Venkat's Blogstar Galactica...

France and Switzerland: Liberal Radicalism

2010-02-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Let me make this blog short, considering my limited knowledge regarding both these countries. Bigotry, as I have mentioned in one of my earlier blogs can be extended to countries who claim themselves to be epitome of democracy. Two countries that stuck to my mind regarding them are France and Switzerland. Let me tell you why I think so.

Let me consider the case of France, considered by many as the most liberal country in the world. But yet, they ban woman from wearing hijab in public places. I, in principle, think making a women wear hijab is degrading and forcing them to wear them is, in fact, criminal. But isn't the concept of forcing them (banning them) against wearing it, as bad? Restricting a woman's freedom to choose what to wear, is bigotry in every aspect. The ban actually undermined the nobleness of the cause, not that I totally buy into the nobility of french government's view. The only way, I think, you can help the women against forceful wearing of hijab, is to create awareness in them to come forward and ask for help from the government against such practices. In short, I meant to say is intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause.

Now let us consider the case of Switzerland. The country which is only known for their peace keeping forces and neutrality in case of conflicts, comes up with a strange rule. I never expected Swiss to put a ban on building more minarets. I always thought, religious equality is a part of democracy. The Swiss used the age old George W. Bush excuse of National security for meting out injustice to the society. Was the double standards expected from fundamentalist countries in the world? Yes. But, I never expected a country like Swiss to actually be the one doing it.

Anyway, I wanted to write this in more detail. But due to lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the countries aforementioned. I restrict myself to just opinionated rant. I leave you with a quote: "Claiming that you have got the truth wrapped up does breed violence and intolerance." - Timothy Radcliffe.

An Open Letter to Glenn Beck

2009-12-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Glenn "the conservative hack" Beck,

Two things, you needed to do before you go in front of television and talk your BS. Get yourself a nice tutor to help you use the books (so that you can get some facts right), get yourself a psychiatrist (you definitely need one). I have been waiting a long time to write to you regarding this. Finally, after the recent attack on India and its health care, I felt the time was right.

Some of the statements on US health care based on the statistics:

1. The United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation in the world and yet, in many respects, it's citizens are not the healthiest.

2. US has a higher infant mortality rate as compared to the socialist nation of Sweden. See socialism does not mean "NAZI".

The list can go on, so I suggest get your facts right before ranting in front of your television audience (ex-members of KKK). Also, please do go back to the interview you gave against the US health care just after your surgery. Maybe that Glenn Beck can enlighten you.

Now comes to my topic of Ganges sounding like a disease. Check out some of your names President Bush (you know what the last name means don't you), Dick Cheney (you get the point). Precisely, every culture has its name which could be used funnily by others. If someone like Russell Peters, Stephen Colbert, or Jon Stewart make fun of it, it is fine.They are supposed to be funny, to earn a living. A news channel to promote health care didn't have to.

Indian doctors may not earn as much as the American contemporaries, but health care is India is still pretty good. Get your statistics right regarding India and its health care. AIIMS, a medical school in India, is rated one of the top medical colleges all over the world.

Anyway, I sign off my letter with a quote from a very humble Indian. You might not know him, because he does not belong to American history (not that I assume you know anything in that).
"Intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause" Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Bigotry and Racism: A Caucasian thing!! Are you serious?

2009-11-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty sensitive topic to discuss in a blog. Nonetheless, will give you my view point. As far as I have known, racism has always been attached to the Caucasian race, albeit unfairly. Racism is part of every society, and being a bigot is considered "Ok" based on your beliefs.

If you are a religious man, you can be a bigot against homosexuals. If you are a North American (any ethinicity), you are allowed to be a bigot against Arabs. If you are African American, you can get away being prejudiced against pretty much any race. Still, the racism is always associated with White folks.

As an Indian, I have seen racism/prejudice/ bigotry in all forms of life. And been a part of few in my childhood, although unknowingly. In India, it is a known practice for a Hindu to not give the house for rent to a Muslim and vice-versa. Due to the actions of select (infamous) few, the term 'bad guys' are always associated with Muslims. Therefore, there is always an apprehension when having a Muslim around your property. And Muslims also like to remain in their own localities among their own people. As ridiculous it might sound on paper, it is a very common practice. Nonetheless, we Indians always boast ourselves as multicultural. I am not saying, all the people in India are bigots, but bigotry is a very prevalent 'phenomenon'. I, a Hindu Brahmin, was taught that my caste was superior to others based on birth, which seemed pretty natural back then. Now, I see the utter ridiculousness of my belief. Mind you, these are really educated people who know the difference between right and wrong and yet cannot get over their prejudice in life.

Regarding, the racism against the homosexuals, the lesser said the better. If you can are a man of 'GOD' anything is acceptable. Some of the ludicrous rules they come up with are:

1. Marriage is always between a man and a woman or else the sanctity of marriage is lost. Which sanctity are they referring to? The marriage between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline or any of Britney's ex-husbands. Very true, that does preserve sanctity of marriage, doesn't it? Also, remember Mel Gibson (the Christian man), who divorced his wife for a younger model.

2. Mormons had the concept of multiple wives, which is ok. It still preserves sanctity of marriage. Because, religion does not talk anything against "Ménage à trois". But "GOD forbid" if it is between a man and a man (or woman and a woman).

These are the people who hide behind the farce called as religion, to cover their inherent intolerance and bigotry.

Anyway, my blog was just an observation regarding the hypocrisy of people in calling others racist, when they are inherently one themselves. I guess I shall write a quote appropriate for this post, "It is not bigotry to be certain we are right; but it is bigotry to be unable to imagine how we might possibly have gone wrong", G. K. Chesterton.

2012: Titanic revisited ( Not in a nice way)

2009-11-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have not written a blog in a long time. So, I thought I need to write one for namesake. I shall narrate in this blog, series of event till the end of the movie (Kinda like the 2012 movie, if you unfortunately watched). And for people who liked the movie, get yourself checked. The movie was at 8 in the evening on Nov 13th 2009.

At 6:15 on Nov 13th 2009, my "ever so eager for the movie" roommate called me to come to the movie 2012.
At 6:30 on Nov 13th 2009, I decided against my instincts to watch the movie (death blow).
At 7:05 on Nov 13th 2009, I along with other friends entered the restaurant next to the theaters.
At 7:35 on Nov 13th 2009, Was waiting for my food for the past half an hour.
At 7:55 on Nov 13th 2009, Was still waiting for my food for the past 50 minutes. All the situations indicated the imminent doomsday event. I failed to recognize that. I could have just walked off. I did not..
At 8:00 on Nov 13th 2009, I got my food and I finished it in 5 mins, and went on the "road to perdition" (not the movie, literally).
At 8:10 on Nov 13th 2009, an Indian guy speaks in English about neutrinos causing earth core temp. to rise (I guess that is the one). I could not take him seriously because, as Russell Peters says, Indian accent can be used for comic effect only.

I shall rant about the rest of the movie without the time stamp. Honestly, I lost track of time and life. This movie achieved it purpose in a way, it showed me how 2012 feels like! excruciating. I literally wanted 2012 to come, because dying did not seem much of a pain anymore. To add to all that, they had this retarded romantic track. Honestly, people, do you think anyone should give a damn about one person's (John Cusack) life when so many people are dying? This is like saying that you care for one person, when the titanic drowned. Wait they already did make that crap for a movie? Above all that, gave it an Oscar.

The movie, as i heard from a friend, was 2:40 min long (honestly, I lost all the senses and perception for anything including time). I never thought I would see a movie, which would make me want to yearn for the occurrence of a doomsday event. They should have alteast diverted some of the production money to the writer, who sadly seemed to have been pretty pissed when writing the script.

All said and done, I am should blame myself for watching the movie. I should have know after 10,000 BC that the director (Roland Emmerich) cares more about the technical aspect of the movie and gets his script from kindergarten class project.

I have done enough ranting for one blog. I have lost all optimism and positivity in life. After I recover from this illness, I shall come back with a more interesting blog. Until then I bid adieu with a quote from a great man, "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

"Horrors" of Canadian Health Care

2009-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing in the American news channels about the travails of people in Canada without a proper health care. The long wait to death, a bureaucrat between you and your doctor, socialist medicine. Oh my God! why have I come to live in such a "horrible" country.

They make Canadian health care sound like a reality horror show. But again, that is exactly what America is all about in the first place. Scare people to advance their political ambitions.

I have lived in Canada for 4 years and been to a doctor quite a few times. These are the real situations I faced:
1. Meeting the doctor,
2. He/She listening to all my problems,
3. Prescribe some tests, and
4. Go home without paying a single dime from my pocket.

Some of them I was supposed to face based on American media's view point:
1. Did not find a bureaucrat between me and my doctor,
2. Medicine they prescribed were not very expensive and were affordable, and were pretty effective.

Regarding the wait time, I guess it depends on the severity of your injury/sickness. I guess that is a reasonable compromise. How are these serious problems in Canada Health Care? Government actually is concerned about their citizen's health. If that is a problem, I wish to live with that problem for the rest of my life. I am not saying the Canadian health care is the best one and they never make claims of being one. Atleast, they are not the villian/boogeyman as portrayed in the American media.

I am not going to comment on American health care system, without sufficient knowledge regarding that. But I can atleast show my indignance at the malice the Americans show towards our Canadian health care.

I leave you with a quote finally as usual: “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.” Louiz Nizer.

May Peace Be Upon You

2009-07-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

After reading and watching a lot of material on the internet related to Islam, I have decided on becoming a Muslim. Considering youtube is the "chief source for material" useful in choosing/changing ones religion, I have decided to extensively watch a lot of the religious sayings to know "facts" about them.

I want to learn a lot regarding my after life, considering I absolutely know everything about the life I live in. Also, islam is the only "true" religion because it says so. Read the verses that "GOD" himself has written it to us: " This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for your Islam as your religion".

You have to trust the Q'uran because, it says you have to trust it. No other book asks you to trust it completely, therefore they are not the word of "GOD". To critics who say that Bible asks us to do the same, I have one thing to say to them: Sorry! it is not the latest book. It is not like every other book asks you to trust it completely. For example, J. K. Rowling never said trust Harry potter completely. If she would have said that then, Hogwarts would have been heaven and Harry potter the "GOD" with voldermort the "Satan". I guess Rowling missed a trick there to start a "true" religion of her own.

My blog after a long time would have come as less connected and very incoherent compared to other blogs of mine. This is due to the fact that I have accepted Islam as a religion. And, one thing we have all known in life is when you accept "GOD" as the savior, you have to forget everything else in life such as science, conscience, logic, morals, humanity, common sense and also the existence of brain in your body.

Will leave you finally with a quote from "GOD": "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost all spiritual good. ".

IPL: Hits and Misses and Embarrassments

2009-05-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

This blog would be like a list with explanation to each one.

Hits:

Kolkata finished last: My earlier blogs would suggest why I hate that team so much.
Deccan wins IPL: Hyderabadi, so I was happy seeing deccan winning IPL. Though my favorite team was Banglore (read Kumble and Dravid).
Banglore reaches final: Same as earlier point. Kumble proved he is a fighter and proves it time and again.
Chennai is kicked out of champions league: Dhoni's arrogance deserves it. why? Going at number 3 when suresh raina was in form and scoring 28 of 30 balls. Choosing Oram, when Ntini was on the sidelines all through the tournament.
Delhi goes to champions league: I would love to see Sehwag and Gambhir click at the same time.
Rohit sharma oozes class: Best being the innings against kolkata
Future of India looks awesome: Rohit, Raina, Virat Kohli, RP singh, Pragyan Ojha, Manish Pandey.
CRICKET: It is finally put on the map (get lost baseball).

Misses:

Sachin and Mumbai are out: Biggest dissapointment of the tournament. As cricinfo says: Most confused team in the tournament. Sadly, Sachin's captaincy debacle continues.
Banglore loses IPL: This one comes as misses and hits, because I would have loved to see Kumble lift the trophy.
Sourav Ganguly: Amid all the controversies regarding kolkata, one thing remained standard. Ganguly failed miserably in ipl.
Yusuf Pathan: Barring a few knocks in between, he was totally off color in this tournament.
Sanath Jayasuriya: Reason for Mumbai's bad showing in the IPL.

Embarrassments:

Sreesanth: He never ceases to be one. Someone hits him for 3 sixes in a over and gets out, Sreesanth taunts him. Seriously???
John Buchanan: 4 captain theory. Dude, in 20-20 one captain is useless, when the team is not performing.
SRK: Deserts his team to go to India and perform (dance) in a marriage and blames it on the performance of the team.

Thats all for now folks.. Quote: "Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye".

Rahul Gandhi: Monarchial Rule in India continues

2009-05-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

There is a age old saying, democracy is considered as by the people, for the people and of the people. In the case of India the "people" we talk about are the Gandhis. Still no idea why they belong to the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi comes to politics 2 1/2 years before the 2009 elections, and is already tipped at being the future prime minister of India. Considering the current active prime minister being Sonia Gandhi, I think the time is not too far.

He is the next big thing in India, without actually being a part of any decision making process. Obama becomes a president of US and India goes back to the monarchial setup where a son is a successor of his father's "crown". I have no problem with congress in policies. I just cannot see anyone other than the Gandhi clan being projected as the prime ministerial candidate from that party. Just for the information Manmohan singh is not the prime minister, Sonia is. The last prime minister was P.V.Narsimha Rao. He was a great guy, but was unceremoniously dumped for the italian born Sonia. Btw, Sonia still holds the italian citizenship.

Why can't someone like Shashi Taroor be tipped as future prime minister? He is intelligent, and well known internationally. Do read Shashi Taroor's wiki page for his accomplishments. I have nothing against Rahul personally. It is just that, when everyone works their ass off to come to power or be an MP, he is given a direct route to become the leader of a biggest democratic nation.

I heard about his supreme devotion to the great nation of India. All I want to ask is how? Was he part of any scheme, that helped the nation? Was he involved in any service to the public. Speeches don't make him a great man, actions do. Fighting in a election is not considered as living for the country. I hope this nepotism stops here, and everyone do get an equal chance to prove their worth.

Again, congress seemed the most able government to come to power this term. BJP were completely confused over their policies and issues. I do hope a better candidate is projected next time around. Every great democracy is based on the strength of the both ruling and opposition. I hope BJP turns a corner and gets rid of its fascist ideology. Varun Gandhi is not the answer! Period!

Thats all for now folks. Long time since I have written a post. I leave you with a quote: "Sudum varai neruppu, sutrum varai boomi, poradum varai manithan".

The Curious Case of Erugey Samkovich

2009-04-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Erugey Samkovich/ Ivah Hennigan"

Two days back, I received a comment in my blog from a Mr. Erugey Samkovich. He claims to be a man from Moscow, Russia and "impressed" with my English. I just want to say two things to the person concerned.

Firstly, don't insult my intelligence and English at the same time. Secondly, when you are trying to convince someone of your new identity, put a picture in your profile which is not so common. Also, copy the picture in your computer, change its name from "Ivanh" to "Erugey something" and then upload it as your display picture. There was no reason to create a blog page to post the message, you could have posted with just your name/url. By creating a blog page in April and choosing the very first template offered by blogspot, you just clearly opened yourself up.

Anyway, me and my roommate had a good laugh at the lack of effort from "Mr. Erugey". We started making wild guesses regarding the true identity of Erugey Samkovich to no avail. But again, I don't care about his identity in the first place. Actually, I am thankful for the comment you posted. It alteast gave a new topic for my blog, instead of the same old ones.

That all for now folks and "Mr. Erugey". Catch up with you later. As usual will leave with a quote: "Ainthil Valayaathathu Aimbathil Valayaathu".

Shahrukh and the Superstardom

2009-04-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

BTW, click to enlarge

For a long time I have not written about one of my favorite topics, Shahrukh khan. So here I go, with a flow chart indicating the qualifications to join, Shahrukh's school of non-actors.

Linguistic Hegemony

2009-03-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

Blogs are supposed to be about expressing your opinions or in some cases your daily chores. But, some of blog titles I read, seemed to suggest it as an expression of their English vocabulary. My friends have blog titles named "Myriad Musings", " Mental Peregrination", which intimidates me to no bounds, considering mine is a just cheap rip-off of a sci fi series, I don't even follow.

Speaking of english, the more blogs I write, the more inadequate it seems. Every of my blog gets a cold stare (words) from my dad, for the grammar, or the lack of one. As one of my friends pointed out, even my earlier blog aimed at stating the significance of english during my childhood, had its share of mistakes. Here's me hoping for an improved english in the future, atleast for writing a grammatically correct leave letter. Hopefully better than the one you learn through Rapidex english course.

Moving away from the self-deprecating self, I want to talk about the next best topic( Movies). I recently watched this movie series Hellboy (actually just one and two). They were quite good, considering I had zero expectations on them. Although, the negative attitude to this movie, had nothing to do with the comic book as such. Back home in India, they dubbed this movie in telugu, and the name and trailers (with telugu voice dubbed) were such a turn off. The movie was called "Naraka putrudu", and the telugu dubbed trailer was a sureshot winner of a Razzie. Finally, I watched it in Blu-Ray version, and enjoyed it immensely. HDTV+Blu-Ray, makes movie watching a great experience.

That all for now folks. Will catch up with you later, with more interesting blogs, instead of a rant regarding my failure to learn english. And also, about some cricket news. By the way, India unearthed a new talent in "Gautam Gambir". He just proved now, that he is a complete team man, and a very gritty cricketer or "a tough kid" in Dravid's words. As usual, I leave you guys with a tamil quote: "Yaanaikkum Adi Sarukkum".

Religion and Logic

2009-03-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

A very controversial blog, so all you hardcore religious fanatics stay away from it. There is in every religious novel I have come across, the notion we call "contradiction. ". Also, they make God look like a human with super-natural powers and having the same issues with life as us. By conjecture, the superman could be GOD (he is powerful, can fly and hey and is an interesting novel to read).

Some of the quotes in a religious novels (No offense meant) are plain absurd. How can GOD be vengeful, punishing, caring, loving, mass murdering (list is endless) individual? Aren't these some of the traits of humans? Also, how different is he from a Monarch (with supernatural powers)? Why should I pray for someone who is exactly like me with some extra powers? I would rather be scared of him, than praise him. He is like "One who must not be named" from Harry potter novels. "Thy shall not believe in one's intelligence, but believe in GOD". Seriously! are you primitive? I guess religion is something that pulls man down when science (actually everything else) wants him to soar higher.

I hope my dad doesn't read it, otherwise I am left disowned in this world. As I am being critical about God, he will not be of any aid to me either (remember vengeful). Ha ha. Why did I come up with such a topic in the first place? Because, if you would have read one my previous blogs, you would have heard the quote: "Controversy creates cash" and I am the king of controversies too. There you go folks I live up to my moniker.

As a signing quote, as one of my roommates says it quite often. "kudh se bada khuda bhi nahi hota". Live life exactly as you wish to and, also such that you do not harm anyone. Atma hi paramatma hota hai, aur yehi life hai meri jaan.

Mathematics and Dilemma

2009-03-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

There is something about the subject of mathematics, which draws you towards it. The reason is, the result you achieve is always an absolute one, unlike everything else. One disadvantage of that is you cannot have various answers to the problem. That is, you are either right or wrong (which by the way is tough to digest). At least with others you can come up with an excuse for your choice.

All this philosophical utterances regarding the subject of mathematics, brings me to today's subject. Why do I like mathematics? I could have chosen to do something else in life, which does not involve one. Say something like "nothing". So the point of this discussion is at any period in time, one has to use mathematics. One can say that, since it is the most essential thing in life, why not do it all the time? But here's the catch. Mathematics is like a black hole, it will just pull you in and you will never find a way out.

You could ask, what the hell is wrong with me ( you are not very far away from the truth)? I would say, I was trying to solve a problem since morning, and instead of finding a solution, I achieved the triple point of sanity (all states exist together). By the way, the states are insanity, sanity, and super- sanity. ha ha.

Instead of dwelling on the subject of mathematics and saneness or the lack of one, let us talk about cricket. India are on a roll right now, if you do not count the ongoing test match. I do not remember the last time, India were favorites in a overseas series. I guess, our time has come at last. Keep up the good work guys, we are proud of you. By, the way the God scores a hundred again, along with a duck from Ponting. Although, I should not mention them in the same breath. As the saying goes, " Kaha Raja Bhoj Aur kaha Gangu Teli ".

I guess, I mentioned in one of my blogs regarding my addiction towards WWE. Every year the culmination point of my addiction is the Wrestlemania, which is on April 5th this time around. I am eagerly waiting to watch that event and be ridiculed by my roommates. I guess, it is a tradeoff between the amount of ridicule you can put yourself through and watching WWE.

Thats all from me for now folks. Will come up with a blog, later. This time would probably write a blog sooner. I think, after the initial ardor of writing blogs fades off, we are back to our normal self. Though I commend one of my friends for writing blogs on a regular basis. Anyway, as a signing note, I leave you with a tamil quote as usual. "Mullai Mullal thaan edukka vendum". Again, as usual no translation from my side (sorry Reddy).

LOTG: The Return of the God

2009-03-09T01:56:00.001-07:00

Long time since I have come up with a post. I guess, I was waiting for the opportune moment, none better than the one now. The King of Kings goes back to his throne (Sachin Tendulkar). It was batting of grace and sheer class, which made my every minute of staying awake memorable. Just in case you are wondering about my blog title. It stands for "Lord of the Grounds". I guess my NZ series just started now.

Speaking of the NZ series, Indian batting has gone from good to scary. The amount of sixes they hit against opposition, and the demolition of bowling attacks, truly makes them the "Rock stars of the Cricket world" (Plagiarism all the way, not mine). Seriously, with all this plagiarisms I do, any phrase I come up with, will be attributed to someone else in the future. Either I need to stop plagiarizing it, or stop stating it as one. I guess the latter is easy to achieve, so hereon will do that.

I have stopped writing my blogs regularly nowadays, which supposedly can be attached to my busy schedule (seriously? Can I even pull that one off anytime in my life?). Kidding apart, I guess the early charm surrounding blogs had to wane away some day. But I have promised myself to write one every once a while. Speaking of blogs, every one of my previous blogs have a certain amount of self-deprecating in my part. So I guess, my making fun (pulling people's legs) of people starts from me, just as the saying goes. "Charity begins at home".

Long time since I spoke regarding the cold in Edmonton. I despise the weather conditions, considering it is around -34 deg C (does deg C or deg F matter at such low temperatures) in March. I am not even going to surmise the length of winter this time around. It is futile to predict weather conditions in Alberta. So, here's me hoping for better days ahead.

That is all for now folks. I will come up with better news and more enticing blogs next time around. By enticing I mean controversial, with something for everybody in it. For now, I go on to do more mundane things in life. Here it is, your moment for quote: "Adikira kayyi daan anaikum".

Democrats and the art of sarcasm

2009-03-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

This is a political blog, regarding something that I felt very intriguing. The political pundits on either side (republican and democratic) have their unique styles. The most surprising about them is that all of the republican/conservative pundits are very similar. Same with the democrats/liberal, but to a lesser sense. Yesterday I was watching the the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC, and saw how similar she was to Jon Stewart of the daily show. They both rely on sarcasm to convey their emotions. Jon Stewart though is a comedian, so would make more sense for him to do that. But Rachel Maddow is supposedly a journalist, who sometimes has to be a bit less satirical in her approach. Don't get me wrong folks, I think she is very talented and knowledgeable person.

Which comes back to my point. Democrats, I think take this sarcasm to a higher level, to the point of it becoming condescending and ridiculing. As much as their points are very logical and interesting, it takes the credibility out of it by them being too condescending. People get put off by too much of this I am better than you nature. Just an opinion.

As far as Conservative media goes, the only thing common about them is their high pitch voice, their total lack of knowledge (or intention of learning it), their false high mindedness, total lack of class (read Rush limbaugh, Ann coulter, Hannity, Bill O'reilly, and a huge list) and I could go all day with this. Fox news is like a cheap fiction novel for people who could not afford Stephen King. Fox news make less sense than L Ron Hubbard did regarding his "religion". Sometimes I feel they need to write a disclaimer such as " These actions are performed by professionals with little knowledge and screwed up thinking, please do not practice at home".

Some of the best ones from Fox news:

1. Is Obama an anti-christ?
2. Obama a socialist
3. Obama a terrorist
4. Obama a secret muslim
5. Trust me folks, my blog is not sufficient listing them.

The best thing about them is they are not even consistent in their own ideology or the lack of one. They said, Hillary Clinton was using the sex card, but when Sarah "The Pitbull" Palin did it, they called it protection (she should use one btw, mom at 42! Really). I still don't understand how they pull in people to view their show.

Enough of politics, and let us move again to the Cricket ODI's between India and NZ which is to begin today. India get another chance at redemption, after their arrogant showing at the T20 games. Although, I will stand by the slogan of "Yes we can" till the end of the test series. Guys pull up and make them face some "sweet chin music".

Recently saw the movie "Match Point", by Woody Allen. A very good movie, with a good bit of suspence to it. If Johnny you are reading it, yes it is chick flick and I loved it.

Thats all folks for today, would be back with more updates. For now I leave you with a quote as usual: " paadara maada paadi karakanum, adikara maada adichi daan karakanum".

Controversy regarding my blog

2009-02-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

There has been a very harsh criticism on me lately, regarding the name of my blog. A Mr. John Hawkin aka "Johnny" aka "The sarcastic old man" says that since I have not watched battlestar galactica, I shouldn't be naming my blog with a subtle (actually a rip off) reference to it. So, I made my decision to follow the galactica series starting this weekend. Though I have other reasons to watch it too. Checked the reviews of the series and found many favourable ones towards it.

I see a common phenomenan in the blogs I have read lately (ya I started reading them, it is kind of a reciprocatory scenario). People start writing about their inner feelings and inner turmoil. It intimidated me to no bounds. Henceforth, every blog of mine would have my inner turmoil/problems clearly mentioned. I guess inner problems of mine will be known from now as public problems of Venkat Raghavan (ala a celebrity such as Lindsay Lohan). Just kidding. No jab at anyone in particular.

India-NZ series starts off with a disastrous result. Pick it up guys, come on show some character and fight. We want a different result the next time, you take the field. By the way guys the answer to the last blogs trivia question is "Junk".

Thats all for now people and as usual you have a quote at the end. My dad use to say this o' so often. "You can take a horse to the water, but you cannot make it drink".

Oscars hits and misses

2009-02-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

This sounds like a total page three headline. I sometimes wonder my true profession. A grad. student in chemical engineer, or a journalist (Seriously if you can even call that! Paparazzi sounds just perfect) with exclusive coverage of "Brangelina". It is called "Brangelina: The daily chores of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie".

By the way, the previous sentences actually gave away two things about me, namely, my profession and my hobby. Seems like I am trying to market myself into the hearts of million females. I can't pull that one off with a straight face, so blog is the perfect medium. I so wanted to say trillion females considering the trillion is the new million ( Thanks Obama). Just kidding.

Back to the topic, Sean Penn ("commie, homo loving son of a gun "/ Dad I am sorry if you are reading this) just showed the world he is a toned down version of Micheal Moore (In front of both camera and mirror). He is a great actor, but I still wished Mickey Rourke got the oscar who I think was phenomenal in "The Wrestler". The Bollywood masala movie sweeps the award. No surprise there, considering the other one ("Benjamin Button") was just plain catastrophe. Speaking of SM, ARR gets two oscars on the same night and performs during the awards ceremony. I cherished every moment of it. Bravo ARR, you deserve every bit of applause and recognition. The rest of the awards were as expected. Nice touch academy regarding Heath Ledger. Ofcourse a special mention for Hugh Jackman's energetic hosting.

Btw, the Twenty20 between NZ and India starts today. So yay. Looking forward to a successful tour. Before I end this blog I want to ask a trivia question. "What do you call a music which is a fusion of jazz and funk?". Answer on the next blog. Sorry popat I won't reference it! Plagiarism is something that comes naturally to me. Ha Ha.

Thats all for now folks. I sign off as usual with a tamil quote. " Nirai Kudam Neer Thazhumbaadhu, kurai kudam Koothadum". As again, I won't elaborate.

Blogs have its repercussions too.

2009-02-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

I never knew, writing blogs can have its side effects. I sent my blog address to my dad, and the first thing he notices is mistakes in my English. I guess growing in a household where written as well as spoken English are give huge importance, I should have known better before asking my dad to view my blog. Jokes apart, I guess my dad is finally happy with me and my blogs. He was a huge proponent of writing down ones views in a diary. I never listened to him before. As I said in one of my earlier blogs, better late than never.

Penning down my thoughts will help me realize my contradictions. My friends and folks have been a huge critic of my contradictory views. I end up speaking for both sides in a matter of just a few days, sometimes few hours. Trust me, it is not one of those Sydney Sheldon novels regarding Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). It is just my compulsive urge for winning an argument makes me forget the basic necessities required in winning one, such as actually picking a side. It might create a few laughs among my friends, but I guess would have its adverse effects in the future.

My dad has always be a huge inspiration as far as written English is concerned. I used to be in awe with the many official letters he has written during his employment days. His letters always involve perfect grammar and exemplary choice of words. His diplomacy used to pour in his words. I am very verbose in my sentences, unlike him. My dad's list of accomplishments from a very humble beginning needs a separate blog and good justification, which I would write sometime later.

For now, I sign off with a quote of my dad." alpathukku vaazh vanda ardharaatiri yum kodai piddippaan". This quote is famous, because my dad utters this to keep my feet firm on the ground.

Me and WWE

2009-02-22T13:18:00.001-08:00

This is one of the my most embarrassing and kind of publicly known fact. I am a huge follower of professional wrestling business. I was never a real follower of it, till I actually realized that it is fake. I like the drama surrounding each storyline they build. It is like a trashy soap, you have to watch just to know what happens next. Kinda like the saas-bahu episodes my mom and sis watch. They know it is trash and has the exact storyline as the previous half hour series. But, they still cling onto that in hope of a sudden enlightenment that might come about for ekta kapoor.

Anyway back to my topic. Each and everyday I keep a regular update of things going around the pro-wrestling business. I keep myself in constant touch with the various title reigns of each person. I find it very weird and sad, considering I do not do that for even my almighty God "Sachin Tendulkar". WWE I think is the only sport (not that you can call it one), that seems to intrigue me. Sad state of affairs at my end, to say the least. Ha Ha.

Anyway, since I started the talk of the God. India-NZ series is about to begin from next week. It sure promises a different result than the one we had last time around. I am actually more eager for the test series to begin. I for one believe, that if you are a real fan of cricket, you enjoy watching test cricket. Not saying that I do not enjoy the twenty20 and one day version of the game. But it is just that being test champions mean a lot more to me than anything else. Here's wishing the Indian team good luck for the NZ series. I sign off now with this quote from my favorite WWE superstar.

" You sit there, you thump the bible, you say your prayers, it doesn't get you anywhere. You talk about your psalms, you talk about John 3:16, Austin 3:16 says I just whooped your a** (No profanities in the post)"

Venkat

Can Sound Travel in Outer Space?

2009-02-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

I finally succeeded in proving my roommate (popat) that I have effectively skipped my school education. I argued with him on the pretext that outer space is not a complete vaccum or perfect free space (which by the way cannot be created). So the sound waves travel in outer space, although not audible to human ear (20 DB to 20,000 DB). This effectively helped my discussion wandering away from total reality with my other roommate (varma) arguing with me that theoretically it could be possible. This pissed popat to such an extent, that he dozed off before the conversations reached a completion.

Then, a new discussion arose between me and varma regarding light. Light travels in vaccum and all it needs photon particles. Photon is a non-matter particle, with no mass. Vaccum is space devoid of matter. So, we were discussing how can a particle without mass exist. That is when we realized that, it is better off getting out of this physics discussion, as our knowledge of physics is infinitesimally small.

Considering I clearly showed that I am inept in the subject of physics. It is safe to move to other fields where I have a clear misconception of my intellectual abilities. There is a famous saying in tamil " katradhu kai mannu alavu, kallaadadu ulaga alavu". I don't want to elaborate it, because it would lose it sheen.

Slumdog Millionaire!! Seriously!!

2009-02-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

It seems the Oscar fever has caught up with me too. I for one think it as a masala movie which the bollywood churns out o' so often. Sorry folks don't get me wrong. I am not calling it a bad movie, or complaining about its slum content. By the way Big B you talk about slumdog millionaire being offensive. You should revist 20 years back in your career when movies like agneepath, Lawaris were more about you living in slums and becoming a crime lord. Here the boy atleast comes of age and becomes a millionaire, instead of dying the 100th time to a cop.

Still I think Slumdog is not Oscar worthy, neither is the other nominee Benjamin Button. I do not understand how this Oscar crap (forgive the language! though would promise to not rant like "Bale") works because for christ's sake they did not nominate Dark knight for one. Let alone giving it. This Oscars, the only categories I am looking forward to is supporting actor ("joker") and one for which A. R. R is nominated. And the other award I think Shah Rukh Khan should receive for "Rab ne Bana di Jodi" is the "Razzie".

Enough of this movie buzz, my blog inspires millions (actually only one, but hey I can write) I guess. My roommate wanted to go skiing reading my last blog. It is never too late I suppose going for one. I am in Canada, where winters last for more than 6 months.

Thats all for it folks.. In time will come with more interesting stories. Btw, I am the king of controversies. Would open that pandora box some day. Trust me folks "Controversies Create Cash".

Edmonton and Cold

2009-02-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

I was roaming around the entire downtown area aimlessly today. Thanks in full to a Mr. Karteek Popuri aka popat. The idiot confused avenue with street and had to do this long walk in the cold. On top of that his compulsive stupidity prompted him to run in the cold ala "Rocky IV". I guess sai is the reason to blame for that. He is the one who started this "Draco" phenomenon. The walk is excruciating enough, I had to come back and have a meeting with my supervisor on my research. Just kidding..

The cold in edmonton doesn't seem to just go. And I for one never took advantage of the snow (read skiing). That is one thing I have not done in edmonton, which just shows my laziness and the lack of enthusiasm in life. Hey I made a New Years resolution of doing atleast one thing interesting every weekend. It turns out I do the same interesting thing every weekend. Watching movies while sitting on the couch. Hey who says people don't follow their resolutions.

Speaking of movies, I subscribed to this Zip.ca thing in the internet. And I think it is the most coolest thing I have done. You get DVD's at home, which I watch in my HDTV. And you don't have to go to the stupid DVD store and return them on the said date. I spent too much money on those rental DVD's. I guess this Zip thing made my life a lot easier and my purse a lot dearer. Thanks Ravi (popat's friend) for the tip. I watched the star trek: the first contact yesterday and I find the series a good watch. Gosh! I missed out on them earlier. Hey! but again better late than never.

I end my blog for now with this. Would come back with more in due time.

Its starts today

2009-02-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to start a blog. I hate writing stuff, but would give it a try nonetheless.