The room upstairs in our house is unique.For a 12X12 room it used to have 6 windows and two doors.It is highly ventilated ,cool in summers(they were not so severe those days)and warm in wintertime.SRM used to sleep in nights and read poems to my mother.I mentioned about this previously.later it was SLN,SGR s bed room then ours It was platform for plays, card games,mini party s,tutions, and many other activities.Am leaving for others to fill in details of their memories.
December 31, 2012
December 18, 2012
Increase of violence in schools...thoughts?
With the school shooting tragedy fresh in our minds, any thoughts on the reasons for the increased violence? And why are schools such big targets? Columbine, Virginia Tech, now Newtown....
And this is not a US phenomenon..What about the Norway massacre that killed 77 youth...or the slashings in China that killed/injured 22....
Is gun culture to blame? But America had Guns since the days of Second amendment....
Is the breakage of the family units the cause? Many of the shooters come from broken families...
Are the video games/movies to blame, with their glorification of violence?
Or is it about parenting methods? Not teaching kids right from wrong, or how to control emotions?
Many questions but no answers.....
Thoughts from the family?
And this is not a US phenomenon..What about the Norway massacre that killed 77 youth...or the slashings in China that killed/injured 22....
Is gun culture to blame? But America had Guns since the days of Second amendment....
Is the breakage of the family units the cause? Many of the shooters come from broken families...
Are the video games/movies to blame, with their glorification of violence?
Or is it about parenting methods? Not teaching kids right from wrong, or how to control emotions?
Many questions but no answers.....
Thoughts from the family?
December 15, 2012
A traditional decor
I found this link, and it reminded me of our Kavali house. The exterior and some of the furniture in the house is just like ours.
http://rangdecor.blogspot.com/2011/02/rang-decor-readers-creative-spaces-ix.html
http://rangdecor.blogspot.com/2011/02/rang-decor-readers-creative-spaces-ix.html
December 11, 2012
Holiday Party Desserts
We had a holiday party this weekend with a bunch of family and friends. While Nabeela delivered on the appetizers with Cocktail samosas and pakodas and main entrees were covered by the Potluck....the ladies of the house delivered a stunning finale with our dessert selection, Chocolate Covered Apricot Balls, Chewey Magic Cookies and Chocolate Almond Fudge Shortbread.
Pictures below.
Prepared by Krupa Singampalli; Platter 1 Decorated by Sudha Gunturu; Platter 2 Decorated by Gowri Addanki. General assistance by Mrudula Singampalli
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Pictures below.
Prepared by Krupa Singampalli; Platter 1 Decorated by Sudha Gunturu; Platter 2 Decorated by Gowri Addanki. General assistance by Mrudula Singampalli
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November 25, 2012
November 18, 2012
November 5, 2012
November 4, 2012
Indian Values: Annadanam
A few posts ago, SLN mentioned that a return to traditional Indian values can help solve many of today's problems. While I instinctively believe that to be true, I also found the statement intriguing in 2 ways:
1. In most religions, the same human values are reiterated- so what qualify as uniquely 'Indian' values that result in the betterment of society?
2. How do we apply these traditional values today, in an urbanized society?
I thought a series of posts that discuss this question can help get to the answers. One such Indian value that I could think of is Annadanam, to which I am devoting this post. Very obviously I am not an expert and am really seeking answers through these discussions than making points.
2. In one way, this value is not about charity at all. Charity implies benefaction, a gift that puts the giver in a morally superior position over the receiver. In Indian culture, it is a duty that is to be accompanied with humility. Partly, it is because the receiver of food historically was often a seeker of truth, a philosopher who has eschewed wealth in search of enlightenment and social benefit. It is difficult to feel a moral ascendancy on such people. Partly it is because of the symbolic importance we give to food- It is a boon of nature, of God (Prasadam), a symbol of divinity and of life, and hence not be treated as just another material possession with which one can associate a pride of acquisition
3. In the wisdom of our scriptures, the gift of food occupies the highest place among all gifts. To quote:
Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe
'Annadanam is supreme and incomparable to any charity'.
Also, in the 'santi parva' of the Mahabharata, Yudhishtira asks Lord Krishna to enlighten him about the essence of Bhishma Pitamaha's erudite discourse on dharma . Lord Krishna says: "The World, both animate and inanimate, is sustained by food. The giver of food is the giver of life and indeed of everything else."
Another quote: Taittiriya Upanishad declares:
annam vai pranah
annam bahu kurveet
meaning, "All life force comes from food" and "Let food be produced in plenty".
One more: In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares:
annad bhavanti bhutani
meaning, "From food all beings are evolved".
All quotes from the post by Miss Swethasri (http://www.indusladies.com/forums/queries-on-religion-and-spirituality/129675-importance-of-annadhanam.html) where she has covered even more ground on this topic.
Of course, stories like the Golden Mangoose figure throughout the puranas that emphasize the same point.
What does the family think?
1. In most religions, the same human values are reiterated- so what qualify as uniquely 'Indian' values that result in the betterment of society?
2. How do we apply these traditional values today, in an urbanized society?
I thought a series of posts that discuss this question can help get to the answers. One such Indian value that I could think of is Annadanam, to which I am devoting this post. Very obviously I am not an expert and am really seeking answers through these discussions than making points.
Why is Annadanam an uniquely Indian value?
1. While all religions exhort their followers to be charitable, there is a specific focus on food sharing in Hinduism, and in Indian culture.2. In one way, this value is not about charity at all. Charity implies benefaction, a gift that puts the giver in a morally superior position over the receiver. In Indian culture, it is a duty that is to be accompanied with humility. Partly, it is because the receiver of food historically was often a seeker of truth, a philosopher who has eschewed wealth in search of enlightenment and social benefit. It is difficult to feel a moral ascendancy on such people. Partly it is because of the symbolic importance we give to food- It is a boon of nature, of God (Prasadam), a symbol of divinity and of life, and hence not be treated as just another material possession with which one can associate a pride of acquisition
3. In the wisdom of our scriptures, the gift of food occupies the highest place among all gifts. To quote:
Annadanam Samam Danam Trilokeshu Na Vidhathe
'Annadanam is supreme and incomparable to any charity'.
Also, in the 'santi parva' of the Mahabharata, Yudhishtira asks Lord Krishna to enlighten him about the essence of Bhishma Pitamaha's erudite discourse on dharma . Lord Krishna says: "The World, both animate and inanimate, is sustained by food. The giver of food is the giver of life and indeed of everything else."
Another quote: Taittiriya Upanishad declares:
annam vai pranah
annam bahu kurveet
meaning, "All life force comes from food" and "Let food be produced in plenty".
One more: In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares:
annad bhavanti bhutani
meaning, "From food all beings are evolved".
All quotes from the post by Miss Swethasri (http://www.indusladies.com/forums/queries-on-religion-and-spirituality/129675-importance-of-annadhanam.html) where she has covered even more ground on this topic.
Of course, stories like the Golden Mangoose figure throughout the puranas that emphasize the same point.
How do we apply this in a modern urban context?
Inevitably, most of us live in cities. With a shifting population and apartment living, there is very little sense of community and hardly any opportunity for giving annadanam directly to the needy. A desire for exclusivity results in physical boundaries between the wealthy and the poor, again minimizing a chance to perform this duty. We lead busy lives, devoted to nurturing ourselves and our families in an increasingly expensive world, with hardly any time or money to spare. These are all facts. How then do we apply this value to our lives? How does it result in improvement of society? Have any of the family members led by example in this respect, including Tatagaru?What does the family think?
October 24, 2012
October 22, 2012
False Gods
In an otherwise boring debut for Pearce Brosnan as 007 in 'GoldenEye', the one intriguing scene is set at the graveyard of statues outside St. Petersburgh. All the adored heroes of the Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik (USSR) became the villainous thugs of an oppressive government, the day the USSR fell. Their statues were unceremoniously dumped in this park (it actually exists), which becomes a symbolic background to a scene when the turncoat 006 accuses 007 of being an anachronism, an instrument of the exploitative old order. The outcome of the scene is forgettable - but the image of giant monuments of larger-than-life heroes lying in ruins, stayed in memory.
This year brings back that scene to my mind- a year that has been a mausoleum of reputations, with each day bringing in another broken colossus, destined to erode into featureless headstones among the glittering cenotaphs of history.
The latest to fall is Lance Armstrong, winner of 7 Tour De France jerseys, which was a superhuman achievement. I am an avid follower of the Tour and thought his victories to be symbolic of the triumph of the human spirit. And now we find that there is little doubt that he has used banned performance enhancers, again and again. How would we feel if Ovid came along now and told us that the 12 tasks of Hercules were rigged and he was really just a regular guy with a hunger for the limelight? What is galling is not that Lance hoodwinked us, but that he did it so crudely. He just bullied, strong-armed his team into doping, and brazened it out in public to the point of unbelievable audacity. Didn't he feel a twinge of guilt, when so many people loyally supported his version of the story? They say the story of Hercules represents the ancient Greek idea of Pathos- the experience of virtuous struggle and suffering which would lead to fame and immortality. The story of Lance was high on struggle, suffering and achievement too - but the modern English derivative Pathetic, applies better to this outcome.
Rajat Gupta, erstwhile chairman of McKinsey, board member of Goldman Sachs, a man who had everything. Millions of Indians look upon on him as role model. And now he is in the dock, awaiting sentencing, after violating the trust placed upon him in a most unsubtle way. How can a man of such intellectual achievements be capable of such paltriness?
The list is seemingly endless. Ramalinga Raju, a man quoted extensively for his sagacious insights in Thomas Friedman's book, Flat and Crowded, decides to end his career by fudging books like a grocery store clerk would.
What drives these people to such depths of foolishness? Foolishness, because it was only a matter of time before they were found out, so brazen were their transgressions. Why would one sacrifice one's god-given gifts at the altar of greed? I don't get it. The only explanation: Like the scorpion who stings the horse even at the cost of its life says: "It is my nature and I can't do otherwise".
Thus it seems that the wisdom of our simple parables endures even in this modern and sophisticated age. So many stories, sayings come to mind:
- The story of the man who gets a wheel of torture on his head, simply because he doesn't stop wanting more
- The story of the Scorpion and the horse
- The saying, 'Vinasha Kale, Vipareeta Buddhi'
and so on. No wonder greed figured so prominently in our fables- definitely an enduring human failing.
But I guess there is a moral for spectators: Look at any public hero with a suspicious eye- clay feet seem to be regulation issue for such idols. Remember that the real heroes are the unsung ones, the doctors who serve our poor, the social workers who help our destitute, the mothers who make us human with their infinite patience and love.
This year brings back that scene to my mind- a year that has been a mausoleum of reputations, with each day bringing in another broken colossus, destined to erode into featureless headstones among the glittering cenotaphs of history.
The latest to fall is Lance Armstrong, winner of 7 Tour De France jerseys, which was a superhuman achievement. I am an avid follower of the Tour and thought his victories to be symbolic of the triumph of the human spirit. And now we find that there is little doubt that he has used banned performance enhancers, again and again. How would we feel if Ovid came along now and told us that the 12 tasks of Hercules were rigged and he was really just a regular guy with a hunger for the limelight? What is galling is not that Lance hoodwinked us, but that he did it so crudely. He just bullied, strong-armed his team into doping, and brazened it out in public to the point of unbelievable audacity. Didn't he feel a twinge of guilt, when so many people loyally supported his version of the story? They say the story of Hercules represents the ancient Greek idea of Pathos- the experience of virtuous struggle and suffering which would lead to fame and immortality. The story of Lance was high on struggle, suffering and achievement too - but the modern English derivative Pathetic, applies better to this outcome.
Rajat Gupta, erstwhile chairman of McKinsey, board member of Goldman Sachs, a man who had everything. Millions of Indians look upon on him as role model. And now he is in the dock, awaiting sentencing, after violating the trust placed upon him in a most unsubtle way. How can a man of such intellectual achievements be capable of such paltriness?
The list is seemingly endless. Ramalinga Raju, a man quoted extensively for his sagacious insights in Thomas Friedman's book, Flat and Crowded, decides to end his career by fudging books like a grocery store clerk would.
What drives these people to such depths of foolishness? Foolishness, because it was only a matter of time before they were found out, so brazen were their transgressions. Why would one sacrifice one's god-given gifts at the altar of greed? I don't get it. The only explanation: Like the scorpion who stings the horse even at the cost of its life says: "It is my nature and I can't do otherwise".
Thus it seems that the wisdom of our simple parables endures even in this modern and sophisticated age. So many stories, sayings come to mind:
- The story of the man who gets a wheel of torture on his head, simply because he doesn't stop wanting more
- The story of the Scorpion and the horse
- The saying, 'Vinasha Kale, Vipareeta Buddhi'
and so on. No wonder greed figured so prominently in our fables- definitely an enduring human failing.
But I guess there is a moral for spectators: Look at any public hero with a suspicious eye- clay feet seem to be regulation issue for such idols. Remember that the real heroes are the unsung ones, the doctors who serve our poor, the social workers who help our destitute, the mothers who make us human with their infinite patience and love.
October 19, 2012
Registered to vote today --- first step to my first vote
I am quite ashamed to say I have not voted, ever, in my life so far. The first elections after I got voting eligibility in India happened after I left India. I neither voted by mail nor traveled to India in time to vote for the subsequent elections. And it took me 8 years to get voting eligibility in US after I moved here.
The last presidential election was my first opportunity to vote, but I was too indifferent.(Being in California, which is so overwhelmingly democratic, your vote doesn't matter much...or that's what I told myself). Even now, I am not quite sure I will vote in the presidential election. But there are many local ballot measures and local elections where my vote does matter!!!!!
Embracing my civic responsibility, at last!!!
The last presidential election was my first opportunity to vote, but I was too indifferent.(Being in California, which is so overwhelmingly democratic, your vote doesn't matter much...or that's what I told myself). Even now, I am not quite sure I will vote in the presidential election. But there are many local ballot measures and local elections where my vote does matter!!!!!
Embracing my civic responsibility, at last!!!
October 15, 2012
UC Berkeley ranked 9th best university in the world!!!!
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking
Go Bears!!!!!! (For context, Cal Bears is the name of the UC Berkeley football team, and is essentially the mascot behind which all students of the universtity unify regardless of the subject of study, much like a university cricket team)
Go Bears!!!!!! (For context, Cal Bears is the name of the UC Berkeley football team, and is essentially the mascot behind which all students of the universtity unify regardless of the subject of study, much like a university cricket team)
Vinayaka Chavithi at Plano
A belated post. We celebrated Vinayaka Chavithi at Plano, where all the things that one takes for granted in India are disconcertingly scarce/absent. No leaves of various types, no velaga pandu, no mango leaves and indeed, no flowers too (at least the loose variety). No sandalwood paste (in the neighboring 'Swadeshi grocers', run by a Pakistani). No time to go search for eco-friendly Ganeshas.
But we managed anyhow. Poonam decided to make the Ganesha from terracotta clay from Michael's, the local art & craft supplies store. She used an Youtube video as a guide. Pictures below:
She also made quite a few dishes:
- Besan Laddu (extra creamy since I lent a hand in the stirring...the 'NALA' touch makes a -difference!)
-Coconut rice
- Guggillu
- Payasam
- The regular Kura and Pulusu
Raghav also enjoyed the Puja and contributed many thoughtful but cryptic comments throughout.
We invited a few friends and neighbors over in the evening for the Darshanam, and the food was a smash hit.
All in all a successful puja day.
But we managed anyhow. Poonam decided to make the Ganesha from terracotta clay from Michael's, the local art & craft supplies store. She used an Youtube video as a guide. Pictures below:
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| Ganesha made from terracotta by Poonam |
She also made quite a few dishes:
- Besan Laddu (extra creamy since I lent a hand in the stirring...the 'NALA' touch makes a -difference!)
-Coconut rice
- Guggillu
- Payasam
- The regular Kura and Pulusu
Raghav also enjoyed the Puja and contributed many thoughtful but cryptic comments throughout.
We invited a few friends and neighbors over in the evening for the Darshanam, and the food was a smash hit.
All in all a successful puja day.
October 12, 2012
DIAMOND JUBILEE OF VISVODAYA
à°µిà°¶్à°µోదయ
పగ పట్à°Ÿిà°¨ à°•ొà°¡ె
à°¤ాà°šు à°•ోà°°à°²
à°¨ుంà°¡ి à°…à°®్à°°ుà°¤ం
à°ªింà°¢ాలని
à°—ాà°¯ పడిà°¨ à°¹్à°°ుదయాలకు
à°šందనం à°ªూà°¯ాలని
à°—ాà°²ిà°²ొ ఆశయాà°² జల్à°²ుà°²ు
à°¨ింà°ªాలని
à°¯ేà°µేà°µో à°•ోà°°్à°•ెà°²ు------
Reading " LE MISERABLES" BY VICTOR HUGO,the book which inspired an young man of 21 and resulted in the formation of Visvodaya. DR the great man that he is ,will ever live
.More about Visvodaya,Jawahar Bharathi and other institutions of Visvodaya,in next post.
(PART OF) PREFACE
So long as the three problems of the age---- the degradation of man by poverty,the ruin of women by starvation,and dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night---- are not solved;
books like this cannot be useless.
will comment after finishing the book.(when? cant say)
September 28, 2012
September 27, 2012
Our Pooja & Aditya's Birthday Party
Due to circumstances, we could not do the Ganesh pooja on Wednesday, so we had the Pooja, followed by Aditya's birthday party at Cloverleaf Bowl with his friends on Saturday.
Unlike the Kavali folks, we restricted our foraging to our housing complex, and while we could not find Ummetta or Bilva, we collected the oak, poplar and willow leaves for a total of 21 types.
While IS (and Aditya, ha ha ) used their artistic skills to tie the mamidaku toranam to the front door and decorate the pooja mantapam, I had a marathon cooking session making the prasadams and gettting the pooja samagri ready.
With everything set, we started the Pooja with Aditya repeating the mantras after me. In the middle, we were joined by Seenu, Sudha, Mrudula and Arjun, followed by Srinivas's cousins family and another good friends' family.
Following a great pooja, we gorged on the prasadam lunch and headed off to the bowling alley for bowling, pizza and cake.
Unlike the Kavali folks, we restricted our foraging to our housing complex, and while we could not find Ummetta or Bilva, we collected the oak, poplar and willow leaves for a total of 21 types.
While IS (and Aditya, ha ha ) used their artistic skills to tie the mamidaku toranam to the front door and decorate the pooja mantapam, I had a marathon cooking session making the prasadams and gettting the pooja samagri ready.
With everything set, we started the Pooja with Aditya repeating the mantras after me. In the middle, we were joined by Seenu, Sudha, Mrudula and Arjun, followed by Srinivas's cousins family and another good friends' family.
Following a great pooja, we gorged on the prasadam lunch and headed off to the bowling alley for bowling, pizza and cake.
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| The Mandapam - decoration by IS |
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| Pasupu Ganapathi by Krupa |
 |
| The Poojari |
 |
| The attendees |
 |
Prasadam - Pulihora, Daddojanam, Saggubiyyam Payasam, Potlakaya Perugu Pachadi, Sorakaya Sambar, Undrallu, Tomato Pachadi, Mudda pappu, Neyyi, Dondakaya Kura, Annam + Panakam, Vadapappu & Panchamrutam |
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| After the pooja, during which he was devoutely pelted with flowers, akshintalu and leaf stems, a still standing Ganesha |
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| Aditya celebrating hi 8th birthday - more photos to come later... |
September 21, 2012
WHEN THE CLOCK TURNED BACK
The clock turned back on Vinayaka Chavithi day by about 45 yrs.
Two boys and a girl went skipping along the railway track in Kavali station and gathered Pathri for the pooja.
Gouri's botanical knowledge and the experience of SLN and SVN carried the day and we gathered about 15 types of leaves.
Danimma, Nimma, Vishnukranta, garika, Jilledu,Ummetta, Uttareni,Jammi, Regu, Ravi, Devakanchana, Ganneru were gathered from Railway yard
Balurakkasi, Jazi and Dasani (Mandara) were got from our house
Maruvam, Thulasi and Mamidi were sent from Old Town
and Maredu was supplied by Amar.
Darbha and velaga were bought.
These are according to some Pathantharalu.
Devadaru, Machipatri, Brihathi (vakudaku) and Maddi were unavailable and were substituted here.
The rest (to make up bulk) were made up from the stack bought in the market place.
SVN and DMR went at 6 am to Sankara Math and got us the idol made of mud which was supplied free of cost.
The flowers from our terrace garden were enough for the pooja for all of us (SLN, DMR,SVN and ARK) and so all in all it was sort of like our childhood days when very little was bought and most of the items were gathered by us.
Later we had a festive lunch in the old town.
Gouri made Undrallu and Payasam; Sarada made Bobbatlu (Swathi fried them and got her new dress spattered with hot oil) and Pulihora; Padma made Potato fry, Sambar, Vadalu and rice helped by her assistant cook Summi. Gongura pachadi made the day before and Perugu completed the menu.
A happy festival celebration indeed.
Our flowers
Our flowers for pooja
Pathri and Undrallu
Pathri Undrallu and Payasam
Getting ready for starting pooja. Vinayakudu peeping from a corner.
Panchamrutham, Vadapappu, Panakam, and Aratipallu as
Naivedyam.
Two boys and a girl went skipping along the railway track in Kavali station and gathered Pathri for the pooja.
Gouri's botanical knowledge and the experience of SLN and SVN carried the day and we gathered about 15 types of leaves.
Danimma, Nimma, Vishnukranta, garika, Jilledu,Ummetta, Uttareni,Jammi, Regu, Ravi, Devakanchana, Ganneru were gathered from Railway yard
Balurakkasi, Jazi and Dasani (Mandara) were got from our house
Maruvam, Thulasi and Mamidi were sent from Old Town
and Maredu was supplied by Amar.
Darbha and velaga were bought.
These are according to some Pathantharalu.
Devadaru, Machipatri, Brihathi (vakudaku) and Maddi were unavailable and were substituted here.
The rest (to make up bulk) were made up from the stack bought in the market place.
SVN and DMR went at 6 am to Sankara Math and got us the idol made of mud which was supplied free of cost.
The flowers from our terrace garden were enough for the pooja for all of us (SLN, DMR,SVN and ARK) and so all in all it was sort of like our childhood days when very little was bought and most of the items were gathered by us.
Later we had a festive lunch in the old town.
Gouri made Undrallu and Payasam; Sarada made Bobbatlu (Swathi fried them and got her new dress spattered with hot oil) and Pulihora; Padma made Potato fry, Sambar, Vadalu and rice helped by her assistant cook Summi. Gongura pachadi made the day before and Perugu completed the menu.
A happy festival celebration indeed.
Pathri Undrallu and Payasam
Getting ready for starting pooja. Vinayakudu peeping from a corner.
Naivedyam.
September 20, 2012
What is the future of the UPA govt?
Now that Mamata has withdrawn her support, what is the Pundit opinion on how the next few days might shake up?
Will India go to mid-term election? Will TrinMul have a change of heart? What might DMK do? Will Jagan be pardoned in exchange for monetary help? What say BSP and SP?
Predictor of the closest outcome shall receive accolades on the Blog....
Will India go to mid-term election? Will TrinMul have a change of heart? What might DMK do? Will Jagan be pardoned in exchange for monetary help? What say BSP and SP?
Predictor of the closest outcome shall receive accolades on the Blog....
September 18, 2012
September 17, 2012
How trolling the web helped me rediscover Bhookailas
A while ago, I was watching Bhookailas. I watched this movie when I was a kid, and all I really remembered was the song, "deva deva dhavalachala mandira"
However, this time I watched the song "Munnita Pavalinchu" for the first time...It was a very catchy melody with an unfamiliar voice and an unfamiliar actress.
Look up on Youtube told me the dancer was Kamala Lakshman and the singer, the Karnatic great M.L.Vasantha Kumari.
Further trolling landed me on this blog maintained by an American lady from Utah about classical dances in Indian movies.
http://cinemanrityagharana.blogspot.com/
A post on that blog led me to this comparison video of Pandit Gopi Krishna's Tandav dance in Kannada and Telugu, Gopi Krishna, the great Kathak dancer and of Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje fame.
And Youtube's recommendation feature alerted me to Helen's dance in the same movie, a fresh and bubbly Helen very different from Mehbooba or Monica.
Definitely worth a second watch......
However, this time I watched the song "Munnita Pavalinchu" for the first time...It was a very catchy melody with an unfamiliar voice and an unfamiliar actress.
Further trolling landed me on this blog maintained by an American lady from Utah about classical dances in Indian movies.
http://cinemanrityagharana.blogspot.com/
A post on that blog led me to this comparison video of Pandit Gopi Krishna's Tandav dance in Kannada and Telugu, Gopi Krishna, the great Kathak dancer and of Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje fame.
And Youtube's recommendation feature alerted me to Helen's dance in the same movie, a fresh and bubbly Helen very different from Mehbooba or Monica.
September 12, 2012
A concert in DC
http://www.svlotustemple.org/concert2012/tickets.asp?r=1347420352118
SPB and chitra will be there. Incidentally I get to be in DC around the same time. Do u think I should make it to this?
SPB and chitra will be there. Incidentally I get to be in DC around the same time. Do u think I should make it to this?
Songs From Yester Years
While going on with the list (which can run to 100s depending on one's taste), I thought I will add a couple of songs.
The first deals again with TOLERANCE (a commodity mostly lacking in today's world)
and the other about the aspirations and unfulfilled wishes of the suffering Indian masses from 1958 to today. The second version of the second song is mostly propaganda like but it will give some idea of the current state graphically.
Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega
Dhool Ka Phool (1959)
(tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega)-2
(achchha hai abhi tak tera kuchh naam nahin hai
Tujh ko kisi mazhab se koi kaam nahin hain)-2
Jis ilm ne insaan ko taqaseem kiya hai
Us ilm ka tujh par koi ilzaam nahin hai
Tu badale hue waqt ki pahechaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
(maalik ne har insaan ko, insaan banaaya
Ham ne use hindu ya musalamaan banaaya)-2
Qudarat ne bakshi thi hamen ek hi dharati
Ham ne kahin bhaarat, kahin iraan banaaya
Jo tod de har band, wo toofaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
(nafarat jo sikhaaye, wo dharam tera nahin hai
Insaaf jo ronde,wo qadam tera nahin hai)-2
Qura'an na ho jisame wo mandeer nahin tera
Geeta na ho jisame wo haram tera nahin hai
Tu amn ka aur sulah ka aramaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Ye deen ke tajar,ye watan bechane waale
Watan bechane waale
Ye deen ke tajar ,ye watan bechane waale
Insaan ki laashon ke qafan bechane waale
Qafan bechane waale
Insaan ki laashon ke qafan bechane waale
Ye mahel men baithe hue qaatil ye looteren
(kaanton se madh rooh-e-chaman bechane waale)-2
Tu un ke liye mout ka elaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Phir Subha Hogi (1958)
vo subah kabhi to aayegi, vo subah kabhi to aayegi
in kaali sadiyo ke sar se, jab raat kaa aachal dhalakegaa
jab ambar jhum ke naachegi, jab dharati nagame gaaegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
jis subah ki khaatir jug-jug se,
ham sab mar-mar ke jite hai
jis subah ki amr^it ki dhun me, ham zahar ke pyaale pite hai
in bhukhi pyaasi ruho par, ek din to karam faramaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
maanaa ke abhi tere mere in aramaano ki, kimat kuchh nahi
mitti kaa bhi hai kuchh mol magar,
inasaano ki kimat kuchh bhi nahi
inasaano ki izzat jab jhuthe sikko me naa toli jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
daulat ke liye ab aurat ki, ismat ko naa bechaa jaayegaa
chaahat ko naa kuchalaa jaayegaa, gairat ko naa bechaa jaayegaa
apani kaali karatuto par, jab ye duniyaa sharamaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
bitege kabhi to din aakhir, ye bhukh aur bekaari ke
tutege kabhi to but aakhir, daulat ki ijaaredaari ki
ab ek anokhi duniyaa ki, buniyaad uthaai jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
majabur budhaapaa jab suni, raaho me dhul na phekegaa
maasum ladakapan jab gadi, galiyo me bhikh naa maangegaa
hak maangane vaalo ko, jis din suli na dikhaai jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
II version of the song
The first deals again with TOLERANCE (a commodity mostly lacking in today's world)
and the other about the aspirations and unfulfilled wishes of the suffering Indian masses from 1958 to today. The second version of the second song is mostly propaganda like but it will give some idea of the current state graphically.
Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega
Dhool Ka Phool (1959)
(tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega)-2
(achchha hai abhi tak tera kuchh naam nahin hai
Tujh ko kisi mazhab se koi kaam nahin hain)-2
Jis ilm ne insaan ko taqaseem kiya hai
Us ilm ka tujh par koi ilzaam nahin hai
Tu badale hue waqt ki pahechaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
(maalik ne har insaan ko, insaan banaaya
Ham ne use hindu ya musalamaan banaaya)-2
Qudarat ne bakshi thi hamen ek hi dharati
Ham ne kahin bhaarat, kahin iraan banaaya
Jo tod de har band, wo toofaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
(nafarat jo sikhaaye, wo dharam tera nahin hai
Insaaf jo ronde,wo qadam tera nahin hai)-2
Qura'an na ho jisame wo mandeer nahin tera
Geeta na ho jisame wo haram tera nahin hai
Tu amn ka aur sulah ka aramaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Ye deen ke tajar,ye watan bechane waale
Watan bechane waale
Ye deen ke tajar ,ye watan bechane waale
Insaan ki laashon ke qafan bechane waale
Qafan bechane waale
Insaan ki laashon ke qafan bechane waale
Ye mahel men baithe hue qaatil ye looteren
(kaanton se madh rooh-e-chaman bechane waale)-2
Tu un ke liye mout ka elaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Tu hindu banega na musalamaan banega
Insaan ki aulaad hai, insaan banega
Phir Subha Hogi (1958)
vo subah kabhi to aayegi, vo subah kabhi to aayegi
in kaali sadiyo ke sar se, jab raat kaa aachal dhalakegaa
jab ambar jhum ke naachegi, jab dharati nagame gaaegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
jis subah ki khaatir jug-jug se,
ham sab mar-mar ke jite hai
jis subah ki amr^it ki dhun me, ham zahar ke pyaale pite hai
in bhukhi pyaasi ruho par, ek din to karam faramaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
maanaa ke abhi tere mere in aramaano ki, kimat kuchh nahi
mitti kaa bhi hai kuchh mol magar,
inasaano ki kimat kuchh bhi nahi
inasaano ki izzat jab jhuthe sikko me naa toli jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
daulat ke liye ab aurat ki, ismat ko naa bechaa jaayegaa
chaahat ko naa kuchalaa jaayegaa, gairat ko naa bechaa jaayegaa
apani kaali karatuto par, jab ye duniyaa sharamaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
bitege kabhi to din aakhir, ye bhukh aur bekaari ke
tutege kabhi to but aakhir, daulat ki ijaaredaari ki
ab ek anokhi duniyaa ki, buniyaad uthaai jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
majabur budhaapaa jab suni, raaho me dhul na phekegaa
maasum ladakapan jab gadi, galiyo me bhikh naa maangegaa
hak maangane vaalo ko, jis din suli na dikhaai jaayegi
vo subah kabhi to aayegi
II version of the song
Tomato Patchadi & Tirupati
Today I made Tomato Patcahdi with Vine Ripened Heirloom Organic Tomatoes from our backyard. The tomatoes were very flavorful and the Patchadi reminded me of Tirupati.
Even though I stayed at the hostel for a period, I was fortuante to have Indiratta and Peddamma feeding me for a large part of my B.Tech. I loved both of their Tomato Patchadies and they both had a steady supply of the same for my and my friend contingent's unexpected drop ins and lunch/dinner demands.....
There are certain foods that are inextricably linked to certain people for me. Every time I eat the said food, I remeber them...
Indiratta and peddamma for tomato patchadi and ravva kesari; Peddamma for semiya payasam; Ranga Babai for fruit salad/custard, Durga pinni for Kobbari Lauzu, Ammamma for nuvvula chimmiri, Siva atta for Chakkilalu, Vijji pinni for Panasa pandu/poota rekulu, Subbarao Pedananna for Jeedipappu mitahi, Tatagaru for Kalakhand, Viswam babai for Malai Kaja, Gopal Babai for Gulab Jamoon, Nanna for Mysore Pak, Paala Kamalamma for Ariselu....to name a few....
Even though I stayed at the hostel for a period, I was fortuante to have Indiratta and Peddamma feeding me for a large part of my B.Tech. I loved both of their Tomato Patchadies and they both had a steady supply of the same for my and my friend contingent's unexpected drop ins and lunch/dinner demands.....
There are certain foods that are inextricably linked to certain people for me. Every time I eat the said food, I remeber them...
Indiratta and peddamma for tomato patchadi and ravva kesari; Peddamma for semiya payasam; Ranga Babai for fruit salad/custard, Durga pinni for Kobbari Lauzu, Ammamma for nuvvula chimmiri, Siva atta for Chakkilalu, Vijji pinni for Panasa pandu/poota rekulu, Subbarao Pedananna for Jeedipappu mitahi, Tatagaru for Kalakhand, Viswam babai for Malai Kaja, Gopal Babai for Gulab Jamoon, Nanna for Mysore Pak, Paala Kamalamma for Ariselu....to name a few....
September 11, 2012
RIP Varghese Kurien
The man resposible for making India a self-sustaining dairy nation and for creating the Amul brand. I remember Operation Flood and parodying it to Operation Blood - at least two glasses a day.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/Amul-brand-builder-Verghese-Kurien-The-man-who-turned-India-into-largest-milk-producer/articleshow/16328573.cms
Where are the new generation Borlaugs and Kuriens? We need Water revolution and Power revolution in India.....
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/corporate-trends/Amul-brand-builder-Verghese-Kurien-The-man-who-turned-India-into-largest-milk-producer/articleshow/16328573.cms
Where are the new generation Borlaugs and Kuriens? We need Water revolution and Power revolution in India.....
September 6, 2012
A prayer for all religions
Regardless of one's god....
ae maalik tere bande hum
aise ho humare karam
nekee par chale, aur badee se taley,
takey huste huey nikley dum
bada kamjor hain aadmi,
abhi laakhon hain is mein kamee
par tu jo khadaa, hai dayalu bada,
teri kirpa se dharti thami
diya tune humey jab janam
too hee zelegaa hum sab ke ghum
jab julmon ka ho saamnaa,
tab tu hi humey thaamnaa
voh burai karey, hum bhalai bharey,
nahi badley ki ho kaamnaa
badh uthey pyaar ka har kadam
aur mitey bair ka ye bharam
aise ho humare karam
nekee par chale, aur badee se taley,
takey huste huey nikley dum
bada kamjor hain aadmi,
abhi laakhon hain is mein kamee
par tu jo khadaa, hai dayalu bada,
teri kirpa se dharti thami
diya tune humey jab janam
too hee zelegaa hum sab ke ghum
jab julmon ka ho saamnaa,
tab tu hi humey thaamnaa
voh burai karey, hum bhalai bharey,
nahi badley ki ho kaamnaa
badh uthey pyaar ka har kadam
aur mitey bair ka ye bharam
September 4, 2012
To Hell and Back, Lassen Volcanic National Park
As Nanna said, the travel bed bugs were biting hard, so I planned an impromptu trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Pacific Coast Redwoods this weekend. We left on Friday night and returned on Sunday night.
The trip ended up being QUITE SCARY as a result of a few more impromptu decisions. Read on to find out why!!!!!!!!
The 300+ mile drive to Redding was uneventful, and we wrapped up our night with excellent dinner and an awesome Chocolate Souffle (my first experience eating a real Souffle).
The next morning found us driving to Lassen Volcanic National Park, site of the Lassen Peak volcano ( still classified active, last eruption less than 100 years ago) and Bumpass Hell, an active hydrothermal area. http://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm
We left Redding late, after a leisurely morning breakfast, so by the team we reached the park, it was already 11AM. We drove around the park a little, attended a few Park Ranger programs, so Aditya could get his Junior Ranger badge, so by the time we started our 3-mile hike to Bumpass Hell, it was already 3:30PM.
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hiking_bumpass_hell.htm
Bumpass Hell got its name from Mr.Bumpass, who fell into the bubbling water heated by the lava and lost his leg. We hiked down to the boardwalks of Bumpass Hell, where we saw Steam Vents, Fumaroles and Sulphur Mudpots. Wind was blowing some of the steam on to the board walks, so we got a nice steam bath.
More pictures of the Lassen Park:
https://picasaweb.google.com/100439682375564182182/LassenVolcanicSep12012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ_ntKbUyc-BqAE&feat=directlink
By the time we started our 250 mile drive from Lassen to Eureka, it was already 5:30PM. We were quite hungry and realized that Red Bluff was going to be the last major town before Eureka, so we stopped there for dinner, having excellent Mexican food.
From Red Bluff, we had two options to get to Eureka, State Route 299 and State Route 36. Google Maps listed 299 as 20 miles more but listed the same travel time. We decided to go the shorter route, considering the fact that both were state routes and we left Red Bluff at 7:40 PM to start our drive to Eureka.
NOW COMES THE SCARY PART...........
SR 36 is a very winding rode with steep embankments and curves, going through Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a think dense forest of Pines and Redwoods. Entering the forest in the dark was a scary prospect. How scary, we did not realize, until we were half way into the road, at the point of no-return. We switched on the high beam and started driving cautiously, for if we accidentally hit a deer or a tree, we had no kind of light source with us, not even a flashlight. There were no towns nearby and no cell phone signal. Being in the bear country, anything happening to the car was a frightening thought.
Very soon, the road narrowed further to the point where there was no road divider, just a single lane road....We lost the visual cue of the center yellow line that was giving us earlier warning about curves. As if that was not enough, we entered into a construction zone, where the road surface was scraped off and was very bumpy. We were wondering what else could be thrown at us, when thick fog started rolling in, reducing the visibility further. We crawled along at a speed of less than 20 miles / hour, when we came upon a stretch of road that was one-way, with space for only one car. Fortunately, or unfortunately, there was no traffic on the road at all, so we passed through the one-way and continued our journey onwards. We encountered quite a few wild deer, but luckily none came on the road.
Soon, the pines gave way to giant Redwoods flanking the narrow roadway, but we were in no mood to enjoy their majestic beauty. Sitting stiff in our seats, hearts thudding loudly, we navigated SR 36, finally joining Highway 101 at 11:20PM, 4 hours after we left Red Bluff, for our 100 mile drive.
Apparently, it is a popular motorcycle route as described by this biker blog, which has some nice day time pictures of the road and also scary discriptions of the twists and turns........
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway36.htm
One good thing this unplanned risky drive taught me is that I need to put some emergency supplies in the car. While we had adequate food and water, there were no lights, flares or protections against the elements. I am going to buy them tomorrow and load them in the car.
Another positive of this drive was the unpolluted night sky. With no lights for miles, the full moon and the stars were a night time spectacular I have not seen in a long time. It was an incredible experience, a silver lining to this scary cloud.
After sleeping like logs in Eureka, we grabbed some awesome breakfast including Banana Bread French Toast and started our drive back to Newark through the Avenue of Giants, a large collection of Redwood trees.
The California Redwood is the world's tallest tree, in fact, the currently living world's tallest tree is near Eureka. However, its location is not publicly disclosed for fear of human traffic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_sempervirens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Redwoods_State_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_of_the_Giants
We saw quite a few attractions, such as Drive-through tree, a house inside a single redwood log and a tree house inside a tree. We also found a monkey in our car.
More pictures , redwoods drive: https://picasaweb.google.com/100439682375564182182/AvenueOfTheGiants?authkey=Gv1sRgCPyf2sGy4bLwIw#
We returned home safe and sound, having thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but also determined to take more precautions for future road trips.
The trip ended up being QUITE SCARY as a result of a few more impromptu decisions. Read on to find out why!!!!!!!!
The 300+ mile drive to Redding was uneventful, and we wrapped up our night with excellent dinner and an awesome Chocolate Souffle (my first experience eating a real Souffle).
We left Redding late, after a leisurely morning breakfast, so by the team we reached the park, it was already 11AM. We drove around the park a little, attended a few Park Ranger programs, so Aditya could get his Junior Ranger badge, so by the time we started our 3-mile hike to Bumpass Hell, it was already 3:30PM.
http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hiking_bumpass_hell.htm
Bumpass Hell got its name from Mr.Bumpass, who fell into the bubbling water heated by the lava and lost his leg. We hiked down to the boardwalks of Bumpass Hell, where we saw Steam Vents, Fumaroles and Sulphur Mudpots. Wind was blowing some of the steam on to the board walks, so we got a nice steam bath.
https://picasaweb.google.com/100439682375564182182/LassenVolcanicSep12012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ_ntKbUyc-BqAE&feat=directlink
By the time we started our 250 mile drive from Lassen to Eureka, it was already 5:30PM. We were quite hungry and realized that Red Bluff was going to be the last major town before Eureka, so we stopped there for dinner, having excellent Mexican food.
 |
| Srinivas enjoying fried Jalapenos |
NOW COMES THE SCARY PART...........
SR 36 is a very winding rode with steep embankments and curves, going through Shasta-Trinity National Forest, a think dense forest of Pines and Redwoods. Entering the forest in the dark was a scary prospect. How scary, we did not realize, until we were half way into the road, at the point of no-return. We switched on the high beam and started driving cautiously, for if we accidentally hit a deer or a tree, we had no kind of light source with us, not even a flashlight. There were no towns nearby and no cell phone signal. Being in the bear country, anything happening to the car was a frightening thought.
Very soon, the road narrowed further to the point where there was no road divider, just a single lane road....We lost the visual cue of the center yellow line that was giving us earlier warning about curves. As if that was not enough, we entered into a construction zone, where the road surface was scraped off and was very bumpy. We were wondering what else could be thrown at us, when thick fog started rolling in, reducing the visibility further. We crawled along at a speed of less than 20 miles / hour, when we came upon a stretch of road that was one-way, with space for only one car. Fortunately, or unfortunately, there was no traffic on the road at all, so we passed through the one-way and continued our journey onwards. We encountered quite a few wild deer, but luckily none came on the road.
Soon, the pines gave way to giant Redwoods flanking the narrow roadway, but we were in no mood to enjoy their majestic beauty. Sitting stiff in our seats, hearts thudding loudly, we navigated SR 36, finally joining Highway 101 at 11:20PM, 4 hours after we left Red Bluff, for our 100 mile drive.
Apparently, it is a popular motorcycle route as described by this biker blog, which has some nice day time pictures of the road and also scary discriptions of the twists and turns........
http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway36.htm
One good thing this unplanned risky drive taught me is that I need to put some emergency supplies in the car. While we had adequate food and water, there were no lights, flares or protections against the elements. I am going to buy them tomorrow and load them in the car.
Another positive of this drive was the unpolluted night sky. With no lights for miles, the full moon and the stars were a night time spectacular I have not seen in a long time. It was an incredible experience, a silver lining to this scary cloud.
After sleeping like logs in Eureka, we grabbed some awesome breakfast including Banana Bread French Toast and started our drive back to Newark through the Avenue of Giants, a large collection of Redwood trees.
The California Redwood is the world's tallest tree, in fact, the currently living world's tallest tree is near Eureka. However, its location is not publicly disclosed for fear of human traffic.
 |
| From Wikipedia |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_sempervirens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_Redwoods_State_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_of_the_Giants
We saw quite a few attractions, such as Drive-through tree, a house inside a single redwood log and a tree house inside a tree. We also found a monkey in our car.
 |
| Avenue of the Giants |
 |
| Drive Through Tree |
 |
| One Log House |
We returned home safe and sound, having thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but also determined to take more precautions for future road trips.
September 1, 2012
Birds of Plano
Sunday was a good day for starting an overdue note on the birds of Texas. On Sunday, "Summer...was a thousand colors in a parched landscape". The view from the window would have had an artist reaching for her paintbrush:
The still copse of trees sweats dried leaves, a green canopy with a yellow carpet. The dark, wrinkled, hardwood bark of the trees contrasts well with the occasional rusty spots in the foliage- the weathered patches in Mother Nature's green tunic.
Right at the foot of the tree in front of the window, a mocking bird drinks water from a bowl than Poonam had put out in the morning. On a branch of the neighboring tree, a mourning dove is curled up for an afternoon snooze. Who says hibernation is only in the winter? Nothing beats a siesta in the heat! The faded pastel pink and browns of its down enhance the feel of Sepia on this sun-burnt afternoon.
One can see an unusual amount of activity in the thick bushes that are intertwined with the trees. They had borne berries recently, providing a well needed lunch for the European starlings and the resident Red Cardinals.The reclusive Cardinals are easily identified by their characteristic chik-chik. If one waited patiently, the reward would be a sighting of the brilliant red of this bird.
The northern mocking bird is the most common bird of this area, and the state bird for several surrounding states, including Texas. Not a striking bird, I guess its value is more cultural, thanks to the book by Harper Lee (Perhaps appropriately, the quote at the beginning of the blog is from the same book). Apparently, it is a good mimic too.
This thicket is home to other birds, less frequently seen. The Downy woodpecker (most probably) is a resident- I couldn't get a proper view of it. The Carolina Chickadee is a visitor, announcing itself with this garrulous song. The Blue Jay, with its plaintive cry, is also easily identified. The Blue Jay and the Chickadee looks similar to the Indian Roller and the Great Tit of India respectively, although the Indian birds have more striking colors. There is also a resident Hummingbird, but I have had only glimpses of it. The only possibility is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Other birds that I have seen in the locality:
- Belted Kingfisher
- Common Grackle
- American Crow
- Sparrows (quite common, but not able to ID the genus exactly)
- Unidentified Raptor (gray colored bird)
- Egrets and ducks
Overall, I find that Indian urban bird landscape is richer, but this has been rewarding too.
Pictures from the web:
The still copse of trees sweats dried leaves, a green canopy with a yellow carpet. The dark, wrinkled, hardwood bark of the trees contrasts well with the occasional rusty spots in the foliage- the weathered patches in Mother Nature's green tunic.
Right at the foot of the tree in front of the window, a mocking bird drinks water from a bowl than Poonam had put out in the morning. On a branch of the neighboring tree, a mourning dove is curled up for an afternoon snooze. Who says hibernation is only in the winter? Nothing beats a siesta in the heat! The faded pastel pink and browns of its down enhance the feel of Sepia on this sun-burnt afternoon.
One can see an unusual amount of activity in the thick bushes that are intertwined with the trees. They had borne berries recently, providing a well needed lunch for the European starlings and the resident Red Cardinals.The reclusive Cardinals are easily identified by their characteristic chik-chik. If one waited patiently, the reward would be a sighting of the brilliant red of this bird.
The northern mocking bird is the most common bird of this area, and the state bird for several surrounding states, including Texas. Not a striking bird, I guess its value is more cultural, thanks to the book by Harper Lee (Perhaps appropriately, the quote at the beginning of the blog is from the same book). Apparently, it is a good mimic too.
This thicket is home to other birds, less frequently seen. The Downy woodpecker (most probably) is a resident- I couldn't get a proper view of it. The Carolina Chickadee is a visitor, announcing itself with this garrulous song. The Blue Jay, with its plaintive cry, is also easily identified. The Blue Jay and the Chickadee looks similar to the Indian Roller and the Great Tit of India respectively, although the Indian birds have more striking colors. There is also a resident Hummingbird, but I have had only glimpses of it. The only possibility is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Other birds that I have seen in the locality:
- Belted Kingfisher
- Common Grackle
- American Crow
- Sparrows (quite common, but not able to ID the genus exactly)
- Unidentified Raptor (gray colored bird)
- Egrets and ducks
Overall, I find that Indian urban bird landscape is richer, but this has been rewarding too.
Pictures from the web:
 |
| Collared Kingfisher |
 |
| Mourning Dove |
 |
| Northern Cardinal |
 |
| Blue Jay |
 |
| Carolina Chickadee |
 |
| Northern Mockingbird |
 |
| Downy Woodpecker |
August 31, 2012
August 27, 2012
More harvest - Prize Cucumber
There was a giant cucumber growing in the back, that we missed. Found it today as we were spraying Neem Oil to kill a fungus that was growing.
Also some large organic Heirloom (Naatu) tomatoes....Very RED, very juicy and very flavourful....
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