What is your name?

What's in a name? Why bother if it has 20 letters or too funky. Everybody has a name! Even a man who does not have a kidney would have a name. But what's in a name?

My name is 'Anuradha', it means, a 'star' says Google. I gave it as 'Anuradha Vasan' in my credentials, having my father's name next to mine, following the traditional rule. Well, its been more than a year since my marriage, and still I have not gone for a surname change. My husband has left the choice to me whether or not to change. Well, that's not the topic here. I am addressed as Ms.Vasan in most places. My father's name 'Vasan' has a history again. His original name was Vasudevan, that of lord Krishna's. Since their were two Vasudevan's with the same initials, he decided to shrink it to Vasan and thats how my surname came up. Now back to myself. Here in the United States, people who are not Indian natives call me Vasaaan; thats Va-sa-aa-an(rhymes well with Nissan of Nissan Altima). I tend to correct them in most places. Now that I have become sick of it.

My husband's surname is Krishnakumar, and again since people in US call by surname, he goes mad spelling his name over phone even for a Pizza delivery. Most times his email ID would be mis-spelt. He is pretty much having a tough time. And his first name is Ramgopal. Most people prefer calling him Ram (that used to be my most favorite name even before I knew I am going to marry a guy called Ram). But here in the US, its addressed as RAM (as in 25MB RAM (memory)). Again he got fed up correcting people, hence he got used to himself calling it RAM. Now he says, RAM as in Dodge RAM. Easy for them to follow.

In India, people say that every body's name is related to god somehow or the other. Modern Indian parents want their kids to have a traditionally-funky name. That's because the most common factor that comes in their mind while naming their child is, the revenge against their own parents. In those days parents named their children only with traditional names not knowing that their child would someday become a CEO of a multinational company. Well, I am not complaining the way they named. But I learnt from few of my friends , how dissatisfied they were with their names. A girl named 'Abhithakuchalambal' would get bullied big time at college. 'Pichai' would find it it very difficult to survive in a Tamil speaking state. And so does 'Gundu Rao'.

How about 'Champakavathi', short form should definitely be Champa. Even short names like 'Dhruthi' doesn't seem to be fluent enough. Friends of 'Godavari' would like to call her 'Goda'? or 'God'? 'Hansanandini' shrinks to 'Hansa', I know a person named Hamsa; I would definitely get confused between the two. How would 'Kamakoti' or 'Kamakshi' be called at home? I don't think either would prefer being called with a short form.

Jothika's name in the movie 'Sillunu oru Kadhal' was 'Kundhavai'. This reminds me of the Vivek's comedy in 'Sivaji' about 'Anga-vai'. I had a friend named 'Mrinalini'. At the same time I knew another girl called 'Mirnalini'. Phew!!! That was a tough time differentiating both names. American Indian, 'Vera Mindy Chockalingam' from the US TV series 'The Office' ,is better known as Mindy Kaling here in the United States. While watching the serial sometime, I heard from one of her dialogues, that her parents named her 'Rajnigandha' and she does not like it.

My very own, most common name, 'Anu' was also bullied at times. People used to say Anu's shirt, Anu's cycle, Anu's ring as Anus ring. A small apstophe would change the enitre meaning and would help my enemies bully me.

Most Indians have remodelled or even completely changed their names according to their wish. Based on numerology or even profession, people prefer others to call them with names they choose for themselves. What about film actors. Name a few who haven't gone for a name change. Rajnikanth is a magical name for Tamils or even Indians across the globe. If he was still Sivaji Rao Geakwad, it would sound like some character artists in 1950s. But that's business. People love calling him Rajni though they know he is Sivaji Rao.

I often used to tell my husband that we must be very careful while naming our child. The name should be crisp and easy to pronounce and definitely not a one which our child would want to change in future. There are parents who name their child after a very close relative of them or one of their mothers or fathers.

I came across an English name 'Cupcake' which I recently saw on TV. And I met a person called April. Another beautiful name called Melissa of a person whom I know; I used to say Melissa romba meleeesa aayita...(which means Melissa has become thin, in Tamil).Well that comes under sarcasm which cannot be helped. But lets not forget the genuine cases.There was a girl in my college whose accent and attitude stunned me. Her name was 'Paapathi'. That was the biggest shock for me. Her name was not at all related to her by any mean. But people called her 'Pops'. Now isn't that funky enough!

*Picture - Savannah, Georgia

Separate food blog???

I have a passion towards cooking, that's because I feel cooking is not a 'woman's only' job but its an art. In the recent times, I had been blogging a little more about cooking. Suddenly I came up with this notion of moving my 'cook-posts' to a new blog; and even started thinking of a name for it. Well, that reminds me of parents naming their newborns, which I would want to discuss in my next post. Complicated enough to call out during an emergency, 'Sahaskruthi', 'Abhiprithi','Seemantini', and the list goes on. Back with naming my cook blog, I had a few names in mind - 'Pasta', 'Garlic','Burp', 'Taste it baby', 'Take a bite man' or even 'Fart', if I ran out of names.

But then, the whole idea of having a separate cook blog was not enough satisfying. That's because I do not want separate my ideas as 'General' and 'Cooking'. Neither did I want separate readers for both blogs. I want men who are a 'zero' in cooking, also to read posts about cooking and food; not just in my blog, but elsewhere. Come on, its the food we eat. Lets know where and how it comes from!!!

Making of a Burger!

First let me tell the history behind this making! Yesterday I planned to make 'Aaloo Mutter' (an Indian version of creamy, rich, buttery* Potato-Peas curry) with Chapathis. My pressure cooker, in which the peas was getting cooked remained dead for quite sometime without whistling. Finally, after about 20 minutes there came the first whistle. (Shiva, the guy who used to follow my bicycle when I was in 8Th class used to whistle better than that!) After its second whistle, my cranky thoughts were to let go 5 whistles, which a normal woman would never do. I assumed that the peas being so hard without being soaked well initially, would cook better in 5 whistles. End result - the peas was mashed thoroughly forming a semi-solid paste!!! And hence raised the idea of making Burger today! A person who is learning to cook good would normally not read further after listening to this mess. But you can trust me!

The most popular McDonald's does not provide veg Burgers. Hence, the vegetarians(especially the ones by birth who have migrated from India to the US) have lesser choice of outside food, or to be specific, Burgers. Well, the making of the patty is a little tricky here. Remaining process is so simple that, even a person like my husband who thinks cooking is a rocket science, can do it easily.

Ingredients I used:

Mashed peas - 2 cups

Boiled potatoes - 2

Scrapped carrot - 1

Salt - very important you have it enough. Plus or minus of this ingredient would spoil any dish.

Chilly powder - 1+ tsp

Garam masala powder - 2 tsp

Jaljeera powder - 1 tsp (I usually add it for its tangy flavor)

Coriander leaves - well....... a little!

Oil

Made it this way:

1. Mix all the above ingredients well. I prefer mixing it with clean and dirt-free hands than with a spatula. Mash the potatoes within. Wow, that was a good exercise for my hands.

2. Now it might look like a solid ball (If its in the right consistency). Partition into 4.

3. Grab each portion and roll it with your palms. Flatten a bit

4. Heat each of them in a non-stick pan, preferably; simply because it consumes lesser oil to cook the stuff.

5. Let it become brown both sides. The patty is ready to become a layer.

The Burger arrangement begins:

6. Cut the Burger bun into 2 and toast it. I prefer toasting it.

7. Spread some melted butter.

8. Place the patty and then a sliced tomato and onion. Lettuce or cabbage is optional.

9. Salt and pepper optional but I suggest you add.

Serve with fresh lime.

The final step to Burger enlightenment!!!

Precious / Up in the air

Academy award for 'Best Support Actor' - Mo'Nique in Precious (and) 6 Oscar nominations for 'Up in the air' ; made me watch these two movies as part of my movie night last weekend!

Precious, the most spoken about movie in recent times. Unfortunately I did not watch the climax because I turned off the TV half way through. I was moved. Precious, the obese, illiterate teenager becomes pregnant twice by her own father and lives with her mother who physically and mentally abuses her. Mo'Nique who plays Precious's mother has shown amazing talent in acting. Gabourey Sidibie who plays the 16 year old Precious lost to Sandra Bullock in Oscars under 'Best Actress' category.

Up in the air, its all about firing! And a little romance in between. If you are looking for a corporate movie describing the recession times watch this. A subtle and soothing journey up in the air; its about a man who completes his 10 million miles in the air. George Clooney (Ryan) is hired to fire employees; helping bosses who are coward enough to do it themselves. Anyone would love a job like that. But Natalie, Ryan's coworker did not and she resigned after hearing that the employee whom she fired had committed suicide. 2009 had been a year of recession and this movie looks like a summary of the same! Good watch!

*the pictures show only George Clooney because - Oh god! I just love looking at him, and only him!

Brahmacharyam...

I feel so annoyed by this word - Swamiji! How many Swamijis in line to have taught the same lesson to our Tamil devotees(or should I generalize as Indian devotees). And how many excuses do our people need to repeat the same foolish mistake of following the false footsteps of these sick people.

For those unaware of what crap this post is about; let me explain in detail right from the spiritual guru's motto "Worry is created out of ignorance and sustained by ego" says Paramahamsa Nithyananda in his devotional website.

And yesterday I saw this Sun TV news clip on YouTube and went speechless. People call him god. I blame the people first! There were similar controversies related to sex scandals by Godmen in the past. I do not want to mention names here. If technology can help them in many ways, let it help you in googling about them. Here,the devotees still seem to show that they have not learnt anything from them. Mere stupidity! As told in many south-Indian channels, a swami is a person who sacrifices luxury and chants the name of god.But there is something known as betrayal. That part of the controversy made me write this post.

Wikipedia says "Swami is primarily a Hindu honorific title". What should have made him honorific. I also went through his website and was wondering; do small scale software companies have a tie with such guys to build their websites, so beautiful and professional.

And need I say about these actress who pose in such videos and controversies. Swamijis,film industry personnel, sportsperson, multi-millionaires, politicians are predominantly popular among controversies with actress.In this video, what I discovered was, the actress was trying to keep stuff on light; while Swamiji was keen on turning lights off. My prediction was; whether the actress was involved in helping people find out his true colors. No one knows the truth! And the Swamiji supporters are trying to prove him innocent. Well, lets wait and watch. But from the eyes of a normal human being and of course being a person who knows sufficient information about graphics and computers, I felt there was not much morphing or graphics work.

But you people who blindly follow false footsteps, think twice!

Biology-Electronics-Mainframes........Business?

Initially, when I was a kinder-garden kid, people used to ask me; what I would want to become when I grow up. And being a popular girly answer at that time, I would reply - Doctor! Then, during my high school days my goal slightly changed towards my interest in space research. For quite some years, I was sticking onto this profession(I mean dreaming about this profession). Then during my higher secondary, my electives pulled me back into my childhood goal of becoming a doctor (Oh yes, I mean I was in Biology group).

My board exam results made a slight twist. Since my Maths score was more than that of Biology, according to Indian law of Medical Entrance my chances were very weak to become a doctor. Hence, Engineering colleges opened their gates wide enough for me. Here, I jumped into the pool, or rather the ocean. And my choice of specialization was none other than 'Electronics and Communication Engineering'. Well, my father decided during my first year of engineering that I would become an expert 'Electronics Engineer' and join him in BSNL repairing 'Telephonic circuits'.

He in fact was very keen and adamant that I work only for a government concern (the 9 to 5 office, remember?). So he in his own way started spending money on application forms of government office like BSNL, VSNL, BHEL, Railways, to name a few. Trust me, I cant imagine sitting in those old buildings, with a ceiling fan too far from the ceiling supported by a long rod; and which almost comes and hits your head. And not to forget, reaching office at 10.00 AM, lunch at 12.30 AM inside the so called office canteen with uncles and aunties and grandpa's and grandma's. I used to hate these government jobs and wrote these UPSC exams just for the sake of my dad.

Thank God, I narrowly escaped joining them. And what else, fell into another pit called IT; oh ya as a technology person trying to code and talk. And now, do you remember I initially wanted to become a doctor. But guess what, there was a time when doctors were envying software engineers. Not anymore I guess, after this cycle of recession. Oh ya, did I mention; somewhere between my high school and higher secondary I also had another goal - to join the army! Well, that vanished in between my busy schedules.

And now, after about 5+ years of breaking my head in technology; is management my path?

Oh ya, there was a subject called as 'Engineering Drawing' during my first year of Engineering. Only the guys who framed the curriculum would know why on earth they had to include such a subject in the course. Maybe they thought, in future sometime after 10-15 years; that would help me sketch the plan of my house; on my own. And still the device called 'drafter' is hanging down somewhere in my bedroom loft!

Junk Comments

Whoa....A sudden increase in my blog comments. And not to my surprise most of them being junk. In this world of internet, now I guess blogs are hot spots to forward and spread junk/spam links and information; may or may not be with a viral infection. One of my laptops got seriously infected with this culprit. Am searching for antibiotics!

Great Smokey Mountains at Summer

A look back on all our trips to the Great Smokey Mountains. I failed to write down my experiences then and there. Here I am recollecting my beautiful moments at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park across Tennessee- North Carolina. This was my first among the 4 trips, across all seasons.

Summer (June 2009) - This reminds me of the scenic lush green mountains, last summer. Greenery everywhere! We did not feel the heat of summer anytime on the mountain top. The strech from city of Cherokee to the city of Gatlinburg is the main essence of the trip to the Smokeys. In between this stretch is the Tennessee-North Carolina borderline. Gatlinburg is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains. The Gatlinburg stretch has a number of shops with a variety of food and fudges and what not! Though there are a number of hotels/motels you can opt for, I suggest you can stay in Pigeon Forge, which is 6 miles away from the Mountains as well as Gatlinburg.

Pigeon Forge is another city full of activities. It has a number of fun parks.

On our way back home we switched routes and came via Chattanooga, a must-see location in Tennessee. 'Ruby Falls' is a historical underground falls, which was discovered by Leo Lambert who named it after his wife 'Ruby'. An elevator takes you underground and there is a mile long trekking inside the caves to view the stunning beauty of this 'America's Highest Underground Falls'.

AVATAR & Sherlock Holmes on Christmas Day!

Its Christmas day, 2009 - Reminds me of the one in 2004 while I was in a dilemma to resign my first job or not. I was working night shift that day. The office cubicles were decorated with Christmas trees and colorful balloons. With the same amount of excitement and fun as any other day, I was ready to put my papers for good! The next day morning at around 5.30 AM I took my cab home. In Chennai, travelling along the Marina beach road early morning used to be fun, but not on that day! Well, it was the day of Tsunami. My cab driver changed route as there were a lot of chaos on the roads of Chennai early morning. Immediately after an hour all TV channels were flashing headlines about Tsunami in Chennai. Until then I guess the word Tsunami was not familiar in Indian dictionary.

'Avatar' and 'Sherlock Holmes' - Watching those 2 movies on the Christmas Day amidst American audience was quiet an experience!

Avatar - Well, Mr.James Cameroon's return after Titanic. Do I need to explain about Avatar then? Go watch it, if you have not yet. With the Imax 3D, the movie was scintillating! The imaginary Pandora's, floating mountains, flying animals, amazingly beautiful places in the Pandora were breathtaking views. The blue skinned Na'vi of the planet Pandora resembles the blue skin of lord Krishna. Maybe that was a reason for it to be called Avatar ( Dashavatar - 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu) ; was truly our(me and my husband's) view of the movie.

But again, aliens invading earth or man invading alien-land is not new to Hollywood.

Sherlock Holmes - Again two thumbs up! During my school days I have never read any Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie books. Hence naturally I felt it difficult following this movie. The background score, the set that portrayed London Bridge during its construction, olden days London, Robert Downey Jr. add beauty to this movie. People say the movie is running as equally as Avatar recently. But Avatar would definitely make it at the box office- no doubt!

Thanksgiving time with Sweet potato pie

I was wondering why in India we don't celebrate 'Thanksgiving Day'. I just love the reason why the people here in America celebrate Thanksgiving day and the amount of happiness they have is endless. From their busy schedules they just take a day off to be with their loved ones thanking them for all what they have done! When I look back, I have never sat down a single day with my mom thanking her for all what she has done for me. Well, the love was definitely there in each others heart and we kept it within ourselves. Here I am several thousand miles away, blogging about her.

Its not about the word 'Thanks', but about the time we give to think about the family we belong to; children thanking parents, father thanking son, mother thanking her daughter-in-law, friends thanking each other - so emotional to look at!

Well, before I get too emotional let me explain something else that is important during this festive season - Food! Oh yes, when was it not important. But during thanksgiving the variety of food items they make are mouth-watering. Cheesecakes, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, a whole turkey are part of the thanksgiving dinner. I tried my hands on one of them and here is how I did it - of course with the help of great chefs from the 'Food Network'.

You need:

Sweet Potatoes - 2

Butter - 1/2 stick

Eggs - 3

Sugar - 1 cup

Milk - 1/2 cup

Vanilla extract - 1 tbsp

Pie crust - ready made

Here you go:

1. Boil potatoes for more than 30 mins till they are really soft

2. Peel the skin and mash/blend with the remaining ingredients except the pie crust. You will(should) get a smooth paste.

3. Pour them on the pie crust and bake for 1 hr

4. What next? Slice it and have a bite!

I tried it with honey and dates.

Pasta once a week!

One of my favorite dishes - Pasta! And one of my favorite things to do- eating Pasta! Pasta came into our lives a little late because it took its own time to travel from Italy to America and then to India.

In Chennai (South India), one of the best baked pasta can be found in the Eden restaurants at the Harrisons, Nungambakkam. My mouth waters even now when I think about their Pastitso.

Of the base dishes; Rice, Breads (Rotis in India) and Pasta; the last one is not too familiar in India(at least a few years back). And trust me cooking a complete Pasta meal takes lesser time comparatively.

You need:

Pasta - 1 cup (I loaaaaaaooooooooove Penne Pasta. I usuallySdon't prefer spagetti)

Veggies - As many as you want. Carrots, Beans kinda. Chop them into small, cute vertical pieces.

Tomatoes - 1 big, chopped

Tomato puree - 1 small can. Hmmm well its your choice absolutely to use this. The reason I use it is, it stops the Pasta from getting thicker. And I insist this product only when there are guests.When its you, then I guess you can prepare the puree yourself.

Garlic - at least 4 cloves. Aaahhhh, I love the essence of garlic.

Butter - 1 stick (Oh come on, its once in a while)

Cheese - loads (Again, once in a while)

Salt - 1 tbsp

Pepper - 1 tbsp

Here you go:

1. Cook pasta in boiling water for nearly 15 mins. Most pasta packs will have the heating instructions. But guess what, I prefer cooking at least 5 mins more than what is specified in the pack.

2. Cook the carrots and beans to a moderate level. Normally it takes 20 mins for it to get cooked completely. But for this dish its enough if you cook for 15 mins.

3. In a wide pan or kadaai heat the butter.Once it melts add the garlic and saute for a minute. Now add the tomatoes and saute till they become soft.

4. Add the puree and let cook for 2 mins

5. Add the cooked veggies and saute. Add salt and pepper. Let cook for a minute.

6. Now add the cooked pasta. Saute and let cook for 2 mins.

Pasta is ready to be served if you don't want it baked. For baking process read further.

7. Spread butter in a baking dish. Put some shredded cheese on the dish. Now spread all the ingredients into the dish. Put the rest of the cheese as if covering the entire stuff with a pool of cheese.

8. Onto the preheated oven for just 15 mins.

The cheese melted on top and the penne slightly brown in colour is the best sign of a perfectly baked pasta.

Serve hot with Italian wine (Oops!)

I know why he hates MLM's

We were busy checking out new arrivals in a bookstore here in local Atlanta. A nicely dressed Indian woman approaches me and kick-starts a conversation. And me, without knowing that I am the prey of the day, for the marketing tricks of this MLM business; smiled at her and started to reciprocate. I really don't have any idea to explain you what it is, because I am not interested in doing it. But as he says in his rusted blog, these MLM people intrude into other's privacy to spread their business; is what I hate about it.

And guess what, they dont spare the Americans too.

America, its again you - Now on Hip Hop

These days I listen to more Hip Hop than the regular plagiarized tones from Chennai. Well, in this age, the term plagiarism revolves around with more than one inner meaning. I saw this quote somewhere "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources". Well, there were so many debates on the correctness of this statement. The man behind this quote is our very own Einstein. But if you are from India, having listened to musicians like Harris Jayraj, Vijay Antony, Deva, Pitam and others you will know that the quote by Einstein is totally stupid. Because their music is a little more than plagiarism.

For now Jay Z, Kanye West, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift do really have caught my attention. The whole Kanye-Taylor-Beyonce drama recently was so very interesting. And guess what, in this part of the world, the president was also asked to comment about it; and he did. Check that out here....

Hmmm, some interesting gossips going on here. Well, if that keeps entertaining people then nothing really wrong in it. And now, check this kid (4 year old) shaking his legs, on the Ellen show.

Bachelor Meal

Woh Woh day by day my 'Junk' blog is turning out to be a fresh 'Cook Blog'.

This is going to be a very simple, healthy, not-so-messy ,interesting, quick meal for you bachelors out there who are living far-far-away from your mommas. It takes just 20 minutes to have your end product ready in your hands. So to leave for office at 8.00 AM, its enough to wake up at 7.00 AM for you to get ready.....and your lunch to be prepared. Now come on with me......

You need:

Wheat flour - 1 cup (makes 2 chapatis)

Salt - 1 tsp

Spring Onions(as referred in India)/Scallions (as referred in America)/Shallots(as referred somewhere else)- 2

Ghee/Butter - 1 tbsp (As a part of fat in the balanced meal. Bachelorettes trying to slim down......this one is not for you)

Water - few tbsp to knee the dough (A very good substitute is milk or even yogurt)

Put your hands on it:

The regular dough kneeding process begins.

Add your flour and salt and mix it first.

Then add your butter and mix it

And now, add water and kneed the dough. Add your Spring Onions now. Keep kneeding it. Give it some punches as much as you can. (Now see, that substitutes your gymming time). The more you punch the more softer it becomes.

Now leave it for 5 mins as you get ready for your work.

After you come back cut the dough into small chapati balls.

Roll them and heat it in the Tava.

While turning on each side you can spread some oil/butter/ghee as per your need. Else forget it.

With that:

Now in a small bowl put 3 tbsp yogurt. With that, add a pinch of salt and jaljeera(I suggest this one for that salty tinge and easier digestion. Else substitute with cumin powder).

Your lunch box is good to go.

Substitute Spring Onions with Mint leaves/Coriander leaves/Scrapped Carrots/or any dough-comfortable stuff from your wildest thoughts.

Fried rice isn't a big deal

I discovered that this is going to be the easiest and quickly made variety rice, especially when you are running short of time.

There was a time when I kept wondering what makes this dish so very mouth-watering. Well, its time to explore. Nothing much, its the Soy sauce and Ajinomoto which gives it the 'yumm' taste. But I am not using either of them, not because that I don't have them both right now; but I felt the fried rice comes out well even without them.

All You need is:
Boiled rice - As per the head count (Just make sure its not too boiled or sticky)
Carrots - cut them into longer thinner pieces
Green beans - same as carrots, but remember that beans takes more time to get cooked that carrots
Capsicum - I prefer smaller cubes, how about you
Spring onions - Aaah, now this guy is the hero. Cut them smaller to mix up well with the rice.
Ginger - I prefer adding ginger in most dishes for easier digestion. Oh come on, not in my cakes.
Green chillies - Size similar to carrots
Pepper - I like it pepper hot.
Salt - If its American made then 2 spoons, else if its Indian then 3 spoons. I have no idea why. Purely out of experience and taste.
Oil - Gingely oil
Ghee - Just a spoon for its aroma. Only for guests, not for you.


Get started:
A kadai/pan would do. Add oil and heat it.
Add half the pepper and ginger.
Add the veggies - carrots, beans and saute it for 1 minute.
Add a little bit of water, close the lid and let cook for 2 minutes. (On the contrary, you can boil these 2 veggies separately before and keep it ready. But remember that, neither of the veggies should be over-cooked. Remember eating it in a Chinese restaurant?)
Remove lid, add capsicum and the remaining pepper. You can add a spoonful of ghee at this stage. Saute and close lid again. Let cook for a minute.
Now add the rice. Mix well. Add salt. Reduce the heat.
Taste a spoonful to check if the salt and pepper has covered the rice and veggies well.
If no, add more.


In restaurants, fried rice is served with tomato sauce. Being truly Indians from the south, we prefer raitha with it. Especially boondhi raitha. Here you go. Decorate the rice as you like before serving or grab a spoonful right from the stove.

Other methods:

OK, now you don't have all these veggies. Say you just have beans. Well, repeat the process. Maybe you can add some chopped onions to fill the dish.Well that's not going to be a traditional fried rice. But who cares. Enjoy your meal as per your taste.

Neeya Naana Photos

Here I am attaching a few pictures that I shot during the great event. Fetna had organized it for 3 days, of which we could not cover most of the third day event, as my husband who was curious in shooting me on stage met with a small injury while he was coming down the stairs. Hence, immediately after my show was over we had to head to the nearby hospital. Well, I had to experience the point which I had told in the debate. In this lonely land, without a single person to support I had to manage the entire scene alone. Isn't that "Munnetram(progress)"?

In the photos : I am the first person sitting in the second row, right side, center stage (in a lovely green saree presented by my Mom-in-law).

Find more pictures in this FETNA link of day 2 images. Neeya Naana comes immediately after 'Kattabomman's images.

Me on 'Neeya Naana'

This year the North American Tamil Vizha was conducted in Atlanta by FETNA (www.fetna.org ); on July 3rd, 4Th and 5Th at the Georgia Tech University campus. Popular personalities like Scientist Mayilsamy, poet Vairamuthu, Actors Jeeva Pasupathi and many others were part of it. And it was a very happy occasion for me, being a part of it. Volunteering on day 1, I was there to take part in Neeya Naana, a popular TV show(Star Vijay television) conducted by this eminent TV personality, Gopinath(popularly known as Neeya Naana Gopinath).

"Americavil kudi peyarthadhal adhigam munnetram adaindhadhu Aangala, Pengala?" (Who has succeeded more after moving to America - Men or Women?) was the topic given. Well, if you ask, my personal opinion would be - Men! But I was put in Pengale (Women) side of the debate and trust me, I could not think of a single point to support my side of the topic, till the day. Finally I came up with this point...Checkout the video. The last person speaking in this video is me. The video not being that clear, you can find me on the right side, second row, center stage, first person.

09/09/09

Notepads, scrapbooks, excel sheets, word documents would have flashed these fancy calendar dates 01/01/01, 02/02/02 and so on...,in the past 8 years... But the next time will have to be the 1st 12 years of 21st century(well, don't ask me if we are already in 21st century. I meant the CC of the CCYY being 21). This century has three more years to celebrate this little fun (10/10/10, 11/11/11 and 12/12/12), while we are on 09/09/09. Oops, I guess I am messing up somewhere. Let me sit and think.............................

No one knows how 01/01/3001 is going to be or even if the earth would still be there. But we are here today to celebrate these fancy dates.

100th post- My blogging with Julie & Julia

100Th post!

Julie and Julia - I am influenced! This happens to me most of the time I watch a movie that strongly portrays something that I like. And this movie had two portions in it that interests me - cooking and blogging.

Now that I find ample amount of time to experiment my cooking skills, I play in my kitchen space everyday.

But whats with the blogging. Way back in 2006, I started blogging, just like that. Without any specific thought in mind, my blog had random ideas and experiences till date and I would love to continue it this way. I have got strong comments at times for debatable topics. Well, most of the times my answer would be, 'this is purely my opinion'. And I stick to my answer. I usually don't spend time reading other blogs, because I fear if that would influence my writing. But then, during my dull days of blogging I used to visit a couple of other blogs; preferably humorous ones.

And what made me feel good about Julie and Julia - I must admit that I am writing this post because I am influenced by the movie which reminded me that I have a blog too.

Verdict on Julie @ Julia - Go for it!

With this Chick...

Here I have prepared a Channa masala with available ingredients and without Channa masala powder.

Ingredients:
Chickpeas - 1 cup( 250 ml)
Tomatoes - 1 and a half. Grind
Onions - 1. Good to grind than chop
Coriander Leaves - You know how much
Ginger - 1 tbsp chopped. Hmmm, try a little more than normal. For both aroma and health.
Garam Masala Powder - 1 tbsp. When it all comes together, why worry. This one spices it up!
Green Chillies - A little more than 1 tbsp. Chopped finely. Well, I like it hot. How about you?
Salt - You know how much. 1 tbsp should do.
Chilly powder - 1 tsp. Well, I told you I like it hot!!!
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp. This one adds good aroma.
Oil - 2 tbsp. I prefer Gingely oil.
Water - Accordingly

Directions:
1. Soak Chickpeas for more than 8 hours in prior to your preparation. Soaking it in the mid-morning, you can prepare it for dinner. Else leave it soaked overnight if its for breakfast or lunch.
2. Boil the chickpeas in your own way. Else like me, microwave it for 22 mins or till its cooked.
3. Heat a pan and add oil to it. Once oil is heated add cumin seeds.
4. Saute Onions and ginger till the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chillies and after about a minute or more add tomatoes.
6. Add Garam masala powder, chilly powder, salt and close the pan with a lid leaving it for about 3 mins.
7. Open the lid and add the water (used for boiling chickpeas) and close the lid again leaving it for another 2 minutes.
8. Now is the time for Hero entry. Add the Chickpeas. Mix it thoroughly. Close the lid and leave it for another 4-5 mins.
9. The consistency depends upon your need. Let it simmer for 2 mins if you want it thick.

Here its ready. Mouthwatering? Don't forget to switch off your stove before you rush to your dinner table!
Happy Eating.