As I get older one of the things I find difficult to explain is the need to be consistent with principles and moral values. In our school we have what is called the parent teacher conference wherein the parent if unlucky will hear all the trouble their kid is in. This year though I did not attend, my other parent friends' called me right after to tell that in general the morals and values of children were not what it used to be. To say I was shocked is putting it mildly. That I cannot repeat the...

This evening I took my son and his friends to our local county Fair. Its really a small fair with the usual Ferris Wheel, Merry go Rounds, some rides called Hammer and Pirates where a ship goes on a rocking motion. Then there were the games where you can shoot a ballon to win a prize. But ofcourse the greater attraction was the food. Nothing fancy . Just the Funnel cakes and Cotton candy and fries and Onion Rings. Eating cotton candy and walking with the boys I was reminded of our ThiruVizha. Mostly...

Things, places and people are changing so rapidly its difficult to keep track most of the time. During my last trip to Coimbatore, where my inlaws lived, I happened to visit a few shops and place of businesses. One of the things that struck me most is that NO one really spoke Tamil. Most of the time people addressed you in English and expected a reply in English. When I did choose to speak in tamil, even my relatives, the response would be "ennanga neengal padicha vanga english illa pesama.......ah....!!!!!!!!!"...

Dear Friends
These days since I am becoming wary of my ever expanding waist line, I am resorting to cooking many items in my oven. Lets start with the famous potato fries. Who among us can say truthfully that we are not tempted by it. So heres my version. I use both regular and Sweet Potato as well. After washing cut in 1/2 inch thichness with skin. Place uniformly on an oven proof plate and spray with oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and corainder powder and chilli powder if needed. Alternate all...

When we were growing up each evening as we returned from school our first question used to be "What's for tiffin today?". Tiffin is that word which denotes mainly evening meal, shall I say? Something we prepare lightly but not too light to be called snack. Not too heavy to qualify for a meal like lunch or dinner. Mostly items that go well with afternoon time to hold off till dinner. My mother used to make dosai, or puri (hmmmmm.....) or even pakodas or ribbon pakoda or thenkuzhal....