Lovely and Sweety

With people having such pleasing names,the world should be a happier place to live in.But then these two siblings live in Bihar,which temporarily has fallen off the India map so to say.Or atleast had,till President's rule was established.The election results gave a thumbs down to Lalu and the verdict being fractured,no party could form a government singly or in unison.The inevitable had to occur.
But then Governor Buta Singh claims that things have improved.Law and order is under control,people are moving around freely,new carowners do not fear that their car would be immediately stolen or doctors that they would be kidnapped for a king's ransom.And school children are a very happy lot.The trauma of being forcibly carried away from school is no more there.The mafia which ruled the roost in Lalu's regime seems to have gone underground.
One would ask where do Lovely and Sweety fit in. It is a nobrainer.They are the sons of Buta Singh and virtually run Bihar.The de facto rulers.Buta Singh claims that they are doing a good job.Period.But then nothing moves without the nod of Lovely or Sweety.Our hangup with dynasty rule continues.Being a Sonia loyalist,Buta Singh appears to be safe.But will the sons Lovelyji and Sweetyji pull him down?.
Time alone will tell.
Sat Sri Akal.

THE HEALTHY PAPAYA

THE HEALTHY PAPAYA
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

I am very fond of it.It is available easily almost throughout the year.As far as possible, I like to have it as the first item of my breakfast.With a quarter lemon ready to be squeezed.I even grew a papaya tree in our Bangalore house.And that was the red variety which many prefer.I don't see many of that in Mumbai; though whenever I am in Kolkata,Mushtaq the Bawarchi in our guest house makes it a point to get for me red papayas.

Why am I so fond of them?.It helps in reducing body fat.By no stretch of imagination am I obese,but then I think I need to shed some fat. Arginine in Papaya is well known for muscle building besides playing a big role in fat reduction.It is supposed to be very good for those who suffer from indigestion.It is effective against worms and is also a pain relieving agent and useful for those afflicted by arthiritis and slip-disc.It heals wounds,boils and ulcers.Doctors in South America where Papaya originated have been using papaya extensively as an external agent for speeding up healing of wounds after surgery and also for dressing wounds.The papaya bark relieves toothaches.And there are umpteen other medicinal properties.It also protects the human body from free radicals and certain types of cancer.It is a wonderful supplement for Vitamin A and Vitamin C.Also it is a rich source for potassium,sodium,proteins,calcium and iron.

What is holding you up if you already are not a papaya lover?.Then, go get it.The Papita.

Akshaya Tritiya

Yesterday was Akshaya Tritiya.A very auspicious day by the Indian calendar.It is the third day of the bright half(shukla paksha) of chittirai,the first month in the tamil new year of paarthiva.On this day,the sun and moon are at their peak simultaneously.According to Vedic texts,the first "yagnya" or sacrifice in the history of humanity was performed on this day.
Akshaya means one that never diminishes.One of the thousand names of Lord Vishnu appearing in the Vishnusahasranama. It is also considered to be the birthday of Parasurama -one of the dasa avataras of Lord Vishnu.A brahmin who eliminated the warriors!.And a very popular deity in the west coast of India,particularly Kerala and Goa for having carved out their present land.
It is considered to be so sacred that no muhurta for performing any auspicious event is required on this day. All over India,people celebrate weddings,enter new homes,start new ventures and buy gold.This day is considered to bring good luck and success.
For me,it was like any other day.Absolutely normal.No weddings to celebrate,no new home to get into and no gold to purchase.
But then,I prayed a little extra.For the benefit of mankind.Sarva: sukhino bhavantu.

Enter the Chinese Dragon

It was deja vu again when the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited India a fortnight back.One remembered nostalgically the Hindi Chini bhai-bhai and Nehru's Panch Shil of the 60s and the trauma of the Indo-China war that followed.A full circle has been turned since then.We have recognised Tibet as part of China and they in turn have recognised Sikkim as part of India.

What is the driver for this attitudinal change?.It is economics.Both countries are on a major growth path.China is admittedly miles ahead.But then there are many areas where it is lagging.Therfore it makes eminent sense to come together,the world's two largest populations and work towards transforming the lives of millioins of people in both the countries.

Interestingly Mid-Day came out on this occasion with top five chinese nicknames for some celebrities.
Shakti Kapoor: Ai Su Yu (sue)
R R Patil : Wai Yu Dan Sing (closing down of dancing bars in Mumbai)
Michael Jackson : No Tach Yung Boi
Saurav Ganguly : Hau Yu Ban Mi ( banned from playing 6 matches for slow bowling rate)
Rajdeep Sardesai: Bai Bai Pra Noi ( he is leaving ND TV and Prannoy)

Jai Hind,Jai Cheen!

World Asthma Day

3rd May is World Asthma Day.On this day,my thoughts go out to thousands of those people who are in some form patients of asthma.Having been a sufferer myself for many years while we lived in Bangalore,I can very well empathise with those who suffer from attacks of asthma.
I think it is a day when one should take stock as to how asthma has been managed so far and what needs to be done to minimise its impact on one's health.
Asthma management would include one's lifestyle,environment,emotional condition and other factors that may be contributing to this dreaded affliction.In my opinion,asthma is hereditary as well as acquired.With some commonsense and change of location and lifestyle,a tremendous transformation can be brought about.Asthma is generally caused by severe concentration of dust particles in the air that we breathe,pollens,temperature fluctuations,humidity,altitude,food habits etc.Carefully one can eliminate the main cause over time and lead a relatively less asthmaprone life.Certain yogasanas are very beneficial for overcoming asthma.There is a plethora of allopathic medicines available.But then one has to be very careful.For it has other side effects.
Interestingly New York and Mumbai have come together to attack the problem of asthma prevalence in the two cities.The US Environmental Protective Agency is lending a helping hand.There is lot of similarity between the two cities.Extensive transport networks,humid climates,high vehicular pollution,etc.An estimated one million people have asthma in New York.You can double that figure for Mumbai.
Asthma prevalence rates have been found to be higher among the poor and in the minority neighbourhoods in New York while in Mumbai it is higher in Sion,Chembur and Parel.
There is a lot that both cities can learn from each other for the common good.

OYE BUBBLY

OYE BUBBLY
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

When you are watching a oneday cricket match and that too between india and pakistan,you just don't want to see any advertisements spoiling the fun.but in the case of oye bubbly,bubbly bubbly bubbly,it was different.you welcomed it.because it was novel and thoroughly enjoyable.that is what advertising is about,i suppose. and pepsi seems to be getting a lot of eyeballs not only on tv but also in the dailies as well.
from a singlebrand company it has grown into a multibrand company in a period of about five years.water,juices,lipton iced tea,tropicana and gatorade.in water,aquafina has become one of the top water products in india.pepsi during this period has had to manage competition as well as governmental and judicial activism.and they seem to have managed the environment quite well.

Kurkure-A Runaway Success

Kurkure-A Runaway Success
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

It is hot.It is tangy.It is a spicy cereal product which is making waves.After a long time Pepsi seems to have got it right.And the grapevine says that Pepsi HQ is considering marketing Kurkure through its global chain.Indra Nooyi,a Chennai born lady and President of Pepsi Cola marketing Kurkure in the US!.And Pepsi is not alone.Even McDonalds has come out with shuddh sakahari stuff.Aaloo tikka,et al.When it comes to marketing,we desis can teach these big behemoths some basics in marketing.

Pepsi Catering to Indian Tastes

Pepsi Catering to Indian Tastes
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

It is unbelievable.But it is happening.Pepsi came to India many years ago to sell Pepsi Cola,Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizzas from Pizza Hut.The start was disastrous.Though Pepsi Cola chugged along,the other two just didn't take off.Pepsi had made a huge blunder.It did not study the Indian palate.Their marketing whiz kids thought what is good for the gander is good for the geese.Then the realisation dawned.It did a rethink of its menu.It started marketing bhujiya.And now it has developed its own snack.The smashing success-Kurkure.Is this reverse marketing?

Child Labour-Zari Workers

Photo 276
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

The death of Afzal Ansari,a 12 year old boy from Darbhanga,Bihar,has been the main news for the last few days.He was a minor,and a zari worker in one of the many sweatshops in Govandi,Mumbai.His employers kept him and 10 to 12 other boys in a dingy room where they worked for about 20 hours a day.The children weave bright shiny pieces of metal into strips of cloth.The children are mostly Muslim and are brought from UP and Bihar.It is estimated that about 12,000 such children are employed in Dharavi and Govandi.Those who have seen my earlier posting on this subject will realise the severe hardships these children go through for a pittance and to swell the pockets of their masters.Alamgir,the master of Afzal is now in police custody.

Dr Tangle

Dr Tangle
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

He has a desk in the oncology department of a London hospital.Though he is sitting a bit relaxed with legs somewhat stretched,he has a busy day ahead of him.Though he is in a serious profession,he has not lost his penchant for running after sticks and balls.With his floppy ears and fur coat,he is the darling of the patients visiiting the oncology department.He has an uncanny knack for getting an accurate diagnosis where conventional tests fail,He is no enigma.This quadruped has his mind or shall we say his nose on his feet!.
He works under Dr John Church who uses sniffer dogs for testing cancer.Tangle learned his new skills in just seven months.Given several urine samples,he always hits the bull's eye.His success rate is 100%.He runs his nose quickly at the samples and within a jiffy he spots the cancerous one and wags his tail furiously signalling that he has accomplished his job successfully.His motivation is the chewy treat awaiting him!.

THE DABBA JUGGERNAUT

THE DABBA JUGGERNAUT
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

It is not all hunkydory for the mumbai dabbawallas.After the excitement and hype of the vip powwow dies down,they have to do some serious thinking.They already have a battle of sorts on hand with Rajasthani cooks who have eaten into their market share.The Rajasthanis not only prepare food but also deliver it for Rs 400/in a jiffy.They are about 600 in number and have grabbed about 30% market share around Opera House area.The dabbawallas want a level playing field and are asking for the delivery of the tiffinboxes of the rajasthani intruders to be leased out to them.After all they say it is their ancestral trade and their only bread and butter.They have reached out to Vilasrao Deshmukh and sought his intervention.So, a battle royale is in the offing!.

RICHARD BRANSON

RICHARD BRANSON
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

It was now the turn of the high-flier uk billionaire Richard Branson who took some time out to bond with the now world-famous dabbawallas at churchgate station.He got into the local train at andheri and travelled with them all the way to churchgate enquiring aboout their modus operandi.Little did the dabbawallas then realise that they were the objects of admiration by yet another vip.When Richard B ranson got off at Churchgate and was welcomed by a huge crowd of presswallas did they realise that they had brushed shoulders with a uk billionaire.Clad in a white pyjama,blue tshirt and a gandhicap on his head and also a sleek dabba with virgin atlantic inscribed across it in hand,Richard Branson literally stepped into the kolhapuri chappals of the dabbawallas."It is always good to experience the local flavour of the city with the local people rather than sitting in a hotel".He then rode in a victoria buggy and later played cricket at the oval maidan

THE DABBAWALLAS OF MUMBAI

THE DABBAWALLAS OF MUMBAI
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

The dabbawallas of Mumbai are on cloud nine and are turning Mumbai's gliterrati a peculiar shade of green.Possibly the only two people im Mumbai to receive the invitation for prince Charles'wedding,Raghunath Medge and Sopan Mare couriered their gifts to camillavaini and charlesbhau.Agreen nauvari silk sari for the bride and a puneri pheta for the groom after elaborate pooja and dancing and celebrations.And they met the royal family in the wedding and functions thereafter and were absolutely delighted with the hospitality that they received.

THREE CHEERS TO TEA(CONTD)

DSCN0310
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

The good news is that on its own tea has no calories.With sugar and milk,a cup of tea provides you with calcium,zinc,folic acid,vitamin B,manganese and potassium.
It lowers blood tryglyceride.
Acts as antioxidant and regulates ageing.
Helps to ward off Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the development of enzymes associated with AD.
Supports normal thyroid function.
Acts as a diuretic.
Kills influenza virus.
Helps in the treatment of asthma.
Stimulates wakefulness.
And many more.
Like aamchi mumbai,it is time to say aamchi chai.

THREE CHEERS TO TEA

DSCN0312
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

Accidentally discovered in China some 5000 years ago,the beverage has now become a lifestyle drink.The plant camelia sinensis has travelled all over the globe -from palaces,monastries,tea rooms,tea gardens,the local chaiwallah and even the vending machine.From abdul kalam to the chaprasi everyone enjoys a cup of tea.
There are different types of tea that are popular today.Black,green,Jasmine and Oolong.Kahwa from Kasmir has almonds and spices along with tea leaves and masala tea from Gujerat has a combinaation of various spices.
Tea is a good source of minerals and vitamins.Tea is known to be high in flavonoids;hence you increase your antioxidant intake when you drink tea.Tea is an excellent source of fluoride.Almost 70% of our intake of fluoride comes from tea.
Green tea protects against cancer,lowers cholesterol levels and helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.It reduces chances of a stroke and heart disease.Don't wait.Become a tea addict.
(to be contd)

Oh Laptop!

DSCN0322
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

I am always a bit scared of my laptop.Particularly when there is some water or tea around.Many years ago,when I bought my first laptop,Lulu became the dominant user.And one day after returning home from work,when I switched it on and it did not work,I was puzzled.I called Lulu and asked her whether there was any problem with the laptop.She started crying and explained how she had accidentally dropped a glass of fresh lime on to the keyboard.Recently,I saw this picture and laughed out boisterously having been reminded of this incident.The little thing had gone on top of the laptop and was showering the keyboard when he got caught in the act.Luckily,Mango and Cherry are grownups and I don't run any such risks.But then wait.I better watch out .After a fortnight Cherry will be littering.It is a wakeup call.

'Dulhan Made in USA'

A refreshingly new romantic comedy from Manoj Kumar Sen.Shot entirely in the Bay Area at low cost-a budget movie.The guy comes from India and dates a series of wannabes-modern,independent and headstrong.He is totally floored by their personalities,both depth and range.He finally comes to the conclusion that friendship first might be just the right route to romantic success.Love is never without passion,revenge,heartache and loss.That is the realization of each character. Manoj Kumar Sen who has a starring role,studied drama and filmmaking at SF State University and has appeared in TV and on the stage in USA.
A far cry from DDLJ (Dilwale Duhaniyan Le Jaayenge) to DMIU (Dulhan Made in USA.)

'BLOG' debuts

Alongwith 57 other new entries BLOG has made a triumphant entry into the latest edition of Webster's New World Dictionary.Its coentrants are both pranky and the infamous.For example,"wedgie".It is a prank in which the victim's underwears are pushed upwards till it becomes wedged between the buttocks.It is a high school creation and if you don't know what it is you are at sea.Also included are cargo pants,partial-birth abortion and irritable bowel syndrome(ibs).And Al Quaeda features too!.And editor in chief Michael Agnes says there are 20 more new senses of existing words.Maybe Google can already throw some light?

Margarita Magic

Margarita Magic
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

Magarita.It is magic.The main ingredient is distilled from a plant called the Agave.And this grows in the area around the Mexican town of Tequila.
Beware,nothing else is genuine tequila,no matter what it says on the label.Supporting the tequila is Triple Sec,a colourless orange-flavoured liqueur.
Now comes the 'coup de grace'.Harsha,correct me if I am wrong.You are the expert in these matters.First you rub the rim of the glass with the rind of a lemon .You then dip the rim in salt.Next,shake an ounce and a half of tequila and a half an ounce of triple-sec with ice.And strain into the glass.The result-bien,tre bien, tres tres bien!.
I was inspired to write this after reading an article in mumbai masala by sharon prabhakar.I thought lulu would love to read this as she is an afficianado of this funky,salt-rimmed drink.So say cheers and so down the drink and smack your lips in satisfaction.

Cherry

Cherry
Originally uploaded by gopoo.

A recent survey conducted by dogowners,carried out by YouGov suggests that the annual cost of a dog comes up to about 35,000 dollars over its lifetime estimated to be about 10 years.And that is equivalent to a round the world cruise on the QE-2 or the cost of a brand new 3-series BMW. As this is a longterm and serious financial committment,prospective dogowners are advised to choose their pet after detaied study considering their finances and lifestyle.
After all the first automated toilet for dogs was inagurated some months ago at Ostend in Belgium.The response from dogs was poor.They did not consider it to be sufficiently user friendly.Perhaps the designers will learn their lessons and make the necessary improvisations based on the valuable feedback from the canines.Then those living on the top floors of skyscrapers in Manhattan or Tokyo need not have to wake up bleary-eyed to take the dog out to the nearest park.Courtesy the automated toilet,the dog will do its job and no worry for cleaning up the mess.And no more embarassment of the neighbour's car tyres being sniffed and sprayed at.
Civilisation is progress.Irrespective of what Charles Lindberg in a particularly introspective phase of his life thought.Sales of bottled water for dogs are growing.Mumbai dogowners are finding the tap water disagreeable and instead of risking dehydration of their beloved pets prefer to buy bottled dogwater whose prices are similar to that for two-legged ones.
Bottled water is going to the dogs!.