The Elite Window is back! (for good!)

Hey you all! Sorry that the Elite Window has REALLY been erratic these past few years (If erratic means 1 post/3 years). You can blame it on adolescence and basically some new found freedom that came by when I joined College (It happens to everyone - don't look at me like that!). So I was thinking (now that I have free time - no seriously - a LITTLE free time) why not restart the Window to the World? There is a renewed vigour in me - to share my thoughts and the little and BIG things I do in my life - so lets restart this whole idea - put a new set of rocket boosters to it and let it go. It's time that something interesting hit the internet. So here's to the coming years of entertainment, gossip, news, movies, music, FOOD, stories, places, sights, sounds and spectacles that can ONLY be seen at your only Window to the World - The Elite Window.

CR 

P.S. Your upcoming dose of The Window:

Silver Screens: The Dark Knight Rises

Gadget Gossip: The iPhone 5 - Rumours from near and far

Maami's Kitchen: Dosai I Say! - Not One but Five! 

i | Mage of the Month: A Bird in the Sky

Directions for 2010 GRAND NAVARATRI GOLU SATSANG on 14th October

Click on the ABOVE IMAGE for a bigger View. The directions are similar to the ones posted last year which can also be referred to in the previous posts. I hope you all make it to this wonderful Satsang and a wonderful evening filled with Food, Fun and Festivities! Once again, I welcome you to the blog Elite Window, and to my house for the Satsang.

Time: 6-7 pm (Earlier so that people can start in time for the Bengaluru Ashram visit)

Venue: My Place- 'Sriniketan', 36/129, Main road, Karpagam Avenue, R.A. Puram

Events: Satsang + Grand Navaratri Dinner ('Iyengar Saapaattu + Vettilai Paaku' (for girls ;-))

Be There! - C.R. Aditya

Be Happy! (It's a blessing and an order) - Guruji

Coming UP!: Monsoon October!

MONSOON OCTOBER

Coming UP!: is a new feature on the Elite Window every month end, featuring upcoming articles in the next month so that you can keep yourself updated with when what is going to come. This feature is being introduced to frankly keep myself more punctual.

So October will hold for you:

Monsoon October*:

My Story: The Land of the Sun (October 1st week) NEW!

Gadget Gossip: Samsung Jet vs LG Arena (October 1st week)

Silver Screens: What's Your Rashee? ; Wake Up Sid! (October 1st Week)

Maami's Kitchen: Dosai- Not One but Five!!! (October 2nd Week)

iSpy: --- BLIND POST^ --- (October 2nd Week)

J.F.L: --- BLIND POST ---(October 2nd Week)

Celebrations: Deepaavali/ Diwali (October 17th) NEW!

Elite Bazaar: Offers You Can't Miss! (India) (All throughout Deepavali Season) NEW!

Guru Gyan #3: The Meaning of Spirituality (October 3rd Week)

Krazy Kolly: What's up in 'Mind It' Land? (October 3rd Week) NEW!

Simply Veg: Clocktail: Cocktails in 3 Minutes Flat! (October 3rd Week)

My Story: Monsoons are here! (Barso Re!) (October 4th Week)

Artist of the Month: --- BLIND POST --- (October 4th Week)

Website of the Month: --- BLIND POST --- (October 4th Week)

Options: C made Simple (October 4th Week)

Simple Software: Windows 7 (October 22nd)

Lingua Franca: Learn new words in Different Languages! (October 4th Week) NEW!

Living in the Present: Lose your Flabs (Family Pack Abs)!! SECRETS REVEALED!! (October 4th Week)

So be prepared for a smashing Monsoon October only on the Elite Window: Your Window to the World.

CR Aditya

The Elite ______

* the Elite Window will not be held responsible for any non-confirming incidents that deviate from the fore mentioned schedule, although it will do it's level best to come up with all the articles mentioned earlier. Conditions Apply!

^Blind Posts are posts you will have to wait for to get to know the exiting contents within! NEW!

NEW!- NEW! refers to a NEW article series beginning that month!

Celebrations: Navaratri

MYSORE PALACE

DURGA MAA

DHANDIYA RAS

KOLU

Etymology: Nava (nʌvʌ) - Nine, Ratri(rætriː)- Night

Meaning: Nine Nights

Language Used: Sanskrit (नवरात्रि)

Religion: Hinduism

Navaratri is a Hindu festival of dance and celebration that continues for nine days from the start of the festival on the Amaavaasya day (new moon) in the Lunar Month Chaitra. Another one is celebrated exactly six months later in the Lunar month Ashwini - but the festival that falls in October is most popular amongst the two. It is celebrated in great pomp and glory all across India and Hindu communities in the world.

Mahishuru Celebrations

The celebration crucially features worship to the Divine Mother- Gauri/ Devi/ Parvati/ Shambhavi/ Naarayani / Shakthi etc. The Goddess, wife of the Holy Ascetic and mighty yogic God Shiva (The destroyer), appears on Earth centuries ago to kill the Demon Mahishasura, who ruled Dakshin Bharath (now it is known as Karnataka,Kerala,Tamil Nadu...) with all his cruelty and tyranny, on Mount Chamundi which is located in present day Mahishuru (Mysore). The goddess is now worshipped at Mahishuru in the name of Chamundeswari, and every Navaratri the great Wadiyor Mysore Palace is lit up to shine with the glory of the goddess- a spectacle not available anywhere else in the world.

Kolu

In Tamil Nadu (mostly), people keep clay and paper maché dolls of various Gods and Goddesses on makeshift steps and worship them. The dolls all depict legends from Hindu History and each doll has a meaning. The women are invited over and are given beetle leaves with nuts, a blouse piece, some small gifts and the red Kum Kum (Vermillion), signifying the importance of women in society and their roles in making a house good to live in. Ayudhya pooja is conducted on the ninth day of the festival and people worship Goddess Saraswati and pray for education and intelligence. People clean all their vehicles and sanctise them with Chandan (Sandal Paste) and Kum Kum (Vermillion) praying for a safe journey throughout the next year. The pooja usually goes hand in hand with Satsangs (Being with the truth) where people sing Bhajans
(songs in praise of Gods and Goddesses). The kolu dolls are then symbolically laid to sleep (one on each step) to signify the end of the festival on Vijayadasami day (tenth day).

North India

North India (mainly Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) celebrates Navaratri with dance and singing. Gujarat in particular has the Dhandiya Ras which is a circular group dance involving sticks (Dhandiya). The festival celebrations go late into the night and is quite fun. One must experience this in person.

West Bengal Durga Pooja

Durga Pooja is very popular in West Bengal. The Goddess Durga (Parvati) is worshipped with different names on each day and offerings are made to her, seeking peace and harmony.

I, being a Chennaiite in Tamil Nadu, keep Kolu in my house every year and celebrate Navaratri with true glory. It is a pride to be part of such celebrations that come sadly only once a year!!

Jai Jagadamba!

CR Aditya

The Elite CEO

Navaratri Golu Satsang!

CLICK FOR MORE DIRECTIONS

Navaratri is the nine-day festival celebrated by Hindus on the occasion of Mahishasura being defeated by Maa Durge. To celebrate this triumph, I am having a celebration of Truth along with the Golu exhibition I usually display on 24th September @ my house from 6:3o to 8:30p.m. Address- 36/129, Main Road, Karpagam Avenue, R.A. Puram, Chennai-28 (Near ICICI Bank Towers, opp. Mayor Ramanathan Chettiar Hall, MRC Nagar- at the end of Karpagam Avenue main road itself, if you are coming from the Adyar side). All the YES+ group is also invited for dinner! It is going to be a bash you can't miss!!! Please refer to the image by clicking it for more directions and Landmarks. Come and Live the Moment!!!

EDIT: The Satsang was smashing!!! Although, I would appreciate it that you all:

1) SEE THE DIRECTIONS before coming.

2) CONFIRM for dinner...

Have a nice day....

CR Aditya

The Elite Satsanger

A Tribute: R.I.P Michael Jackson

This is to a star that died 2 months ago under tragic, mysterious circumstances- a star that revolutionised dancing and the King of Pop- a star that was heavily criticised and accused, yet was a critical part of our childhood memories. For all those people, I pray for Michael Jackson, may his music live on.

R.I.P Michael Jackson

Directed By: Samar Khan

Featuring:

Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Prabhu Deva, Yuvraj Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Vishal - Shekar, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Goshal, Kay Kay

Simply Veg: South Indian Chutney Sandwich

Simply Veg: The South Indian Chutney Sandwich

Hey- it's about time that you wash that rotten meat from your bowels and fill it with the greenest sandwich in the world. It has all the nutrients you would need and you probably would have heard this recipe- nevertheless you never know what could change in my recipe!

You will need:

A fresh coriander bunch (leaves)

A bunch of mint leaves

Salt to taste

Garlic: 3-5 flowers

Green Chillies: 2 (or) Chilli flakes: 1 tsp

Turmeric (2 tsp.)

Mango: 1 small unripe, cut into small pieces (without seed)

Tomato: 1, cut in small pieces

Potato: 2 boiled, chopped and lightly salted .

Cucumber: 1, cut into small pieces

Tomato Ketchup (if needed)

Mustard Sauce.

1 small packet of your desired flavour of Chips (adds to calories)

1 cheese slice (if necessary)

Whole wheat Bread: 2 slices

Calories: ~125 cal (without cheese and chips)

Ideal for: Breakfast, Tiffin

Serves: 1

Comments: Makes a healthy alternative to processed foods like Noodles and Cornflakes.

Method: 1) Put the Mint leaves, desired amount of salt, Coriander leaves, garlic, mango pieces, Green Chillies/Chilli flakes and Turmeric with a little water inside the mixer and grind until the whole thing becomes a fine thick paste. (be careful to wash the leaves thoroughly before you do this).

2)Take the bread and slop the above paste as a fine thin layer on one side of the slices of bread (use the ketchup and mustard sauce lightly to add a sweet touch). Put the cheese slice over one slice of bread (if necessary), tomato slices, potato slices and cucumber slices. Put few pre-cooked flavoured potato chips on top and crush them lightly so that they dont poke the other slice of bread which forms the complete sandwich. Grill if necessary (when the cheese slice is present) or eenjoy fresh without the cheese slice after slightly warming both sides on a Tava (pan).

3) Serve with extra dabs of chutney and sauce combinations. Serve hot.

CR Aditya

The Elite Chef

iSpy: 2012

2012: We were warned.

Director: Roland Emmirech (From Godzilla (2000))

Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Thandy Newton, Oliver Platt

Studio: Columbia Pictures/ Sony Incorporated

What happens when you put science and spirituality together? You get one answer: 2012. Five years from now, it is predicted that the world would meet its doomsday at the hands of the Almighty- although, the film unfortunately concentrates on the destructive aspect of the situation- as you can infer from the trailer below- the untold horror that is going to dawn on humanity at an alarmingly precise date as well as time: 21 st December 2012 at 11:11 am UTC. Firstly, the date and time itself is a mix of the numbers 0, 1 and 2 (21/12/12 @ 11:11) which is either extremely alarming or exceedingly co-incident (as the critics put it (I hate critics)). But after all, the film goes far beyond what the Mayans, who are behind this prophecy, had foretold- with special effects (that transcend imagination) that crush Rome (beneath the Chapel), shake the unfortunate Jesus statue @ Rio in Brazil to bits as well as drown the Himalayas and White House in a sea of ocean water, don't forget the train eind thrown into oblivion or the Merc C Class roaring out of the back of the plane. Now for the reality behind this situation, God help us. Even science is not denying it. With an 'anything's possible' tag, they have treated 2012 with utmost caution. Reasons varying from Pole Shifts which could cause intense magnetic radiation that burns our communication system; to Aliens, to Asteroids hitting the earth, to the Sun Spot Cycle to the Mayan Calender, to the Particle Accelerator in CERN (Even them?!!!) which might go wrong and spin off deadly mini-black holes, to a super volcano in Yellowstone National Park and what not? (For more details visit this link 2012: The World WILL End or Google Search (TM) ). Many people might debunk this as a rumour but I (being remotely sadistic) would like to see how mankind has the guts to predict its own end. So we wait till the movie unfolds on November 13th 2009 in India and the rest of the world. Until then ;-) its Bye from me.

Aditya CR

The Elite Warrior.

Living in the Present: Hello!

I know it is outrageous and I havn't posted in a 'while' (1 year) + I wasn't there for Elite Window's first birthday even though my internet usage has gone through the roof. Not much has changed during the past year though- all I can infer from the series of fiascos the world is double turning into is that we are all heading for trouble sooner or later. Which brings me to this week's article (I promise to post weekly once from now on! My oath! And I will try to make it frequent! Watch out for Groovy Movie: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and Kaminey as well as Cine Scoop: 2012 and Simply Veg Recipe of the month) The elite window is back to being its elite self (currently elite for being the only blog for miles on the internet that hasn't been used in the past year). I also plan on re-kindling Guru Gyan section as well as Gadget Gossip: Samsung Jet vs. LG Arena & Auto: Fiat is back!; Just for Laughs: Mr. Chaudry- Youtube's very own Jester!!. Watch out for all these in the next week (to make up for one year- although there are no changes to the blog layout (sorry!)). The Elite Window will remain tricolour to commomerate Independence day (Happy Independence Day) as well as Chennai's birthday (Aug 22nd). Also I have something interesting about my trip to the Land of the Sun in Dec 2008 which I would like to share so watch out for that too- My Story: The Land of the Sun.

A Tryst with Destiny: Bhindra Burns through Beijing!

Phelps all the way (Source: CBS News)

Bhindra Burns through Beijing (Source: LA Times)

Even though this post is largely out of schedule, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Abhinav Bhindra on his stunning performance at the Olympics. I also hope that our three boxers Akhil, Jitendar and Vijender Kumar do well and make India proud in Boxing (as they are our medal hopes).

----------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: I also congratulate Michael Phelps (USA) on his world record for securing the most number of medals (8) in a single olympics (16 in all), beating the earlier Spitz who has 7 medals to his name.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

C.R. Aditya

The Elite Window

August: A Tryst with Destiny

A Tryst with Destiny

Happy Independence Day! 61 years of Indian Independence have passed. India is a free country, developing rapidly, expanding, conquering all that comes in its wake. The Elite Window will be celebrating this glorius occasion with a month of Indian Independence stories, and incidents that have shaped up India today in August: A Tryst with Destiny, all this month, here at Elite.

Once again, wishing all the Indians in the world a Happy Independence Day.

Yours,

Aditya C.R

The Elite Window

Gadget Gossip: iPhone- Are you Crazy?

iPhone- iCrazy?

Guys, the iPhone is coming out on August 22nd via Airtel and Vodafone. I told you all in the previous Gadget Gossip ( http://craditya.blogspot.com/2008/08/gadget-gossip-iphone-3g-exclusive.html ) that it may cost around 20000 Rs but unconfirmed sources are popping up saying that one or both carriers will in fact be selling the iPhone for Rs 31139 (at current rates 750$) which is really a blown-out-of-proportion cost, exorbitant and not worth it at all for its small camera (without auto focus and flash) and its incorrigible Bluetooth and SMS functions. IF the rumours are true (as we will get to know in the coming week on the 22nd), iPhone will not sell even 10 phones in the first month of its release. It will be highly unpopular, reducing image for Apple and its iPhone as well as the two carriers; personally I would recommend HTC Touch Diamond/ Touch Cruise or the N 96 from Nokia. If otherwise priced at the nominal 16000-25000 range it will be a hit in India like in all other countries who recieved the phone on 11th July. What do you plan to do?

To know more about the iPhone SMS IPHONE [space] INFO to +919962302293 or if you are a Vodafone/Airtel; customer and want to PRE-REGISTER/BOOK the iPhone with them SMS IPHONE to 56789 for Vodafone subscribers and IPHONE to 54321 for Airtel subscribers.

Aditya C.R
The Elite Window

One World, One Dream.

Colour Fest at Bird's Nest

That is the slogan or theme of the Beijing Olympics which had a spectacular opening on 08/08/08 at 8:08 pm at the National Stadium or Bird's Nest which was splashed with a million colourful hues amidst crackling fireworks. The theme of the opening ceremony was China's 5000 year history which was potrayed with a touch of Chinese technology on a an electronic paper scroll. Then a huge ball symbolising the earth on top of which Chinese popstar Liu Huan and British popstar Sarah Birhtman sang the Official Olympic song. Then it was the turn of all 205 nations which are taking part to walk the ramp into the centre of the stadium. The President of the IOA then gave his speech after which the Chinese president Hu Jintao declared the games open in Chinese. The Olympic torch was finally lit by veteren Olympian who won the first Chinese gold medal, Li Ning by flying around the whole stadium with pictures of Olympic torch lighting displayed as he flew around the stadium. All in all it was one spectacular show with approximately 4.5 billion viewers all over the world. The event was truly superb and can really be summed as- "when the heaven and earth looked at Beijing Olympics- the best Olympics yet."

When the world watched Beijing

Aditya C.R

The Elite Window

iSpy: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie

iSpy, The Elite Window's spying portal, gets you info on things which are months away are too exciting to wait that long. iSpy quenches youre thirst for info. This month we are looking at the next movie installment in the Harry Potter series that is HP & HBP. The trailer was released on 29th July via AOL and satellite. The interesting part is that each movie gets darker and more serious than the previous one. You can make this out from the trailer which you can view below- it contains (SPOILER WARNING- highlight to read the next few lines) Young Tom Riddle speaking about his seemingly ábnormal abilities of magic which Dumbledore realises and comes to offer a seat in Hogwarts. The movie as reported by Warner Studios contains never before seen new scenes which have been improvised and added along. They were described as emotional scenes involving Harry, Dumbledore, presumably after Dumbledore's tragic death grusomely expected to be potrayed in the film. Meanwhile, enjoy the trailer for now, we will keep you updated.

"I can move things without touching them" - Tom Riddle, Half Blood Prince


Aditya C.R
The Elite Window

Website of the Month: AURA India

Hey you all, this one is for the Astrophysics geek! This site is cool with all the latest quizes, trivia and news on Astrophysics. There are even contests which you can win prizes in! Also, get new from the International Year of Astronomy 2009 here. So go ahead and visit the site at:

AURA- Astrophysics Union of India
http://www.astrophysics.org.in/

Aditya C.R.

The Elite Window

Weekly Western/ Just For Laughs: America, America!

Fine, weekly western is not so weekly but yes, its still western news. I came about this video when being broadcast in one of my foundation classes at college and I thought you should have a look at it. Bombay Jayshree was involved in this video and she has done such a hilarious job! No offence America!

America, America!



It literally criticises the US for its ill behaviour saying "America, America, America War Paar Da!" which means "America, America, see the American War" in Tamil colloquial language in Tamil Nadu, India. Enchaai (Enjoy!)

Aditya C.R
The Elite Window

Living in the Present: Guru Gyan #2

This story has a nice message in it. Read on.

One day, a Swami was having a conversation with Lord Shiva one day and said. 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like. Lord Shiva led the Swami to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the Swami looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the Swami's mouth water. The people sitting! around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.
But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The Swami shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
Lord Shiva said, 'You have seen Hell. They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The Swami said, 'I don't understand.'

'It is simple,' said Lord Shiva.

'It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

I hope you have learnt the simple, yet powerful message the story delivers. So be kind and generous to all to keep away from a fall.

Aditya C.R
The Elite Window

Poll of the Month: Can India host Olympics by 2020?

The results of the previous poll are out and I'm glad to say that I'm happy!

81% [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] Fab!

19% [][][][][] Good!

0% Poor!

0% Bland.

I thank everyone who voted profusely for your judgement. Also, I am proud to announce this month's poll - Can India host Olympics by 2020? You can either select online and vote on the right hand side banner or you can also send an SMS to +919962302293 - the Elite Window number with SMS service. Text POTM [space] YES if you agree and POTM [space] NO if you do not agree. Please keep voting and coming back for more exciting stuff on India's (and eventually) the World's best entertainment blog.

Aditya C.R

The Elite Window

Living in the Present: Hues of Homage

Hues of Homage
I think we should all spend a minute on this article as we pay homage to the people who have died in various terrorist attacks around India, Israel, China and Afghanistan. May all of them rest in peace.

C.R. Aditya
The Elite Window

88888 Lights Out!

LIGHTS OUT

Global Warming: is a pretty well spoken about term in every field- economic, environmental and basically Mother Earth's future. This is in response to the sights being telecast callously all over the media- like for the instance when a New York sized Ice sheet melted and broke off from the Arctic Shelf, and how Greenland is truly becoming more greener as the ice receeds. It is forecast that all coastal cities are in great danger around the world as the ice melts, raising sea levels, decreasing salinity (causing species extinction), raising water levels by around 8m which will submerge Mumbai, Chennai and other coastal cities on India's 7000 Km coastline. The main contributers to this progressive doom are GHG's (Green House Gases) like Methane (from cow dung 18%- it has to be tapped properly), Carbon-di-oxide (from vehicular exhaust- use public transport and your own legs as much as you can) and ultimately fossil fuel burning. 60% of India's electricity comess from burning of coal. It is predicted that this will all come true by 2025 so to prevent this you can do so in your own ways. Starting from this month. If we all pledge to switch of the lights and fans and tv's for 8 minutes on 8th August 2008 at 8 pm it will save lots of electricity and we could tide over the power cuts too! This campaign is carried out by Exnora International all over India similar to Earth Hour in Sydney, Light's Out in London and Batti Bandh in Mumbai. So you can do your bit by helping in a small and simple way. Also tell all your freinds and family- its simple and it will do good to the world. Don't forget that we hven't got time left and i'm serious! Do it quick NOW!

Save the world and not only yourself,

Aditya C.R
The Elite Window