One more

 

Evening at Florida

This is one the the 200 photos I took to test my new lens- a Nikkor 18-55mm DX. I managed to take all my earlier pictures using my film lens Nikkor 24-85mm AF-S on D70 body. But I choose to buy a new and light weight 18-55 for more flexibility and that little extra wide angle. This lens is very good, light and is one of the best SLR lens for such a low price ($154 + shipping). It delivered more than I expected in all my test shots. I got this from www.bhphotovideo.com where I have been buying all my photographic goods since I came USA 3 years back. Eager to capture the beauty of Great Smokies with my new tool. 

IC-814 Hijack Episode - when India lost face

Check this article in Rediff about Jaswant Singh's version of the Hijack episode.

Nations are not made up of just cities, villages, rivers and mountains. They are made up of values and importantly with how much conviction the majority of it's people have about their values. The way IC-814 hijack crisis handled by Indian Govt showed to the world that India is a nation with no spine. Lifes of around 160 passengers and crew is definitely more valuable than 36 individuals if they are not terrorists. But India bent on it's kneels and accepted defeat and our own external affairs minister personally being present before world media and doing this shameful act of exchange doesnt reflect good about a billion strong nation. It made us a billion weak nation...

Shame on media for dramatizing this episode and putting nebgative pressure on the Govt. SHAME.....

You can write me off another cynical NRI..But still...I am a patriotic Indian and could not accept Indian Govt's action.

BBQ on July 4th

What is the best way to celebrate American Independence Day and World Cup 2006 - Germany Vs Italy semi-finals? Our friends Harith and Madhuri invited us for the BBQ. We went there at 1:30 PM and assembled a new grill, lit the coal and started BBQ. Tobasco sauce and Smoky Chipotle sauces added the gist of flavor. Chicken, Pork, Vegetables, sweet corn...Like Sri Sri said "kaadedi Grill ki anarham" ;-) Had a blast.

JP, Lok Satta and Indian Politics

I am an honest Indian. This doesnt mean that I never bribed anyone or never lied to anyone. But most of the time, for all day to day transactions I strive to be honest and feel guilty after I commit any mistake. I could be in the same level of self-consciousness of many other Indians. But, at the ground level, India is corrupted to the core. Nothing moves unless some lubrication is applied to the machinery. One of the very few groups promoting the change and in fact trying to be change catalyst is Lok Satta. Lok Satta started with the sole aim of political reforms. But after more than 10 years of existence, they concluded that nothing could be moved in India until they become part of the process.

I wish Lok Satta all the best.

The memories of my meeting with JP in October 1999 still remains fresh. When my uncle Dr. Mitra Puchalapalli mentioned that JP will be visting his house, I immediately requested for an appointment. JP talks smooth with a metallic voice. What amazes me is his conviction and clarity of thought. That time he just came Chennai after Elections Analysis for AP state elections. He predicted that TDP may win elections which became true. Then we talked at length about the politics and other casual matters. Then myself and Mitra uncle dropped him at airport. What an experience!!!