Duh?!!!!

* After building up Luna, Ginny and Neville's characters book after book, they are grossly under-used in this finale

* Other than Bill Weasley developing a taste for rare steaks, there is no other mention of how he is affected by Greyback's attack

* So many peripheral actors are killed, you dont feel death's impact beyond a point

* I always hoped Harry and Hermione would become a couple. After all, Hermione truly cares for Harry and her intelligence is the perfect match for Harry's guts and there is a tantalizing scene at Godric's Hollow where Rowling makes us think just for a few minutes that they could be together. However, in the next chapter, Harry says she is like his sister. I know, i know, Rowling never ever gave any hints about anything other than friendship between the two characters, but still...I was hoping there would be something more.

* The epilogue - I HATED IT! So everyone marries their high school sweethearts and live happily everafter with a 100 kids each? After all that drama, Ginny and Hermione become suburban soccer moms content with getting babies after babies? (not that there is anything wrong with it, but hey, this is supposed to be fantasy fiction...why bring in the mundane stuff?) So what does Harry do? Does he become an auror, or are aurors now passe cos he-who-must-not-be-named is no longer around? Does he become the minister of magic and help foster a new age of friendship between wizards, goblins, centaurs, elves and all magical creatures alike? Does Hermione not do anything at all for the rights of elves?

And this is what i loved about the book -

* When Hermione finally professes her love for Ron - this is arguably the cutest moment ever created in modern literary history/pop culture. Read the book just for this!

* The Weasley twins' radio commentary about Snape and shampoo and their Mr.Holey jokes

* The brilliant twist in the plot leading to you-know-who's end (i had to read this section a couple of times and then refer to the Half blood prince to fully grasp what had happened)

* The transformation of Kreacher (the little flashback with Regulus, Kreacher and the inferi was truly spine chilling)

Rowling perfectly ties together elements from all the previous 6 books, making you think that she had figured out the entire story 10 years ago. To me, that is the biggest triumph of the Harry Potter series - seven perfect books coming together, with all loose ends tied, plus little insights into characters that you didnt even think of giving much attention to.

Every character's strengths and weaknesses are revealed, and that probably explains the immense popularity of the series. There is no absolute good or absolute evil (with the exception of Voldy perhaps). There are no perfect characters - Harry becomes painfully aware of the failings of all the father figures in his life - Sirius, Dumbledore, and James.

The only absolute truth that wins is love. Plain, pure, simple, unconditional love. To Harry, at first, it seems too simple (he even says "yea love, big deal" to Dumbledore), but when giving Dobby his last farewell, and feeling nothing but love in his heart, Harry pushes away all the doubts and uncertainties in his mind and finally moves forward.

So, when Time magazine loftily proclaimed that the one who dies in Harry Potter is God, they could not have been further from the truth. Harry find his God, in Love - true unconditional love felt towards muggles, witches, wizards, elves, hippogrifs, giants, thestrals, and goblins alike. To Harry, love is God.

Sometimes, life is so worth living!

It was a moment of sheer unadulterated decadent joy...opening my postbox and finding a grubby box from Amazon. I opened the box, and held the treasured work of art in my hands....the journey has been soooo worth it...all the days of waiting and wondering. I have quarantined myself from the rest of the world for the past two days, not reading the news and protecting myself from spoilers. It is time now. In a day, i will know how it all ends. I am not sure if i want to review this book. Why would anyone want to review a harry potter book? It is for every person to discover the magic in their own time.

Four more days.....and the magic will begin...and then will sadly end...

I am all set. Having watched Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix and re-read Harry Potter and the half blood prince, I can't wait till saturday!

We went to the theater, and for the first time, I watched American kids act like Thamizhians during a thalaivar movie. They started applauding when the lights first dimmed, cried and cheered when Neville Longbottom figured out a little magic, and hooted during Harry's famous kiss with Cho-chang. I was watching the movie with Mr.you-know-who who was rather incredulous, but my reasoning was, if we can have our super-star/hero, surely they can have their boy hero? And Harry Potter is a hero for one big reason.....he is not a super hero. He fears, is afraid, gets pure lucky many times, is helped by his friends, makes mistakes, worries about flunking tests, and still ofcourse is the only hope for the planet.

The movie however suffers from the curse of being the fifth movie in a septalogy. Neither do you experience the wonderous thrills of visualizing Harry's world on the big screen for the first time, nor do you have the satisfacton of closure. Also, the Order of the phoenix is an inherently weak book, centered around two major plot disappointments - the obviousness of the prophecy and the shattering weakness of James Potter. However, the movie is bolstered by a superb supporting star cast. Professor Umbridge, Luna Lovegood, Sirius, and Lupin are all played by fabulously talented actors. The most notable character introduced is Bellatrix Lestrange. The scene showing her breaking out of Azkaban is truly spine chilling. The movie is brief but could have lingered more on the increasing angst and impatience felt by Sirius as he is holed away in his ancestral home. Also, the graphics for Hagrid's giant half-brother are really tacky (Grawp ends up looking like the guy on the cover of Mad magazines for some reason)

Anyway, I'm glad i saw the movie, because, despite all it's cinematic flaws, the movies help me put faces to the characters I read about. As I re-acquainted myself with the Half-blood prince this weekend (which to me is the best book in the series), the book played itself out like a movie in my mind. I could visualize Ralph Fiennes as a young Tom Riddle, and woke up at 2 in the morning with nightmares about Inferi!

Our parents can proudly tell us that they saw the swinging sixties, wore bellbottoms, lived and loved with the beatles. And we can some day proudly tell our children of our journey with Harry Potter, of the days we spent breathlessly counting down to each book's release, of the sleepless nights spent to finish 600 pages to find out what happened at the end. Seven times in ten blissful years, every now and then, we could leave our mundane world behind and enter the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry...the world of the "boy who lived" and "he who must not be named". This saturday, the journey will finally come to a bitter-sweet end. Yes, I am happy cos i will find out what happens in the end...all mysteries will be solved...all questions will be answered...but then what? What will then make my dreary muggle existence a little more bearable?

Blogging after a long time

There is a lot going on in my personal life...I do not want to bore you with the details just yet, but, things are very busy. Just thinking about the list of things that I need to get accomplished both at work and at home makes me want to drop dead out of sheer exhaustion. Most of my fatigue is due to the workings of my mind.....I am simply tired. I wish I didnt have so many miles to go before i could take a little nap.

Anyway, I had a wonderful all american fourth of july holiday. Luckily this year, we did not have a long weekend, just one short and sweet day off in the middle of the week. My husband, my lazy friend, and lazy friend's nice husband all went to Naperville's rib fest to watch the fireworks. I was totally into the moment, lying down on the grass and watching the beautiful golden showers in the sky, thought of a nice blog article to write, and then, my anti-blog husband and lazy friend totally killed it by saying "so are you going to write about this in your blog tomorrow? ha ha!!". Jeez....i dont know whats more troubling..the fact that i am so predictable, or the realization that my "anonymous" mom and loyal cousin are the only people who take my writing seriously...

Of Thamizh actresses and fabulousness

Take a look at Rajni's heroines.....Shriya already looks a little tired and paavum during the Sivaji premiere. Meena is as pretty as ever but ...er...looks kinda...healthy?!

And then...I saw someone's photo, i thought she looked fabulous, and then i had to rub my eyes and pinch myself before looking at the photo again..Its SRIDEVI!!! i've always been a big fan of her, she still ranks number 1 in my list of best heroines with Thalaivar and Kamal. She doesnt look a day over 35. I dont remember her looking this good even when she was acting. She was also present at the Chandramukhi 800 days celebration. So, i wonder what her ulterior motives are..Is she planning a grand comeback? Hopefully the heroine of thalaivar's next movie?


By the way, I didnt mean to be a bitch about Meena, i just dont understand why incredibly pretty indian girls end up looking so different when they cross the big 30. Its like the Thamizh movie industry slaps a "best by..." date on them, and they fall off the bandwagon. If the industry is guilty of age discrimination, then the Meenas and the Nagmas are guilty of not fighting back. i hope Sridevi breaks this stereotype. You go girl!

Images source: www.indiaglitz.com

I do not want to watch "A Mighty Heart"

Because I read the book. And the book had a few pictures of Danny and Marianne, and i cannot get these images out of my head. I see the joy in Marianne's eyes as she dances with Danny wearing her white wedding dress trimmed with roses. I see Danny's dashing sunny smile and wonder how different the world could have been if we have more journalists with a heart as mighty as his.

I then look at the picture on the front cover and see the sadness, the resolve and the unfathomable strength in Marianne's eyes. And i realize i cannot watch the movie just yet. The past is still too much in the present, it seems like all this just happened yesterday. I am not ready to move on just yet.

The real life images, combined with Marianne's compelling writing makes us empathize with her tragedy in ways that movies can never achieve.

It took me a few days to read the book, and recover. At times, i had to set the book aside, and take a deep breaths before continuing to read. The book grimly portrays the horror of Daniel Pearl's abduction and execution, while simultaneously offering heart breaking insights into his amazing personality, and the wonderful life he shared with his then pregnant wife. Marianne's strength and her undying hope for her son (and hence all our children) shines throughout the book.

The movie may be pretty good, Angelina may have given a wonderful performance....i'll probably watch the movie on dvd later...but for now, I'll just head to my library again.

Source of images -

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.jewishaz.com/

www.templeofunderstanding.org

Some days, i'm just mad

I quietly coast along everyday, my work and my lifestyle choices have left me with very few opportunities to interact with people. I kinda dont mind that - i have always been a loner on some level. And then there are days, when even the few conversations i have are unbearable. Today, a lady called. I dont want to go into the details but the bottom line is, she needed my help. She calls me and tears my name apart...she says "hi saae...nnn..dah riy aa....???" I say "umm....you mean (insert my desi name here)"...and shes says "oh yea right whatever". No apologies, nothing. And she needed my help.

Another person at work calls me...she has a problem she needs to solve and essentially needs to go to half the people in my company to get the problem resolved. So she calls me, the first easy target that popped up in her mind, gives me a big lecture and then hangs up on me without saying as much as a "bye" or a "thankyou"

Sometimes i just dont get people. All through my life, i was taught to be nice. I genuinely try to be nice, not because i crave for approval or for appearances, but because this is my religion - love. In the material world, in my day to day life, this niceness has got me nowhere. I dont really want to get anywhere, but i guess it would be nice if people had a little respect?

I guess i have not spiritually evolved into a supremely composed being, who stays calm no matter what. I guess that is why the big caveat is thrown in the Gita - do your thing, but expect nothing in return. I am rambling now and better stop. Some days, i am just mad.

Sivaji Review - The verdict? Chummaa Adhirudhu!!!

I feel a great sense of responsibility as i write this review. I have just witnessed a historic event - the coronation of the emperor, the greatest star in the history of Thamizh, Indian, Asian, and most definitely world cinema. Is my praise excessive? Na.... watch Sivaji and you would probably agree.

Sivaji marks a historic departure from the political and emotional ghosts that have haunted Rajni's career in the past decade. In Padayappa, he embarked on a pseudo onscreen battle with JJ, and the movie was bogged down by one-upmanship and consequently, male chauvinism. Baba was a daring exercise, but failed. It painfully showcased two of the things Rajni seemed to be most uncomfortable with - his age (should he act young , or middle aged?), his beliefs (should he showcase his spiritual side or continue to play cat and mouse games about his political future??).

Finally, there was Chandramukhi. A little unsure of the viability of his superstardom, Rajni played safe. He chose to remake an old favorite, let Jo and the screenplay rip and then made a grand comeback in the last 15 minutes of the movie, with almost no dialogues, a super cool bad ass getup and the famous "lakalaka".

The movie became a superhit, with fans loving his negative role. Rajni got his mojo back, and the rest is history. Sivaji continues in the same vein - a totally unihibited, unshackled bad ass Rajni; Ofcourse, he still helps the poor and needy, but he also unapologetically chases his girl, changes wigs more often than Shriya changes her costumes, fearlessly spoofs the patron saints of Thamizh cinema (Sivaji and MGR), allows Vivek to speak his punch lines for him (in Rajni style ofcourse) and endearingly calls himself the mottai boss!

Almost on par with Baasha and Thillu mullu, this is one of Rajni's finest performances. His comedy with Vivek is simply unbelievable - they bring the roof down with their totally irreverent satire, including spoofs on subjects as varied as raraa sarasuku rara, tehelka's investigative reporting, and even Vadivelu's famous "aoowww"!
Sivaji was much anticipated, partly for being a Rajni movie, and partly for being a Shankar movie. It ends up being a FANTASTIC Rajni movie. As for Shankar's contribution, I am torn between two equally plausible verdicts -

Verdict A - It is a terrible Shankar movie, simply a rehash of Gentleman with bits of Indian and Anniyan thrown in. Shankar's specialty has always been taking the common man's problems, throwing in spectacular song and fight sequences, and creating a vigilante single man army who changes Thamizhnadu in an unreal, but still very believable fashion. You have to willingly suspend your disbelief when watching a Rajni movie, but sequences in the second half of Sivaji where he sets the world right are just too much - even for a diehard Rajni or Shankar fan. Also, the "office room" (where government officials are beat up) concept has been exploited to a lesser extent in Vijaykanth movies, and it was disappointing to see such sequences in Sivaji. This movie could have just as easily been directed by K.S Ravikumar. If this criticism seems harsh, think of Indian - despite Kamal's double action and much-hyped performance, it was Shankar's taut direction that stood out. There is none of that brilliance in Sivaji.

Verdict B - Shankar has done a brilliant job here. The same guy who totally overshadowed Kamal, has gallantly stepped into the shadows here to create a memorable tribute to the superstar's talent. He makes Rajni shine, and lets everything else pale in comparison.

Vivek is simply brilliant. Suman is on par with Rajni. His restraint and understated performance is simply superb - he is menacing, but without becoming a caricature. Surprisingly, the movie does not have the big crowds of actors who typically surround Rajni. Some good actors show up very briefly, and make an impact - Livingstone, Raghuvaran, and Chinni Jayanth being the most notable.

Now the songs - a big portion of the movie's budget was spent on building sets and on song picturizations. Shankar hits and misses in equal parts. Ballelakka's picturization does not befit such a wonderful song (but Nayanthara makes the guys in the audience real happy). Also, Sahana saaral is redundant and boring - Shankar actually has women in angel dresses and fluttering white and silver wings...is that not so.....last century? duh! But Rajni simply dazzles in Vaaji Vaaji, Style, and Adhiradi kaalam. Style is especially cool - with loads of wild wigs, a white Rajni (yea really, white, and he looks pretty good!) is a treat to watch! Shreya is fabulous - she has a perfect figure, dances well, and carries off some pretty daring costumes.

Chandramukhi left me with a sense of dissatisfaction - of having watched a Rajni movie that could have almost been really good, but was not. Sivaji leaves me with no such feelings of disappointment. Cinematically, it may not be an Indian or a Baasha, but, for Rajni fans (and for many new converts), this movie is incredibly special, worth watching at least twice in the theater, and proves that Thalaivar is truly the Baasha...he is really THE Boss.

The lean veggie - Edamame sundal

Shelled soya beans (edamame) are said to be really good for health - they are a great source of protein, and all the good stuff... It can be lightly boiled and snacked on like peanuts, but the plain version didnt taste much of anything. So, i went back to an old favorite sundal recipe

Ingredients -

Frozen Edamame - 1 cup

Chopped cilantro - 2 tbsp

Salt - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Broken red chilli - 1

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Broken urad dhal - 1/2 tsp

Oil - 1 tsp

Lemon juice - 1 tbsp

Lemon zest - 1 tsp

Hing - 2 pinches

Curry leaves - 3 (finely chopped)

Grated coconut (or dry coconut flakes) - 2 tbsp

Recipe -

1) Place the edamame in a microwave safe bowl, cover with water, and microwave for 5 minutes. Check to see if tender , and microwave for another minute if needed

2) Drain the edamame, but reserve the water

3) Heat 1 tsp of oil in a non-stick pan

4) Add the mustard seeds, cover and allow to splutter. Then add the red chilli, curry leaves and urad dhal and fry for a few seconds till the dhal is golden brown

5) Add the edamame, turmeric powder, salt, hing and stir fry for 2 minutes

6) Add 1/4 cup of reserved water, coconut, and cook till the water evaporates

7) Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust the seasonings

The One...Da Boss!!!

My dad (with a lot of irony in his voice) : "So sivaji gets released and all the poverty and corruption in India will somehow get taken care of?"

Me: "ofcourse Daddy. Anna vandha thamizh naadum amerikkaaa"...

And i was only half kidding. Somehow, I've almost become a believer, there is something about Rajni that transforms everyone. Rajni fans are everywhere. You cannot dismiss them as simple gullible people living below the poverty line who can be charmed by a bunch of goody goody scenes on the silver screen. Cos, Rajni's fans in Chicago cheer him with the same gusto exhibited by the rasigar mandram diehards celebrating at udayam and devi paradise. Cos, Rajni's fans drive all the way from Florida and Tenesee to Atlanta just to watch Baba on the first day. Cos Rajni's fans are ready to pay 26 dollars per ticket, when even Spiderman 3 at IMAX cost only 11 dollars.

Will he ever participate in politics? I dont know, maybe Sivaji has some big hints thrown in? I checked out a couple of blogs where fans were making live updates as they watched the movie, but i didnt read these articles. I dont want anything to detract from my pleasure of watching the movie tomorrow. Thats why i loved chandramukhi - i didnt have a clue about the movie and was pleasantly surprised.

Celebrating Sivaji's release, i made a special Rajni hits cd for my commute. Here are some of the songs that i enjoyed the most -

1) Devuda - Chandramukhi
2) Thillaana thillaana - Muthu
3) Paandiyanin raajiyathil - Paandiyan
4) Maadathiley kanni maadathiley - Veera
5) Ballelakka and vaaji - Sivaji

Deva and Illayaraja have given Rajni some of his most memorable tunes. Sivaji is a rare expection - but Rahman's music for Rajni has always been strictly mediocre - Baba, Padayappa and muthu come no where near Baasha or Thalapathi. I know, Muthu had a couple of big hits, but i was cringing as i listened to kuluvaaliley - it seemed cute then, but it seemed childish and disjointed as i listened to it now. Dont know why Rahman runs out of inspiration when it comes to Thalaivar's movies.

I'll post my true Sivaji review on sunday. I cant wait!!!

Summer, friendship, birthdays and flowers...

June is all that and more to me. I guess everybody feels this way, there is something special about the month that you celebrate your birthday.

I tried to pretend for a few days that my birthday doesnt matter, i'm too old to celebrate and all that blah... But i realized i was lying to myself. My birthday does matter a lot to me. And i am really grateful to all the people in my life who made the effort to remember and wish me well. And I also cannot accept the fact that not a single person at my workplace wished me. Ok, so they say work is all about business, and you should not take it personally, but i am still a little surprised. Ofcourse, over the next few days, it somehow slipped out and i got a couple of belated birthday wishes, which is, i guess all that i can hope for in the place that i spend 12 hours a day, 5 days a week at.

My parent's wedding anniversary, my mom's birthday, and my baby sister's birthday are also in June. Growing up, this is why i loved june, there were parties and celebrations every single week. I miss all that now, but the wonderful weather more than makes up for it.

To celebrate my favorite month, I decorated my dining table with the centerpiece in the picture. The gorgeous blue glass bowl is a birthday gift from my best friend. It is perfect for displaying cuts of small delicate short stemmed flowers. The beautiful purple and yellow Nemesia flowers are from my container garden. They are long lasting, and have a faint, almost jasmine like fragrance.

Totally fabulous

Alison Stewart sometimes hosts Countdown when Keith Olberman has the day off. During last night's show, i totally fell in love with her outfit - a beautiful burnt orange kurti with threadwork and bold gold accents. It was such a refreshing change from the stuffy suits and ties. Women in the news media always seem to fall under one of two categories - dumbed down, staid and botoxed or dumbed down, blond and almost provocatively dressed. So it was a pleasure to see a confident, sassy 30 something old Alison, making a fashion statement and keeping the show watchable.

Why am i going on and on about a relatively obscure anchor? I guess the image she projected resonates with something in me....Its yet another birthday for me. As the years race by, i am sometimes scared, thinking about the rapidly approaching big 30 and looking at my long unfinished to-do list. However, sometimes I feel really good. As i get older, i am gradually shedding my insecurities by the way side...i am a little more comfortable with who i am. I was a rabidly patriotic indian a few years ago, then spent another few years desperately trying to fit into the american life in every way possible. I think a happy medium is achievable....like a kurti during a prime time news broadcast....

Back to my first love . .. reading!

When there is absolutely nothing worth watching on TV, when there is nothing exciting happening on the political front (though the pundits are trying their best to create hot topics for discussion), when the days are incredibly long (sun rises at 5:00 am and sets at 8:00 pm or so) and when the allergy season is in full bloom, and when you live near some of the best public libraries in the nation - i dont really have a choice; i have to read! My book reviews begin...

White house chef - Walter Scheib

Personally hired by Hillary Clinton., Walter Schieb was the chief white house chef for most of the Clinton years, and also for Bush's first term. This book is a delightful compilation of anecdotes and recipes. Walter writes about his menus for major state dinners - how Hillary and her team wanted to pay a tribute to the visiting head of state's country by including that country's dishes on the menu, or preparing contemporary american food with accents specific to that nation.

Even though Walter states that the book is apolitical, it is pretty obvious that he was totally enamoured by the Clintons - Hillary is portrayed as a warm loving hostess, and Bill as an adorable superstar. Walter's character sketch of Chelsea is probably the most genuine, and truly endearing. Growing up in the whitehouse, Chelsea gradually became a full time vegetarian. Also, Hillary requested Walter to include more healthful meatless dishes in the menu. This prompted Walter to delve into the cooking traditions of India, China, and other countries to devise meatless dishes. Some of the vegetarian recipes in the book are excellent, and really simple (the minted peas soup, and the mango black bean salsa for example). Ofcourse, there are many other recipes that could easily take days to prepare, a fact that Walter acknowledges. This book is a quick read, and if you are a Clinton afficionado, dont miss this one!

Whats with McCain????

I have tremendous regard for John McCain's service to the nation and his tragic past as a Vietnamese prisoner of war. With that being said, is McCain a viable presidential candidate? In light of the events over the past few years, and more specifically, the past month, the answer is a resounding no.

Between 2000 and 2004, McCain gained popularity as a maverick figure in the GOP, standing by his beliefs rather than towing the party line. However, according to Wikipedia - "McCain's voting record in the 109th congress was the third most conservative among senators".

It is no coincidence that McCain's pandering to the GOP's ultra conservative base coincides with the rise of his presidential ambitions. The desire for the office of the presidency is understandable, but the complete lack of conscience makes McCain's campaign practically unforgivable. McCain jumped at the first opportunity to take cheapshots at a fellow vietnam hero John Kerry, by criticizing his "botched joke" about the troops just before the 2007 midterms. However, when criticized for singing the "bomb Iran" song, he asked his critics to "...lighten up.."!!!! His Iraq trip fiasco painfully highlights his ignorance of the reality on the ground, and his willingness to jeopardize the safety of American troops and Iraqi citizens to score political points.

It is still very early in the race, and at this stage, judging by McCain's weak campaign fund raising, it is apparent that many Americans feel the same unease with his candidacy.

Get a life... leave the laptop at work...

For the first time in many months, I felt a great sense of freedom this weekend, coz my office laptop simply did not work. I spent the whole of last year, way too engrossed in my job. Now, thinking about it, I probably was not as effective as I could have been, as I was simply exhausted. This year, a light bulb is suddenly burning bright in my head. For me to be effective at work, I've got to work less, and hence work more. Sounds like an oxymoron, but I have seen many crackberry addicts "working" all through the weekend, and then spending precious hours during the workweek, bitching to their colleagues about how they are overworked...I'm now itching to go to work this monday morning after three whole days away from my office laptop. I hope this new strategy of mine works, i hope i get to see at least some sunshine during the day, and i hope i get a life at least this year!

The case for Obama

Opinion polls for the past few months constantly pitched Hillary Clinton as the democratic front runner, and I viewed these with constant disbelief. The opinion of Washington pundits aside, it is hard to imagine the average Jane or Joe rooting for Hillary. Voters can be roughly divided into two groups - people who do not really follow politics, and people who do. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the former will have a major perception problem with Hillary, and the latter will most certainly have a problem with Hillary's stance on Iraq.

It is probably unfair to judge a book by it's cover, but politics is all about perception, and people do not really get the warm fuzzies when they see Hillary. She is too guarded, too practiced, too focus-grouped, and too opinion-polled. As she is afraid to be herself, she comes up short when compared to a slick Edwards or a warm, self-effacing Obama. Much like conventional desis, Americans are also typically guarded when it comes to rooting for strong willed, independent, career-oriented women. It is not a mere coincidence that a Laura Bush has wide spread support across party lines, and even Nancy Pelosi works over time to promote her nice ol' granny image. Hillary's performance as the junior senator from New York has been admirable, but, for a majority of the voting public who do not really deep dive into real politics, it is simply way too easy to dislike her.

For diehard democrats, it is really difficult to get past Hillary's vote for the Iraq war. She can nuance her stance on this forever, and her consultants can come up with all the necessary shpiel, but this does not change the reality; the consequences of the war have been disastrous, and also sadly anticipated by millions across the world....except, seemingly those who cast their votes. While voting for the war, Hillary could have either predicted these consequences or not. If she had predicted the consequences and still cast her vote, that makes her an unscrupulous politician who would rather give up her beliefs than cross paths with a then popular president. If she had not predicted the consequences, and cast her vote based on the "intelligence", that raises serious questions about her competency and capability to rule this nation. The same logic also taints all other contenders who voted for the war - John Edwards, John Mccain, and the likes.

The general unease about Hillary's candidacy is totally reflected in the first quarter fund raising numbers reported last week. Obama's 25 million came from thousands of average Janes and Joes, as opposed to Hillary's 26 million which was bolstered by her senate account, an undisclosed amount of general election contributions, and many friends left over from the Clinton years. I have nothing against Hillary - in fact, before Obama announced his candidacy, I was a major supporter. I do not have perception problems with her, but I simply cannot look past her Iraq vote.

...If you get only one great love, then Chennai may just be mine...

Qoute source: Carrie Bradshaw (and ofcourse, substitute Chennai with New York!)

I'm back after two blissful weeks in the most fabulous city on the planet, Chennai. I've been to India and the UK a few times before, but I have never had such a wonderful time. Everything somehow came together...perfect times with my family, friends, cousins, and ofcourse, beautiful Chennai. I spent the next couple of weeks back in Naperville feeling rather bad for myself, terribly homesick, and missing all the smiling faces around me. Anyway, i guess our hearts are more tenacious than what we think... i am back to slogging away at work, catching up with American politics, shopping for groceries, and remembering my times with my baby loves without getting a lump in my throat...

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!!!!