Black Friday shopping

All most since the day I landed here in USA on 18 August 2010, and expressed my wish to buy a Digital camera, and some other electronic item like lap top, my daughter Vijaya, also known as Vijaya, has been counselling we should wait for best deal, and make our purchase on Black Friday in Nov. 2010. I was a little perplexed about this term Black Friday, since normally amongst western nations Friday is not considered good, just as 13 is considered as unlucky number. In course of time I came to know that it is the day following Thanks Giving day celebrated in US amongst all the households with a feast of turkey and gathering of the clan if possible. Again my ignorance of Thanks giving day was also making me little uncomfortable. Now that both days are over, and today the Monday following is called Cyber Monday, I decided that I should really do a background check on the days, and see what these are all about. My research on Wikipedia opened the door to the answer I was seeking. Let us go by sequence.

1. Thanks Giving Day : Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. While there was an underlying religious element in the original celebration, Thanksgiving today is primarily identified as a secular holiday.
In Canada, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October, which is Columbus Day in the United States. In the United States, it falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

While North Americans today celebrate the story of the first Thanksgiving held in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts, there is some evidence for an earlier harvest celebration on the continent by Spanish explorers in Florida during 1565. There was also a fest two years before Plymouth (in 1619) in Virginia. A gathering in Newfoundland in 1578 was to celebrate a homecoming instead of the harvest.

While not the first thanksgiving of any sort on the continent, the traditional origin of modern Thanksgiving in the United States is generally regarded to be the celebration that occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in Massachusetts, in 1621. The Wampanoag Native Americans helped the pilgrims who arrived in Massachusetts cultivate the land and fish, saving them from starvation. This harvest celebration occurred early in the history of what would become one of the original Thirteen Colonies that later were to become the United States. This Thanksgiving was modeled after harvest festivals that were commonplace in Europe at the time.

Thanksgiving in the United States was observed on various dates throughout history. By the middle of the 20th century, the final Thursday in November had become the customary day of Thanksgiving in most U.S. states. It was not until December 26, 1941, however, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt, after pushing two years earlier to move the date earlier to give the country an economic boost, signed a bill into law with Congress, making Thanksgiving a national holiday and settling it to the fourth (but not final) Thursday in November.[8]

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Especially popular in the United States, the event is spreading to other nations such as Canada and Australia. On this day, many retailers open very early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season. Black Friday is not actually a holiday, but many employers give their employees the day off, increasing the number of potential shoppers. It has routinely been the busiest shopping day of the year since 2005,[1] although news reports, which at that time were inaccurate,[2] have described it as the busiest shopping day of the year for a much longer period of time.[3]


The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. Use of the term began by 1966 and began to see broader use outside Philadelphia around 1975. Later an alternative explanation began to be offered: that "Black Friday" indicates the period during which retailers are turning a profit, or "in the black."[4]

The news media have long described the day after Thanksgiving as the busiest shopping day of the year.[3] In earlier years, this was not actually the case. In the period from 1993 through 2001, for example, Black Friday ranked from fifth to tenth on the list of busiest shopping days, with the Saturday before Christmas usually taking first place.[2] In 2003, however, Black Friday actually was the busiest shopping day of the year, and it has retained that position every year since except 2004, when it ranked second.[1]

Black Friday is popular as a shopping day for a combination of several reasons. As the first day after the last major holiday before Christmas it inaugurates the Christmas season. Additionally, many employers give their employees the day off as part of Thanksgiving leave, increasing the potential number of shoppers. In order to take advantage of this, virtually all retailers in the country, big and small, offer various sales. Recent years have seen retailers extend beyond normal hours in order to maintain an edge, or simply keep up with, competition. Such hours may include opening as early as 4:00 a.m. or remaining open overnight on Thanksgiving day and beginning sales prices at midnight. In 2010, Toys 'R' Us began their Black Friday sales at 10:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving day and further upped the ante by offering free boxes of Crayola crayons and coloring books for as long as supplies lasted. Other retailers, like Sears, Aeropostale, and K-Mart began Black Friday sales early Thanksgiving morning, and ran them through as late as 11:00 p.m. Friday evening. Forever 21 went in the opposite direction, opening at normal hours on Friday, and running late sales until 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning.[5][6] Historically, it was common for Black Friday sales to extend throughout the following weekend. However, this practice has largely disappeared in recent years, perhaps because of an effort by retailers to create a greater sense of urgency.

The Black Friday shopping has not been without its share of violence. There have been instances of unruly behaviour of shoppers, often leading to death on account of trampling. In 2008 a crowd of approximately 2,000 shoppers in Spring Valley, NY waited outside for the 5:00 a.m. opening of the local Wal-Mart. As opening time approached the crowd grew anxious and when the doors were opened the crowd pushed forward, breaking the door down, and trampling a 34 year old employee to death. The shoppers did not appear concerned with the victim's fate, expressing refusal to halt their stampede when other employees attempted to intervene and help the injured employee, complaining that they had been waiting in the cold and were not willing to wait any longer. Shoppers had begun assembling as early as 9:00 the evening before. Even when police arrived and attempted to render aid to the injured man, shoppers continued to pour in, shoving and pushing the officer as they made their way into the store. Several other people incurred minor injuries, including a pregnant woman who had to be taken to the hospital.[18][19][20] The incident may be the first case of a death occurring during Black Friday sales; according to the National Retail Federation, "We are not aware of any other circumstances where a retail employee has died working on the day after Thanksgiving."[21]

The violence and unruly crowd created in me and my daughter a sense of fear, and we decided to forgo the option of going to more popular stores. Fortunately, the Office Depot store near our place in Gulf Breeze offered us the best option of getting the things we wanted and also no crowd. When I landed there at around 5 am. on Black Friday there were just 5 people ahead of me, and couple of employees from the stores handed us vouchers for the lap tops wanted, and told we could pick up other vouchers/goods as we entered the stores. Thus it was a very easy Black Friday shopping, without any hassles. As for other things Viju wanted to set up house when she will move to Houston in Jan end, she with Sagar went to Wall Mart, earlier night around 11.30 pm., located around 5 miles away, and picked up lots and was back by 1.30 am. Thus she was free to come and pick up things from Office Depot, and also some from Beales outlet in the same complex.

The term Cyber Monday, a neologism invented in 2005 by the National Retail Federation's division Shop.org, refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday based on a clear consumer trend that retailers began to recognize in 2003 and 2004. At the time, retailers noticed that many consumers, who were too busy to shop over the Thanksgiving weekend or did not find what they were looking for, shopped online that Monday from home or work to find bargains.

Scams

India is a country where any thing and every thing illegal goes, if you are powerful enough to put/pull it through. For every 10 scam which probably goes undetected you
may get one out in front, courtesy a squealer or a journalist with a nose for news.
Latest is Adarsh housing scam, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. The scam is out in the open and
the bakri (scape goat) is the Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan of the day, though there are
many more involved. A society formed supposedly to acomodate Kargil war veterans turns out giving flats out to politicians, their kin, govt. officials, retired senior army officers, etc. flouting all norms. The building comes up on a land, supposedly govt. land, but now turns out to be in the possession of the army. The title to the land is now in dispute. What will happen to the building, which is worth crores of rupees? Will it be brought down, or some sort of compromise arrived at! It seems there will be no final or proper ending just as an illegal building in Mahalakshmi, which is illegally built, ordered to be destroyed by the Supreme Court years back but still standing. The authorities may one day regularise it.

The 2G spectrum allocation is a big one, with thousands of crores of rupees involved. The minister in charge, Raja of DMK, has atlast resigned nearly a year or so after the scam was out in th open. Is there going to be any justice here. What will happen to Raja? Nothing I believe, considering the hold DMK has over this UPA govt.

This UPA govt. is full of skeletons tumbling out of its cupboard every day. The Common Wealth Games with it corruption and irregularities is in the open. Again it is very very much possible that nothing will come out of the CBI enquiry, Supreme court cases.

The public memory in India is very short, and no one remembers of the scams. The biggest one was Harshad Mehta scam of late 80's and early 90's. Harshad Mehta is no more, and no one knows what happened to the crores stashed away by him. The scam is the result of the loopholes/shortcomings in the system, and RBI is way responsible for this. In the PDO, SGL section the books were not balanced on daily basis, weekly basis or even monthly, to know the position of each constituent at the end of the day. Even a small bank like Sangli bank or Karad bank could deal in 100's of crores without having any backing so to say. The buying/selling amongst smallest entity and big ones like Citi Bank was surprising to say the least. Does any one remember this!

Jai Hind for scams of India.

Abraham Lincoln - The Vampire Hunter

I completed yesterday a book Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter, by Seth Grahame-Smith, published by Grand Central Publishing New York/Boston, in March 2010.

When I saw the book in the new book category on my last visit to the library over here, I was little perplexed with the title, since I had not heard of President Lincoln having ever been a Vampire Hunter. The title made me pick up the book for reading. I took up this after completing Cleopatra, which was a slow reading one.

This is a book of fiction, and writer's imaginations is really worth praising. Imagine any Indian writer portraying an Indian icon like Gandhi or Jawahar in the role of hunting demons or thuggees. Would have raised the hackles of not only their supporters, but also of the GOI.
In this book, Lincoln is portrayed as a Vampire Hunter, and he continues to hunt vampires almost till the his entry into Presidential House in Washington on March 4th 1861. The author has interspersed the chapters with Abe's life and the travails he went through in his march to being President of the USA, and the measures he took to abolish slavery, and proclamation freeing negroes from subjugation and slavery in southern states. In the story Abe is aided by a vampire in the annihilation of vampires, who masquerade as responsible citizens of various cities.
The family life and his parents and siblings as also his first love, and
also his wife and children are also written about. One of his sons was reportedly killed on account of a vampire after he became a President.

The author obtains the information and all details about Abe the Vampire Hunter, from 10 ten leather bound books, reportedly handed over to him by one Henry, who also happens to be the good vampire, who regularly sent messages to Lincoln, containing the name of the Vampire he has to hunt. The hunting started after the death of Lincoln's mother, who he believed was the result of a vampire. The main weapon for hunting was an Axe finely sharpened which could pierce through an heart if thrown from even 25 feet, and Abe is reported to have perfected the art of piercing the heart of vampire by just one throw.
It is believed that for over 250 years, between 1607 and 1865, vampires thrived in the shadows of America, and they are reported to have come from Europe. The author at the end writes about the vampires having left the shores of America, and emigrated to Europe and some other countries where the vampire hunting was not common.

An interesting book to read if you can lay your hands on a copy in India.
--

THE FINANCIAL FIASCO OF US

THE FINANCIAL FIASCO, IS A BOOK BY JOHAN NORBERG, GIVES THE READER AN INSIGHT INTO THE REASONS BEHIND THE COLLAPSE OF A FEW OF THE BIG FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF US AND THE NEAR COLLAPSE OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY, LEADING TO BIG JOBLESS NESS IN THE ECONOMY, AND DOWNTURN.
JOHAN NORBERG, IS SENIOR FELLOW AT THE CATO INSTITUTE, WASHINGTON D.C.. HE HAS ANOTHER BOOK TO HIS CREDIT, IN DEFENSE OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM.
THE BOOK IS DIVIDED INTO SIX CHAPTERS, TAKING THE READERS STEP BY STEP INTO THE REASONS FOR THE FIASCO. THE LAYMAN, ALL OVER THE WORLD, INCLUDING THOSE WITH DEEP INSIGHT INTO AMERICAN BANKING HAVE BEEN BLAMING THE WALL STREET FOR THE COLLAPSE. THE AUTHOR, HOWEVER, EXPOSES THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE US GOVT. AND ITS REGULATIONS IN CREATING THE OPPORTUNITIES AND INCENTIVES THAT LED TO THE ECONOMIC MELTDOWN, FROM WHICH US IS STILL TO COME OUT.
ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR AMERICA'S INFATUATION WITH HOME OWNERSHIP AND EASY AND CHEAP MONEY CREATED THE ECONOMIC CRISIS. THE BORROWERS FOR HOME LOAN IN US COULD GET AWAY EASILY, IN CASE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPAY THE LOAN, SINCE AS PER GOVT. POLICY, AND FIN. INSTITUTIONS WANTING TO GET BETTER THAN EACH OTHER, WERE LENDING WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT OF SECURITY EXCEPT FOR THE MORTGAGE ON THE HOUSE BOUGHT WITH THE LOAN. THE BORROWER IN CASE HE IS NOT ABLE TO REPAY WILL JUST HAND OVER THE KEY TO THE BANK OR LENDING INSTITUTION AND WALK AWAY SINCE HE HAD NO STAKE IN THE HOUSE.
THE AUTHOR DESCRIBES HOW THE MORTGAGES WERE BOUGHT AND SOLD AND PACKAGED AGAIN IN BONDS AND AGAIN SOLD. THE FIRST LENDER AFTER SELLING THE MORTGAGE HAD NO STAKE, AND AS SUCH NO RISK, AND POSSIBLY THIS LED TO FAILURE OF BEARS AND STERNS, AND OTHER BIG INSTITUTIONS, THE BIGGEST BEING, LEHMAN BROS, AND MERRIL LYNCH. BEHIND THE SCENES REASONS FOR NOT HELPING THESE TO BAIL OUT BY GOVT. IS ALSO ANALYSED. THE ROLE OF FANNIE MAE AND FANNIE MAC, TWO GOVT. CONTROLLED INSTITUTIONS IS ALSO WELL COMMENTED UPON.
THE AUTHOR IN THE FINAL TWO CHAPTERS DESCRIBES THE GOVT'S MISMANAGEMENT AND REFUSAL TO LEARN FROM THE PAST AND REPEATING THE VERY SAME MISTAKES AGAIN THAT CAUSED THE FIASCO.
IN CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 THE READER IS TAKEN THROUGH THE MONETARY AND HOUSING POLICY AND THE OBSESSION OF THE GOVT. AND POLITICIANS TO INCREASE THE SHARE OF FAMILIES WHO OWNED HOMES, EVEN UNDERMINING/IGNORING THE REQUIREMENTS OF CREDITWORTHINESS OF THE BORROWERS.
CHAPTER 3 DESCRIBES THE FINANCIAL INNOVATIONS, TRANSFORMING BIG RISKS TO SMALLER ONES, REPACKAGING, RELABELING AND SELLING THEM. THE GREED FOR MAKING EASY MONEY IS COMMENTED UPON WELL.
CHAPTER FOUR TELLS THE STORY OF HOW THE FALL OF AN INVESTMENT BANK GAVE THE GLOBAL ECONOMY JITTERS AND CARDIAC ARREST.
AN EXTREMELY READABLE BOOK, WHICH IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE TRADE BY NATIONAL BOOK NETWORK.

IMPRESSIONS OF A BOOK.

TWO COOTS IN A CANOE - AN UNUSUAL STORY OF FRIENDSHIP
BY DAVID MORAINE

DAVID MORAINE IS A CONSERVATIONIST AND WAS THE HEAD OF LAND ACQUISITION FOR
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY FROM 1972 TO 1990. HE HAS AUTHORED FIVE BOOKS, ALL ON
CONSERVATION, GOOD DIRT, CONFESSIONS OF A CONSERVATIONIST, VACATION LAND, A
HALF CENTURY OF SUMMERING IN MAINE, SMALL CLAIMS:MY LITTLE TRIALS IN LIFE.

THIS IS THE STORY OF TWO MEN IN A CANOE. RAMSAY PEARD A RETIRED CEO, ASKS HIS
LONGTIME FRIEND DAVID (BUGSY) MOAINE IF HE WOULD LIKE TO CANOE THE 400 MILE LONG
CONNECTICUT RIVER, FIRST CONTACT IN 20 YEARS. DAVID AGREES WITH THE CONDITION THAT
NO CAMPING, 'I AM TOO OLD TO BE SLEEPING ON GROUND, COOKING OVER AN OPEN FIRE ETC.
THE FRIENDS DECIDED TO RELAY ON KINDNESS OF STRANGERS FOR THEIR NIGHT STAY. THE
FRIENDS HAD MET AT UNIV. OF VIRGINIA, DOING BACHELOR OF ADMN. IN 1969,

THE BOOK DESCRIBES THEIR JOURNEY ON THE RIVER, WITH SUBTLE HUMOUR, AND FULL OF
LAUGHTER ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR MISADVENTURES, INTERACTIONS WITH STRANGERS WHO
HOST THEM. ONE SEES ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE JOURNEY, HOWEVER,THE OTHER
INHERENTLY FEELS HIS FATE IS SEALED. IT IS AN HONEST ACCOUNT OF THE JOURNEY BY
DAVID MORAINE, AND IS TOLD IN A LUCID AND SIMPLE LANGUAGE.

THE JOURNEY COMMENCING ON MAY 27 2003, AND ENDS ON JUNE 28 2003, WITH 27 STRANGERS
PLAYING HOST TO THEM FOR THEIR STAY. THE COOTS EXPERIENCE VARYING WEATHER, RAIN
AND LITTLE CHILLY WEATHER. DAVID AVOIDING DRINKS WHILE CANOEING, RAMSAY ENJOYED
HIS CANS OF BEER AND HIS SMOKE, BUYING SIX PACKS EVERY DAY HOPING TO GIVE SOME AWAY TO
OTHER CANOEISTS. ALAS FOR NEARLY HALF THE JOURNEY THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY OTHER
ROWERS. THE COOTS REPAY THEIR HOSTS, MOSTLY, BY ARRANGING GRANTS FOR THEIR CONSERVATION
EFFORTS.

THEIR HOPES OF MEETING KATHERINE HEPBURN ON THE LAST LEG OF THEIR JOURNEY IN A PARTY
FAILED TO MATERIALISE, AND SADLY KATHERINE DIED ON JUNE 29, TWO DAYS AFTER THEY LEFT
FOR THEIR HOMES. THE BOOKS' END SHOCKS THE READER FOR THE DARK AND UNEXPECTED
DESTINATION OF THE FRIENDS.
IT IS WELL TOLD STORY AND KEEPS ONE ENGROSSED.
The book is published by Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut, 303 pages, 28 chapters,
3 parts, 1st part covers North country, 2nd Dartmouth South, and 3 rd part covers Massachusetts and
Connecticut.

Pensalcola, Florida, US visit contd.

I have been a little lazy of late not keeping the blog updated. I am not sure who is following my blog, and ramblings in it. But it is a sort of an outlet for my thoughts, and I think I will keep on airing thoughts/views, for what ever they are worth.

This visit is specifically to help, my Viju, in her delivery of first baby, and also to tide over the first

few months. Unlike our last visit in 2009, outings have been few, mainly on account of the date of delivery nearing. My last posting was on 2 Sept. 2010, and today it is 3 Nov. 2010, just more than 2 months. Lot has happened in the intervening period. The most joyous occasion was advent of my 2nd grand daughter in to this world. I loathe to call it beautiful and other adjectives as is wont by most humans. We are destroying this world slowly step by step, and the future generations will be poorer for it. We humans are greedy, and would like to enjoy everything, without giving any thought to the coming generations. She, as per the practice in US, already named Sara, came into this world at 5.57pm, CST, on 13 Sept. 2010, 3 days ahead of schedule given by the doctors, in an hospital near the Pensacola Airport. The hospital, as is everything over here, is very clean and neat and well maintained, with excellent care being taken of the new arrival as also the mother. Myself and Revathi could hold the tiny baby by around 6.10 pm. The baby at birth was only 6.4 lbs, but with lots of jet black hair. All in the hospital were astounded by the hair she was born with, since babies in US are normally not born with so much hair. Her fingers and limbs appeared to be quite long, since she was very tiny and bony. She reached her home to be just after 48 hours, and is now a permanent feature of our lives. She has now completed 7 weeks on this earth, and is into her eighth week. She has already seen Navratri, will be part of her father Sagar's birthday tomorrow, and Deepavali immediately thereafter on 5th. However, US being what it is, she will not be witness to the festivities as in India. She is now a US citizen, with her pass port, and Social security no. She has for the past week or so started recognising and seeing things and people around, and also showing her emotions more openly, by crying, making faces, smiling etc. She is keeping every one of us busy here. I dread the day we will be leaving for India.

Baby Sara's stay here in Gulf Breeze, just adjacent to the bay, will also be short. Sagar is being relocated to Houston, and they will all be leaving mostly by end of Jan 2011, immediately after we leave for India. Houston, is reported to be third largest city in US, and hence will also be heavily populated with resultant chaos. Comparatively this is a very thinly populated and peaceful city, though it is vast in area. I am not sure whether I will be visiting Houston, since the programme of children is uncertain, and no one knows how long they will continue to be in US. I should thank my Viju for giving us this opportunity to visit the US two years running.

Even with Sara's coming, we have not let off on our eating out, two meals in a Vietnamese Rest. called Tu Du, Mexican in Mellow Mushroom, etc. The best is variety of food, various Asian cusine which we never had the opportunity in India to taste.

Internet has facilitated the communication to such an extent that we see Ria, our first grand daughter in Pune quite regularly and talk to her over video/audio call. I could talk and see my mother and also brother in Ghatkopar. I got in touch with an old friend, referred more as German Subbu, after his visit to Germany, courtesy RBI some two decades ago, again through net, and also had a talk.

The county library system in US is a big boon to book lovers like me. I have been reading many books, some fiction and also others. Three books that has in this trip attracted me are one on Cleopatra, another on Sugar Ray Robinson famous boxer of 50s and 60s, and the last one was on Abraham Lincoln, who is portrayed by the author as a Vampire hunter and slayer, till almost the date of his election as President of USA. Another of the books I liked was an account of two friends, who get together after more than 3 decades to traverse the 400 mile Connecticut river on a canoe, spending time with strangers every night without staying in tents or cooking their own meals. The book has an unexpected ending with one of the protagonist committing suicide a few months after completion of the adventure. TCM, (Turner Classic Movie) channel also keeps me occupied with movies of yesteryear's dating to 3os, till 60s. The movies which we may not again get to see in theaters are now easily viewed. Alas, we do not have any such exclusive channel in India, to show case old Indian classics, though some of the channels do show old movies off and on.

Another news is about my first son-in-law Rajesh changing course in mid stream so to say. He has decided to leave his cushy and secured job and income, and take a plunge into an uncertain world of independent venture. He has decided to open in Pune, Baner a restaurant, which will serve mainly continental dishes and also deserts normally not available outside five stars. We wish him all the success in this venture of his. What with the new found prosperity in and around Pune, and all techies abound, there is little doubt this will be a profitable venture with lady luck smiling on the venture, and dedication and hard work. The joint is expected to commence operation in December, and will keep all updated on the opening date.

The net has also been helpful in my watching the cricket matches, sometimes getting up at mid night or early morning. My walks continue, and the two months over here has also helped me recover my health to a certain extent after my trip to Kailas mansarover in June, just before coming over to US.

Today, for the first time in my two visits, I got drenched while returning from my walk, and I really enjoyed it. I am used to getting fully wet in India regularly every rain, what with my unwillingness to carry a burden of an umbrella. The cold is setting in, and it is expected to be in 30s from Friday.

As in India, we prepared deepavali bakshanam over here, with available things. A small celebrations will be there, being the first one for Sara. A small get together of friends is being arranged by some of the Indians over here, and we expect to participate on Friday evening.

This has been a big and long blog. See you all till the next one.

US Visit contd.

I think I should now let you have a description of the Pensa cola town as I see it. When I first landed here on 10th April 2009, what greeted me aswe exited the airport in our daughter's car was the wide roads, disciplined traffic, and sparse traffic to boot. The drive from airport to Gulf breeze where the flat is located took around half hour. What surprised me most was that there were hardly any shops as we know in India. While on the way we could see some eating joints, etc., but no grocery stores or small mom and pop establishments. We had no problem like adjusting to the day-night timings here, since we did not feel any jet lag. The reason probably was because we hardly slept on the way from India, and we were ready to hit the deck by around 8 pm local time.

However, seeing Viju and Sagar, and talking about things and people back home, esp. our dear Riya's antics, we went to bed little late. From next day our routine started.

With in couple of days I started my daily walks, along madam, and slowly increased the distance covered. Unlike India, there were very few walkers, what with a very sparse population. Initially we waled along the road, and then started coming into the bay area through a opening near the road, and walking over the sand to the house. After a few days found other better route to walk, with independent houses on one side, and thick green vegetation on the other side. The downturn of the US economy was evident from the number of properties put up for sale. During the course of our three months stay, we found that some properties which had prices notified, bringing down the prices by a few thousands. Our walk used to cover around 5 kms. and take more than an hour, since I had to match the speed of my dear wife. We used to leave home between 7.15 and 7.30 and return by around 9.00 am.

The nearest departmental store was called Publix, and it was located around a km from our place. I hardly saw anyone walking to make purchases, all used to drive down. The nearest Wall mart store was located around 7 kms away. All our purchases like milk, curd, vegetables etc. were from Publix, and Wall Mart was visited once in a while. The other interesting market near Wall mart, is Flea Market, open only and saturdays, and sundays, where in you can get from house hold goods to clothes, electrical appliances, etc. both used and new ones. One corner is reserved for chinese goods being sold at near throwaway prices. It is somewhat akin to our chor bazar but much better organised, and nothing illegal about it. It also has a vegetable stall where one could get some fresh veggies.

The best thing about the towns in US is the free public library, where in you can borrow number of books at a time, as well as CDs/DVDs. I could watch some very old Hollywood classics. There is also a recreation centre with basket ball court, tennis courts, football and baseball courts etc. There is no charge for use of tennis court facilities.

The people generally are very cheerful, and wish you on morning walks even though they might be seeing you for the first time in their life. The cars and other vehicles respect the rights of the pedestrians, unlike in our Great Bharat, where a pedestrian is treated as a pest by the car/vehicle drivers. Overtaking by cars is done very systematically where there are two lanes each way, but on single lane roads, no overtaking as such is seen. The cars are ready to follow the bikes or other slow moving vehicles.

The offices are mostly located in down town area, and one has to drive to the office around 10 kms. each way daily. Most of the big malls are also located either in down town area or near the air port. One such big mall is Cardova Mall, with a number of stores inside, catering to people of both sexes and all age groups. To reach the down town area, one had to cross a three mile bridge, with water on both the sides, and the drive over the brigde is beautiful to say the least. Most of the clothes are from the Asian continent. Major supplier of all goods is China, and I feel if China stops producing and catering to the needs of US market and consumer, for some reason or the other, US market will close down. Such is the Chinese dominance of US economy. Almost all electronic, household, and many other items are outsourced from China, both the US companies, and China being beneficiaries. However, one dreads to think of the consequences of dependence on one individual source for all your requirements.

US economy is a consumer economy, with only spending as the motto, with savings having no place, and all purchased being made through credit card, though debit card may also be in use to an extent. Savings from Asian countries, China, and Japan is fuelling the US economy, and to a lesser extent Indian savings too helps.

2nd visit to US of A

Hi to all, this is my second visit to US of A, Pensa Cola in Florida. My last visited all of 3 months, and this time it is expected to last all of 5 months. I landed here on 18th July and will be leaving on 18th Jan 2011. I will get an opportunity to enjoy the Christmas and New Year in US. During last visit I was here on July 4, and also watched Naval Air show from close quarters.

Pensa Cola is a small town, with the population keeping themselves busy, and a portion of the population living a laid back life. Fishing is a great pastime for many, and they enjoy angling for hours together. To fish here you require licence. The climate over here is warm just as in India, temp. ranging from 30 onwards. It is a beach and coastal town, with beautiful beach. We try to avoid exposing our body to sun, but Pensacolans enjoy the sun, spending hours on the beach, and sea water. Another favourite way of spending time for local population is to take out their boats, canoes etc. and spend hours sailing. The size of the boat depends upon the capacity to spend. I have seen very big boats.

We are staying with Viju, our second daughter. The house she has taken on rent is fully furnished. It has sofa sets, dining tables, two tv sets, one in hall and another in master bedroom, beds in both bed room, towels etc. Kitchen is fully equipped with utensils etc, lacking only in Indian requirements. The house is part of a Condo, and there are 4 units in each block. We are located on the second floor, as we know in India, with parking space provided on the ground floor. The unit is spacious enough, with two bed rooms and a hall with attached kitchen space. From the balcony attached to hall, you can view the bay in its full glory, and spend hours doing nothing but just watching the water, the movement of boats, and flight of various birds, fishing for their food from the bay water. One gets to spot occasionally dolphins. Though the breeze is slightly warm, you are not required to switch on the fan. The funny thing over here is the fans rotate at a very slow speed, thus hardly serving any purpose. Since all houses have central a.c. system, the fans appear to be redundant. There is no power cut as we experience, and hence there is no fear of a. c. not functioning. It is a very quite life, in literal sense, with no noise except of cars zooming past.

Our bed rooms are located on the road side, and you will hear the noise of cars passing only if you are nearby. There are no cars rushing past blaring horns, thus creating noise pollution. Across the road you see the wast sheet of sea water, and also people spending hours fishing. An hour away from the condo. is the Pensa Cola beach, to reach which you drive on a fly over, and are required to pay toll of $1. The beach is crowded in the evenings, and weekends there is a big flow of vehicles in different shapes, and sizes to and from the beach. Opposite the beach are located stores, and restaurants, where one can have a whale of time.

Just like Band stand in Bandra, the beach here has a structure. Every Tuesday there is musical entertainment which one can enjoy for free. The local population come over with chairs, drinks, and eats, and spend around two hours enjoying the music and dancing to the tunes.

On Fridays, a pic. is also screened. However, once winter sets in the open air shows will end. We try to make it every Tuesday, but have not yet seen a pic.

Full stop for the day, will post more about the town later.

DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT OF KAILAS MANSAROVAR YATRA

15 JULY 2010

FLT. TO KATMANDU 8.15 AM FROM MUMBAI LEFT IN TIME, LANDED IN NEPAL IN TIME. PICKED UP FROM AIRPORT BY SHRESHTHA PEOPLE AND TAKEN TO HOTEL CROWN PLAZA, SOALTEE, A FIVE STAR EST. AFTER ROOM ALLOTMENT, HAD BUFFET LUNCH, INDIAN FOOD. THOUGH TWO PEOPLE WERE LOCATED IN EACH ROOM, SINCE THERE WAS NO ONE LEFT, I GOT A ROOM FOR MYSELF. NO SIGHT SEEING FOR THE DAY, WENT TO MARKET AREA FOR MINOR PURCHASES, WITH RATAN SRIVASTAVA, A BUSINESS MAN FROM MUMBAI, WESTERN SUBURBS.

16 JULY 2010.

WENT FOR MORNING WALK AS USUAL. HAD BREAKFAST, AS PER CHOICE, NO OF ITEMS ON THE BUFFET TABLE, UPMA, SAMBAR, CORNFLAKES ETC. THE GROUP LEFT FOR PASUPATINATH, AND SHAKTIPEETH AT 9.30 A.M. PURCHASED CORALS, AND RUDRAKSHA STRINGS. RETURNED TO HOTEL FRO LUNCH, AND AGAIN NO OTHER OUTING. EVENING WAS LEFT TO US. PHONED INDIA AT RS. 3 N.C. AFTER DINNER WENT TO BED EARLY, SINCE MORNING WERE SUPPOSED TO LEAVE HOTEL BY 5 A.M

17 JULY 2010

THE GROUP LEFT THE HOTEL AT AROUND 7 A.M. WE WERE 35 IN THE GROUP, 10 COUPLE, AND OTHER SINGLES, MEN 11, AND LADIES 4. LIGHT BREAKFAST PROVIDED ON THE WAY, AND BY AFTERNOON WE REACHED LOCATION NEAR BORDER, WERE TAKEN TO A HOTEL WHERE WE WERE GIVEN LUNCH. OUR PASSPORTS WERE TAKEN EARLIER FOR GETTING IT STAMPED AT NEPAL BORDER. WE CROSSED OVER TO CHINESE SIDE FOR IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS CHECK, TOOK SOMETIME. AFTER CHECK WE ENTERED CHINA, ZHANGMU AND WERE ALLOTTED ONE LAND CRUISER FOR FOUR, AND WERE ON OUR WAY INTO TIBET. I HAD FOR COMPANY IN THE CRUISER, SHRI. SHEMBEKAR, PHATAK, AND SRIVASTAVA. WE WERE TOGETHER TILL THE LAST DAY, 28 JULY 2010. LEFT FOR NYALAM IN A CONVOY OF 9 CRUISERS, 150 KMS. FROM BORDER. ONE TRUCK CARRIED OUR COOKING MATERIAL ALONG WITH GAS STOVE ETC. IN NYALAM WE WERE ACCOMODATED IN A GUEST HOUSE. THE ROAD TO NYALAM WAS GOOD IN PATCHES, WITH ROAD WORK GOING ON IN MOST PLACES. IN CONTRAST TO NEPAL WHICH WAS ABOUND WITH GREENERY, AFTER A CERTAIN DISTANCE IN TO TIBET, THE COUNTRY SIDE WAS FOUND TO BE DESOLATE BEREFET OF ANY VEGETATION. EVEN GRASS DID NOT GROW MORE THAN FEW INCHES. THE MOUNTAIN RANGE WAS PURE BROWN AND NO VEGETATION TO SPEAK OF.

THE FOOD WAS SIMPLE FOR THE NIGHT, KICHDI, KADI AND SUBJI. COULD NOT SLEEP WELL PROBABLY ON ACCOUNT OF CHANGE IN ALTITUDE. HAD TO GO TO TOILET FREQUENTLY. RESTLESS NIGHT.

18 JULY 2010.

WHOLE DAY IN NYALAM FOR ACCLIMATIZATION. BED TEA, AND AFTER FRESHENING UP WERE GIVEN BREAKFAST. WE WENT FOR A TREK TO A SMALL HILLOCK BEHIND THE GUEST HOUSE, WHICH ALL WERE EXPECTED TO CLIMB. ALL STARTED, BUT MORE THAN HALF RETURNED MID WAY. I WITH SOME OTHERS COMPLETED THE CLIMB. WERE GIVEN SIMPLE LUNCH OF CHAPATI, RICE DAL ETC. EVENING WE HAD SOUP AND DINNER BY 8 PM. WENT TO BED EARLY, SINCE WE WERE TO LEAVE FOR SAGA, OUR NEXT STOP, AROUND 228 KMS. AWAY, EARLY NEXT DAY.

19 JULY 2010

WOKEN UP AT 6 AM WITH BED TEA/COFFEE. FINISHED BREAKFAST AT 7 AM AND LEFT NYALAM 7.30 AM. THE ROAD TO SAGA PASSES THROUGH LALUNGLA PASS, LOCATED AT ABOUT 16000 FT. ABOVE SEA LEVEL, AND THE ROAD WAS GOOD. ATRER THE PASS THERE WAS A DIVERSION TOWARDS SAGA, AND THE ROAD WAS NOT PUCCA, BUT KUTCHA. FOUND THAT THE CHINESE GOVT. IS INTO MASSIVE ROAD BUILDING PROGRAMME IN TIBET TO CONNECT TIBET TO NEPAL BORDER. DRUING SMALL STRETCHES THE ROAD WORK HAS BEEN FINISHED, WE COULD TRAVEL ON GOOD ROAD, OTHER WISE MOST OF OUR TRAVEL WAS BY KUTCHA ROAD ON EITHER SIDE. LUNCH WAS SERVED ON THE WAY AT A PLACE NEAR A RIVULET. ON THE WAY TO SAGA CROSSED HUGU LAKE PAIGU TSO AND BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER

REACHED SAGA AROUND 6 PM. WE WERE PUT UP IN A HOTEL, FOUR PER ROOM. THE TOILETS IN THE ROOM WERE WESTERN STYLE, WITH PROPER BATHROOM FOR HOT WATER. HOWEVER, HOT WATER WAS AVAILABLE AFTER 8 PM. AND HENCE WE HAD A GOOD HOT WATER BATH, OUR LAST BATH TILL DIP IN MANSAROVAR, AND A NICE BATH AGAIN IN KATMANDU ON 28^TH AFTERNOON. AFTER DINNER WERE TOLD THAT WE WILL BE LEAVING FOR PARYANG OUR NEXT HALT BY AROUND 3.30 AM. SINCE THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AFTER 6 AM FOR WORK, AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL FOR AROUND 6 HOURS. WENT TO SLEEP EARLY BUT COULD NOT SLEEP A WINK ON ACCOUNT OF NEED TO GET UP VERY EARLY.

20 July 2010

Left hotel at Saga at 3.30 a.m. The road, if it could be called that, was nonexistent, was full of potholes, ups and downs. The driving skills of the drivers were fully tested. At one point there was a steep incline to be negotiated, and our driver showed his driving skill, and after climb rested the car to watch and guide other vehicles. The convoy of vehicles only after all the vehicles had safely come out. We were served black tea before leaving and nothing else except some bread at 9.30. Our drive to Paryang our next stop was around 235 kms. Our journey continued, and reached Paryang late in the afternoon, and we were then given a simple lunch. We were accommodated 5 to a room. The drive was tough, and all felt tired. The day was warm, and I removed my layers of cloth, and wore lungi, and felt very comfortable. Those who wanted to engage horse for parikrama were asked to shell out 1100 Yuan and 450 Yuan for porter/pittu.

We had a good dinner. Power supply was available for 2-3 hours. The room had one bulb, but there was no switch it put it off. We removed the bulb when we felt sleepy. I had to wear inner wear during the night on account of drop in temperature.

21 July 2010

I had peaceful and undisturbed sleep for once. Today for breakfast we were given Idli ,Vada sambar apart from cornflakes with milk. Left Paryang for Mansarovar around 8.30 pm. Road condition as usual was tough, new road laying work going on throughout the way. Chinese govt. probably intends creating small townships along, and resettle Chinese into Tibet. Tibetans live in abject poverty, and all big business in the hands of Chinese. On the way there were a number of halts, govt. Check points. We drove through Mayumu – la Pass at a height of 17,000 ft. Our driver took us to a good spot on the shores of Mansarovar, and told us that we could have our dip. Most of us had our dip in the holy water, no one ventured much distance in the lake. The water near the shore was not deep; we just threw water over the body and head, got out fast to avoid catching cold. Our next half was at Rakshas tal, where the rakshasas are supposed to come for their dip. We reached our lodging near the lake at around 8.00 pm. As usual there was no proper toilet. Our truck bringing food articles and cooking utensils etc. was held up at check post and could not reach in time. Our sherpas arranged for tea, soup and kichdi from other group kitchen. One of our group members, Shri. Navandar, from Pune, who was unwell earlier itself, had more problems and could not breath even with oxygen being administered. He was, late at night shifted to a hospital, along with his wife, and his friend Mr. Rathi. Thus our group was reduced to 32. The lodging where we were located was made available by India Heritage foundation, and known as Parmarth Kailas Mansarovar Ashram, Found and inspired by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati. The camp is also called Horchu.

22 July 2010

I had a good sleep during the night, got up around 6.30 a.m. The breakfast was sheera, dry fruits, corn flakes, bourn vita. At around 9.30 a.m. some of us left for shores of the lake Mansarovar for performing puja and havan. Some of the members had brought from India, articles needed for havan and puja. One of our members Shri. A.B.Rao performed priestly duties, and did a very competent job. Returned to camp had lunch, chapatti, rice, subji and dal. Left for Darchen, our next halt and base point for Kailash parikrama. Couple of vehicles with its occupants decided to go to see Nandi parvat and also have the first darshan of Kailash mount. We also saw a creature found in Tibet, which some called Tibetan rat, which was nearly the size of a rabbit. We reached our lodging and got good rest. Four to a room, and though there was toilet it was kept locked. Could use the toilet in one of the rooms which was left open, but no water, but luckily it was western toilet. Since there was power supply for more than 2 hours, could charge the batteries for the camera. There was slight drizzle and we prayed for a good dry climate for the ensuing two days, when we will be doing the Parikrama. We heard that one Yatra group consisting of 28 members left for parikrama, of which 21 returned on account of fear of bad weather and rain, and only 7 went ahead.

23 July 2010.

Today is the D day every one was waiting for, the first day of Parikrama. Since I had good sleep, felt fresh, and after freshening up went for breakfast. Skipped since it was chole bhature, not fit for breakfast, had cornflakes, laddoo, and biscuits. Were given packed lunch containing only apple, juice, and some other snack, and a chocolate. Not enough for one. Left the lodging leaving our main bag, and taking only backpack with minimum requirement of eatables and one change of inner wear at around 7.30 a.m. on our way to Tarboche, from where our trek was to start. We had a halt at Yama Dwar, where there is small temple like structure, with no idols. Everyone goes through the opening and exit from the other side, and do pradikshana of the temple. The locals have placed in heap number of stone tablets, with inscriptions. From this point we were driven to Tarboche and our trek of around 12 kms. We commenced our trek from there. Those who had engaged horse got on the back of the horse and started the parikrama. I had decided to walk and amongst our group there were 6 more who also had decided to walk and had not engaged a horse. Two couple, had decided to skip the parikrama, and they stayed back at the camp. The trek was not very difficult, though one felt tired on account of altitude, and low oxygen availability. We reached Diraphuk, 16,500 ft. around 6.00 Chinese time. There was chaos as regards allotment of sleeping quarters, and we were given beds placed on stones, uneven beds, and some spring cots in a very bad condition. We had the best view of Mt. Kailash from this point, since we were located just below the mountain. I was lucky to get good shots... I was sure that on account of bad condition of bed, the sleep will be bad, and I could hardly sleep. The dinner was ok.

24 July 2010

We woke up early, around 6 a.m. to face the second and toughest day of the trek. We had been warned by one and all that it will be very tough and you have to be very careful, and cross Dolma-la pass by 12 pm. to avoid strong winds. It is the highest point on the trek, 18,600 ft. above sea level, with oxygen availability estimated to be 40%. I, with my friend, left the tent by 7.15, and after covering nearly a k.m. remembered that I had left my sunglasses in the tent. I went back, searched for the same and got it and came back and joined my friend, and we continued the climb up the mountain. Reached the highest point, Dolma-la pass by 12 pm, and after a few minutes began our descent. The descent was tough, but since there was no rain, the ground was dry, and mud/pathway also was dry, and hence we could climb down easily. While coming down, we took the easiest possible routes/pathways, and everyone followed the best path possible. There were no mishaps, and all got down safely. However, on account of lack of energy, our speed on plain on the way to Zuthulpuck was slow. We reached the river bank, where tents were puts up, and our group was accommodated in 3 tents. We spent the night in this camp, and had a simple but good night meal. Whole night it drizzled/rained, and there was no moonlight, though poornima was next day. All being tired went to sleep early.

25 July 2010

Last day of the parikrama, and distance to be covered was said to be around 6kms. After breakfast we left camp on our trek. The route was along the river bank, and though mainly plain, there were many ups and downs, had to climb over small hillocks. Our trek took around 3 hours or so, and we reached the point where our cruisers were waiting to take us to Darchen. We reached Darchen around 2 pm, were given lunch and then proceeded for night’s stay beside the lake Mansarovar (horche side), app. 70kms. Drive, and overnight stay Chin Gumpha (Muniji Ashram). The members of the group were expecting to have a nice Guru Poornima night, but on account of rain, could not see the moon in all its glory. Disappointment was writ on all faces of piligrims. Some who had come prepared for Poornima puja, could not perform the same, and were very much disappointed. After simple night meals, all decided to have at least a good night’s sleep, but leakage in tent made that also impossible.

26 July 2010

After the completion of trek and parikrama, all members were anxious to reach Katmandu, and thence their sweet homes. Our morning drive started at around 5.00 a.m. on our way to Dongba. On the way we were given lunch, and we proceeded to Dongba. We neared our destination, but were stopped at a check point just 1 km. or so before the camp. We were told that the vehicles will not be allowed till 9 p.m. and hence most of us decided to walk the distance. However, good sense prevailed and some vehicles were allowed subsequently. The accommodation thankfully was much better. Had kichdi for dinner, and was tasty.

27 July 2010

The drive today was to Nyalam, via Saga, and we were to cover more than 300 kms. We left Dongba at around 6 a.m. Reached Saga around 1 p.m. in the afternoon, were given lunch, which was prepared by sherpas, early in the morning. However, we had not had any breakfast, and hence tried to have our stomach full. Reached Nyalam, in the evening, and for once, we got good rooms, with proper toilet facilities. Went out for a walk, and talked to Deepa and Revathi, Ria was not willing to talk. For the night we were served kichdi, as per our demand with subji. All were intent upon a good sleep, and hoping for a good drive to border place Zhangmum and then Kathmandu.

28 July 2010

Last day of our stay in Tibet, left Nyalam after breakfast by 7 p.m. and reached border customs/immigration check point by 9 a.m. The immigration post opens only at 10.00 a.m. and all have to wait till then for crossing the border. Our group was the first at the gate. We cleared the formalities and crossed over to Nepal side. We went to a restaurant and waited their till our bags etc were received from China. After 11, we were on our way to Katmandu. On the way we halted at a resort, Borderlands for lunch. The resort was located adjacent to a river flowing in its furious glory; the sound of water rushing ahead was pleasing to the ears. The resort was amidst full greenery, and had tents for stay. The charges per person is said to be $40/- per day, which is inclusive of breakfast, tea, and meals. The management also arranges water sports etc. for the guests. The food was simple but good. After lunch, left for Katmandu, and reached hotel Crown Plaza. The road to hotel was in horrible condition, and our progress was slow also on account of road construction work. The traffic was heavy, and jams en route. The hotel was a pleasant home coming, and I got a room for myself without any partner to share with. Had a good bath, and wallowed in the tub of hot water for some time, and felt better for a bath after more than a week. Bought couple of Ganesha masks from a nearby shop for Rs. 1600/- The dinner as usual was good, and lots to select from. Took time to repack the bag, for we had to leave for India tomorrow morning. Off to sleep now, that it is around 11 p.m.

29 July 2010.

Got up by 6.00 p.m. could not go out since it was raining. Had breakfast at 8.00 a.m. Did final packing and got out the bags for being taken to airport. The bus which came was a small one, and could not accommodate all. I travelled in a taxi with two others, and we left the hotel around 9.45 a.m. Our flight was at 11.25 a.m. and we were running late on account of heavy traffic. Mismanagement on the part of Shreshta Holidays in arranging transport in time. We reached the airport around 10.30 a.m. and were inside only after another 10mts. on account of slow checking at the gate. We found that Jet had closed the counter, and after I explained that there were nearly 20 passengers who will be missing the flight they opened the counters, and gave boarding passes. I found that the boarding was also slow, with checks again and again till the point of boarding. At last flight took off, and we landed in Mumbai ahead of schedule. No problem in getting out, but our sumo driver, Ravi, who was to pick us up, had landed at Santacruz airport, instead of Sahar. We had therefore to wait for him. He came and we were on our way, reached home by 4.30 p.m. My tour was over and out.

NATRANG - A BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

HI, TO ALL OF YOU WHO READ/ACCESS MY BLOG.
SORRY I HAVE BEEN OFF FOR SO LONG. HAVE BEEN
INTENDING TO POST THOUGHTS ON MANY ISSUES,
BUT HAVE BEEN POSTPONING FOR NO PARTICULAR
REASON. DECIDED ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WILL POST
TODAY, BEFORE MOVING OUT FOR EVENING.

ON SUNDAY LAST, WE, MYSELF AND REVATHI WENT FOR
A MARATHI MOVIE CALLED NATRANG. I HAD READ ABOUT
IT AND ITS CONTENTS AND THE MOVIE AS A WHOLE EXCEEDED
MY EXPECTATIONS. MUST SEE FOR ALL, EVEN YOU MAY NOT
UNDERSTAND THE DIALECT USED THEREIN WELL ENOUGH.
THE GIST OF THE THE STORY IS AS FOLLOWS:
THE STORY IS SET IN RURAL MAHARASHTRA, AND IS ABOUT
A RUSTIC YOUTH WHO IS FASCINATED THE MARATHI FOLK
ART THAMASHA, AND IS HELL BENT ON STARTING ONE GROUP
DESPITE STIFF OPPOSITION. THE TRAVAILS GUNA, THE PRINCIPAL
CHARACTER UNDERGOES TO SUCCEED ARE PORTRAYED THE BEST
POSSIBLE WAY. HE INSTEAD OF BEING THE RAJA, SUTRADAR, THAT
HE WANTED TO BE, ASSUMES THE ROLE OF NACHA, THE HALF MALE,
HALF FEMININE CHARACTER FOUND IN ALL TAMASHAS. A MAN WHO
WAS A PEHLWAN, TRANSFORMS HIMSELF ALMOST LOOSING HIS
MANLINESS, AND RIDICULED BY THE SOCIETY, LOOSING HIS NEAR
AND DEAR IN THE PROCESS. THE SONGS, DIALOGUE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY
ARE SUPERB TO SAY THE LEAST.
DO SEE THIS MOVIE IF YOU CAN ACCESS IT THROUGH INTERNET OR SOME
OTHER WAY.

MOST OF YOU WHO FOLLOW INDIAN CRICKET MIGHT HAVE SEEN THE
HUE AND CRY RAISED OVER THE NEWS THAT THE PAKI CRICKETERS WERE
NOT CONSIDERED FOR IPL III AUCTION. ALL AND SUNDRY ARE COMMENTING
ON THAT INCLUDING THE GREAT KHANS OF BOLLYWOOD. THE PAKS ARE CRYING
HOARSE NOT BECAUSE THEY LOVE INDIA OR INDIANS BUT ONLY FOR THE LUCRE
THE IPL THROWS OUT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS. THE MEDIA BOTH PRINT AND TV
HAVE BEEN WASTING SPACE AND TIME, AND MINISTERS, CHIDAMBARAM HAVE
ADDED TO THE CRY. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO JUSTIFICATION FOR SUCH A
HUE AND CRY OVER THE TRIVIAL MATTER. NO ONE FOR THAT MATTER SEEMS TO
BE WORRIED ABOUT THE PRICE RISE IN INDIA AND THE TRAVAILS OF THE POOR
ON ACCOUNT.

THE OTHER MATTER IS INDIA BASHING IN AUSTRALIA, DOWN UNDER. A COUNTRY
POPULATED BY THE DESCENDANTS OF CONVICTS AND THROWAWAYS FROM ENGLAND, WHO ANNIHILATED THE LOCAL POPULATION NOW CALLED ABORIGINALS. THE LAND OF THESE WERE USURPED AND NOW THE SAME WHO ARE CALLED OZIES DO NOT LIKE OTHERS TO COME AND JOIN THEM, ESP. BROWNS AND BLACKS. RACISM TO THE FOREMOST THERE. I HOLD NO CANDLE FOR THE INDIANS GOING AND SETTLING OUTSIDE, SINCE MANY OF THEM DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ASSIMILATE AND
MINGLE WITH LOCAL POPULACE, AND TRY TO ACT SMART. PROBABLY OUR STUDENT COMMUNITY IS ALSO TO BLAME TO AN EXTENT. WHEN YOU RUN AWAY FROM HOME YOU SHOULD ;BE READY TO FACE THE MUSIC, I BELIEVE IS THE MORAL OF THE STORY.
BYE TILL NEXT.