In a world where cross cultural influences are seen in every aspect of life, it seems shocking when a whole society is thrown into a state of chaos just because someone has kissed somebody on stage in public. Let us take the case of actress Shilpa Shetty and actor Richard Gere.

It seems not only strange but bizarre that in a country which has to battle against a host of grave and serious issues, a sizeable portion of the people of this country, and the politicians considered it more important to create uproar about this. Calling it a heinous act of misconduct and a direct insult of Indian values. And the media gave it optimum coverage for days.

The fish never seem to sleep (though they do have restful periods in a 24 hour day). As they dart and gleam inside a clear fish tank, they give your eyes so much to savour. Watching fish move about is a strangely soothing activity. It gives you a pleasant canvas for the play of your thoughts. As you examine their vibrant micocosm, some of the stress from your own magnified problems falls away.

Summers mean different things to different people. But in India they sure mean hot, sweaty days, an ever parched throat and a constant need to keep cool. Food takes the back seat even for the most avid foodie and a cool, refreshing drink is considered more desirable. So, here are some tested and tried, hassle free and simple to make summer chillers for you. So, sip, slurp your way through summer.

Mango Smoothie With a desi touch(serves two)

Ingredients

Hung curd- 1 cup
Ripe mango pulp- 1 cup
Sugar-to taste
Water- ½ cups

After the Kalpana Chawlas and the Gururaj Deshpandes, the Deepak Chopras and the Bobby Jindals, its now the turn of another arena of American life to open up to persons of Indian origin. Sanjaya Malakar has just been voted out of American Idol, the talent hunt show that makes waves on American television, after surviving bitter criticism and a hostile press for several weeks. The seventeen year old, whom none other than J Lo and Paula Abdul found charming and ‘smart’ is currently reflecting on what life should be like post-American Idol. He wants it to be the complete ‘business and entertainment’ story.

Film : Maya Kannadi
Starring : Cheran, Navya
Director : Cheran

Cheran’s last two films left indelible marks on the viewer but with Maya Kannadi, one can hardly say the same. Though his movies have strong messages that linger long in the mind, and it is no different with this film, the manner in which he delivers the message this time, doesn’t seem to be up to the mark. One surely misses the Cheran touch, the ability to convey more with less.