Saw the latest Airtel Ad?
The cute little boy calling up his dad from toy cellphone...
So cute... I like the last part when he jumps with joy!
It s nice to see such ads when there are a whole lot of stupid ones.
Another nice one is from Max New York Life Insurance. The boy walking on the platform yearning for a bike... the man in bike, for a girl and so on and the ad again comes to the first boy.
I cant think of many nice ads... There are so less.
I just hate the kurkure ads. They make no sense with punchlines like "konala irundhaalum yennodadhu"
Not to forget the "fairness creams" ads which show that people who are anything short of looking fair are just worthless... If you are fair, you can win a boy's heart, you can get a chance as a cricket commentator and voila, you can even win a dance competition.. Isn't the idea just marvellous??? Since when did fairness become a confidence booster?
And lots of ads which show kids as "over brilliant" and some which have cine stars just because they could afford it. (Remember, Big B in some cement ad where he sneezes and the walls fall?)
Well, Give me a break!! :)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Simple sabjis - Dal & a quick recipe!
Dal
5. Fry for a minute and add tomatoes
6. Wait for 2 minutes till tomatoes are cooked and add dal. Cook in cooker for 2 whistles.
7. Finally, add chopped coriander and serve hot with rotis.
General Recipe
A standard gravy for north Indian side dishes which can be made very easily
(Roughly for two people)
oil ( 2 tsp)
cumin seeds
Onion - medium size 1 (made into paste)
Tomato - medium size 1 (made into paste)
turmeric powder(1/4 tsp)
chilly powder(1/2 tsp)
coriander powder (1 tsp)
Jeera powder ( 1/2 tsp)
Salt
To this, we can add Potatoes and peas and call it aaloo mutter
add beans, carrot, potatoes, capsicum and call it mixed vegetable
Add potatoes and baby corn
And so on....
*You can either add these cut vegetables raw and put in cooker for 2 whistles or cook the vegetables separately (microwave / cooker) and then add to this gravy and bring to a boil.
**To bring some change in taste, you can always keep a stock of garam masala / sabji masala / kitchen king (from the brand EVEREST). Adding just 1/4 spoon of any of these masala s to the side dish as the last step while cooking will give different taste. Can use this for a change.
Finally, garnish with chopped coriander.
Hope this helps me friends who are learning to cook / trying to cook!
Happy cooking! :)
Requirements
Dal
Oil (about 1 and a half tsp)
Cumin Seeds (Jeera - 1 tsp)
One mediun size onion - chopped
One tomato - Chopped
One green chilly - slit
Turmeric powder (1/4 tsp)
chilly powder (1/2) tsp
Procedure
1. Soak any dal (toor dal / moong dal / gram dal) (in tamil...thuvaram paruppu / payaththam paruppu / kadalai paruppu) for 15 mts. For two people, 3/4 th cup of dal should be sufficient.
2.Heat Oil
3.Add cumin seeds.
When they change color, add onions and green chillies and Bring the heat to "sim".
5. Fry for a minute and add tomatoes
6. Wait for 2 minutes till tomatoes are cooked and add dal. Cook in cooker for 2 whistles.
7. Finally, add chopped coriander and serve hot with rotis.
General Recipe
A standard gravy for north Indian side dishes which can be made very easily
(Roughly for two people)
oil ( 2 tsp)
cumin seeds
Onion - medium size 1 (made into paste)
Tomato - medium size 1 (made into paste)
turmeric powder(1/4 tsp)
chilly powder(1/2 tsp)
coriander powder (1 tsp)
Jeera powder ( 1/2 tsp)
Salt
- Heat Oil
- Add cumin Seeds
- When they change color, add onion paste.
- Fry for 2 minutes
- Add turmeric powder , chilly powder, coriander powder and jeera powder
- Fry for 1 minute
- Add tomato paste and salt
- Wait for 2 - 3 minutes. (time till the RAW smell of tomatoes goes off)
To this, we can add Potatoes and peas and call it aaloo mutter
add beans, carrot, potatoes, capsicum and call it mixed vegetable
Add potatoes and baby corn
And so on....
*You can either add these cut vegetables raw and put in cooker for 2 whistles or cook the vegetables separately (microwave / cooker) and then add to this gravy and bring to a boil.
**To bring some change in taste, you can always keep a stock of garam masala / sabji masala / kitchen king (from the brand EVEREST). Adding just 1/4 spoon of any of these masala s to the side dish as the last step while cooking will give different taste. Can use this for a change.
Finally, garnish with chopped coriander.
Hope this helps me friends who are learning to cook / trying to cook!
Happy cooking! :)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Temple trip... again!
While the koftas ( I was talking about in the previous post) came out well, I just recollected the items I cooked this month..
Chutney wale aaloo
Veg kofta
Chinese noodles and veg manchurian (for the gravy I used knorr)
Shahi Paneer
I think I am becoming more and more confident of experimentation with cooking!
(I ll post the recipes shortly)
And here I m... Just reached home after a two day trip to our native and couple of other temples.
Well, always,the trip planning always starts with "just couple of" temples and we end up planning to see about half a dozen... which was the case again... And each temple has it s own story and own speciality.
But anyways, enjoyed every bit of it... Happened to see 2 new temples this time... One was just amazing.. It was in Mayiladudurai... Govindaraja Perumal Temple. The architecture of this temple was really superb... It was such a huge one.. But, like many temples here, not well maintained. Also, they have an idol of Lord krishna, which u can hold in hand and pray for whatever u want, while the priest will be doing some chanting.
Our first temple was Thiruvalliangudi...
It is believed that if we visit this temple, it is equivalent to have visited all the (108) divya desams. (This is a huge list of temples of Lord Vishnu which lot of people visit and keep marking off the list... )
Then we went to Tittai (Near Thanjavur). Here there are two temples... One for Lord Krishna and the other one for Lord Shiva (this place is Gurusthalam.. meaning one of the navagrahas). The Krishna temple has this special Lord Anjaneya to whom u can pray for something and write it in a paper and tie it in the temple along with a coconut... U should treasure the receipt number u get and come back after ur wish is fulfilled and remove the coconut followed by an "archana" to God.
Then, Uppiliappan Temple (near kumbakonam) is the "usual" temple. And this time it was more special because they had done a special pooja (Sambrokshanai) and it is supposed to be very good to visit this place within 48 days of this spl pooja. The unique thing here is the "prasadam" is made without salt. The reason is a story in which Lord Vishnu had to marry the Goddess who had taken the form of a small girl. The girl's father told the Lord that she does not even know how much salt to put while cooking, for which the Lord agreed to eat without salt.
Then we also went to Ragusthalam nearby. Here the special thing is "ragu kaala poojai" in which milk is poured over the deity during raagukaalam.
After taking rest in the night, we started our way in the morning and went to two temples...
One was Govindaraja Perumal Temple and the other one was kethu sthalam. In this Kethu sthalam (near poompukar), we can light 7 diyas and pray.
Had a hectic and nice and peaceful trip....
Oh! look at me... talking of cooking... and temples... Looks like I am growing old!
:)
I dont mind... cos I believe that we need to keep changing... for good :)
Bye,
Prabha
Chutney wale aaloo
Veg kofta
Chinese noodles and veg manchurian (for the gravy I used knorr)
Shahi Paneer
I think I am becoming more and more confident of experimentation with cooking!
(I ll post the recipes shortly)
And here I m... Just reached home after a two day trip to our native and couple of other temples.
Well, always,the trip planning always starts with "just couple of" temples and we end up planning to see about half a dozen... which was the case again... And each temple has it s own story and own speciality.
But anyways, enjoyed every bit of it... Happened to see 2 new temples this time... One was just amazing.. It was in Mayiladudurai... Govindaraja Perumal Temple. The architecture of this temple was really superb... It was such a huge one.. But, like many temples here, not well maintained. Also, they have an idol of Lord krishna, which u can hold in hand and pray for whatever u want, while the priest will be doing some chanting.
Our first temple was Thiruvalliangudi...
It is believed that if we visit this temple, it is equivalent to have visited all the (108) divya desams. (This is a huge list of temples of Lord Vishnu which lot of people visit and keep marking off the list... )
Then we went to Tittai (Near Thanjavur). Here there are two temples... One for Lord Krishna and the other one for Lord Shiva (this place is Gurusthalam.. meaning one of the navagrahas). The Krishna temple has this special Lord Anjaneya to whom u can pray for something and write it in a paper and tie it in the temple along with a coconut... U should treasure the receipt number u get and come back after ur wish is fulfilled and remove the coconut followed by an "archana" to God.
Then, Uppiliappan Temple (near kumbakonam) is the "usual" temple. And this time it was more special because they had done a special pooja (Sambrokshanai) and it is supposed to be very good to visit this place within 48 days of this spl pooja. The unique thing here is the "prasadam" is made without salt. The reason is a story in which Lord Vishnu had to marry the Goddess who had taken the form of a small girl. The girl's father told the Lord that she does not even know how much salt to put while cooking, for which the Lord agreed to eat without salt.
Then we also went to Ragusthalam nearby. Here the special thing is "ragu kaala poojai" in which milk is poured over the deity during raagukaalam.
After taking rest in the night, we started our way in the morning and went to two temples...
One was Govindaraja Perumal Temple and the other one was kethu sthalam. In this Kethu sthalam (near poompukar), we can light 7 diyas and pray.
Had a hectic and nice and peaceful trip....
Oh! look at me... talking of cooking... and temples... Looks like I am growing old!
:)
I dont mind... cos I believe that we need to keep changing... for good :)
Bye,
Prabha
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Chutney Wale Aaloo
So, here I m back to display my ability to cook!
Ya, these 3 years have made me a (well, I shud not say expert) fairly decent cook... And here I m sharing one of my favourite Sabji.... Chutney Wale Aaloo... This is a nice change from the usual gravies that we make with onion and tomato
See, I dont take the ownership for inventing these.... Some are from books / websites and some passed on from mom / sis / MIL / SIL etc etc...
Word of caution...this is not for people who dont like the smell of pudina / coriander.
RECIPE
Serves 3 - 4 people
Requirements :
*Baby potatoes (say about 15 pieces ) - in case not available, can take equivalent amount of normal potatoes cut into small pieces.
Boiled and peeled.
* 2 medium sized onions - made into a paste (can add a bit of ginger to this)
*2 small tomatoes - cut into medium size pieces.
*2 tbsp curd - beaten well
*3 cashewnuts - soaked for 15 minutes and made into a paste
* Jeera (cumin) - 1 Tsp
*chilly powder - 1 Tsp
*Garam Masala - 1/2 Tsp
*Salt - as per taste
*Oil - About 4 Tbsp
For chutney
*Amchur powder (or raw mango powder) - 1/2 Tsp
*Sugar - 1/2 Tsp
*Fresh coriander (one measuring cup) - chopped
*Fresh Pudina (mint) leaves (half cup) - chopped
*Salt - 1/2 Tsp
Blend together into a paste and keep aside.
Procedure
Ya, these 3 years have made me a (well, I shud not say expert) fairly decent cook... And here I m sharing one of my favourite Sabji.... Chutney Wale Aaloo... This is a nice change from the usual gravies that we make with onion and tomato
See, I dont take the ownership for inventing these.... Some are from books / websites and some passed on from mom / sis / MIL / SIL etc etc...
Word of caution...this is not for people who dont like the smell of pudina / coriander.
RECIPE
Serves 3 - 4 people
Requirements :
*Baby potatoes (say about 15 pieces ) - in case not available, can take equivalent amount of normal potatoes cut into small pieces.
Boiled and peeled.
* 2 medium sized onions - made into a paste (can add a bit of ginger to this)
*2 small tomatoes - cut into medium size pieces.
*2 tbsp curd - beaten well
*3 cashewnuts - soaked for 15 minutes and made into a paste
* Jeera (cumin) - 1 Tsp
*chilly powder - 1 Tsp
*Garam Masala - 1/2 Tsp
*Salt - as per taste
*Oil - About 4 Tbsp
For chutney
*Amchur powder (or raw mango powder) - 1/2 Tsp
*Sugar - 1/2 Tsp
*Fresh coriander (one measuring cup) - chopped
*Fresh Pudina (mint) leaves (half cup) - chopped
*Salt - 1/2 Tsp
Blend together into a paste and keep aside.
Procedure
1. Heat 3 Tbsp oil and add the boiled potatoes and cook. Keep aside
2. Heat 1 Tbsp Oil. Add Jeera and when they become brown, add the onion paste and cook for 2 - 3 minutes on low heat.
3. Add curd and cashew paste and cook for 1 - 2 minutes on low heat.
4. Add the green chutney and chilly powder. Cook till the mixture turns dry.
5. Add a cup of water and wait till it comes to boil.
6. Add the cooked potatoes an salt. Cook on low heat (uncovered) for about 5 minutes.
7. Add tomatoes and Garam Masala. Stir for 2 minutes.
IT IS DONE!
Serve hot with Phulka!
Well, I am experimenting with Kofta today... Will post the recipe, if it turns out well!
Bye,
Prabha
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Satyam????
Most of you must have read / heard about what all is happening.
Imagine... the big numbers he is talking about... How did he have courage to take up all this? His letter is just terrific. Talking about such things so casually.
Just see this
"The gap in the balance sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over a period of last several years "
"What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years. It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of the company operations grew significantly "
"That in the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from know sources by giving all kinds of assurances"
And everyone's favourite
"It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten. "
Giving a wrong figure of some crores in Deposit and then taking account of interest on these deposits which don't exist. Oh! How could he do so much?
Talk about guts!
Pity people who are affected cos of trusting a company which existed for over 2 decades and is the top 4 IT company with such a huge workforce.
Like the comedian Vadivelu says, "Puthusu puthusa yosikkaraanga..."
Imagine... the big numbers he is talking about... How did he have courage to take up all this? His letter is just terrific. Talking about such things so casually.
Just see this
"The gap in the balance sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over a period of last several years "
"What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years. It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of the company operations grew significantly "
"That in the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from know sources by giving all kinds of assurances"
And everyone's favourite
"It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten. "
Giving a wrong figure of some crores in Deposit and then taking account of interest on these deposits which don't exist. Oh! How could he do so much?
Talk about guts!
Pity people who are affected cos of trusting a company which existed for over 2 decades and is the top 4 IT company with such a huge workforce.
Like the comedian Vadivelu says, "Puthusu puthusa yosikkaraanga..."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy new year!
Happy 2009 friends!
May all your dreams and wishes come true this year.
Keep smiling,
Prabha
May all your dreams and wishes come true this year.
Keep smiling,
Prabha
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reality shows... Really??
I don't understand the whole point in calling these shows "reality". How much is the reality in these shows is a big big question.
But I should mention that there are some programs which are "talent" shows.
First about the good ones (only in Tamil channels)
Jaya TV s “Yennodu paatu paadungal”
This SPB s show is my fav. Neat one. No exaggerations. The way SPB gives his comments is also nice. This one is a show which, for a change, has lot of reality and almost zero nonsense.
Vijay TV s “kalakka povathu yaaru”
This show was very nice, bringing in good talented people (most of whom moved to other channels later). But what I didn’t like was these small kids who are brought to this show. It s really sad. These kids are made to over act and over react. But for that, it is a good one.
Vijay TV s “Ungalil yaar aduththa Prabu Deva”
I happened to watch this very recently. Though this has got inspired from other shows for creating some “drama” on the sets now and then, some people dance really well. Esp. compared to other dance shows where people just show off their chemistry and keep showing off their horrible “figures” wearing stupid clothes. (Atleast they can look into the mirror before wearing revealing clothes )
The list of dumb, idiotic reality shows is a big one… to mention a few…
Sun TV s “Jodi Porutham”
This tops the list of shows that I hate. I can’t even see the ad for this one. Real life couples come on this show and they hug / kiss each other. And trust me, this keeps improving as each week passes… If everything can be done in public, what is privacy? I know, these thoughts are very conservative . But this is how lots of people in TamilNadu are and how can you telecast such rubbish? Talk about people who are doing this… just to win some cash and jewellery. Ah!
Sun TV s “Asaththa Povathu Yaaru”
Vetti show! People come on stage (but for a rare one or two) and do crap… No, you cant laugh at such horrible things… like a guy dressing up as a girl(with cheap make up and pathetic costume) and dancing.
Vijay TV s “Jodi No 1”
Heights of Drama… lots of sleezy moves and revealing costumes and cheeky comments and (obviously) tears and tears !!!
Vijay TV s “Super Singer”
This show has good talent. But sometimes, the dramatization is just too much… esp in the initial rounds, people crying and shouting … was just not tolerable. But if they cut the crap, the talent is really nice.
Well, that is all for now...
:)
But I should mention that there are some programs which are "talent" shows.
First about the good ones (only in Tamil channels)
Jaya TV s “Yennodu paatu paadungal”
This SPB s show is my fav. Neat one. No exaggerations. The way SPB gives his comments is also nice. This one is a show which, for a change, has lot of reality and almost zero nonsense.
Vijay TV s “kalakka povathu yaaru”
This show was very nice, bringing in good talented people (most of whom moved to other channels later). But what I didn’t like was these small kids who are brought to this show. It s really sad. These kids are made to over act and over react. But for that, it is a good one.
Vijay TV s “Ungalil yaar aduththa Prabu Deva”
I happened to watch this very recently. Though this has got inspired from other shows for creating some “drama” on the sets now and then, some people dance really well. Esp. compared to other dance shows where people just show off their chemistry and keep showing off their horrible “figures” wearing stupid clothes. (Atleast they can look into the mirror before wearing revealing clothes )
The list of dumb, idiotic reality shows is a big one… to mention a few…
Sun TV s “Jodi Porutham”
This tops the list of shows that I hate. I can’t even see the ad for this one. Real life couples come on this show and they hug / kiss each other. And trust me, this keeps improving as each week passes… If everything can be done in public, what is privacy? I know, these thoughts are very conservative . But this is how lots of people in TamilNadu are and how can you telecast such rubbish? Talk about people who are doing this… just to win some cash and jewellery. Ah!
Sun TV s “Asaththa Povathu Yaaru”
Vetti show! People come on stage (but for a rare one or two) and do crap… No, you cant laugh at such horrible things… like a guy dressing up as a girl(with cheap make up and pathetic costume) and dancing.
Vijay TV s “Jodi No 1”
Heights of Drama… lots of sleezy moves and revealing costumes and cheeky comments and (obviously) tears and tears !!!
Vijay TV s “Super Singer”
This show has good talent. But sometimes, the dramatization is just too much… esp in the initial rounds, people crying and shouting … was just not tolerable. But if they cut the crap, the talent is really nice.
Well, that is all for now...
:)
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