Okay...! I have a sweet tooth

... And there is no denying the fact that there isn't a better time to celebrate it other than Diwali. Diwali may well be the festival of lights, but for foodies and that too those with a sweet tooth like me, it is the best time of the year for delicacies.

But why just Diwali? I don't know how many of you would have noticed. But Diwali is the only festival that I know of where you can eat the special food / snacks made before the "Neivethiyam" (Prayer) happens. Hah! That means that the festivities(!) start a week before and end maybe a week after..!

This year though, it was of a different kind. The day went by just like any other day. No noise pollution or whatever. A short trip to the temple 30 miles away the day before was followed by a potluck the day after in office. Then yesterday, we (a group of 18 people) had unlimited dosas (!!) again at Mysore Veggie! What more of a celebration can one call for?

Belated Diwali wishes anyway..!

In the true spirit of Diwali,I share some sweets with you. Being a photography enthusiast - Here are some colorful sweets for you. Enjoy!!

The Dollar is shallow, Like the DoF..! ;)

The Dollar is shallow, Like the DoF..! ;), originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

These are troubling times..! With the bailout doing nothing that Bush sold to the public (and the Congress) and the fear of recession building up, the air is very hazy...

As of today, I'm not directly affected by anything yet. I hope to emerge unscathed out of this.

The Dollar is pretty shallow. And even shallower is the rupee. The conversion has already hit 50 bucks and a I read that it might hit as low as 58 by June next year.

Until then, there is more from this set of photographing coins on Flickr.




http://www.flickr.com/photos/me_ram/tags/coins/show/

Enjoy and let me know what you think of the photos. Lets hope that the market gets out of this mayhem as soon as possible.

Standing the test of time..

Standing the test of time.., originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

Standing the test of time!

Truly. An antique clock shot at the Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston, Massachusetts.
Supposed to be built in the 1820's.

Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: -2 EV

I loved this shot and here I'm publishing it as soon as it is humanly possible!! :-o)

What do you think of this shot? Let me know?

End of life...

End of life..., originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

Autumn (or Fall as it is widely called here in the US) is known for the vibrant colors of due to the leaves changing. Before the Winter announces itself and starts its grueling treatment, it's time for the leaves to bid adieu.

The End of life!

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 21 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Flash: This was an exception. I wanted the flash on to turn the spot light on one of those leaves in the center.

What do you think of this picture? Let me know.

On My Desk...

On My Desk..., originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

As the title reads, They are on my desk right now. The Past, Present and the Future - Reading.

Well, the Java 2 has been there for quite a loonng time and I haven't opened it since my last birthday :-o) And I'm sure, it wont be opened any sooner.

Picked up Marker by Robin Cook last week after finishing Grisham's Rainmaker.

And I'm going to be starting VRR's Phantom's in the Brain as soon as I'm done with the Marker.

Exposure: 0.125 sec (1/8)
Aperture: f/3.5125
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 400

As you might have guessed by now, it is a HDR. Shot with AEB (-2, 0 and +2).

What is on your desk right now? You may choose to reply with a photograph (!) or just post a comment here!

The Lake outside my office....

Presenting 2 different photographs that I made today using my brand new Digital Rebel XSi. Both of them were shot almost at the same location capturing the beautiful fall foliage outside my office. But post processing gave very different results. [Note to self: Write a post on Autumn and the beautiful colors all around New England].

The first one is a pure RAW photograph in which I played with the White Balance, Saturation and Temperature to get this.

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 400




The Second one, as you can see obviously is a HDR Image. This was also shot RAW and processed using PhotoMatrix to get this unrealistic but cool picture.

Exposure: 0.012 sec (301/25000)
Aperture: f/5.65685
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 400



I think that each of these Pictures is good on its own accord and it isn't just right to compare it one-on-one.

What do you think?

The Brook - Hazy...

Snowy, originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

Shot this photo somewhere in Franconia, New Hampshire during last week's Fall trip! Just cropped the photo get this portion and there is no other post processing involved.

Exposure: 0.125 sec (1/8)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 53 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Would f/4.5, 0.06 sec @ IS0 400 have been a better? Your thoughts?

The Bench

The Bench, originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

Loved the lighting on this...!

The Den

The Den, originally uploaded by me_ramchandran.

A HDR image shot in my office parking lot.

Remembering Navarathri...

Today is the 3rd day of Navarathri.

Navarathri, with the customary display of Golu a special festival for most Hindus, particularly Brahmin Families Tamil Nadu. It is that time of the year when you have to help elders with setting up the Golu and boy, Isn't there is a big process involved?

Usually it starts with dusting those old dolls from which have usually been safely boxed in the lofts from last year. Then the construction of the Padi's. These days there are ready made stands, shelves which can be turned into stairs pretty easily. But during my days every piece of furniture in the house is carefully scrutinized and it's started from scratch year after year. And every year, with a few new idols / dolls added to the collection, it is one helluva task to arrange it and give it its best look.

It is also the perfect time for anyone to showcase their creativity and knack for doing small science projects. Be it a small boat that runs on lighting a candle or a small fountain or a garden set, you can see almost all laws of physics and chemistry. A mini science fair at home!!

Then there is this concept of Women and children going to neighbour's and relatives' houses and singing in praise of the lord. Sadly these days, this part of the custom is done with.

Temples host special Navarathri Poojas and it is particularly special in Kumbakonam (only next to kanchipuram in the number if temples it has..!). The Huge Golu dolls and the spectacular alankaram's for the deities and a few things that one can never forget in life.

There is one more big reason for my love of this festival. One BIG thing.

Any festival is hollow and incomplete without food. Ain't it? Navarathri is synonymous with Sundals in that aspect. Not one. But variety of Sundals starting from Konda Kadalai (Channa), Pattani (Peas), Karamani (Whole Moong Dal? - Both Sweet and Spicy), Kadala paruppu (Channa Dal) and what not!

Suddenly thousands of miles away from home in a all-bachelor abode in Boston, Massachusetts, I wanted to celebrate Pongal. Well, I didn't have either the patience or the materials for arranging a Golu at my apartment. But I did manage to channel all those creativity and effort into making one special Sundal. Although I would love to share it with each one of you in the true spirit of the festival, all I can do at this point is share a couple of photos of this delicious dish!


Above and Below : Delicious Konda Kadalai Sundal prepared by your's truly...!



Savor it! A yet another Navarathri passes by, May the almighty bless us all for a healthy and prosperous life!