July 2011 Archives - SearchIndia.com Blog

Useful Statistics of the Day – Snakes & Wild Beasts

Jul 312011

Going by the quality of comments posted lately on the fine SI blog, we’re greatly concerned over what seems to be the diminishing intellect and general knowledge of our readers.

Now, that has left us inconsolably depressed because the quality of comments is in a way a reflection on the blog, at least to outsiders.

So, in an effort to boost the collective IQ and general knowledge of our commenters we shall be providing on a frequent basis various useful information to y’all concerning Mera Bharat Mahaan.

Here’s one such valuable tidbit that you’re sure to find greatly useful as you navigate the turbulence that’s the hallmark of of life in India. By the way, that’s tidbit not titbit. Comprende?

Snakes & Wild Beasts

In 1906, a total of 24,034 persons were killed by snake bites or wild beasts in India.

Here are the precious details:

* 21,880 persons were killed by snake bites

* 796 were mauled to death or eaten by tigers Continue reading »

Cowboys and Aliens Review – Ridiculous Garbage

Hollywood 9 Responses »

Jul 302011

By Naveen

If any of you biped smart-asses out there think only Bollywood clowns and Kollywood swines are capable of unleashing mind-numbing trash on unsuspecting moviegoers then you’d better think again.

Jon Favreau (Director) has proved to y’all simpletons that Hollywood is second to none when it comes to putting forth sophomoric drivel.

Synopsis

Jake (Daniel Craig) wakes up with a bloody injury but no memory in the middle of a desert in the Wild West of the 1800s. He has a mysterious futuristic bracelet on his arm that does not come off.

His quest to find out more about himself takes him to a small town run by Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) where he comes to know that there is a price on his head. He also meets an enigmatic Ella (Olivia Wilde) who keeps following him.

Mysterious alien attacks happen in the small town.

Random people, including Dolarhyde’s son, are captured by the Aliens. Jake’s sudden memory flashbacks tell him that his girl friend was also a victim of the aliens.

So, Jake and Dolarhyde unite to fight the aliens, release the captured people and save the world.

How they do it forms the rest of the story.

Story, Screenplay and the Cast

Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby have written the story along with Steve Oedekerk. They are also responsible for the shoddy screenplay along with Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.

With so many people doing the story and screenplay it is hardly any surprise that the end result was as messy as mucus.

The movie began well but as the “plot” unfolds I got a distinct impression that the director had no idea what to do next. The entire movie seemed like an experiment in extempore film-making.

It seems like the 5-6 names mentioned above pooled in crazy ideas from other Hollywood blockbusters such as “Aliens”, “Independence Day”, Western classics, War of the Worlds, Bourne etc. and hit upon the unique idea of pitting Cowboys against Aliens (well, what else could they do? Predators had already fought aliens and The Terminator is busy avoiding Alimony). Throw in the retired Indiana Jones and out of work James Bond and hopefully you’ll have a nice little golden egg in the form of a summer blockbuster.

Who gives a rat’s ass about quality and logic?

It is unfathomable as to why prestigious A list stars like Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig would get involved in this kind of a thing.

Oh well, there’s the lucre, of course. Continue reading »

Non-iPad Tablets Should Roll Over & Die

Digital Media, Tablets 1 Response »

Jul 292011

The yawning gap between market leader Apple and the rest of the Tablet vendors (Motorola, Samsung, Acer, Asus, HP and the like) is growing wider.

A couple of days back during a visit to Staples, we found the U.S. office supplies store offering $100 instant rebate on all tablets except the Apple iPad and HP’s TouchPad.

Staples does not sell the iPad but offers a whole bunch of others including TouchPad, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy, Dell Streak, Acer Iconia, Asus Eee Pad Transformer and Blackberry PlayBook.

Despite the $100 discount, Staples’ tablet section wore a deserted look during our visit.

By the way, Staples’ $100-off deal is valid until tomorrow.

It seemed to us that even with lower prices the Apple rivals are finding it hard to compete with the iPad 2.

Currently, non-Apple tablets are priced around the same level as the iPad 2 but trending down. For a WiFi only model, iPad 2 tablet pricing ranges from $499 for a 16GB model to $699 for a 64GB version.

Motorola Xoom Tablets – Pitiful

In more distressing news, Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha disclosed today that the company shipped (not the same as sold) 440,000 Xoom Android tablets in its fiscal second quarter ended July 2, 2011.

Besides the U.S., Motorola offers the Xoom in Latin America, Europe, China, Korea and Japan.

During almost the same period (the three months ended June 25), Apple sold 9.2 million iPad 2 tablets.

Motorola’s move to cut pricing of its 32GB Xoom from $599 to $499 is unlike to help either. Apple owns the market.

All the tablet vendors riding the Android train will have little but huge losses to show in the coming quarters.

For the full-year, Motorola expect tablet shipments will range from 1.3 million to 1.5 million.

How long before most of the non-iPad tablet vendors kiss the dust?

Amazon Instant Video Movie Collection Still Piffling

Digital Media No Responses »

Jul 282011

Even after today’s announcement about a streaming deal with Universal Pictures, Amazon’s instant movie collection is still an anemic 2,100.

Including TV shows, Amazon has some 9,000 titles in its Instant Video collection.

That’s nothing compared to the tens of thousands of titles Instant Video leader Netflix has amassed.

For the benefit of the schmucks, Instant Video in the U.S. lets users stream movies to a PC or TV (through a compatible box like Roku) for a fee.

Bottom line, movie buffs are better off with Netflix.

Life is Beautiful – Movies Can’t Get Better Than This

Foreign Movies 34 Responses »

Jul 282011

(Recommended by SI Blog reader VJ Cool & Ganesh)

Indian thieving swines can’t make movies.

Now, repeat that after us a million times.

We just finished watching the 1997 Italian film La vita è bella (Life is Beautiful).

Completely swept away.

That’s what we were by the sheer beauty of the film.

Directed by Roberto Benigni (who also plays the lead character Guido), Life is Beautiful is a brilliant tragicomedy, the likes of which come along once in two decades at best.

And the kind of classy movie, our Indian schmucks can’t imagine putting out in a million years.

Set in Italy of 1939, Life is Beautiful starts off as just another funny foreign movie but midway veers off in a different direction and ends as one of the great tragicomedies in motion picture history.

It’s after Guido, his young son, wife and uncle are carted off to a Nazi Concentration Camp (because they’re Jews) that the movie comes into its own.

We won’t tell you the details lest we spoil your joy but Guido launches one of the first amusing and tragic ~~games~~ farces in the concentration camp.

Pitted as Guido and his camp-mates are against a brutal, murderous regime you know it’s ultimately not going to end well but yet can’t help getting up caught up in the game.

Roberto Benigni, who plays first a waiter, then a bookshop owner and finally a Nazi concentration camp inmate is an extraordinary actor who animates the screen with his presence.

Fittingly, he’s often described as Italy’s ‘National Treasure.’

Roberto Benigni’s real-life wife Nicoletta Braschi, who plays his beloved ‘Princessa’ and wife Dora, is most certainly not a bad actress herself but no match for Roberto in the acting department. Continue reading »

Season 2 of NJ Samosa Lawsuit – Hot Entertainer

Entertainment, Food, Religion, Reviews 14 Responses »

Jul 272011

Just as we were at a loss for a good Indian entertainer in these hot summer days, comes a new twist in the latest episode of the Great Samosa Battle of New Jersey.

Think of it as Season 2 of the Great Samosa Lawsuit.

On one side of the Samosa legal battle, you have a bunch of vegetarians.

And on the other side, stands Moghul Express restaurant on Oak Tree Road, Edison (NJ) that we once reviewed negatively for serving crappy Indian food.

Yes, both parties in the Great Samosa Lawsuit are of Indian origin.

Samosa Lawsuit of New Jersey Generic Picture of Samosas

In Season 1 of the Samosa case, the plaintiffs (i.e. the Indian vegetarians who filed the lawsuit) lost the battle to win damages from Moghul Express for serving them Meat Samosas instead of the Vegetable Samosas they had ordered.

Citing spiritual injuries over eating the meat samosas, the 16 Indian Hindu vegetarians had asked for compensation for emotional distress as well as to participate in a religious purification ceremony along the Ganga River in the Indian holy city of Haridwar in Uttaranchal state.

The Indian vegetarians’ argument essentially ran as follows:

Hindu vegetarians believe that if they eat meat, they become involved in the sinful cycle of inflicting pain, injury and death of God’s creatures, and that it affects the karma and dharma, or purity of the soul. Hindu scriptures teach that the souls of those who eat meat can never go to God after death, which is the ultimate goal for Hindus. The Hindu religion does not excuse accidental consumption of meat products. One who commits the religious violation of eating meat, knowingly or unknowingly, is required to participate in a religious ceremony at a site located along the Ganges River in Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India, to purify himself. The damages sought by plaintiffs included compensation for the emotional distress they suffered, as well as economic damages they would incur by virtue of having to participate in the required religious cleansing ceremony in India.

Although Moghul Express acknowledged serving meat samosas to the party ordering vegetarian samosas, it won the first round.

Thank God, the Samosa case did not end there.

What would all of us desis in the Northeast starved for entertainment do.

Not for us, the effete Singham or Deiva Thirumagal.

Hey, we want something meatier oops juicier.

Moghul Express Battles Samosa Lawsuit Moghul Express – Feels the Heat
(File Photo)

Mercifully for all of us, the aggrieved Indian vegetarians appealed against the original court ruling.

And the Good Lord heard our prayers for entertainment.

Now the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has ruled on July 18, 2011 that the case can proceed on one of the grounds – Breach of Express Warranties.

With the case back in court, Season 2 of the Great Samosa Battle of New Jersey promises entertaining times ahead.

Moghul Express in Edison, New Jersey must certainly be feeling the heat.

Most Indians Still on Slow Train to Internet

Digital Media, General, IT Industry 6 Responses »

Jul 262011

The majority of Indians are still riding the slow, shuttle train as far as the Internet is concerned.

Average Internet connection speed is one of the lowest for a fast-growing, high-profile nation like India, if you go by the numbers for Q1, 2011 from a recent study by Akamai.

The study shows that average Internet speed in India is a mere 0.8 Mbps compared to 14.4Mbps in South Korea, 5.3Mbps in USA, 1Mbps in China and 4.6Mbps in the UK.

Worse, 35% of Indians connect to the Internet at speeds less than 256Kbps.

Just wondering, will YouTube load at 256Kbps?

Bet you can complete jerking off or even make a baby and the page still wouldn’t have loaded.

By the way, India is among the Top-10 countries for origin of cyber-attacks. No surprise, eh?

Internet Connection Speeds Slow in India

Say, if Internet connection speeds are so slow in India how then do these Chutias illegally download all the Bollywood, Kollywood and Hollywood films. Continue reading »

ZNMD 2nd Wknd BO – Better Than Singham 1st Wknd

Bollywood, Box Office No Responses »

Jul 262011

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is holding strong at the U.S. box office even in the second weekend.

ZNMD’s second weekend box office numbers were way, way better than Singham’s (Ajay Devgn) first weekend numbers. Now, how does that make you feel Chutia (of course, we mean you, Ajay Devgn)?

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is the third Bollywood movie after 3 Idiots and MNIK in recent years to fare well in second weekend at U.S. box office.

For the second weekend, i.e. July 22-24, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara grossed $670,258 with an average gross of $6,703 per theater. It came in again at #15 retaining its first weekend rank.

The total gross of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara up to July 25, 2011 in the U.S. is $2.0 million.

Here’s how Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara fared in the second weekend at the U.S. box office compared to a few prominent Bollywood films:

Ajay Devgn’s Singham Squeaks Like a Mouse at BO

Bollywood, Box Office 9 Responses »

Jul 252011

ZNMD 2nd Wknd BO – Better Than Singham 1st Wknd

Ajay Devgn’s Singham is a bloody disaster at the box office.

We mean the U.S. box office.

For the July 22-24, 2011 opening weekend, Singham could manage a total gross of a mere $161,063 and an average gross of $3,221.

We’ve seen the Tamil version of Singham and it’s utter garbage.

But given that Indians (in India) love garbage, we wouldn’t be surprised if Singham fares well in India.

Here’s how badly Singham fared at the U.S. box office compared to a few prominent Bollywood films:

Ajay Devgn's Singham Box Office Report

Related Stories:
Singam Review – Sin to Watch Such Trash

SVS Temple Aurora Canteen – Count Your Blessings

Food, Religion, Reviews 17 Responses »

Jul 252011

by Naveen

Edukondalavada Venkata Ramana Govinda Govinda!

Hey wait!

Before y’all scoot thinking this is a religious post, I swear on Balaji that you folks will be chanting the same Edukondalavada…Govinda Govinda mantra after tasting the non pareil South Indian Tiffin offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, IL.

SVS Temple Aurora, Chicago SVS Temple Aurora – Nourishing the Soul & the Stomach

After moving from the bustling Chicago downtown to a tranquil suburb, I paid a visit to the famous Balaji temple aka. SVS Temple Aurora, IL this last weekend.

My appetites were roused and I was drooling in anticipation of laying my hands on the big, soft, curvaceous and spongy… Idly.

What were you thinking, you perverts?

Quiet, Serene and Large Parking

Balaji temple is a fine oasis for Desis in the Chicago area, especially the South Indian community, to congregate harmoniously in the name of Vishnu (Balaji/Venkateswara is a form of Vishnu) and food, two things dear to most Hindus.

The campus is sprawling and the temple itself is constructed away from the road and in the middle of man-made ponds that enhance the aura and beauty of the place.

SVS Temple Aurora Sylvan Surroundings of the SVS Temple, Aurora

Despite a large parking lot in front of the temple, a new additional parking lot has been opened to accommodate more guests / worshipers. The overall capacity is probably 400+ parking spaces which is adequate except on special days like Diwali etc.

The temple itself is a beautiful structure, both the interiors and the external facade.

In sheer majesty, it can match any traditional South Indian temple in India.

Services

Devout Hindus may visit this temple to worship Ganesh (Pillayar), Karthikeya (Murugan), Siva, Bhramarambhika (Parvathi), Navagraham, Balaji / Sri Venkateswara Swamy / Vishnu, Sri Devi (Maha Lakshmi), Bhoo Devi (Andal), Kanyeka Parameswari, Aiyappan and Hanuman (Anjaneyar).

Unlike major temples in India, one does not need to buy tickets for Darshan of the deities at the SVS Temple. Natürlich, you don’t have special tickets that allow you to bypass the queue either.

Balaji temple is a one-stop shop for various Hindu religious functions and activities.

Apart from the regular sevas, the temple conducts special pujas periodically based on important dates in the Hindu calendar.

Some of the regular services offered by Temple are:

1. Archana
2. Car Puja, House-warming, etc.
3. Facilities (Space, Catering, Purohit, Puja Items etc.) and to conduct family functions including Marriages.
4. A separate building called Panchavati for Dance, Musical recitals and other cultural activities
5. Gift Shop
6. Sales of Panchangam (Hindu calendar), Titan Watches embossed with Balaji’s likeness, Balaji Photos and a few other religious artifacts
7. And, of course, a Canteen

Ah, but I digress.

The purpose of this review is to cover just the temple canteen and not the temple itself.

So, y’all may visit the SVS Temple web site for details of their services and schedules and read ahead for the food review.

Busy Temple, Busier Cafeteria, and Clean Premises

The moment you near the temple entrance you cannot miss the distinctive, inviting aroma of the two South Indian favorites Vadai and Sambar.

Devotees have to walk past the Canteen on the 1st floor to enter the Sannadhis (worshiping premises) in the 2nd floor. It’s probably designed to make people spend less time worshiping and more money eating.

Not a bad commercial idea!

The temple is at its busiest on weekends.

The lovely Sari clad women, Salwar wearing belles, kids running helter-skelter, slow moving old Mamas and Mamis, loud discussions in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, kids responding in American accent to dads admonishing them in an acquired accent and the several quirkiness associated with South Indians, makes this divine island a lively place.

The clean kitchen, use of gloves to serve and a clean restroom makes us forget any lingering worries and encourage us to eat heartily with gusto.

Busy Canteen at SVS Temple Aurora Crowded Canteen at SVS Temple

Menu… OOPS! It’s called Prasadham
SVS Canteen offers only the popular South Indian Tiffin and snack items in its menu (with Mango Lassi being an exception).

No Garlic Naan, Paneer Makhani, Paav-Bhaji, Dhokla or Kathiawadi food served here.

And if you shaitans dare to even think of non-vegetarian items, may Balaji hurl his nastiest curses at you!

Idly, Vadai, Idly-Vadai Combo, Pongal, Pongal-Vadai Combo, Dosai, Puliohare (Tamarind Rice), Thayir Sadham (Curd Rice), Tea, Indian Coffee, Black Coffee, Mango Lassi, Laddu and Bholi is the complete menu with one or two snack items added occasionally.

How to Buy Food in SVS Canteen?

SVS Canteen is a self-service place.

The canteen is run by volunteers and a small admin staff.

1. Stand in a line and buy tokens from billing counter. Some items such as Bholi, Laddu, and Murukku etc. are pre-packed and you can collect it here.
2. Stand in multiple lines to exchange tokens for the food items.
a. Idly, Vadai, and Pongal go in one line
b. Dosai counter collects the token and issues a ticket. You may collect your Dosai when your number flashes
c. Puliohare and Thayir Sadham are boxed and go in a separate line
d. Another line for Sambar and Chutney
e. Dispensers are available for Tea, Coffee and Mango Lassi

Freshly prepared items are available only on weekends or special days.

Important: Dosai counter opens at 11:30 am on weekends only.

Be prepared for long lines during lunch / dinner hours during weekends.

SVS Temple Food Review

Instead of elaborate descriptions item by item, I would say that most of the items were simply fantastic.

My taste buds were tingled lovingly by the temple kitchen’s passionately cooked food that appeared, tasted, smelt and felt like what good South Indian Tiffin ought to be.

Idly was big, soft, spongy, warm and an absolute pleasure when dipped in the fine tangy, vegetable and aroma rich Sambar.

Coconut chutney was fresh, fragrant and left a spicy feel which made me hanker for more and more of it.

Idly-Vada at SVS Temple, Aurora Great Idly-Vadai Combo

The Vadai was perfect in shape, rich in color, right in size, and fine in taste and surprisingly not oily!

Pongal was an absolute treat.

With the perfect temperature, it melted in my mouth giving me a loving feel of its well mixed ingredients such as Black Peppercorn (Milagu), Ghee and Curry leaf.

Simply orgasmic!

Pongal at SVS Temple, Aurora Canteen Delicious Pongal & Vadai with Chutney & Sambar

Dosai was large, thick and tasted absolutely splendid with the Potato Masala on the side.

One thing I like about the temple’s Dosai is its nice balanced thickness… neither too thin (like paper-roast) nor too thick (like Uthappam).

Dosa at SVS Temple Aurora Heavenly Dosai at SVS Temple

Dosa at SVS Temple Aurora Closer Encounters of the Dosai Kind

Puliohare was tangy, hot, and fragrant with a great after-taste.

The chunky rice only appears that way. Continue reading »

Page 1 of 512 3 4 5 »

SearchIndia.com Blog