Saturday morning odds and ends

lee corso

If Steve Sarkisian proves to be as good a football coach as he is prophetic about the weather, the Huskies may really have something.

A few weeks ago, on one of the really, nice summer nights we were having in August, a reporter mused to Sarkisian it would be cool to have that setting for the LSU game. Sarkisian shook his head and said no, he'd rather it be a little stormy and rainy, what I think he said he'd heard was "Husky weather.''

He's gotten his wish as it's been raining buckets much of the morning here and the forecast doesn't indicate a change anytime soon.

So lots of time to stay inside, watch the other games, and prepare for tonight. ...

--- First off, I'm told Lee Corso picked UW in an upset over LSU tonight (I didn't see it as I was actually at my son's soccer game, which in this weather was a whole lot of fun). But I'll take everyone's word for it.

--- Here's my preview for today's game with some interesting comments from a couple players about how different the feeling is this year compared to last season. What most fans I'm sure want to see most, however, is that different feeling translate to improvement on the field.

--- Erik Lacitis, a newside reporter for the Times, has this look at how fans are revved up for the beginning of a new era of UW football.

--- Here's a preview story and some predictions from the New Orleans Times-Picayune. And here's the preview from the Baton Rouge Advocate.

--- The line remains at LSU by 17.5 to 18.5 with a total of 53. BetFirms.com picks LSU. You can also bet on the first half --- LSU is a 9.5 or 10-point favorite by the half.

--- Lots of Pac-10 links from the Spokesman-Review.

--- UW recruit Nick Montana threw for 152 yards last night as Oaks Christian beat Alemany 28-17 in what was a pretty good game

--- Mason Kelly, our new prep blogger, has this note on UW commit Chris Young along with some video.

--- Today is the final cutdown day in the NFL, which obviously could impact a few former Huskies. You can follow it here.

--- Finally, I'm planning on a pre-game chat, maybe around 6 p.m. or so. So check back then.

All for now.

Turnovers marred the University of Tennessee football team’s scoreless first quarter

ut football

KNOXVILLE — Turnovers marred the University of Tennessee football team’s scoreless first quarter against Western Kentucky on Saturday afternoon in Neyland Stadium, but the Volunteers ended the period with a first-down run to the Hilltoppers 15-yard line.

UT’s first two possessions started well but ended with turnovers. Senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton had a tipped pass intercepted by Hilltoppers true freshman cornerback Jamal Forrest on the Vols’ first drive, but that didn’t end the play. UT freshman tailback Bryce Brown promptly jarred the ball from Forrest, but linebacker Mike Gothard recovered it to give WKU possession near midfield with 11:22 left in the opening quarter.

UT’s second possession started with similar promise and ended in similar frustration. Senior tailback Montario Hardesty fumbled moments after catching a short pass in the flat, WKU strong safety John Garrett scooped it up and rumbled 13 yards toward midfield. Gothard forced the fumble for his second huge play of the first quarter.

The only real surprise in UT’s starting lineup was senior Marsalous Johnson getting the nod over sophomore Anthony Anderson and freshman Mike Edwards at cornerback. As expected, junior Dennis Rogan started over freshman Janzen Jackson at free safety.

Calera quarterback on 2011 ESPNU 150 watch list

espnu

Calera High School junior quarterback Brandon Wells is already reaping rewards from his spectacular debut to open the 2009 season.

Wells, who passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another as he led the Eagles to a 33-15 win Aug. 28 over rival Montevallo, found his name on the 2011 ESPNU 150 watch list, which was released this week by the ESPNU football recruiting Web site.

The 6-foot-2, 161-pound Wells finished with 199 total yards on offense in the victory.

Wells is one of 20 Alabama players on the watch list. ESPNU will follow the players on its watch list and release its complete ESPNU 150 list of the top high school players in the Class of 2011 in the summer of 2010.

Penn State football central: Your gameday guide against Akron

penn state football

Football fans from Altoona and points south and west heading to Beaver Stadium for today's season opener with Akron will have an easier drive than they had last fall.

Today's game marks the first regular season game that all four lanes of Interstate 99 will be open from the Pennsylvania Turnpike north to State College.

Last fall the northbound lanes were open to the Skytop area, where drivers were funneled onto two-lane Route 322 for a short distance - a 1.3 mile stretch between Skytop and the Mount Nittany Expressway. The southbound lanes of I-99 remained closed between the Mount Nittany Expressway and Port Matilda.

"Hopefully it will make travel through that corridor easier and quicker," PennDOT spokeswoman Marla Fannin said. "Last year, you could go into State College most of the way on four lanes, but the southbound lanes were not open until around Thanksgiving. Now that we have all four lanes open, that should help ease the traffic flow at the end of the game."

Geoff Rushton, Penn State spokesman, also sees that as a positive.

"This completely eliminates people going over Skytop. That area could get pretty congested," Rushton said. "This should save people a lot of time."

Once fans arrive on campus, they will find some new regulations in place for the 2009 season.

One of them is a new university policy prohibiting glass bottles from the grassy parking areas near Beaver Stadium.

"We need to keep glass out of the grassy areas. It is not an alcohol issue. ... It is difficult to clean up broken glass in the grass," Rushton said.

He noted that the fields used for game day parking and tailgating are used the rest of the week for intramurals, Blue Band practice and pasture land for animals.

"It really is a safety issue," he said.

Another change is no smoking permitted inside Beaver Stadium - a result of the Clean Indoor Act of 2008. Previously, there were smoking areas on the concourse levels.

Penn State began implementing the policy at the Blue White game in April. Violators face removal from the stadium and possible loss of ticket privileges.

Anyone wishing to smoke during the game outside of the stadium is reminded that no re-entry is allowed for any reason.

"The American Cancer Society supports Penn State University's decision to provide Nittany Lion fans with a smoke-free environment, so fans of all ages are now able to enjoy great football without being exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke," said April Sherry, cancer control director of the American Cancer Society Central Region.

For the second consecutive season, Penn State and Fullington Trailways will offer the Penn State Football Express to Beaver Stadium from Altoona and several locations in the State College area.

The service is designed to improve game day traffic and support the university's environmental goals.

"Considering the over 100,000 fans that pack into Beaver Stadium on football Saturdays, we want to provide a service that would be like a carpool to games," Penn State's Director of Transportation Services Teresa Davis said.

Reservations are required for the Altoona bus, which departs from Penn State Altoona four hours before kickoff and returns either one or three hours after the game. Round-trip cost is $18.

Top things to do in Fort Collins: A three-day planner

tour de fat fort collins

The Tour de Fat isn't a bicycle event; it's a bicycle party. The tour takes place Saturday, and details are mentioned below in this list of top activities the next three days in town.

Today

Art – The Masters ReMastered is on display at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, 201 S. College Ave. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays; admission is $5 adults, $2 senior and free to students and youths. The exhibit runs through Oct. 24. Info: www.fcmoca.org.

Art - The 28th annual Fabric of Legacies Art Quilt Exhibition, featuring the works of 29 artists, is on display at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays; admission is free. The exhibit ends Aug. 28. Info: www.lctix.com.

Art - Through Warhol’s Lens and Warhol’s Flowers, two exhibits by famed artist Andy Warhol, are on display at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 W. Remington St. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; the exhibits are on display through Sept. 25. Info: www.artmuseum.colostate.edu.

Football – Rocky Mountain is the first city team to play in the 2009 season; the Lobos host Horizon at 7 p.m. at French Field, 1300 W. Swallow Road. Tickets are $5 adults and $4 youths.

Music – The Passage Project has a 9 p.m. concert at Hodi’s Half Note, 167 N. College Ave. Tickets are $5 ($8 for those under 21). Info: www.hodishalfnote.com.

Theater - Bad Dates, a PG-13 comedy about life and love, starts at 7:30 p.m. at Nonesuch Theatre, 216 Pine St. The production runs 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 13; tickets are $20-$29.50. Info: www.nonesuchtheater.com.

Theater – High School Musical continues at Carousel Dinner Theatre, 3509 S. Mason St. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with the show to follow; tickets are $39-$44. The performance runs at 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and noon Sundays through Sept. 26. Info: www.adinnertheatre.com.

Volleyball – CSU takes on Georgia Southern at 7 p.m. at Moby Arena. Tickets are $8 reserved, $6 adult general admission and $4 youth general admission. Info: www.csurams.com.

Friday

Film – Four movies open at Cinemark 16, 3721 S. Timberline Road, and/or Carmike 10, 3636 Manhattan Way. They are All About Steve, a PG-13 romantic comedy about a woman who does crossword puzzles (Sandra Bullock) who professes her love for a CNN cameraman and follows him around the country; Carriers, a PG-13 thriller about four friends who flee a viral infection and become powerful; Extract, an R-rated comedy starring Jason Bateman as an plant extract owner who must deal with personal and professional problems; and Gamer, an R-rated science fiction tale about future human beings who can control others in a gaming environment. Show times and ticket prices vary. Info: www.cinemark.com and www.carmike.com.

Football – Poudre takes on Boulder in the first game of the season for both teams starting at 7 p.m. at French Field, 1300 W. Swallow Road. Tickets are $5 adults and $4 youths.

Music – Foreigner, one of the top rock bands in history, has a 7 p.m. show at the Budweiser Events Center. Tickets are $35 and $50; the concert kicks off four days of fun with Thunder in the Rockies in neighboring Loveland. Info: www.comcasttix.com.

Music – The Poudre River Irregulars provide three hours of music starting at 4 p.m. at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St. Tickets are $10. Info: www.avogadros.com.

Music – Infected Mushroom has a 9 p.m. concert at the Aggie Theatre, 204 S. College Ave. Tickets are $22. Info: www.aggietheatre.com.

Music – Hot Club Sandwich will light up the house at an 8:30 p.m. concert at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St. Tickets are $7. Info: www.avogadros.com.

Poetry – Bring your best work to a First Friday Poetry Slam starting at 7:30 p.m. at The Bean Cycle/Matter Bookstore, 144 N. College Ave. Info: www.wolverinepublishing.org.

Volleyball – CSU hosts powerful Ohio State at 7 p.m. at Moby Arena. Tickets are $8 reserved, $6 adult general admission and $4 youth general admission. Info: www.csurams.com.

Saturday

Cycling – The Tour de Fat, one of Fort Collins’ zaniest events of the year, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing Co., 500 Linden St. A bike parade, entertainment, food, drink and more is on tap; admission is free. Info: www.newbelgium.com.

Gardening – Learn how to grow, harvest and preserve culinary herbs through a two-hour class starting at 10 a.m. at the Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 S. Centre Ave. Cost is $15. Info: www.fcgov.com/gardens.

Music – It’s pure country when Montgomery Gentry plays at 7 p.m. show at the Budweiser Events Center. Tickets are $39 and $50; the concert is part of four days of fun with Thunder in the Rockies in neighboring Loveland. Info: www.comcasttix.com.

Music – Cowtown performs at 8 p.m at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St. Admission is $5. Info: www.avogadros.com.

Music – Half Color has a 9 p.m. show at the Aggie Theatre, 204 S. College Ave. Tickets are $5. Info: www.aggietheatre.com.

Volleyball – CSU faces Texas-Arlington at 1 p.m. at Moby Arena. Tickets are $8 reserved, $6 adult general admission and $4 youth general admission. Info: www.csurams.com.

Find out other things to do in Fort Collins and throughout Northern Colorado with our extended calendar listings at http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?CategoryEVENTS.

Lastly, the three-day weather forecast calls for more pleasant days with sunny skies and a high temperature in the mid 80s all three days.

Labor Day Fun At Woodstock Fair CT

woodstock fair

If you are traveling in Connecticut during this Labor Day weekend, don't miss the Woodstock Fair in CT. Enjoy family time, shopping and good music at the fair.

Woodstock agricultural society started its 149th Woodstock Fair in CT. Here is what you can expect this year from Woodstock Fair, which is always on Labor Day weekend.

The Midway

New England based Fiesta Shows provides carnival entertainment on the midway. Featuring clean, safe amusement rides and attractions as well as a full line up of games, the midway has something to offer fairgoers of all ages.

Open Horse Show

The Open Horse Show is one of the largest multi-day horse shows in the area with over 250 classes held from Friday afternoon until Monday afternoon with 3 show rings of activity. The broad spectrum of classes offered throughout the weekend has something for everyone.

Food and Shopping

Whether you are looking for an old fashioned bowl of chowder from one of our non-profit vendors or a new fangled sweet dessert to eat, you can find it among the 100 or so food concessions at our fair. At Woodstock Fair in CT you will find a wide variety of foods.

Family Fun Time!

Commerford Petting Zoo, Kid Zone, Sandtasia, Noodles the Clown, The Living Statue and much, much more!

Entertainment

Abba the Music, Sawyer Brown, Sara Evans, Herman's Hermits featuring Peter Noone, Truth & Rights, The Silver Dollar Band, and much, much more!

Agriculture at its Best

The Woodstock Agricultural Society proudly supports and promotes the diversity of agriculture at its annual fair. From the exhibition halls and barns, to the Agricultural Building, Barnyard Babies Birthing Center and the Brunn Barn Complex, the fairgrounds are brimming with locally grown and raised.

Prepared by Armen Hareyan based on the information provided by Woodstock Fair, CT official website at www.woodstockfair.com.

College Gameday: Starting the season

college gameday

A few short seasons ago, Larry Caper and Kevin Pickelman both were standouts on the local high school scene, stars on their respective teams on Friday nights.

Today, both will be standouts on the college football scene, looking to become stars on the same team on Saturday afternoons throughout the fall.

Caper, a Battle Creek Central grad, and Pickelman, a Marshall High grad, will both run out onto Spartan Stadium today and are expected to be on the field the majority of the time, playing for Michigan State University.

MSU opens its season against Montana State today at Spartan Stadium for a noon start.

The Battle Creek area hasn't had a player become a regular starter at Michigan State since 2001 when Marshall's Ryan Van Dyke was in the quarterback rotation.

This season the area has two players wearing green and white to root for.

Caper is among a small handful of running backs looking to take over for Javon Ringer at MSU after the Spartans leading rusher went on to the NFL.

Caper, a true freshman, is expected to get equal playing time with two other running backs during the game -- basically being named to share the starting spot today.

Pickelman has been named as the starting defensive tackle for the Spartans as a redshirt-sophomore after getting sporadic playing time last year.

It's an exciting time for both.

"When they told me, I had butterflies and got a little nervous. I'm a freshman coming in and now I'm possibly starting," Caper said. "But I'll be prepared for it and I'm happy and excited for the opportunity."

For Caper, it will be the first time playing against Division I competition and playing in front of 70,000-plus people.

For Pickelman, who played in several key games last year, mostly in passing downs, it will be his first start -- a step up in responsibility.

"It's exciting. I'll be nervous. But I knew if I worked hard over the summer I'd get this opportunity. I figured I had to work hard and good things would happen for me," Pickelman said.

Technically, Caper was listed as a backup running back to redshirt-freshman Caulton Ray. However, MSU coach Mark Dantonio said Ray, Caper and freshman Edwin Baker should see equal playing time throughout the game.

"Running back is a position of depth for us. We will work the three guys listed, in no particular order -- Caulton Ray, Larry Caper and Edwin Baker -- throughout the game. Those are the three guys that will take the majority of reps at running back for us," Dantonio said.

Caper, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound freshman was an all-state running back at Battle Creek Central last season.

MSU has a need at running back after Ringer left after his senior season last year. Ringer was the Spartans' entire running attack last season, accounting for 97-percent of the rushing yards for MSU. That meant the running backs already on the Spartan roster came in with little experience.

Caper was able to take advantage of that situation and open the eyes of the coaches -- meaning he will see the ball a lot today.

"We'll decide how and when they all will play. It depends on how many plays and what their stamina level is. We seem to move people in and out of that position at times," Dantonio said. "But we want those guys to get into a rhythm a little bit and show what they've got."

The opportunity has come fast for Caper. A top recruit coming in, MSU seems ready to hand the running reigns to a freshman this season -- either Caper or Baker... or both.

"This all has come a little bit faster than I thought," Caper said. "When camp started, it was like three weeks on the schedule and I thought that would take forever. But it has gone by real fast and now we are ready for game time.

"I'm just ready to take advantage of this opportunity. We have a lot of good tailbacks, more than just three. So you have to keep playing hard. Every day is crucial. If you have people pushing you like we do, you can't take a step back because if you take a step back, you go down the depth chart. And no one wants to go down the depth chart."

Pickelman has done his best to climb the depth chart since he arrived at MSU and even before.

Not highly recruited, Pickelman had verbally agreed to go to Central Michigan University before MSU offered a scholarship late in the process.

After redshirting his freshman year, Pickelman was given some opportunities last year as a backup.

Now he is the starter, following the departure of two-year starting defensive tackle Justin Kershaw, heading into his first game as a redshirt sophomore.

"I knew if I was given a chance I could do it. I just didn't get the hype that a lot of guys got coming out of high school," Pickelman said. "The key was gaining weight and keeping my quickness, showing good technique and learning the defense."

Pickelman left high school at around 230 pounds. But now at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, he could become a force on the defensive line for the Spartans.

"In terms of what kind of player he is, he has a high motor," Dantonio said. "His play was limited last year, but he figures to be a starter for us this year -- a real high-motor guy."

With both local players taking the field, each know a big game today will help them to keep their status heading into the rest of the season.

"All I can do is smile and be thankful for the opportunity and go out there and play tough and play hard," Caper said. "You find out about people in game-time situations. So as long as you can be prepared, keep the butterflies real low, play intense and tough, I think you'll be alright."

Big Ten tosses a wide net

big ten network

When Mark Silverman became the first president of the Big Ten Network in December 2006, he expected his job to be focused primarily on building the on-air product.

But most of the attention was where it would -- or would not -- air that first season. The public back-and-forth with major carriers, including Comcast in Michigan, overshadowed the accomplishment of launching. Now, with the network's two-year anniversary just past (Aug. 30), Silverman is focused almost entirely on the product.

Kagan, a division of SNL Financial which analyzes media communications' financial circumstances, wrote in February: The BTN "has been one of the most successful launches in history, grabbing nearly 40 million subscribers in less than two years. It has been very profitable almost out of the gate, and we estimate it will grow to more than 60 million subscribers by 2013 and generate $112 million in cash flow by that time."

Silverman spent a little time with the Free Press in August to discuss the network.

Q:What have you learned?

A:With most new networks, you're gradually trying to cultivate a new audience. Right out of gate we had close to 1 million people on a football Saturday. We had no real patience for a growing curve. It's why we decided to launch in HD, we needed to be at a certain level of quality so we could learn more and grow. I wouldn't say it's completely different than what we expected, but what we learned so far, fans can't get enough football.

Q:What's been your biggest surprise?

A:One of my biggest surprises has been chemistry, (Gerry) DiNardo, (Dave) Revsine and (Howard) Griffith, from the first opening weekend. They've done a wonderful job reporting on the Big Ten. Other shows, pregame shows, have been out there many more years, and after just two years, our studio guys offer insight fun and are entertaining. If you look at other networks, it's a challenge for people to find that.

Q:So who is your competition?

A:Our competition is everything else people can do, other networks, the Internet, free time. We want people to look at it as an option.

Q:Does the new SEC alliance with ESPN threaten you?

A:Not every conference has the ability to launch a network. The Big Ten is unique in its appeal and size of alumni and university nationwide. We're very comfortable with our network and universities.

Q:What's next?

A:A major goal of ours is to increase our presence online about what we're able to produce. Internationally we'll be able to watch football and basketball online ... domestically we're streaming 100 events to 200 Olympic sports, and some of those events are put on delayed basis.

College Football TV Schedule Begins in Full Today

college football tv schedule

The college football TV schedule is in full gear, with the college football TV schedule taking up all of Saturday today. The college football TV schedule for week 1 has ESPN, ABC, NBC, and countless cable networks starting another year of college football coverage. For the next dozen or so Saturdays, the college football TV schedule will be the most crowded in all of sports. And this week, college football returns with a slew of big opening kickoff games on TV, for today and tonight.

The college football TV schedule already got off to an infamous start on Thursday, as ESPN broadcast the Oregon-Boise State brawl at around 1 am EST. College football as a whole needs a thrilling opening Saturday to overshadow that brawl. Today, the best games on the college football TV schedule will hopefully do just that.

The biggest games on the schedule start at 3:30 pm EST, but there is no shortage of games before then. ESPN begins its latest season of college football coverage at Ohio State, as the Buckeyes host Navy at noon EST, to tune up for their showdown with USC next week. On ESPN 2, Syracuse hosts Minnesota in former basketball star Greg Paulus's first game as Syracuse quarterback.

For Big Ten fans, they will once again tune into the Big Ten Network to see their favorite teams. Five more Big Ten programs kick off at noon, with the Big Ten Network covering all of them - including Penn State's opener against Akron.

The college football TV schedule for week 1 really centers around two big games, however. Naturally, ABC has both of them covered. At 3:30 pm EST, Oklahoma State hosts Georgia in a matchup of two top 15 programs. At the same time, NBC begins yet another season of exclusive Notre Dame football, as the Irish face Nevada and start trying to save Charlie Weis's job.

But the biggest game on the docket is at night, as two top 10 teams face off in the second Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. Alabama won last year's kickoff game over the Clemson Tigers, to kickoff a season in which they almost played for a national title. This year, the Tide hope to have the same luck against another top ACC team in Virginia Tech. ABC will cover that game at 8 pm.

ESPN also has some prime time showdowns tonight, with Oklahoma against BYU at 7 pm EST, and LSU visiting Washington at 10:30. By the time that ends, the first Saturday of the college football TV schedule will be in the books.

CBS won't take part in this first weekend, as the other big college football network won't start coverage until the SEC returns in two weeks. With Tennessee and Florida clashing on September 19, CBS's college football schedule will begin with a bang.

ESPN, ABC, the Big Ten network and many others hope to say the same today.

Mystery of Google's unexplained phenomenon doodle

unexplained phenomenon

Google's latest doodle - the adapted version of its logo that appears on its homepage - today features an image of a UFO with a link to the search term "unexplained phenomenon".

The new doodle has flummoxed web users because it does not appear to represent a specific event or launch, both of which are the usual reasons behind special Google doodle. Instead, clicking on the image of the UFO takes the user to a search for the term "unexplained phenomenon" which just happens to be one of the top trending search terms on Google today. Also in the top 10 search terms is the phrase "top 10 unexplained phenomena".

But is this chicken or is this egg? Did Google change the logo in response to the growing number of searches for "unexplained phenomenon" or is it specifically seeking to drive traffic to that term. Web users are asking if this is a precursor to some viral event or if is tied to yesterday's release of District 9.

Tata Teleservices to Launch Computing Devices

Tata

NEW DELHI -- Tata Teleservices Ltd. will introduce 10 different kinds of computers with embedded broadband chips in India over the next few months, a senior executive said Wednesday, while launching the first of the series.

"We will have about 10 devices with prices ranging from 4,999 rupees ($102) to 39,999 rupees," Managing Director Anil Sardana told reporters, while launching the company's first netbook.

The telecommunications services company has partnered with Olive Telecommunications Pvt. Ltd. to design and manufacture the product, he said.

Wipro, Infy Bengal plans stalled

wipro

KOLKATA: The Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government has stalled mutation of land purchased from farmers by the promoters of the proposed IT township besides Vedic Village.

His move seems to be aimed at sending out a clear signal that the administration isn’t comfortable about carrying out deals with Raj Modi, the main partner of the Vedic Diamond IT Links.

The project is close to the chief minister’s heart as he has promised to give 90 acres each to Infosys and Wipro from this township area.

The order comes in the wake of Modi being arrested for murder and links with alleged land-grab kingpin Gaffar Mollah, and a cache of firearms tumbling out of Vedic Village. Home secretary Ardhendu Sen had given away the CM’s stern views the very day after the arson, saying: “Land for the IT township is being purchased at gunpoint.”

The government has come to know that the land mafia in the area has purchased acres of land and is waiting for mutation. A look at the brochure prepared by the Diamond Group, whose chairman A N Shroff is very much into the realty business, reveals that the group already has 368.7 acres near Vedic Village, with an estimated market value of Rs 446.13 crore.

A senior Writers’ Buildings official said on Tuesday: “The CM is doing his bit as home minister by booking Modi and his officials. Now, he has taken stern action regarding his pet IT township project, taking cognizance of the forced land transfer.”

The government order came on the day land and land reforms minister Abdur Rezzak Mollah demanded that the IT township project be scrapped immediately. The minister is in the thick of controversies for an earlier out-of-court settlement with Modi, thus returning land vested by the government to Vedic Village at a throwaway price.

Also, Gautam Deb, housing minister and chairman of Hidco, which controls the adjoining Rajarhat township, will explain his position over allegations of “forcible land purchase” at Rajarhat.

As his Cabinet colleagues make an effort to come out clean, the CM has preferred to address the two core issues: booking criminals and suspending land-buying by Modi & Co for the IT township. Prodded by Writers’, a officials had visited Bhangar this week to probe land procurement for the IT township.

India retain Nehru Cup after penalty win over Syria

nehru cup

India once again retained the Nehru Cup after they overcame Syria on penalties at Ambedkar Stadium.

With the game tied at 1-1 following extra-time, India keeper Subrata Pal proved the hero as he saved Hamzeh Al Aitounim's spot-kick as the hosts eventually triumphed 5-4.

A game of few chances saw normal time end goalless. Baichung Bhutia had probably India's best opportunity in the opening minute when he robbed Ali Diab but keeper Mosab Balhous produced a smart double save.

Mohamed Al Zeno headed narrowly over for Syria and Moutaz Kailouni fired wide as both sides failed to break the deadlock.

India took the lead six minutes before the end of extra-time when Renedy Singh found the back of the net with a fine free-kick but they could not hold on as in stoppage time, Diab headed home a cross from the right to grab a dramatic equaliser.

The game therefore went to penalties and although Singh and Mehrajuddin Wadoo missed for India, Subrata denied Wael Ayan, Ahmad Haj Mohamad and Al Aitounim to ensure Bob Houghton's side emerged victorious.

Force India releases Fisichella to join Ferrari

force india

MARANELLO, Italy — Force India has agreed to release Giancarlo Fisichella to join Ferrari for the rest of the Formula One season.

Ferrari has been anxious to find a better replacement for the injured Felipe Massa after the team's longtime test driver, Luca Badoer, qualified last and finished no better than 14th in his first two races since stepping in for the Brazilian.

Ferrari's home race — the Italian Grand Prix in Monza — is Sept. 13.

Harmony of colours and tradition at Metroplus Pookkalam contest

pookalam

One hour and twenty five minutes, that was exactly the time taken by the jury to adjudge the winners at the fiercely competitive The Hindu Metroplus Pookalam Contest 2009 held at the Government Women’s College in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

To select the winning pookkalams from the mesmerising floral patterns was indeed a challenging task for the judges, who found the choice daunting, both in terms of number of participants and richness of pookkalams. The jury, comprising of College of Fine Arts principal S. Ajayakumar and well-known art director S. Rajendran, was seen surveying the pookkalams again and again to select the best of the lot.

“Pookalams are essentially works of art. They are also a traditional art form which is why the traditional aspect is very important. Many of the pookkalams here are highly professional and it was very difficult for us to pick out one or two winners,’’ said Mr Ajayakumar.

What the judges voted for were the harmony of colours, traditional flavours and craftsmanship of arranging and laying the flowers.

“Ultimately it is the visual impact created through the colours and forms that matters. Some of these floral patters are very complex while some are deceptively simple. Overall, it has been an excellent competition,’’ said Mr.Rajendran.

At the end of it all, the coveted first prize and cash award of Rs 20,000 was won by Kairali Kala Samskarika Vedi, a team from Vizhinjam. Team members Theertha Gopan, Abhilash, Akhila Sunil, Abhina and Ajay P received the prizes from award-winning film actor Priyanka Nair.

Jury member Rajendran said that the team bagged the top honour for experimenting with contemporary designs within a largely traditional style of pookkalam. The intricate craftsmanship and contrast of colours in the pookalam also caught the judges’ attention.

"This is the second time that we are participating in The Hindu Metroplus Pookalam contest. The last time we got only the consolation prize. We are extremely happy to bag the first prize and we are already looking forward to next year’s contest,’’ said team member Ajay.

A colourful and visually enticing pookkalam by the Light and Shade team from Ochira in Kollam district bagged the second prize. Team members Shibi, Vipin, Shijo Baby, Tinsi and Shayama took home a cash award of Rs. 12, 500.

The third prize of Rs. 7500 was won by Icons team. Arun Kumar, Arun Mallika, Mini and Sujith T.S. were the members of the team, captained by Reji.

Ten other teams won consolation prizes of Rs 1,500. Winners of consolation prize are: The team from the Government Women’s College captained by C.J. Prassanna Kumari, Barton Hill Government Engineering College team led by Tejaswini, the team led by Valliammal B., Maharaja Arts and Sports Club led by Tara Gopinath, Blossoms led by Sharanya Das, LBS Institution of Technology for Women led by Shilpa, SBI LHO led by Sheeba Varghese, Invis Multitech led by Anitha, the team led by Baby and Sparrows led by Archana Devi.

Pookkalam is an Onam tradition of creating floral patterns using gathered blossoms. Keralites create floral carpets in front of their houses during the Onam festive season as part of elaborate preparations to welcome the mythical king Mahabali, who is believed to visit his subjects every year on Thiruvonam day.

Feasts & flowers motifs mark Onam

onam

NEW DELHI: The Krishnans, who live in a modest two-room quarter in the Travancore House, meant for the staff of Kerala House, eagerly look forward to Onam every year. The malayalee family which has been living in Delhi for the past 30 years makes sure the festival is celebrated with a grand feast and prepares the traditional `pookalam' (flower rangoli) at the doorstep of their house.

Those who visit them for Onam greetings are offered a sumptuous vegetarian meal with a variety of dishes laid out on a plantain leaf. The traditional favourites are avial (semi-dry mixed vegetable), sambhar, rasam, kalaan (yam and plantains in a buttermilk preparation), olan (pumpkin in coconut milk), payasam (kheer), papad, inchi puli (tamarind pickle), inchi thair (ginger curd) and rice, without which a meal is incomplete.

On Wednesday, Raji Krishnan woke up at 5am to prepare around 10-12 exotic dishes. "One is actually supposed to make 32 varieties, but I didn't have help or the energy. We still try to stick to tradition as much as we can.''

Onam celebrates the arrival of demon king Mahabali. Legend has that when Mahabali, the Asura (demon) king, ruled the state of Kerala nobody was poor or rich. He was so fair and judicious that even the gods felt jealous and insecure of him. To teach him a lesson, he was pushed to pathala the nether world. But it's believed that once a year during Onam, Mahabali comes and meets his people. Families prepare traditional dishes and offer floral tributes in his welcome.

And while good food certainly makes Onam special, floral tributes are another significant aspect of the 10-day harvest festival. Raji's 20-year-old daughter Jiji, along with some neighbours, participated in a floral rangoli-making competition at Kerala House on Wednesday and won the second prize.

"Today is Thiruvonam, an extremely auspicious day. The family elders gift new dresses to the younger members. Women drape traditional sarees and kids wear a blouse and lehenga called `pattuvaada'. I have been taking part in the rangoli-making competition for the past 10 years and eagerly wait for Onam. We made a small rangoli outside the house and will change it every day for 10 days. Today is the last day for floral tributes,'' said Jiji.

M Krishnan, the head of the family who works in housekeeping in Kerala House, planted a banana tree right outside the house for Onam. "Banana is a key ingredient in all our preparations. This time when I visited Kerala I got the Keral bananas specially for Onam. It's only during weddings and festivities that we eat on the banana leaf,'' he said.

He added that every malayalee strongly believes in the famous saying "kaanam vittum Onam unaam'' (I will devour even if I have to sell off all my property). "No matter whether you are rich or poor, Onam is celebrated by all with equal pomp and show,'' he said.

Power stocks give mixed reaction to NHPC listing

nhpc listing

Mumbai, Sep 1 (PTI) Shares of power companies today gave mixed reaction to the listing of state-run hydro power generator NHPC on the bourses.

Power generation companies, including NTPC fell 0.54 per cent to a low of Rs 211.50, Tata Power dropped 0.26 per cent, while Reliance Power was up nearly one per cent in the afternoon trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The 15-share BSE Power index rose marginally by 0.62 per cent and was quoted at 3,010.52 points in the afternoon trade.

NHPC today listed with 8.33 per cent premium on the BSE at Rs 39. During the intra-day trade the scrip surged over 10 per cent to a high of Rs 39.75 on the BSE.

Marketmen said some of the state-run power companies may be impacted by the listing of NHPC as some investors may think of shifting to the new entrant.

ICAI preparing second probe into Satyam

icai

Hyderabad, Aug. 29 The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has initiated a second probe into the financial fraud at Satyam Computer Services.

Meanwhile, a central disciplinary committee will examine the recommendations of a high-powered committee of ICAI on the Satyam fraud next month.

The high-power committee, headed by the ICAI President, Mr Uttam Prakash Agarwal, submitted its report last month to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

``While I cannot disclose the contents, the report has over 25 recommendations on various aspects including the role of auditors in the fraud. The Director of discipline has already formed his opinion in the case,” Mr Agarwaltold newspersons here on Saturday.

The disciplinary committee would take up the matter in its meeting to be held in next 15 days, he added.

The high-power committee is also continuing its probe into the Rs 7,136-crore fraud.

“We will also submit a second report when we complete the probe,” Mr Agarwal said while declining to give a specific time-frame. Meanwhile, the ICAI has removed Mr S. Goplakrishnan, suspended partner of Price Waterhouse, which audited Satyam’s accounts from all non-standing committees.

“However, he continues to be a member of ICAI as the outcome of probe is still awaited,” Mr Agarwal said.

Earlier, while inaugurating the 41st regional conference of the Southern India Regional Council of ICAI, he said the institute is working with some banks and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority to design low-cost loan and insurance products for poor farmers.

The ICAI was also extending technology help to its counterparts in Nepal, Bahrain, Dubai and African countries, he added.

‘System failure’

Describing Satyam fraud as a “system failure”, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said CAs should be extra careful while giving certifications in view of the need to protect the larger societal interests.

CA results to be declared today!

caresults.nic.in

New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is likely to declare CA Final (new course) results today.

ca-results-to-be-declared-today

According to the reports, the CA Final results will be out anytime on Thursday.

Students can get registered at http://caresults.nic.in/ for detailed CA final results.

You can also receive the result in your mail box after registering at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India website.

Just log in at http://caresults.nic.in/ for the results.

Tata Tele to charge per call, no matter the duration

tata

NEW DELHI: Tata Teleservices on Tuesday introduced what it termed a ‘revolutionary concept’ and a ‘game changer’ with the company deciding to do away with the pulse-system, the traditional way of charging for a telephone call, and has instead said that it will bill its customers on a per call basis. ( Watch )

This means, call made by Tata Teleservices’ will no longer be charged on a per minute basis. These duration free calls, which are only available for its pre-paid CDMA customers, will be charged at Re 1 per local call and Rs 3 for every STD call. Put simply, a local call will cost only Re 1 even if the customer were to speak for two hours while an STD call to any network in the country will come at Rs 3 irrespective of its duration.

“There is no catch or any hidden charges. We have never gone back on a promise and our business model involves earning the respect and trust of our customers. That is how the Tatas work. This is a path-breaking value proposition for Indian telecom users,” the company’s MD Anil Sardana said. “The fact that this offer is for both local and STD calls makes it unique, something that holds the potential to completely redefine the Indian telecom pricing paradigm,” he added.

This also marks the first instance of an mobile operator doing away with the pulse or per minute billing system and Tata executives say that concept is the first of its kind in the world. They also add that while other operators across the globe gave free minutes during specific hours (after 10 pm or in the weekends) or provided free talk time between select numbers, this marked the first instance of an operator completely changing to a per call based billing system.

Tata Teleservices, the country’s sixth largest cellular firm in terms of customers, has 38 million users on its CDMA platform of which about 92% are on the pre-paid platform. Existing pre-paid users can move to the new tariff scheme by purchasing a one-time recharge voucher of Rs 96.

Bengal's latest casualty is 600-acre IT park with Infosys

infosys

To the list of projects the West Bengal government has put in deep freeze after its electoral rout, another one got added today: a 600-acre IT park in Rajarhat meant to accommodate Infosys.

State IT Minister Debesh Das admitted that 90 acres had been earmarked for Infosys in the IT park which is now on hold as a direct fallout of the Vedic Village Spa and Resort controversy. Infosys, eager to enter the state, was kept waiting as the government couldn’t find suitable land. Last year, the government announced it had identified land for the IT giant contiguous to the Vedic resort.

But now there are allegations of forcible land acquisition by owners of the Vedic resort at the behest of the government. “Let us see what the government decides,” said Das. “Right now, we cannot say anything, everything is stalled. The government will not get involved with anything that is illegal.”

If Das put a question mark on the project, his colleague Land Reforms Minister Abdur Rezzak Mollah demanded scrapping of the IT park. “It should be cancelled immediately. I would rather prefer land acquisition by the government because only the government can ensure a viable package for landlosers,” said Mollah.

The state asked Vedic developers to buy 1550 acres from farmers. Of this, 600 acres were to go to the government for an IT park; another 600 acres would stay with the developers for a township and on the balance 350 acres, the government was expected to create infrastructure for both the IT park and the township.

“Of the 600 acres, the government had already got 200 acres in which 90 acres each were earmarked for Wipro and Infosys,” said Das. The developers have acquired 500 acres so far.

The Vedic resort has been in the eye of a storm since violence broke out after a soccer match on August 23 in which one person was shot dead. Angry villagers, complaining of landgrab by musclemen sent by the resort management, vandalised the resort.

Meanwhile, Mollah today waved doctor’s prescriptions and ayurvedic samples to show that his visits to Vedic Spa were on “health” grounds. “It had nothing to do with sleaze or alcohol or whatever this resort is being associated with. I will not visit the vice den any more.”

Asked if he paid for his visits to the spa, Mollah said he did not. “The ayurveda doctor at the Vedic Spa had developed a special bond with me. I will not visit the resort any more, I would rather get the doctor to visit me.”

Incidentally, Mollah gave the final clearance leasing 44 acres to R K Modi, Managing Director of the resort, who is now in judicial custody.

Wipro, Tata Consultancy Get Outsourcing Orders From BP

wipro

NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)--Wipro Technologies, the global information technology services unit of Wipro Ltd. (507685.BY), said Wednesday it has received a five-year contract from BP PLC(BP).

Separately, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (532540.BY), India's largest software exporter by revenue, also said it has received an outsourcing order from BP. It didn't specify the value or the time-frame of the order.

Wipro said in a statement it will develop and maintain software systems for BP's fuel value chain and corporate business globally. It didn't disclose the contract value.

Swine flu (H1N1) and pregnancy

swine flu, h1n1

What is H1N1?

H1N1 (formerly called swine flu) is a type of the flu virus. In the spring of 2009, the first cases were reported in the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have indicated that a worldwide pandemic of H1N1 is underway. This means that there will most likely be a lot of cases of H1N1 this flu season. It also means that the CDC and WHO are working hard to prevent the spread of this type of flu and have already developed a shot to keep people from getting sick.

What if I am pregnant this flu season?

A recent study by the CDC found the pregnant women are about 4 times more likely to be hospitalized and are at higher risk for complications and death from H1N1 than the regular population. No one is exactly certain why pregnancy seems to put women at higher risk. It may be that the developing baby puts extra stress on a mother's breathing and lung function which could lead to flu pneumonia. When a women is pregnant her immune system may not work as well which could also increase her risk. Despite this concerning information, experts agree that most pregnant women who get H1N1 will recover without serious problems but it is important to take special precautions.

What can I do to protect myself, my family and my baby?

Some simple precautions could help lower your risk of catching or spreading the H1N1 flu. Pregnant women should wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. It is important to avoid contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and cough. The CDC is also encouraging pregnant women to have a plan of care if family members become ill.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms are simliar to the seasonal flu and may include the following:

- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches and/or headaches
- Chills, fatigue and/or muscle aches

If you develop these symptoms or if you are exposed to someone who has the flu or H1N1, there are medicines that can be used safely in pregnancy. In some situations medicine may be started for high risk patients (like young children and pregnant women) before test results are completed. The CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu or Relenza for the prevention or treatment of H1N1 flu. Neither of these medicines have been associated with risks or complications during pregnancy although they are not well studied. Experts do agree; however, that the risk of untreated flu for both mother and baby outweighs any potential concern with the use of antiviral flu medications.

Can I get vaccinated for H1N1?

Yes! The regular flu vaccine is available now and all pregnant women should start with that vaccine. The flu shot can be given at any point in pregnancy and it is also important to encourage family members to get vaccinated.

The CDC is finishing testing and development of an H1N1 vaccine. That shot will be available in mid-October. Pregnant women and those caring for young children are considered high risk and will be offered the vaccine before the regular population. To find out when the vaccine will be available, you can check with your physician's office regularly, ask to be placed on a notification list or check the CDC website weekly.

How can I get more information?

Stay in contact with your health care provider. Medical offices and hospitals will be receiving frequent updates and recommendations from the CDC, Department of Public Health and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

Remember--the best defense is a strong offense. Simple precautions can help protect you, your baby and your family.

Rani Mukerji bows before Sai Baba

sai baba

Rani Mukerji was spotted at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Mumbai on Tuesday. Is the actress praying for a new lease of life for her career with her upcoming film, Dil Bole Hadippa, opposite Shahid Kapur?

Onam Greetings | Onam Sms | Onam Wishes | Onam Scraps

onam pookalam

Celebrating in Kerala. As India is a true multicultural country with lot of cultures and languages, it is also having countless numbers of festivals. Some of these are popular, where as others are just limited to the local village and districts. People are considering Onam as state festival of Kerala, as all over Kerala people are celebrating it.

Onam Legend

Onam legend evolved from the story of a demon king who ruled Kerala. This king Mahabali had ruled Kerala before Lord Krishna’s Birth. Hindus consider Lord Krishna was born around 5000 years back. Therefore, the story might have happened before 5000 years.

Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana (Vamana avatar is one of Dasavatharam) begged 3 feet of land form King Mahabali. Once Mahabali has granted his wish, Vamana has taken his Universal form and with his 2 footsteps he measured all the universe including earth, heaven and sky. Since there was no place left for 3rd footstep of Vamana, Mahabali shown his head to Vamana to keep third footstep, as to keep up the promise he has given to Vamana. With that footstep Vamana pressed Mahabali to the world under the earth known as pathalam (Hindu mythology). However before pressing, him in to the pathalam, Lord Vishnu granted a boon to Mahabali. With that boon Mahabali is allowed to visit Kerala, once in every year. To convince the visiting king Mahabali, that the country is still prosperous as it was under his rule, Kerala people started celebrating that day as onam with lot of food and dance.

When is Onam: .

Onam 2009 is on Wednesday second of September. The atham star that is 10 days behind of Onam is on 24th of August. From Atham onwards the Onam pookalam will start and ends on Onam day.

Onam pookalam:-

Onam pookalam is the art works done by flowers on Onam season, in front of houses in Kerala. Every day morning people clean the floor and put fresh flowers to make pookalam. Plenty of flower were available in olden days, as the month chingam (August) is Just after the monsoon and Kerala was an agricultural state. Special Kerala flowers like thumpapoo, kakkapoo were available plenty in olden days. However, nowadays these flowers are not available. So now the creation of pookalam is greatly depends on the imported flowers from neighboring state of Tamilnadu. The price of the flowers will go up on onam season. Malayalee associations will conduct onam pookalam competitions in Kerala and abroad. We can expect lot of onam competition for onam 2009.

Onam celebrations:

In Kerala, people celebrate onam in their house. However, in outside of Kerala normaly malayalee associations will conduct onam celebrations. All this function will have lot of cultural programs like bharatnatyam, mohiniyattam, and thiruvathira kali. In the Middle East countries like UAE, Kuwait and Oman, onam celebration will be in a bigger manner. Other countries like, Singapore, USA and Australia will have bigger celebrations. Known Film stars and famous writers will attend these functions as chief guests.

Onam dance:

Thiruvathira kali is one of the main dances for onam. Group of women with 8, 10, or 12 members performs it. They will be dressed in Kerala traditional dress and dance with rhythmic steps against thiruvathira songs. Thiruvathira songs will be usually Hindu devotional songs about Lord Krishna or other gods. We can expect lot of videos of thiruvathira kali on YouTube after Onam.

Onam is the harvest festival of kerala:

As onam falls after the harvest season of Kerala, some people consider it as harvest festival of Kerala.

Vegetables:

On onam season, the price of vegetables will increase. To control this Kerala government will open vegetable markets all over Kerala known as Onamchandha . They will close these markets after Onam. There will be heavy rush and crowds on this market as vegetable will be considerably cheaper in these market. We can hope that presence of these markets will control the price of vegetable and commodities to a certain level on in this Onam season.

Onam Greeting Cards

Normally sending of greeting card for onam has become a tradition for Malayalees. Lot of cards are available in the shop, with various subject like vallam kali (Boat race), kathakali, and sceneries from various parts of Kerala. Not only that almost all online greeting card sites are giving a fair importance for this festival.

You can find lot of onam cards at 365greetings.com.

A complete Onam fare

pookalam

One of the most important aspects of onam is the traditional onasadya.

To most people living far away from home, sadya — the traditional feast, is something hard to miss. This year, Ente Keralam restaurant has come out with an elaborate onam feast complete with 24 dishes. It’s the smell of coconut oil and girls in settu saris that welcome you to the restaurant.

With colourful muthukudai, pookalam and ottanthullal — a traditional art form — it’s festivities galore.

The sadya started with buttermilk as welcome drink along with kayavaruthathu and sarkaravaratti. In the main course, I opted for red rice, and it reminded me of my grandma’s cooking.

I started relishing my course with the paruppu and ghee with crispy papadam and moved on to sambar, rasam and curd. The erissery, kalan, olan and avial were just like what you eat in your hometown and the pineapple pachadi stood out among the side dishes. It was a feast befitting a king with four varieties of chips,pickles and payasams.

The payasams were a treat with palada, idichu pizhincha payasam, pazha prathaman and paruppu prathaman vying for my attention. I simply loved the pazha prathaman and paruppu prathaman for its original taste.

While helping me to choose and taste the food, chef P R Unnikrishnan Namboodiri, who is also an ayurvedic doctor informed that the fare has no artificial flavour or colour.

He also said that payasams were made in urulis (traditional brass vessels) and fresh ada were made from onangalari to retain its authentic taste. No wonder the small pieces of ada in palada was satin smooth and I couldn’t stop asking for more.

He had brought chakka varattiyathu (jack fruit jam) to make the delicious chakka prathaman all the way from his home town Thrissur.

Still my taste buds craved for the naranga acharu and pazham nurukku, which the chef assured that, were reserved exclusively for the Thiruvonam day.

The restaurant is open for the sadya for lunch and dinner today.

LoHud Malayalees celebrate the harvest festival, Onam

onam

On the seventh day of Onam, Ruby Thomas and her two friends gathered at her New City home to make the intricate floral patterns that are the hallmark of the South Indian harvest festival.

The young women bought multicolored flowers, separated the petals into bowls, and arranged them into traditional designs that have been passed on from generation to generation. Typically, women make designs in concentric circles on each of the 10 days of the Onam celebration, and hold competitions to decide who has the best Onam pookkalam, or floral pattern.

As a modern-day, American-born Malayalee - natives of Kerala state are known after their language, Malayalam - Thomas and her friends do not have the time to do things the traditional way. If she didn't have to drive into Manhattan for work, Thomas said, she would add to her Onam pookkalam more often.

"If I had more time, I'd do it every day," said Thomas, 32, who works for the New York Presbyterian Hospital's revenue cycle department. "Even though I'm born in America, I love the Indian traditions."

Malayalees in India celebrate Onam over 10 days with family gatherings, traditional dances, new clothes, processions, games, feasts, and the colorful snake boat races that have become a highlight of tourism in India.

The Malayalee diaspora, which includes several thousand living in the Lower Hudson Valley, celebrate it with as much enthusiasm in their homes and in rented spaces that allow for big gatherings.

Other than small celebrations at home on Onam day, today, most large-scale festivities will be held on the weekend that is the most convenient for members of the various Malayalee associations. The Hudson Valley Malayalee Association, whose members are mostly from Rockland, will mark Onam on Sept. 19. The Westchester Malayalee Association will hold its celebration Sept. 12.

Though Onam is a harvest festival, it is closely linked with the mythical demon king of Kerala, Mahabali, known for his benevolence, humor, good governance and love for his subjects.

Legend has it that Mahabali's reign spread so much happiness and prosperity in his kingdom that the gods began to fear the eventual takeover of their celestial empire. To prevent such a fate, Indra, the king of heaven, appealed to Vishnu, the all-powerful preserver of the Hindu trinity, to rein in Mahabali.

Vishnu, in the form of a dwarf, appeared before Mahabali and asked for alms - land that could be covered in three paces. Mahabali, the gracious king that he was, agreed.

But Vishnu expanded to his true cosmic form. With his first step, he covered the heavens and with his second, the netherworld. Expecting that the third step would crush his kingdom, Mahabali offered Vishnu his own life instead. Vishnu banished Mahabali to the underworld, but pleased with his love for his subjects, granted him a boon. Mahabali asked that he be allowed to return once a year to his kingdom. His annual return is celebrated as Onam across Kerala. The flower carpet that Malayalees lovingly display on their doorsteps is a welcome mat for Mahabali.

Neetu Shaji of the Bronx learned how to make the floral patterns while sitting beside her aunt, the first in the family to come to the United States 35 years ago.

"We would gather around her and watch. Sometimes she would let us help," said Shaji, 18, who was born and raised in New Rochelle and now is a pre-med student at the New York Institute of Technology at Old Westbury, Long Island. "As the years progressed, she would let us do it. It was a learning process."

Shaji will be returning to college, so she cannot participate in the traditional dance celebration that takes place every year. Women dressed in white and gold sarees with flowers in their hair welcome Mahabali, often a good humored, rotund man with a mustache who offers to dress in regal finery and play the beloved demon king.

Led by men beating traditional drums, Mahabali makes jokes and walks around surveying his kingdom and subjects. He is surrounded by women carrying platters of flowers with lit candles.

An afternoon feast called Onam sadya is an integral part of the holiday.

Between 11 and 21 varieties of vegetarian food are served on banana leaves to the gathered celebrants. The dishes include payasam, a sweet vermicelli cooked with brown sugar and coconut milk; papadam, a savory wafer made from lentils; small bananas; avial, a mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut; sambar, a spicy lentil soup; rice; kalan, a green banana and yogurt curry; and pickled ginger.

There were few Malayalees in Rockland when Aney Paul moved to Nanuet 22 years ago. When more of her compatriots moved to the county, she began organizing Onam celebrations, encouraging competitions of Onam pookkalam and games for children and adults alike during the festival.

"It's a happy day for everybody," said Paul, who is running for the Clarkstown Town Board. "It's a day when everyone comes together and enjoys the day without any distinction between the rich and poor. There is equality and happiness," she said.

No Ferrari approach to Fisichella: Force India

force india

LONDON — Giancarlo Fisichella, widely touted for a move to Ferrari for the Italian Grand Prix next week, will instead be remaining with Force India at Monza, team boss Villya Mallya insisted on Tuesday.

Veteran Italian Fisichella caused a minor sensation when running Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen close in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix for his team's first ever championship points.

The Spa-Francorchamps pit lane was alive with rumours that Ferrari were planning to approach Fisichella after losing patience with their test driver Luca Bodoer.

Bodoer has stepped in for the injured Felipe Massa, who is due for a return in 2010, in the European and Belgian grand prix, qualifying in last place in both Valencia and Spa.

Only on Monday a Fisichella move appeared on the cards after Force India's commercial director Ian Phillips said he was expecting an offer from Ferrari.

But Mallya dismissed the notion of losing his number one driver, telling the BBC: "Fisichella has himself clarified that he has 'not received any invitation from Ferrari' and went on to add that 'he was looking forward to driving the Force India car at the Monza GP'," Mallya said.

"There has been absolutely no change whatsoever on this front since yesterday and we look forward to Fisichella scorching the tracks at Monza," he added.

Mallya's comments came on the day that Ferrari said they were reassured by the latest medical tests conducted in Miami on Massa who was seriously injured in a freak accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on July 25.

The Brazilian was left with head injuries after being hit by a flying object which had become detached from Rubens Barrichello's car.

"The tests carried out are positive. Everything is right for him to return to sporting action," a Ferrari statement reported.

It added: "The only thing necessary for him now is to undergo plastic surgery to repair the point of impact from the object in Hungaroring."

Ferrari said this procedure would be carried out in the next few days and after a brief recovery period Massa will then be ready to slowly start regaining full fitness.

The team added: "Evidently the test results were received with great satisfaction at (team headquarters) Maranello in the perspective of having Felipe back at 100 percent next season."

Massa himself said he was delighted with these latest medical results.

"After the small operation I will at last be able to start exercises to get back in form.

"Then I'll be able to do some kart testing. As for Formula One? Everything in its own time. For now I'm only concentrating on getting back into physical shape, and that's already a major step forward."

City lad gets second rank in CA exams

icai results

VADODARA: Twenty-year-old city student Kunal Suraiya stood second in all India ranking of the professional competence course (PCC) exam of chartered accountancy (CA) conducted by Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Suraiya, a third year student of M S University's Faculty of Commerce, is now eyeing to repeat this success in CA finals.

"The results are beyond my expectations," Suraiya, who scored 464 out of 600 marks, told TOI on Tuesday, adding that he wants to become a chartered account. No one from his family has done this professional course.

"I started studying for Common Proficiency Test (CPT) examination after I cleared my class XII board exams. After clearing CPT in August 2007, I had started preparing for PCC and enrolled myself for articleship. I expected my score to be around 400. But, results have come as a pleasant surprise to me," Suraiya, whose father Rajiv is a manager with a Makarpura-based private firm and mother Madhushri works as a secondary section teacher at the city-based Navrachna School, said.

Interestingly, this city lad wants to become a double degree bearer. "Apart from completing my CA finals with good score, I also want to do masters in business administration after completing my graduation," he said. Kunal, who is pursuing his Bachelors of Commerce at present, scored 74 per cent in first year and 69 per cent in second year. Although he is yet to chalk out his future plans, he added that he is interested in manufacturing sector, especially in production of power equipments.

Access CA PCC, PE II Results Online, SMS

ca results

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is going to announce CA PCC (Professional Competence Exam June 2009) and PE II (Professional Examination II June 2009) later today at 9 PM.

However, a little controversy took place this morning. The students were awaiting their results which, according to the notice put up on the ICAI's official website, were due today at 2 PM. However, the Institute has updated the original notice put up on Aug. 19 to change the timings of the result declaration to 9 PM as opposed to the earlier mentioned 2 PM.

Students can access their results on http://caresults.nic.in/. On the same website, they can also register themselves to receive the results via mail.

For getting results through SMS students should type:

(i) For Professional Education - II Examination result the following

CAPE2 XXXXX
(Where XXXXX is the five-digit PE II examination roll number of the candidate)

e.g. CAPE2 00171

(ii) For Professional Competence Examination result the following

CAPCE XXXXX
(Where XXXXX is the five-digit PCE examination roll number of the candidate)

e.g. CAPCE 00197 and send the message to

52001 - for DOLPHIN AND TRUMP users only
58888 - for all mobile services
51234 - for Reliance subscribers can access results through R-World.

We wish all the students good luck!

ICAI to declare PCE, PE-II Results tonight

caresults.nic.in

New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will announce the results of the Professional Education - II and Professional Competence Examination (PCE) held in June, 2009 tonight i.e. August 31, 2009 at around 9 pm.

The results will be available through www.ExamResults.net.

"The results will be announced on www.caresults.nic.in. It is expected to be announced around 9 pm in the evening", an ICAI official told www.IndiaEduNews.net.

The merit list (candidates securing a minimum of 55% and above marks and upto the maximum of 50th Rank) on all India basis will also be announced.