tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16027220981776935832024-03-05T00:48:14.281-08:00Just speaking my mind!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-72512086464835212632009-05-26T06:19:00.000-07:002009-05-26T06:59:35.986-07:00MovedMy blog has a new home now. Visit <a href="http://shilpadesh.wordpress.com">shilpadesh.wordpress.com</a> is the new place you need to visit to get the latest thoughts. Also, please update your links to include my new url.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-36125088265786233122009-05-20T06:53:00.001-07:002009-05-20T06:55:25.242-07:00Move to wordpress?I have been thinking of moving to wordpress for a while now. It offers so much more ease of interaction(replying to comments etc) than blogspot does. But I feel like I am cheating, talking about the merits of wordpress and talking about ditching blogspot on this blog!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-85673711891223273872009-05-18T06:07:00.000-07:002009-05-18T06:20:28.091-07:00Hope for IndiaI am happy today. Happy that divisive politics has been voted out and hope and intellect are in. I am looking forward to what kind of ministers will be included in the cabinet. I am excited that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rahul</span> Gandhi is working his way up from the grassroots rather than land the top job. I am also happy that the likes of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Modi</span> might never see power at the National level. But more than anything else, what I am most happy about is that the Left has been left behind by us. No more arm twisting, bargaining, anti-development crap will be entertained. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Manmohan</span> Singh has been a good PM and now with this verdict, more power to him.<br />I think the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BJP</span> lost because it never talked about what it would do if voted to power. The only thing they talked about was what the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UPA</span> did wrong, using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Modi</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">criticize</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Priyanka</span>, projecting an 81 year old as the PM and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Modi</span> as the future of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BJP</span>. That, I think was the biggest mistake. If they continue to project <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Modi</span>, they will face a bigger loss next time.<br />I think the Left did so badly was because they never did anything good while they were a part of the last government. And they tried to stop the nuclear deal and caused to government to almost fail over the issue. I am sure the drama they caused, caused their downfall.<br />I am impressed by the way <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Rahul</span> handles himself, although, sometimes he comes across as too rehearsed. I like the way he decided the INC will go it alone in UP <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">in spite</span> of pundits suggesting otherwise. It paid off. I like the way he praised <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Advani</span> after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">BJP's</span> defeat in the 2009 elections. That shows class, and a good upbringing. I hope he, along with the other young guns, get positions of power in the NEW <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Manmohan</span> Singh cabinet.<br />The only thing I do not like is that the PM, yet again, is not an elected representative of the people. Although the people who voted for the INC knew he was the PM candidate, he should have contested from somewhere(some strong INC constituency, is he was scared of a loss). We do not want this precedent of the leader of the largest democracy in the world being an appointee!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-71011488118575628562009-05-14T09:53:00.001-07:002009-05-14T10:01:27.584-07:00You bring out the Hyderabadi in meInspired by <a href="http://wisdomwearsneonpyjamas.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/you-bring-out-the-american-in-me/">OJ</a>'s take on <a href="http://www.theunapologeticmexican.org/elgrito/2006/08/you_bring_out_the_mexican_in_m.html">You Bring Out the Mexican in Me</a>. It is warm but cloudy today and I miss my city more than ever.<br /><br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">haus</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">nakkos</span>,<br />and the <span style="font-style: italic;">abbis</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">hallus,</span><br />the <span style="font-style: italic;">aiseich</span> and the <span style="font-style: italic;">kaikos</span> in me.<br /><br />Each of those times<br />when I see a lake and i<br />compare it with <span style="font-style: italic;">Tankbund</span>,<br />and then rattle about when<br />the Buddha was submerged.<br />For the umpteenth time I say current for power.<br /><br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br />When panipuri reminds you of<br />endless trips to the chat <span style="font-style: italic;">bandi</span>.<br />When shopping means a trip to <span style="font-style: italic;">Sultan Bazar</span>,<br />a little stream of water is <span style="font-style: italic;">musi</span> and<br />a wide open road is Raj Bhavan road.<br />When an overpass is a flyover.<br /><br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br />You have multiplexes umpteen but you are still<br />enamored by RTC crossroads.<br />The Koti, the Abids,<br />the Charminar and Falaknuma in me.<br /><br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br />When you have hot sticky days and<br />warm summer nights.<br />When camping reminds you of sleeping on the roof,<br />and running downstairs when it rains.<br /><br />The Nizams, Golkonda, Gandipet,<br />the Qutub Shahi tombs and Paradise in me.<br />The Ramoji film city, Annapurna studios,<br />Chilkuru and Shilparamam in me.<br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br /><br />You bring out the Hyderabadi in me.<br />When everything is done <span style="font-style: italic;">hallu hallu</span>,<br />the language is hyderabadi(not hindi),<br />Barracks is Barkas and signal is <span style="font-style: italic;">singal</span>.<br />When everything in the past is <span style="font-style: italic;">parsun</span>.<br /><br />When I look back to the days spent<br />in my beloved city, I sigh<br />because everything I do today<br />Brings out the Hyderabadi in me.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-23344092576790803372009-05-06T07:20:00.000-07:002009-05-06T07:32:29.554-07:00Being an older sister.I read <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">IHM's</span> post on what she does not like about being a mother. It hit a sweet spot and I was smiling while reading, so much so that I 'force-tagged' myself to do a 'what I don't like about being a daughter' tag! Now I want to twist the tag a little bit and write about 'Things I love/hate being the older sister!'<br /><br />There are so many wonderful things about being an older sister, but growing up, there were also moments when I felt people did things that made me roll my eyes! Now I look back at those moments with a smile and would kill to go back to those fun days.<br /><br />Things I love about being an older sister<br /><ul><li>You are considered the coolest person in the world by the younger one.</li><li>She always tries to emulate your mannerisms and copy the way you dress, walk, talk etc!</li><li>Your input on important issues(what to wear, who not to invite to the birthday party etc) is considered the most important.</li><li>You are the smartest and most beautiful person in the world for you sister(and vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">versa</span>)!</li><li>There are some secrets that only you are privy to(God Promise etc required though)</li><li>If there is an argument at home, no matter what the topic, the younger one always supports you.</li><li>You can do no wrong according to the younger one.</li><li>She is always telling you that you will be fine, whenever you feel down or depressed about something(still does)</li><li>You always had a giggle partner when you wanted to make fun of the weird people(friends, family) visiting.</li><li>You are allowed to share all the jewelery, watches and clothes now whenever you visit.</li><li>She 'Loves' all the gifts you get her!<br /></li></ul><br />Things I used to dislike(but now love) about being an older sister:<br /><ul><li>You are always called '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tai</span>'(older sister) by everyone(parents, grandparents included).</li><li>You are expected to be the epitome of good behavior. If you misbehave, the younger one does too!</li><li>You are required to tag the younger one along to your friends' get<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"> togethers</span>(those were the days when the younger ones were considered pests.......sigh....not anymore)</li><li>You are an infidel if you support the parents when they ask the younger one to not eat the bar of chocolate because she is coughing and sick.</li><li>You are always expected to be more mature and understanding.</li><li>You were asked for Disney wrist watches and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tweety</span> mugs as gifts, but could never share them!</li></ul>Thinking of all those fun years we spent makes me smile as well as cry at the same time. Why do we have to grow up and move so far away!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-5679294524805961042009-05-06T06:36:00.000-07:002009-05-06T06:58:54.816-07:00The many talents of the rich and the famous!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Padma</span> Lakshmi was(is) a model and has modeled for many top designers. She also appeared in a few movies that failed miserably at the box office. One would naturally have expected her to be active in the modeling and movie world. But she has myriad of talents. She has written a couple of cookbooks. One of them(from 1999) lists the Tamil version of curd and rice(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thayir</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">sadam</span>) as 'Easy Exotic' food! Another of her cookbooks has pictures of her slurping the result of her cooking adventures! (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Maami</span> has blogged about this <a href="http://maami.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/cook-and-see-vs-food-porn/">here</a>). Most of her recipes are a twist on the traditional and the reviews are nothing great. She also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">co hosts</span> a competitive cooking series Top Chef. She has just unveiled her <a href="http://www.padmalakshmi.com/">jewellery collection</a> too. Most of the jewellery designs are a modern take on the traditional and are nothing extraordinary. Model, actress, chef, designer, all rolled in one! Is she really multi-talented or is it a gift of her fame? A little bitchin' never hurt anyone!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-46418898663407168142009-04-29T11:00:00.000-07:002009-04-29T11:04:41.112-07:00EgoWe don't take our egos with us when we die. We all know that. Why, then, some of us insist on maintaining the inflated ego and prefer being the arrogant loner in the family, when all the others are begging you to patch up? Why do people spoil the sanctity of the 13th day(after death) of their own mother by participating in a shouting match and yelling and bad mouthing their own sibling and sibling's family? This letter is to the one who caused a lot of pain to people I love a lot.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To the one whose ego is bigger than her brain</span>,<br />Is your ego more important than the fact that your mother died and this day was the day we remember her? Are you happy now that we will associate this day with how cheaply you behaved rather than mourn the loss of ajji and pray she has found heaven?<br />When my sister, who must be a good 45 years younger to you, understands how one should behave in civilized society, why can't you? Your 65 years have not given you enough humility to even accept an apology, forget giving one, even when you are wrong. I am amazed at what you will be able to teach your grand kids about your parents, when you treated them like shit in their last days. What will you teach them about family? What example have you set for your 2 children(who are as useless as you are) who have learnt from you that ego is more important than relationships. Will they also treat you like crap the way you did with your old mother? Remember when she, with tears in her eyes, begged you to talk to her, and you turned your dumb-ass head away? Will your stupid daughter do that to you as well? Your younger brother also begged you to speak to your mother. But you have a heart of stone. He had tears in his eyes when you shouted and sullied the memories of your mother on her 13th day. I wish I was there to drag you and throw you out of there. I wish I was there so I could see and learn how not to behave.<br /> I wish I could actually write all this to you. I wish somehow, someone we know reads this and lets you know of the contents. I wish I was there to tell you how disgusted I feel about you.<br /><br />~Disgusted mourner<br /><br />Oh, and by the way, wake up, it is 2009 not 1950. Do not torture your DIL for having 3 daughters.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-12830800207083612662009-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:22:26.886-07:00Pretty always hurts!I have a pair of pretty red shoes. The only pair of red shoes that I own. They are a moderate heel(1.5 inches) and seem to fit me well. Until I start walking in them, that is! The first time I wore them they squished both my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pinky</span> toes to a pulp in an hour. Thankfully, I did not have to walk a lot that day, and I was fine. The second time, I wore them with socks, and even though my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"></span>toes felt stuffed, there was no damage. Yesterday was the third time I wore them. Without socks. I had to walk in them for a couple of blocks to our destination. And what happened? The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pinky</span> toes of both my feet were pulverized and are now wrapped up in bandages.<br /><br />Any footwear that I wear hurts me. I walk with a limp. I cannot even move my toes around as that hurts them. The last time I wore them, I swore I would never wear them ever again. And yet, here I am, nursing my hurt toes, and totally <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">embarrassed</span> and angry at myself for having been stupid enough to believe those pretty shoes. For having been stupid enough to go for style over substance. For having been stupid enough to not have learnt a lesson.<br />So much for pretty red shoes!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-87779473523131254982009-04-17T07:32:00.000-07:002009-04-17T10:14:13.132-07:00It is always her.<span style="font-style: italic;">Major rant follows. These are my thoughts about an issue that really gets me all hyper and angry.</span> <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/why-we-blame-victims/comment-page-1/#comment-117810">Nita</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> puts things in perspective objectively and coherently than I do here. </span><br /><br />Is it OK to <a href="http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tiss-gangrape-3-remanded-in-police-custody/447954/">molest</a> a girl just because she was passed out? Is a girl who parties and drinks with men inviting them to abuse her? If you do not go out and party, is it OK for you to blame the victim of a rape? Is it ever OK to rape a girl because you 'perceive' she has loose morals? We Indians seem to particularly enjoy attributing blame to a rape victim. This happens all the time.<br />Remember the Juhu new year incident where two girls were molested by a mob? What happened when the graphic images were shown on TV? Why were the girls 'roaming' around at that time? What were they wearing?<br />Remember the Mangalore pub incident? Again, the first reaction was what were the girls doing in a pub? Girls should not go to 'such places.'<br /><a href="http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/why-we-blame-victims/comment-page-1/#comment-117810"></a><br />There are psychologists and other 'experts' who are called on talk shows to talk about what the perpetrator feels and why such a crime takes place. What about what the victim feels? If you ask me, giving even a iota of thought to why the perpetrator committed the horror is wrong. There are no subtleties where rape is concerned. There cannot be any explaining away. If you are a person who tries to see reason in rape, you need to get your head checked. Maybe even stay away from women because then any woman talking to you would be a probable victim.<br /><br />It seems like it is our national pastime to belittle women who are in difficult situations. It is always the girl who is inviting the perpetrator to abuse her.<br />Groped in a bus? <span style="font-style: italic;">Why were you wearing jeans?</span><br />Teased by the guys at the pan shop? <span style="font-style: italic;">Don't go there without male escort.</span><br />Look down when you are walking in a street or the gali ke kutte might think you want them to wink at you, make weird noises and touch you!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-65804762737806501742009-04-15T11:57:00.000-07:002009-04-17T06:39:10.908-07:00Election noises.UPDATE: An anonymous reader pointed out that Shashi Tharoor never officially represented India at the UN and he is right. I am changing the text here to reflect that.<br /><br />Election day is almost here and from tomorrow the mad voices of the politicians will be silent until the next election comes along.<br /><br />Keeping with the times, I present a list of some of the more interesting things happening this election season:<br /><br /><ul><li>Mallika Sarabhai against Advani from Gandhinagar is an inspiring case. She was offered support by various political parties, but chose to remain independent. She is also raising a voice against CM Modi's government</li><li>Shatrughan 'Shotgun' SInha vs Shekhar Suman from Patna Sahib is a very interesting contest. When asked about this Shotgun shot his mouth saying 'He is a TV artiste whereas I am a prominent name in the film world. People will compare our standing'!</li><li>Parties using hi tech campaigning methods - SMS, Facebook groups, tweeting etc</li><li>Need a few laughs? take a look at <a href="http://www.drmurlimanoharjoshi.in/">this webpage </a>of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi(I don't know if this is his official homepage!)</li><li>Govinda(Chi Chi) apologized to the people of his constituency, Mumbai North, for being inaccessible for the entire duration of his tenure. Apparently, he has done literally nothing for his people. This is the second known case of a big actor failing in politics and quitting. The Big B being the first.</li><li>Shashi Tharoor from Thiruvananthapuram for the Congress certainly seems very interesting. Since he has been in politics for some time(<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">he was the UN Under Secretary General for quite some time</span>), contesting the seat seems like a logical next step.</li><li>After having been the so-called Nawab of Hyderabad and being accused of match fixing, politics seems like a logical next step also, for Azharuddin who is running from Moradabad(UP) for congress!(what is it with the congress and so many celebrities!)</li><li>The never ending comedy that was Lucknow is finally coming to an end. Nafisa ali is the Samajwadi candidate from lucknow after the failure of SP to field Sanju baba first and Manyata-the-biryani-kabab-wife next. I guess we all feel 'Luck'y because at least Nafisa seems like a decent human being!</li><li>SP manifesto's main agenda this time is to get rid of english as a medium of instruction and to thwart the advance of computers in the state. Really? <a href="http://indianhomemaker.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/elections-are-testing-times-for-the-loyal-indian/">IHM says this</a> in her trademark conversational style!</li><li>Both Varun and Rahul, it turns out, were not exactly truthful about their alma mater. Varun is not a graduate of the LSE, and bhaiya Rahul lied about what course and when he finished from Trinity College, Cambridge. It is so appalling really. First, they get into big name colleges because of their clout and money. Then they are so dumb that they cannot finish. Then they lie about it! I was really looking forward to seeing what kind of leadership Rahul would bring to the Congress. Now I am sure he is no different from the dumb netas they already have!</li><li>Meanwhile, Mayawati continues to wield power like never before on her home turf. I am in awe of how she has the whole state machinery and the general populace wrapped around her little finger! Must learn some tricks from her!</li></ul>Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-85568969207907504762009-04-06T08:58:00.001-07:002009-04-06T08:58:26.313-07:00Thoughts on a relaxed monday.So many things are going on that make be go 'what the hell', these days.<br /><ul><li>Bearded old perverted men beating a young girl for being seen with another man. All this, while her brother holds her down to be beaten!<br /></li><li>Two people of the same family(Nehru), one talking in a deplorable way about muslims, the other only coming out of his high society, faux-Indian life and visiting villages come during election time. How I wish Varun and Rahul actually put some thought before they act. They are both young(Varun more so), educated(they seem to be from good educational institutions), from a well respected family. If only they put the petty politicking away and for once, used their head?</li><li>(But I guess expecting a politician to think is a little too much.)</li><li>Hamid Karzai passing a law legalizing rape in marriages(well it is not even defined as rape anymore!) How disgusting is that? </li><li>The US reprimanding countries that want to acquire nuclear and chemical weapons. History is witness that US is the only country in the world to have used nuclear as well as chemical weapons on other countries. And it is now concerned that these countries wanting to be nuclear powers as well would misuse them? How hypocritical is that? How does the US get away with all this?<br /></li></ul>Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-84389453362421451072009-04-03T06:02:00.001-07:002009-04-03T07:01:28.628-07:00My Favorite on TVThe day I have been dreaming of has come finally! HBO has started screening the BBC series of <a href="http://www.hbo.com/no1ladiesdetectiveagency/">No. 1 ladies Detective Agency </a>. My love for the books has been well documented <a href="http://shwetadesh.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-current-favorite.html">here</a> and I was curious as to how the well-written characters would translate on screen and the result could not have been better! Do watch it if you are interested. It is well worth the one hour per week.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-39729855144959341332009-04-02T17:03:00.000-07:002009-04-02T17:05:04.837-07:00Tremendous relief and back to regular bloggingToday I gave a Microsoft certification exam and passed. All these weeks(even months) of working hard(and staying away from blogging) paid off finally. Now back to regular blogging.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-77899319005895427672009-04-01T10:51:00.001-07:002009-04-01T10:52:24.988-07:00A fitness blogI am part of a new fitness blog. Please do have a look at <a href="http://fitnessfervor.wordpress.com/">Fitness Fervor</a>.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-62086248869308771892009-03-30T07:35:00.001-07:002009-03-30T07:35:25.671-07:00Followup post - Narendra Modi and IndiaFirst, apologies for the delay in posting. I was reading about Modi all this while, and had a mini draft post ready almost a week back, but life has a habit of getting in the way! I have been busy with things going on at work, an exam to take etc.<br /><br />This is the first followup post for my <a href="http://shwetadesh.blogspot.com/2009/03/food-for-thought.html">condensed post</a> of last time.<br />"A lot of educated Indians like the idea of Modi being the PM in case the BJP wins in the general elections."<br /><br />I have been reading up stuff on the internet, about Modi.<br />Read <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200904/india-modi">this article</a> in The Atlantic that profiles him.<br />When asked about whether he thinks India should be a Hindu country(in some news conference in Oct 2007) rather than a secular country, he goes off onto a tangent about how Gandhiji envisioned India to be a 'Ram rajya' and that he himself dreams of India being 'Ram rajya'. He never defines what he thinks is 'Ram rajya' anywhere so that the listener is left to deduce the meaning. In one interview, he got angry and refused to go on(the interview with Karan Thapar, Devil's Advocate on CNN-IBN, Dec 2007) when asked if he is sorry for the post-Godhra riots.<br /><br />The article says what I want to say much better than I can ever do. I would request every voter to read this and other similar articles that are on the web.<br />Modi also has a huge following among the rich Hindu business class. One said, “You have to separate Modi’s political ideology from his management ability. Because there is not a hint of corruption about him, Modi is effective because people believe his decisions are only results-oriented.” Why should I separate his political ideology from his management ability? If you had a candidate for CFO who was an excellent manager but believes that women do not deserve to be paid on par with men for doing the same job, would you still employ him? Why the double speak then? Why should I accept this man, who I know has an open dislike for any community but Hindus just because I cannot find anyone else better than him? Why can I not accept my politicians to be better.<br /><br />The riots occurred in 2002 and he is being asked these questions only now! Why this delay? Why this sudden attention to Modi you ask?<br />While I agree that Indian journalists failed in asking the right questions at the right time, I also believe the people have a right to know and the journalists better ask now than never. Modi is now being projected as the next leader of the country by the BJP. You cannot ignore the fact that he has a huge following. Not just in Gujarat but elsewhere too. He is so popular it is not so out of line to think that he could be the PM some day...or be in an equally powerful position soon. And that scares me. It scares me because I think he is a religiously motivated bigot. Surely we can do better than make a Muslim-hater the PM of the largest democracy on earth. The journalists keep asking him if he is sorry and he keeps evading the question. Why is it so tough for Modi to apologize to the people of Gujarat(and India) even though he might think he did no wrong? He was in a position to act fast and stop the bloodshed but he did not. Does that tell us that he cares?<br /><br />Which brings us to another problem with Indian politics. Where are the good politicians who want to serve the country more than serve themselves? Where are the men and women who believe in equal opportunities for everyone, and not just one religion? Why is there no one who does not play any vote bank politics? What choice does a voter who does not like any potential candidates in the fray? Does going the 49-0 way mean anything at all?Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-16076157042777779382009-03-13T09:27:00.000-07:002009-03-13T09:32:57.204-07:00Food for thoughtWe were talking about a few social, political issues and a lot of interesting points came to light. I am writing them as bullet points for now, but in the coming days I want to research each topic and expound upon it.<br /><br />Politics:<br /><br />-A lot of educated Indians like the idea of Modi being the PM in case the BJP wins in the general elections. Some arguments for Modi are:<br /> # At least he has done something for the state<br /> # Gujarat is one of the most well to do states in India in terms of revenue, infrastructure, standard of living etc<br /> #Muslims should suck it up, Godhra was just one of the many inter-religious clashes that occurred<br /> #a known devil is better than an unknown angel<br /> #"who else is there?"<br /><br />-There is a stark paucity of good politicians, leave alone young ones. people are still not very enthusiastic about voting.<br /><br />-Voting for a person in the general election(like in the US, for example) seems like a better deal for the voters. You get what you see, and no buyers remorse.<br /><br />-Deve Gowda was the worst leader ever. We were all still shocked as to how he could end up at 10 Janpath!<br /><br />-In the passion and excitement of creating a new government and new laws, Nehru might have done more disservice than service to the nation. Socialism might sound good on paper, but is a bit too high an ideal to achieve, especially for a fledgling country. Too many ideals and too less practicality made us lose those precious few decades which could have been put to better use by a judicious mix of capitalism and communism/socialism. In fact, it seems like Nehru actually came out of nowhere to become the PM. He didn't participate in any well-known protests, never took a lathi, always seemed like Gandhiji's chamcha, was a pseudo-Indian with a <span style="font-style: italic;">foriegnish</span> accent. To top it all, his progeny took Gandhiji's name and are milking the vote bank to this day!<br /><br />Society:<br /><br />-The need to have a male baby would vanish if there was no social incentive associated with having a male child(dowry). Remove dowry from the equation and no woman would want or forced to try for a male progeny. No female fetus would be killed. No female infant would be murdered. A resolution one big social ill would solve a few more ills of the society.<br /><br />-Things have changed a lot in India for the local entrepreneur. the age old 'kirana' and general stores are fast vanishing in big cities(I observed that too during my recent visit)<br /><br />-Living on credit has not deeply permeated in the Indian society as I had believed. Only the really young people working in call centers and single IT workers have been bit by the bug(I don't know how true this is, but it does make me feel better), also, monthly expenses increase dramatically if you eat out often vs if you eat out sparinglyShilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-30591989526915084242009-03-06T07:26:00.001-08:002009-03-06T07:26:28.722-08:00TestI got a me a new toy!<br />Blogging from my own little iPhone 3g!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-72148046878108951362009-03-06T06:32:00.001-08:002009-03-06T06:34:03.623-08:00Break in bloggingI am down sick with cold and a throat infection. The cold has blocked my ability to even think. Will post as soon as am able to put my thoughts into coherent sentences.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-4619549535932498172009-03-02T07:38:00.000-08:002009-03-02T07:46:41.665-08:00On a bitterly cold, white day...scenes from my window....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eOqUnOCrkpQ/Sav94sVV-QI/AAAAAAAACPU/rSdo73YEeME/s1600-h/snow1.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eOqUnOCrkpQ/Sav94sVV-QI/AAAAAAAACPU/rSdo73YEeME/s320/snow1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308615736201443586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0tfoo_R6MqEaRgslrNKo5ce_ayxs3x4gfJSqa_d1WbLem6SxtN8rOzU9MKZ5MLkr8sH5T_RcVQRZ7v2R0kA2s7j4ERiSA7r3BJn09pNmITfXg0_OFFdtnsfXwtKswj4YDWMI1m6HKkw/s1600-h/snow2.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0tfoo_R6MqEaRgslrNKo5ce_ayxs3x4gfJSqa_d1WbLem6SxtN8rOzU9MKZ5MLkr8sH5T_RcVQRZ7v2R0kA2s7j4ERiSA7r3BJn09pNmITfXg0_OFFdtnsfXwtKswj4YDWMI1m6HKkw/s320/snow2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308616115576639186" border="0" /></a><br />The roads are covered with snow, there is a bitter wind blowing that is blowing the snow off the roofs and into people's eyes. I am going to stay put in the warmth of my apartment. All I now need is a cup of hot chai and pakode!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-24563253949430935042009-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:002009-03-01T18:55:00.967-08:00Movie weekendWe caught up with a few movies this weekend.<br />The first was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1000774/">Sex and the City</a>. For long I have felt deprived because it seemed like I was the only woman in the US who hadn't watched <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SATC</span> yet! So finally this weekend I hopped over to Blockbuster and brought home the coveted DVD. Since I am not a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SATC</span> series watcher, I had no idea what was in store. I had heard from friends and colleagues that it was one great girls' movie and I HAD to be a part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girly</span> fun. The fun ended 12 minutes into the movie. I started with 'These women are so shallow', '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">There is</span> no story', etc. Slowly I stated getting irritated with the frequent talk of shoes, sex and labels. I found the fashion too silly and impractical for my taste(think the <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/stylehive/blog/uploads/LV_PRINCE_BAG.jpg">Louis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vuitton</span> bag</a> that Carrie gifts Louise.) I found the girls(or women) too shallow to be in love and too jobless for my liking. The 145 minutes of the movie were the longest and most boring 145 minutes of my life. I could have very well put them to better use!<br /><br />The second movie was '<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266583/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mumbai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Meri</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jaan</span></a>'. Now this one was truly riveting. The way the stories of these various characters is woven together is praise-worthy. I was totally involved in the movie from beginning to the end and not one moment was I bored. That, I think, is a trademark of a well-made movie. Having lived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mumbai</span> for 3 years, I really identified with the characters' daily lives.<br /><br />The third and last movie we watched was '<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/">Vicky Christina Barcelona</a>'. This is Woody Allen at his best, I think. We have seen most movies by Woody and enjoy each dialogue thoroughly. His characters are well etched and dialogues are well-written and his humor is very caustic and dry(my style!) Penelope Cruz takes the cake in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">VCB</span> and deserved her Academy Award. And BOY does she look hot! I liked the last 2 minutes the best. In true Woody style, the events of a few seconds jolt the errant characters into doing the right thing. A lot of reviewers did not like the voice over by Woody, but to me, that was the best part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">VCB</span>.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-12686227652611458272009-02-25T10:10:00.001-08:002009-02-25T10:12:04.719-08:00AB and his babyFor someone who has thrived on media and critics and box office, <a href="http://bigb.bigadda.com/2009/02/22/day-304/">to slam all of them</a> at the same time with this entry in his blog is baffling.<br /><br />He says 'The sincerity of the work must come through. That is what pays eventually.' Why then, AB are you so worried about the views of a couple of critics? Did you say it was unfair when the same critics were falling over each other praising you, the junior and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bahu</span> for your over-rated roles in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sarkar</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sarkar</span> Raj?<br /><br />It seems like Delhi 6 really got reviews that were on both ends of the spectrum. Case in point is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rediff</span>.com where one reviewer calls it '<a href="http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/feb/19arthur-delhi6-review.htm">Silly</a>' and the other says it is a '<a href="http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/feb/19arthur-delhi6-review.htm">Good follow-up to Rang De <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Basanti</span></a>'! Owing to such wide ranging reviews, BIG B asks: 'So how feasible is their report when their observations differ to such an extreme and large extent.' My thoughts on this? With all due respect Mr. B, reviewers are also 'people' and their reviews are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">in fact</span>, their personal opinion. So when you say 'I can understand personal opinions that respondents make, but what baffles me are the reviews of critics.', that baffles me, because critics' reviews are their personal opinion and there is nothing wrong with that. Cold hard truth, we all pay to read their personal opinion!<br /><br />'There is then the quotient of bias and deliberate intent, where personal equations come into play in complete disregard of the code of journalistic conduct.' Why does AB believe the whole world is out to get him and his family?<br />Why does he say 'If you have through no deliberation spoken to one electronic channel in some priority of time, you will most certainly be reduced to rubble by other rival ; merits be damned. Planted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">vox</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">populai</span>, or what is now commonly termed as ‘<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">voxpox</span>’ by the community, will be brought in front of visiting camera crew to spew venom and to deride creative effort.'? Why does anything anyone says about him or his family in purely 'career' terms always taken to be a personal affront?<br /><br />And why does he go on and compare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Slumdog</span> and Delhi 6? I have not seen Delhi 6, but find it odd that he has to compare the reception of Delhi 6 to that of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Slumdog</span>. Why <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Slumdog</span>? There are 1000 other Indian movies whose subject comes close to that of Delhi 6. Loosely, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Swades</span> comes to mind. Why is he so obsessed with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Slumdog</span>?<br />Why would AB crib, crib and crib so much about the extreme reviews his beta's movie is garnering? Why is he taking these things so personally? Methinks the beta should finally grow up and deal with his life himself rather than pa and ma holding his hands <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">every time</span> he needs to take a step into the big bad world.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><br />Sonam's</span> first movie got all negative and appalling reviews(not that the movie was any good), she was in the news for all the wrong reasons(break up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ranbir</span>, depression, drunken revelry), but did we hear a peep out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Anil</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Kapoor</span>? Did we see him slam all the critics of her movie, the journalists and say that they are personally biased against him and his family? I did not!<br /><br />PS: My intention in writing this was to just put my thoughts on paper(blog), not to demean AB! For a long time I have been meaning to write about the things AB writes on his blog about how the media treats him and his family. I always thought it comes with the territory. You reap the benefits of being a celebrity, bear the brickbats of being one!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-40338545860422914662009-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:002009-02-21T14:50:59.858-08:00Tomorrow night....<a href="http://www.oscar.com/nominees/?pn=film&film=Slumdog%20Millionaire%20Film">Slumdog or not?</a>Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-42007380934576504292009-02-19T08:02:00.000-08:002009-02-19T08:06:29.305-08:00Of being PCIf you are at a party, would you argue with a person who says something positive about an incident that you hold in absolute contempt? A few years ago I would have said yes. Now I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">don't</span>. Not because I have grown wiser, but because I now believe you cannot hammer sense into a person in a setting that is meant for harmless social interaction. Parties are not for serious debates. I have seen that gossip and meaningless chatter goes well at a social do, than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meaningful</span> argument about current affairs, local, national or international. PC(political correctness) is the name of the game. Agree with everyone and say yes yes or keep your mouth shut. PC has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ruined</span> all intellectual debate that there could be among people. I remember in movies of the 70s where men and women would be gathered in circles, spirits in their glasses and in their hearts, debating away about some topic that they are all passionate about(<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">don't</span> remember which movies exactly.) That, in my opinion, is real social interaction, not the 'hello <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ji</span>, how are you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sab</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">theek</span>?', 'did you hear about so and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">so's</span> son?' or 'I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">jadau</span> set you wore the other day'! What happened to the good old arguments between friends about the economy, politics and things like that? Have we become so scared of an argument that we embrace PC like never before?<br />I think PC also makes us boring. If you are the type who does not like gossip in any way, shape or form, all you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">have</span> left to discuss is sports or the weather. (on a side note, imagine talking about weather in India. It is so warm today, it has been warm for a long time now, it will be warm tomorrow...etc.) If you are in the US and attending an American party and are in a group of non-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Indians</span>, you cannot even discuss sports if you have no idea of football or baseball or ice hockey.<br />The idea of PC is to not hurt the sensibilities of anyone around. Since there are different kinds of people at a gathering, better say things that are mundane than things that might raise an eyebrow. That I understand. But PC among friends and family? I have seen friends who will speak either about a third friend, a celebrity, sports or weather but not about politics or any other topic that might instigate a debate. Are we afraid of debates? Are we no more interested in conversations that make us think long after they are over? Have we become so robotic that we do not need an intellectual conversation that is food for thought?Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-69730825869697855452009-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:002009-02-18T07:34:17.303-08:00Deep dark secrets tag!Although I have just finished a 25 things tag, this one, tagged by <a href="http://lifeofanindianhomemaker.blogspot.com/">IHM</a> is different in that I need to write 25 things about myself things you were better off not knowing :) I have borrowed a few from my old 25 things tag and most reveal the kind of person I am.<br /><br />1. I cry whenever I see a character in a movie cry. No matter how silly the acting is, I cry.<br /><br />2. I am a workout junkie. I like running, walking, the elliptical trainer, weights, abs exercises and everything else under the sun. BUT I hate working out outdoors. I need strict climate control to be able to sweat it out!<br /><br />3. I am fairly tall for an Indian girl(5'8") and am also broad shouldered and wide. Most of my life I have been the tallest and the biggest girl around. My feet are huge too. While I was growing up, my mom had to buy clothes at least 1 size big so they fit my height and shoulders, consequently, all my clothes were loose elsewhere. I also find it difficult to find footwear that does not look like man-sandals.<br /><br />4. I am a horrible singer but I love to sing. I have been warned not to sing in public.<br /><br />5. I argue with anyone who I feel is undermining women, irrespective of the social setting or my relationship with them. As a result, I come across as a rude, arrogant woman to a lot of people who are not used to women arguing.<br /><br />6. I love to dress up only when I want to. I hate to do it when I am 'needed' to. I might put flowers in my hair by myself but if you ask me to, I won't. Ditto with wearing traditional outfits, bindi etc.<br /><br />7. If I feel like I am getting hurt, I do not speak out. I keep it bottled up and go and cry in the bathroom.<br /><br />8. I feel most comfortable in sweatpants and a tee or a kurta and jeans.<br /><br />9. I have a little sister and sometimes I treat her like she is my daughter , sometimes we are like friends and other times, she gives me advise on what to wear and what not to!<br /><br />10. The husband has a better sense of fashion than yours truly. He also has infinite patience to wait outside the trial room for hours while I try out outfits. He also gives suggestions as to what looks good and what does not.<br /><br />11. I love organizing. This does not, however, apply to the closet which is as shabby as it can get. Give me papers and files and folders and clips and such stationery and I am off!<br /><br />12. I think I have an obsessive compulsive disorder when it comes to walking on a tiled surface. I try not to step on the lines, always try to place my foot INSIDE the tile. Imagine my consternation when I find tiles that are too small for my foot!<br /><br />13. I dislike Indians who break out into their mother tongue the moment they realize you know the language even when you are with other people who do not. I hate it when I feel left out of a conversation so I hate it when someone does it to others.<br /><br />14. I have a bad habit of assuming things about people. Most often my instincts are correct but there are times when I have had to reassess a person after spending time with them. I am working on trying not to jump to conclusions about people.<br /><br />15. I do not believe in assigned traditional roles for the sexes. Although I might do things that seem more female oriented than not, it is because I want to do them, not because i HAVE to do them.<br /><br />16. I have begun to love the idea of having a baby. I get overwhelmed with emotion whenever I see a pregnant friend.<br /><br />17. I am averse to socializing in big groups. I do not mind small, close group to socialize. I'd rather sit on the couch and read a book or watch the news or chat with the husband than go out and party!<br /><br />18. I get embarassed and red faced when someone other than the husband praises me. I do not take very well to praise that is heaped publicly.<br /><br />19. I hate being in the limelight. I cringe and my worst smile comes to the fore. Imagine my status on my wedding day then, where I was the center of all attention. I am seen smiling awkwardly, shying from the cameras in all pictures. I also have a terrible fear of the microphone.<br /><br />20. I like the idea of me cooking up a great traditional meal but I lack the requisite skills.<br /><br />21. I always feel like I am the most boring employee of my office. Also the most nerdy and geeky!<br /><br />22. I have 2 left feet. I was enrolled in a Bharatanatyam class when I was 14. I learnt for 2 full years before the instructor ran away(yes he did). My family says he ran away because he could not bear to see the dance form being butchered by my clumsy moves!<br /><br />23. I read more women-authored blogs than mens'. The husband says I am biased towards women. I hope it is not true.<br /><br />24. I never forget people who have been nasty to me. I have a very sharp memory and I remember their deed for life.<br /><br />25. There is a certain 'type' of women and men I absolutely hate. I shall refrain from saying what the exact type is, but if I talk to you or read your blog, it is not you!Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1602722098177693583.post-36314904809492210152009-02-13T12:50:00.002-08:002009-02-13T12:51:16.265-08:00Random thoughts...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rediff</span> creeps<br />I have a bad habit. As I arrive at work 8:00am or so, I open my laptop, connect the power cord and the LAN cable and open my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Firefox</span> and type in '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rediff</span>.com' on the browser and hit enter. Then I spend the next few minutes looking at the headlines, and sometimes, if a headline is sensational enough, go read the story. I also admit, sometimes, during the course of reading the story I glance at the comments. That is when I am magically transported back in time. Back to India, and traveling in that crowded bus, where one creep passes comments on how nice I look, while the other whistles and makes annoying noises and one more is desperately trying to get close. The comments are almost always creepy, weird, with sexual undertones. Even a fairly harmless story about a movie release gets these creeps out of the rocks under which they hide. Once out, they cannot keep themselves from commenting on practically every aspect of the article, the author and anything even remotely related to the article in question, in a morally decrepit manner. And whenever I read those, I have a seriously string urge to find these creeps and laugh on their face. Do look at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rediff</span> comments when you have nothing better to do and need to pass your time!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gaaliyan</span>!<br />Ever notice how most mass '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gaalis</span>' are related to women in one way or the other, Ma*&^, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Behen</span>%*&^%$ etc? Does it not bring back the age-old idea that a woman is the chief protector of family as well as personal dignity? A '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">gali</span>' given to a man is almost always tied to either his mother or his sister. He loses his dignity when the women in his life lose theirs.Shilpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04697608510687945624noreply@blogger.com3