My Brown Badge dot com

I am too lazy to cut and paste the lot. View the whole post HERE.

The Revenge

Mallu Harmony Day

I remember this year at me workplace when Racial Harmony day rolled around. The Boss decreed that he was sick and tired of the old cliched, "Oh, it's racial harmony. Let's all just wear other people's ethnic costumes and turn up for work. And then we'll gorge ourselves with other people's ethnic delights and pretend that we actually care".

So, he got us to like just sit in the conference room and we listened to some cool stuff. Basically, old festivals and supersititions and notions shown new light. I mean, I do know all I can about Chinese New Year already; we actually got educated on the Hungry Ghost's Festival and the nuances that follow it. Because we don't have any Muslims at the workplace [i know.. i know...], some bigot actually went up to give a presentation on Hari Raya and the significance of korban. But his fuckin lack of class and crass jokes about our Muslim brothers-in-arms justifiably got him boo-ed off the podium and a day of "Code Red".

So, anyhow, we're not the only nation where harmony along racial lines is so hawk-eyed watched over. Check this direct from Infy, Mangalore:





And after the clock struck 5 and he punched out, he was able to charge 5 dollars a pop to watch him dance. Now that's innovative. I feel at harmony already.

Castrol Corporate Rajinikanth

Don't say I hide all the good stuff away from all youse "sick of bookmarking this motherfuckin page" KLKlanites. Rajinikanth shows how inflation and recession is an Yindian problem TOO by selling out to the corporati. More importantly, if he DIDN'T, one massive law suit which is probably gonna get stuck in the courts for the next 5 years is going to ensure.

Either way we have a good mega serial.

What I really wanna say is: I'm back. Late-ah vanthaalum latest-ah varuvomlae.

O Level Chance ruined by Girl's Home

Do you recall this tale? Took the N's and did well and couldn't qualify for the Os for the sole sake that she didn't sit for her Tamil paper?

Read story HERE.

Concerned citizen wrote in to SINDA to see if there was anything that could be done to help the poor chica. Lo and behold, the wondrous organization that faithfully deducts 7 bucks off my pay check every month actually responded positively.

Their response through e-mail:

Dear Mr Ganesan,

Thanks for your mail.

We have liaised with MOE on this matter and MOE is putting up her case to
support her readmission to Bedok Town Sec.

We will further liaise with the family to explore other areas of
assistance they may require such as educational Bursary and Tuition.

Warm regards

Kavitha (Ms)
Senior Manager
Family Services
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA)
Tel: 639xxxx« www.sinda.org.sg

More importantly, if you think something is wrong. Go do something bout it. Don't sit on your tushy and hope for almighty God to lend a hand. There ARE government and quasi-government orgs that can solve or at least shine light on the issue at hand.

Adieu!

PSLE Tamil Cheat

Now, does anyone know how this tale panned out? Friends and family of the cheating educator perhaps? OR of the "cheated for" kids?

Excerpts of the tale:

It happened after the Mother Tongue (Tamil language) exam was completed in a school in the northern part of Singapore in early October.

The Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (Seab) confirmed the incident in response to queries by The New Paper.

It is not known what prompted the tampering. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is now conducting a probe.

In a statement to The New Paper, a spokesman said: 'CPIB has interviewed teachers and relevant persons involved and investigations are ongoing.'

Markers at Farrer Park Primary School, which was a marking centre for the subject, found that the answers in a composition paper of a pupil had been partly altered.

When the markers tracked down the pupil's Paper 2, they found that some answers in the fill-in-the-blanks section had also been cancelled and replaced with other answers.

It is understood that the pupil was given 10 marks for the section when he or she would otherwise have scored zero, an anonymous source said.

A thorough check was done and similar changes were found in the Paper 2 transcripts of two other pupils.

The anonymous caller who alerted The New Paper said: 'You could tell it was an adult's handwriting. It was even written in a different shade of blue from the pupils'.

'It looked like the answers were scribbled in a hurry.

'Even if you didn't understand Tamil, it was very obvious.'

News Link

Had to be Tamil hadn't it?

85 foot Hanuman

IS bigger really better? 85 feet (26 metres).
Trinidad and Tobago, represent.

Link

Feed Me, F*** Me

The way to our spouse's hearts?

For your Husband

For your Wife

Lost in Translation

Courtesy of Indiafm.com, we've got a few insights on how bollywood actors perceive gay roles. It must be said however, that if you're finding these actors a tad bit unfamiliar, its because they are. But here's my take anyways...

Arshad Warsi: "I'd willingly play a gay character. It will be a new challenge to me as an actor."

Translation: Hand that role to me on a plate and i'll chew it up faster than you can say "Philadelphia"

Anuj Sawhney: "If heroes can play grey characters, I guess it proves the walls between 'this' side and 'that' are breaking. It's up to an actor's individual craft and study of the character to portray a character in a way that leaves a lasting impression."

Translation: I'd be surprised if anyone gave a role like that to me and even if i was offered one like that, i'd screw it up...BIG TIME!

Nakul Vaid: "I've no issues playing gay. Doing any character depends on how deep you can explore it and portray it convincingly for yourself and the audience. The character's sexual preference is secondary…unless it is forced into the script, Then I'll have nothing to do with it.

Translation: I'm so jobless i'll do it for half my fee....Hell i'll throw in a item dance for free!!

Neil Mukesh: "Well, It's a character and we are actors. So if the script demands it, why not?

Translation: You can have my ass for twice my asking price..thrice if i need to do brokeback mountain in hindi...

Sammir Dattani: "I must admit playing one makes me slightly uncomfortable at this stage of my career when I'm still finding my bearings. For my new film, Dhoom Dhadaka, I had to get into drag and I was very uneasy. It took Tom Hanks and Irrfan years before they came to Philadelphia and Migration. I need to be experienced as an actor before I attempt a character so distanced from me."

Translation: I know i'm not really getting the roles i want...but really, do i have to?

Prashant Raj: "I don't think I'd do justice to a role like that. My structure and built might not be conducive to playing such a role."

Translation: Come on yaar... are you kidding me...Check out my biceps...my arms...my thighs...ooo my abs...I can't play gay.....You guys need anyone to play Johnny Bravo? Ohhh...i see a hot man over there..oh hang on, its just me in the mirror..

Mohit Ahlawat: "For me it's difficult to play gay as I won't be able to identify with such a character. Sorry, I can't play a role I'm so far removed from. But I respect an actor like Irrfan or Sanjay Suri who can."

Translation: STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!! That includes you , Irfan and Sanjay, you pussies!!!

Vinay Pathak: "Excitement of portraying any character lies in the strength of the character's graph and progression in the plot and its conflicts. How a character helps a narrative grow is what interests me the most. The cast's sexual orientation and other factors are all secondary."

Translation: Gay? Do i smell an award?? Do of course note, all this is tongue in cheek..and i don't mean any insult to either the homosexual community or these actors..hopefully this saves me from a defamation action...

Polarisation of Race- The Singapore Story

Dear XXXX,

Thank you for confirming that you have registered me for the 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008'.

The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously?

To my simple mind, I would think that the nation's budget is something that would affect all residents equally without the special need for dialogue on a racially-segregated basis.

I can well understand that a budget would/could affect different income-groups in different ways, and perhaps the organisers could enlighten me if there are indeed certain aspects which require the dialogue sessions to be conducted on an ethnic basis.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Narayanan N


This was written by a dear friend of mine to REACH singapore, who, with the Ministry of Finance Singapore, is counducting a Feedback Exercise for various communities in conjunction with next years Budget debate.

The series of dialogue sessions organised by REACH is for the various 'communities' and will be held from November 2007 to January 2008.

"The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously? "

Now don't you think Mr. Narayana has a point?

This is a nation that still clings fast to the idea that race differentiates its population in its actions, while saying all the while that it is a multi-racial and racially tolerant society. I personally cannot concieve of any race or religion specific issue that needs to be raised in a national budget debate.

In fact, this smells an awful lot like a racial profiling excercise.

Lets call these folk up and ask them for their opinions. Then lets collate their views. Since these are racially segregated views, lets attribute these views to the person's race.

So in other words, if you're an Indian and you made a comment about the rising cost of milk, someone is probably going to prepare a report that would read 'Indians concerned about rising costs of milk'.

While I am a very objective person in general, my ire is often roused by examples of institutionalised racism which seems inherent in Singapore.

Interestingly, REACH Singapore is yet to provide an answer.

deviousDiv

Take My Wife Back

Ramankutty Nair, a middle aged Indian immigrant had made it big in Dallas, Texas, USA. He bought a brand new convertible Porsche. He had to show it around so he took off down the road and pushed it up to 100 MPH and was enjoying the wind blowing through his (thinning) hair. "This is great," he thought and accelerated to an even higher speed. But when he eventually looked in his rear-view mirror there was a Ford Crown Victoria Police Car behind him, blue lights flashing. "I can get away from him with no problem" thought the man and he floored it some more, and flew down the road at over 150MPH to escape being stopped.

Then he thought, what the hell am I doing? "I'm too old for this kind of thing" and pulled over to the side of the road, and waited for the Police car to catch up with him. The Policeman pulled in behind the Porsche and walked up on the driver's side.

"Sir, my Shift ends in five minutes and today is Wednesday 22 November a day before Thanksgiving " If you can give me a good reason that I've never heard before as to why you were speeding, I'll let you go."

The man looked back at the Policeman and said, "Last week my wife, who is from Kerala ran off with an American Policeman and I thought you were bringing her back".

The Policeman said, "Have a nice day, sir"

Rajini Endorses Singapoor

Courtesy: Somewhere along the way in Sivaji's "Athiradi Style".
Take note of left breast pocket.

To celebrate the great bilateral success of our 2 nations. Namely importing computer engineers and other qualified professionals and exporting rojak, hainanese chicken rice and sarong party girls, Super Star decides to glorify our nation with a very very familiar Singapore flag.

Now which SAF storeman did this get ripped off from? To think some of us actually consider it a form of great pride to be able to wear the Flag Patch on our uniforms [only reserved for international missions and those who have represented the country internationally]

I'm back. Bit by bit.

Mirror Theatre's Thondan

Attached herewith please find new posters (and a info poster) on my upcoming play THONDAN - for your updates if possible.

THONDAN Youtube advert in English: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISP372QDQ60

THONDAN Youtube advert in Tamil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ4nN_2haAY

"A world's first Literary Tamil Adaptation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus - The Bloodiest Tragedy Ever!"

"Never seen before on Singaporean Tamil Theatre - striking stage settings, innovative costumes, shocking theatrical stunts and stylized multi media"

From the makers of the hugely successful The Kalinga Trilogy - Miror Theatre - comes the most anticipated Tamil Theatre epic of the year - THONDAN (A Literary Tamil Adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus)

Written by Elavazhagan

Co-Written, Adapted and Directed by Vadi PVSS

Schools can apply for 60% off student ticket pricing of $20

under the AEP-NAC tote Board funding (Student concession for Tertiary NSF and Senior Citizen is also available) - (Adults $25)

Parent Advisory for Some Violent Scenes - Recommended for audiences 16 years of age and above

For $25 and $20(Student Concession; NSF; Senior Citizen) Tickets

Call SISTIC at 6348 5555 (mention Esplanade Kalaa Utsavam - Thondan)

or visit their website at http://www.sistic.com.sg/

or specific to the production website at:
http://www.sistic.com.sg/eportal/booking/RetrievePriceChartAction.do?skipSelectEvent=true&txtEventCode=eeps231107&txtContentCode=thon1107

For more details please call Kavitah at 93842037

"Stage setting design by Effendy; Lighting design by Su Ven; Kalari Payet training by Sanjeev; Physical Theatre Training by Jason Lee, Percussion Accompaniment by Mohd Noor and many more"

A cast made up of Award Wining artistes and Vasantham Central Stars including Ilyas, Sivakumar, Soundrarajan, Puravalan, Karthik, Vishnu, Vicknesvari, Kalpalathika, Girish, Kalpana, M Ravi, Vickineswaran, Selvanathan, Kumarevelu, The Shadows: Eranian, Rasheed, Giri and Rethinavelu, and many more!

A visual treat not to be missed! A play in Literary Tamil with English subtitles - a play for everyone!

A production by Miror Theatre in collaboration With Esplanade Theatres on The Bay and Ravindran Drama Group - as part of Indian Festival of Arts Kalaa Utsavam

Venue: Esplanade Theatres On The Bay

Dates: 23, 24 and 25th Nov 2007

Time: 8pm daily

For $25 and $20 tickets

Call SISTIC at :

or visit the following website

http://www.sistic.com.sg/eportal/booking/RetrievePriceChartAction.do?skipSelectEvent=true&txtEventCode=eeps231107&txtContentCode=thon1107

Esplanade Website about the play:

http://www.esplanade.com/SOPApp/espsop/portal_proxy?uri=tgT_xhMHoh-8e!1ovCUG39YnDZI_,-@Rqw8x3@gBxhffDV649ihMgXX7sJKfQj0MsJFM

Along with the play - free translated copies of the play TITUS ANDRONICUS will be given out free to all ticket holders. Translation commissioned by Miror Theatre and translated by Elavazhagan Murugan

Thanks once again and regards

Vadi PVSS

Artistic Director

Miror Theatre

KowCents

-Traditional Corporation-
You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies and the economy grows.

-An American Corporation-
You have two cows.
You sell one and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

-A French Corporation-
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.

-A Japanese Corporation-
You have two cows.
You re-design them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create clever cow cartoon images called 'Cowkimon' and market them World-Wide.

-A German Corporation-
You have two cows.
You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

-A British Corporation-
You have two cows.
Both are mad.

-A Russian Corporation-
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have 12 cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

-A Swiss Corporation-
You have 5,000 cows and none belongs to you.
You charge others for storing them.

-A Chinese Corporation-
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim full employment and high bovine productivity.
You have the newsman who reported on the numbers arrested.

-An Indian Corporation-
You have two cows.
You worship them.

-A Malaysian Corporation-
You have two cows.
You signed a 40-year contract to supply milk at RM0.06 per litre.
Then midway through, you raised the price to RM0.60 or you cut the supply.
When the buyer agrees to the new price, you change your mind again and now want RM1.20.
The buyer decided you can keep the milk.
They go look for milk that comes from recycled cows or the cow urine instead.
Your two cows retire together with the Prime Minister.

-A Singaporean Corporation-
You have two cows.
One is COW-PEH and the other COW-BU.

status quo

For every action there is an equal and opposite government program

Leong Wee Keat
weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg

IT'S a crime with age-old roots that has infiltrated high-tech avenues.
.
And to send a "strong message" to culprits, the laws are being changed so that racial insults made over the electronic media, such as the Internet, will soon be considered an offence under the Penal Code.
.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said this amendment "would provide another legislative option to deal with future offenders".
.
In 2005, prosecutors had to resort to a rarely-used legislation, the Sedition Act, to bring criminals to book when three men were separately accused of promoting racial ill-will and hostility through comments posted on blogs and online forums.
.
Under the soon-to-be revised Penal Code, a person who knowingly causes religious or racial disharmony, or promotes ill will between different groups on the grounds of religion and/or race, could be jailed up to three years or fined, or both.
.
For racial or religious aggravated offences, penalties could also be increased by one-and-a-half times.
.
The MHA said this approach is similar to that taken for enhanced penalties for certain offences committed against maids.
.
"This new section will help to preserve the social harmony which our country enjoys and send a strong message to any person who may try to disrupt social harmony," said the MHA.
.
Brother Michael Brough-ton, a member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, said such laws would enforce "external conformity" and "hasten the education process".
.
"In Singapore, I guess the way things work is that a law enforces it first," he said. But he believed education was still the key to achieving racial harmony.
.
"We want our younger ones to grow up internalising the principle," said Brother Broughton, a deputy principal of St Joseph's Institution. Leong Wee Keat
weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg

IT'S a crime with age-old roots that has infiltrated high-tech avenues.
.
And to send a "strong message" to culprits, the laws are being changed so that racial insults made over the electronic media, such as the Internet, will soon be considered an offence under the Penal Code.
.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said this amendment "would provide another legislative option to deal with future offenders".
.
In 2005, prosecutors had to resort to a rarely-used legislation, the Sedition Act, to bring criminals to book when three men were separately accused of promoting racial ill-will and hostility through comments posted on blogs and online forums.
.
Under the soon-to-be revised Penal Code, a person who knowingly causes religious or racial disharmony, or promotes ill will between different groups on the grounds of religion and/or race, could be jailed up to three years or fined, or both.
.
For racial or religious aggravated offences, penalties could also be increased by one-and-a-half times.
.
The MHA said this approach is similar to that taken for enhanced penalties for certain offences committed against maids.
.
"This new section will help to preserve the social harmony which our country enjoys and send a strong message to any person who may try to disrupt social harmony," said the MHA.
.
Brother Michael Brough-ton, a member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, said such laws would enforce "external conformity" and "hasten the education process".
.
"In Singapore, I guess the way things work is that a law enforces it first," he said. But he believed education was still the key to achieving racial harmony.
.
"We want our younger ones to grow up internalising the principle," said Brother Broughton, a deputy principal of St Joseph's Institution. Leong Wee Keat
weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg

IT'S a crime with age-old roots that has infiltrated high-tech avenues.
.
And to send a "strong message" to culprits, the laws are being changed so that racial insults made over the electronic media, such as the Internet, will soon be considered an offence under the Penal Code.
.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said this amendment "would provide another legislative option to deal with future offenders".
.
In 2005, prosecutors had to resort to a rarely-used legislation, the Sedition Act, to bring criminals to book when three men were separately accused of promoting racial ill-will and hostility through comments posted on blogs and online forums.
.
Under the soon-to-be revised Penal Code, a person who knowingly causes religious or racial disharmony, or promotes ill will between different groups on the grounds of religion and/or race, could be jailed up to three years or fined, or both.
.
For racial or religious aggravated offences, penalties could also be increased by one-and-a-half times.
.
The MHA said this approach is similar to that taken for enhanced penalties for certain offences committed against maids.
.
"This new section will help to preserve the social harmony which our country enjoys and send a strong message to any person who may try to disrupt social harmony," said the MHA.
.
Brother Michael Brough-ton, a member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, said such laws would enforce "external conformity" and "hasten the education process".
.
"In Singapore, I guess the way things work is that a law enforces it first," he said. But he believed education was still the key to achieving racial harmony.
.
"We want our younger ones to grow up internalising the principle," said Brother Broughton, a deputy principal of St Joseph's Institution.

KLK Killadi II

One word. Brilliance.

Tamil Theatre of Shakespearian Proportions

Titus Andronicus, or The Most Lamentable Romaine Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, may be Shakespeare's earliest tragedy. It depicts a fictional Roman general engaged in a cycle of revenge with his enemy Tamora, the Queen of the Goths. The play is by far Shakespeare's bloodiest work, taking its inspiration from the tragedies of Seneca the Younger (the Senecan Tragedies) of Ancient Rome, the gory theatre that was played to bloodthirsty circus audiences between gladiatorial combats. The play lost popularity during the Victorian era because of its gore, and has only recently begun to revive its fortunes.

Miror Theatre
In Collaboration With
Ravindran Drama Group
& The Esplanade

presents

" THONDAN"
(In literary Tamil with English subtitles)

An archaic ritual practice spawns an unimaginable spiral of revenge, carnage and tragedy! This gripping nail-biter of a story from Shakespeare's earliest tragedy Titus Andronicus, takes a new meaning and form in an exciting adaptation by Miror Theatre - the first time the play has been translated into literary Tamil.

Plot aside, 'Thondan', takes its form from physical theatre and traditional Indian performing art forms – including the traditional Kerala martial art form, Kalari Payet, Therukoothu (a form of street theatre) and Koodiyaatam . A potent mixture of various Indian art forms with a contemporary twist, Thondan promises to be a visual treat as well as a complete theatrical experience.

Featuring Vasantham Central veterans & award-winning artistes including , Elias, Eranien, G Selvanathan, Kalpana, Karthik, Narges Banu, Puravalan, Rasheed, Rethinavelu, Sivakumar Palakrishnan, Sounderarajan, Vicknesvari Vadivalagan, Vickneswaran, Vishnu, Vadi PVSS and many more.

Titus Andronicus was translated by Elavazhagan Murugan

THONDAN
Written by Elavazhagan Murugan
Co Written and Adapted and Directed
by Vadi PVSS.

"Come into the world of 'Thondan', where intrigue, treachery and vengeance will keep you on the edge of your seat!"

KALAA UTSAVAM
The Esplanade Indian Arts Festival
Theatre Studio
Nov 23-25 ; 7 pm shows daily
$27 (adult) $22 (Student/ NSF concession— NAC—AEP Grants Pending ) -
Tickets Includes 7% gst & SISTIC $2 charge - tickets now available at all SISTIC Outlets—SISTIC Hotline: 65576557.
Or Call Caroline at 81564723 to book your tickets now!

Miss?ed? - A Radical Play about Marriage in the Yindian Community

The play ‘Miss?ed?’ mainly highlights the importance of marriage and marrying the right person. At present, in the Indian community, a high divorce rate is more worrying than high single rate and yet, too often our society has a negative view of single-hood. The society sees single-hood like a state that cannot be changed - an immortal condition destined to bring unfulfillment. The play questions whether an individual’s happiness in life is based on their marital status.

The play examines if single women are given the time to make the right choice in their life when it concerns marriage or are they conformed by social conditions. With wit, the play explores how singles are stereotyped, stigmatized, and pressurized to get married and the many reasons for their singlehood.

Miss?ed?, a thought provoking play, looks into issues such as financial security, an individual’s potential for growth, relationships, trust, betrayal, autonomy, power and also the price an individual has to pay because of some selfish and inquisitive people in our society.


When: 3rd to 5th August 2007
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Arts House (Old Parliament House)
Cost: $21 (adults) $16 (Students)
For tickets: 9475 3392 / 9229 9649

Komalas, Are You Listening?

Hi Everyone,

I came across this letter in today's ST Online edition. It seemed amusing!

Mutton Biriyani in a Vegetarian Restaurant?

ON A recent visit to Komalas restaurant, I noticed that it has introduced a dish called mutton biryani.

The response I got when I enquired further on this item was that it was 'vegetarian mutton', followed by 'Don't eat if you don't want'.

I fail to understand how mutton biryani can be vegetarian.

Many people go to Komalas, thinking that it is a fully vegetarian restaurant as they have reservations about mixing vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Komalas needs to clarify if its restaurant is a fully vegetarian one and the ingredients used in all its preparations are also the same.

A. Srinivas
17 July 2007
ST Online

This is an issue of poor customer service more than anything else. If the person taking orders had been kind enough to mention that the 'mutton' was made from soy, vegetable gluten and other vegetable products, I think Mr. Srinivas might not have gotten so upset.

Maybe they should have better informed people manning the cash register! Or at least those who are polite enough to refrain from saying 'if you don't want, don't order'.

As someone who frequents vegetarian restaurants myself, I can tell you that Anand bavan, the other big indian vegetarian restaurant chain in Singapore also serves 'mock meat' on its menu. The stark difference between the two restaurants is that Anand Bavan advertises the 'benefits' of eating 'soy meat', and has educated its staff to answer customer queries.

Komalas might do well to take a leaf from Anand Bavan's book!

On the issue of mock meat itself, I have very mixed views. On one hand, I am not about to dismiss out of hand the health benefits that soy based products offer. As a vegetarian gourmand however, I find the idea of 'mock meat' very limiting. The challenge of cooking with vegetables is something that marks the true gourmet giants of Indian cuisine.

Did you know for example, that Hotel Saravanabavan in Chennai has over 120 varieties of DOSAI alone? In case you were wondering, Hotel Saravanabavan a vegetarian restaurant. One in which you are required to queue for two and a half hours in a mile long queue in the sweltering heat to get a place to eat.

My great grandmother, my grandmother and my mother have been cooking and eating 'meatless' all their lives. I will probably inherit their recipies and their proud traditions as well, and I will pass them down to my own children.

Ultimately, I am not in a position to comment on the virtues of a vegetarian palette over a meat eating one since I don't eat meat myself.

However, let me add that KOMALAs could be a little more creative in naming their dish. Mock Mutton Biriyani seems decent enough to me; at least you inform people that this isn't the real thing.

Guest Column: Kalpana

Now, it is one of our new initiatives to get a hold of local luminaries and/or members of the media to set about writing us a guest column so to speak. The credibility issues unfold both ways. In our first instalment, Ms. Kalpana, host of "Pesuvom" affirms and rebutts points that have already been thrown up in the air, diced with Ginsu knives and pounded in our "ammi"s. Still, late but not too late.

Vanakkam! This is Kalpana from the Talk Show “Pesuvom” which some of you may have seen on Vasantham Central. First of all, I have to thank the good folks of KLK who have given me the opportunity to be a part of this blog. I have to say that I am quite excited and more nervous, as I am not used to writing for many to witness.

When I was thinking about the 1^st topic to write about, many things came to mind but why not start about the much talked about show where the subject matter was blogging.

I read the reviews written by the members of KLKillahs as well as the reviews that the topic generated.

Here are my thoughts.

Personally blogging is a great channel for many to express their thoughts. It is basically an online magazine that is updated everyday. However, I think we need to know the objective of such a blog or magazine. What are we trying to achieve? To be very honest, I am still lost at what is actually achieved by a blog.

1. The articles about the programmes and the personalities. Some of the panellists who appeared on the programme had mentioned that the comments on blogs must have been encouraging and not demeaning. Fair enough! But the moment we take the stage, we must be ready for criticisms, good or bad. If you cannot take the heat, Stay away from the media.

2. As for the criticism of programmes, yes, they have been harsh too. But I think, we as the Media folks have to take it positively and look forward to giving better programmes. I honestly feel it is time for a change. It is time for the “NO GUTS NO GLORY” kind of attitude to come in and completely turn around the Tamil Programmes of Singapore

3. Expletives. Great writers and great speakers reach out to the common man and woman. They stay away from expletives and I believe so should we. What is the point? What are we trying to achieve? It shows a lack of class and a lot more emotional instability. Yes, you have freedom of expression, but why not use it wisely.

4. People writing about themselves. I think it is a good channel to let out some angst. I do not see any other good in it. It is up to the people of course. It is not all about the other people knowing about lives, but about the perception we give them. Most of the tmr, the thoughts that are encouraged in their heads when they read such blogs is: Do we really need to go there? Of course our reply could be, “why do I care?”. The answer is then ”Why do you write if you do not care?”.

Blogging is cool and it reaches out to many. Why not make it positive? We can follow the examples of the National Enquirer, or the E Channel or other gossip magazines, or we can choose to model the better ones. Why do we do this?

For awareness or is it an outlet for us to express ?

Cheers
Kalpana