Human Chain Protest in Downtown Toronto

Here is the information I gathered from one of the organizers, Vel Vivekananthan, who came on CMR 101.3 FM this morning. 

People coming to downtown, Toronto today to show their solidarity and support for the Tamil civilians in Eelam, are asked to come to Union Station at exactly 12PM! Anyone arriving after that have been kindly asked to join the others in either St. Patrick's Station or Dundas Station. Many volunteers will be available at every corner to guide and help everyone. The main streets you want to be coming to are Young, Bloor, and University. People are also asked NOT to bring anything with them, except to have dressed appropriately for the weather. This will make efforts to move around people much easier for everyone. You have until 6PM tonight to come lend a hand.....

A Voice Among the Silence

Hi everyone, I came across this little bit of information just in the nick of time and I am eagerly waiting for its broadcast today. The John Moore show, hosted by John Moore on CFRB 1010 in Toronto, will be discussing the current events unfolding in Srilanka and the minimal attention it has been, and continue to be given, by the the international community, and the media in particular. I am both really surprised and gratified that we are finally getting some exposure within the mainstream media. And i know that many Canadians will be listening to that show on their ride back home from work/school/etc.. But here is the confusing part, so read carefully. The show was scheduled to air yesterday, but had been postponed to air today (January 29th) at 6:00pm. Luckily, I received this information just in time. However, on CFRB's website, it claims The John Moore show begins at 4:00pm, so it might just be that he will discuss this at the last hour of his show, but regardless, I urge everyone to tune in at 4:00pm and keep their radio on till the last minute. Listeners will also be given the opportunity to call in to voice their opinions and thoughts. That number is (416) 872 1010 - just in case.

*if not now, when?

Tamils Protest in Toronto!

It wasn't too long ago that I expressed distaste for my inaction to help the people back home. I have since been preoccupied with reading article after article about our war. I can't but feel inspired by the many voices raised against the war in Srilanka. Of course, this is mainly done by the many people who have voiced their thoughts on articles through the commentary section. I have also ventured to post some comments on my own, and I hope that you will too. In the meantime, while I was driving to work I heard this young man on the Tamil radio station CMR FM 101.3 . He was being interviewed by the broadcaster. I didn't even catch his name, but I was memorized by him. He spoke passionately, and he spoke intelligently. He urged all Tamils and Canadians alike to come show their support in denouncing the Srilankan government and the killings of innocent civilians in Vanni. He went on to say that at the beginning there were only 25 students outside the consulate, then it grew to 50, then 100, and now there were over 2000 people protesting outside in the bitter cold, and said they will be outside the consulate until someone answers their plea, no matter how long it takes. There was even an apparent confrontation between the protesters and the staff inside the consulate. The staff had denied the protesters to have a peaceful sit-in inside their compound claiming that every SINGLE of the protesters outside were LTTE supporters and called them terrorists. This had caused rather understandable tension during the peaceful demonstration. And that's all I gathered from the short interview.

As soon as I logged onto my computer at work I did some digging. To my dismay, none of the mainstream media had covered this story except for The Toronto Sun, and 680 News. I have a sense of gratitude towards them for this simple gesture that the other major news broadcasters and papers had curtly ignored. Click here for a video of the protest from The Toronto Sun and click here for the article. And now, (the decision was made today) I am planning to go and join my fellow people in the protest tomorrow outside the Srilankan consulate. It has become too hard to hide behind the veil of ignorance any longer. To be sure, I am not going because I want to support the LTTE, or even to denounce the Srilankan government. I am simply going to stand among the thousand others that are already there pleading for lasting peace.

*If not now, when?
Srilankan Consulate, 40 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto (Young St. & St.Clair)!

What Becomes of Them?

Even before I had the chance to see it myself, I was given a link by a friend to the CBC website to read an article. Click here to read the article. It has been over 2 years since the news first broke out. It was on every news channel, newspaper, and common discussions in Canada (and perhaps also in some other few countries where they'd know Srilanka existed). It had all the ingredients to make it the top story of the time. Educated immigrants, technology savvy youth, FBI undercover operation, banned terrorists, weapon smuggling. This is what news are made of. Then, within months, people stopped. People stopped asking questions, stopped wondering whatever happened to these men. And the truth is, people stopped caring because it wasn't their brother, father, or boyfriend. Like I said, it's always easiest to be a bystander than to raise your voice.

Unfortunately, they are back in the news. Two of the four, Sathajhan Sarachandran and Nadarasa Yogarasa, accused and detained in New York for aiding and funding the Tamil tigers. Both have now plead guilty to the numerous terrorist charges against them. Why they decided to do so? I don't know. What will become of the other 2 who are going ahead with their trial? I don't know. I don't have many of the answers, but I will ask one more question, will they be considered ordinary men who answered their extraordinary callings? you tell me!

A Hidden Silence

This is the confession of a bystander. There is no easy way to do this. In fact, I don't believe I should even start. But to say nothing, to be in silence, is shame. And to speak of it, only unveils more deeply drenched shame. In spite of the recent 'developments' in Srilanka, I have consciously forsaken the people back home. And that's a shame I will have to live with for life. Maybe it's because I left Srilanka at an early age. Maybe it's because my parents didn't ingrain us with their struggles through the war. Maybe it's because I can't read or write enough Tamil to comprehend the broadcasts and articles about our war. Maybe it's because I have been socialized into a peaceful community devoid of conflict, thousands of miles away from home. Maybe it's because I give importance to daily mundane problems that I have no time for worldly affairs. Maybe it's because between work, family and friends, I have no time. Maybe it's because I don't have a strong voice and no one will listen. Maybe it's because my patriotism is divided. Or frankly, maybe it's because I don't even know what it means to be patriotic. Whatever the reasons may be, this much I know for sure. I am not in the front lines of this struggle. I'm not even in the march, I am standing, allow me to correct that, I am sitting by the sidelines as a mere bystander. AND, that makes me deeply sad and utterly shameful. 

Today Niroshan asked me if I would ever consider moving back to Srilanka. I laughed at his unassuming rhetoric. Then I simply replied, I don't deserve to go back. We have all watched and read movies and novels of epic heroism, where seemingly ordinary men do extraordinary things. I have often pondered whether faced with such dire circumstances, if I'd be capable and strong enough to rise up to the challenges. Now - I have my answer. The calling is here. I am hearing my name loudly and clearly in every sentence of the stories I read. This should be my time to do the little I can. Yet, here I am. Hidden behind the comforts of the screen you see in front of you. Afraid to speak up, drowning in this hidden silence. 

Have You Seen This Man?!

I know a lot of our uncles resemble this clever culprit pictured near, but he is not Tamil. Kudos for that! His name is Sethuraj Mokada, a Newmarket CIBC employee, now suspected of defrauding his bank and his customers close to $2 million dollars. And now he is missing ?! A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for his arrest. An internal investigation by CIBC Corporate Security has traced numerous unauthorized transactions from CIBC customers to an account overseas under Mokada's name. Their investigation suggests that the fraud had been going on for the past year, where funds were being transferred out of unsuspecting customers' accounts. This is just another friendly reminder to always keep your balances in check! Your respective banks don't just send out regular monthly statements for nothing ... Anyhow, if you do see this uncle...please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.  

A Moment in History

Waking up today, or even after faithfully watching the inauguration of Barack Obama as president this morning, I didn't think I'd be blogging about Obama. I am always stepping aside when it comes to the new 'craze'. The only reason I watched Obama's inauguration is because I didn't want to miss out on 'history being made'. But going by my earlier comment, this makes me a hypocrite does it not? Oh well, because sometimes a moment is too powerful to be forgotten...

For anyone who watched the inauguration on television today it was hard not to be but astonished by the MILLIONS of people in front of Capital Hill. They came from far and wide, and withstood the bitter cold for hours, just to hear one man speak. ONE MAN. It's hard to even begin to comprehend the enormity of what happened this morning, January 20, 2009. Tomorrow all of America, and the world, will wake up to a new President of the United States of America. With all this gaiety revered by gush of triumphs and hope, it's difficult to sit on the sideline and watch the world celebrate. May be that's why I felt my heart choke up when I REALLY thought about what this means for the African Americans. And that's when the thought struck me. In another world, in a parallel universe to this one, imagine a Tamil born Srilankan becoming the first Tamil President of Srilanka. Ours is only a dream now. But for the Blacks in America, they are realizing their dream today. It only seems fit to celebrate with them. Hence my blog was written in their triumph.

With dreams come hope....

Grand Opening - Walmart

If you haven't heard already, the mysterious building that was being constructed near Markham & Steels is Walmart and it's OPEN! Actually the official grand opening is scheduled for this Wednesday January 21st, 2009. But like I said, the supposed supercentre is already open for the early birds. My dad visited the store last night and said there were approximately 150 cars in the parking lot and a lot more people inside. The setup of the store is very similar to the Supercenter Walmart in Stouffville. And rumor is, two employees for each cashier desk ?! But I have yet to take a visit. However, I can tell you now that I am very excited about this opening as this will be the closest Walmart to my house. I don't know about you, but I like Walmart and enjoy strolling through Walmart. But I will stop here 'cause when you have a brother-in-law that likes to slander Walmart and it's power to wipe out local retail chains, I have to be careful about what I write.

It's not that I like Walmart 'cause I'm cheap (okay I am, but that's despite the point). I like Walmart 'cause it's cheap. And it drives other major competition to lower their prices too (yes, I am aware of China thanks to my brother-in-law)! Nevertheless, think about it, would Loblaws be the Loblaws it is today if it wasn't for Walmart? I would love to support Loblaws more, but they don't have the same wide range of suppliers as Walmart offers. Until then, you can still find me strolling along in Walmart. Oh...don't forget to visit opening day, loads of goodies on sale I hear.

Slumdog Millionaire - A Personal Report

Some people I know are still confused whether the movie, Slumdog Millionaire is a Hollywood or a Bollywood production. For once and for all, it's not a Bollywood production. So you can relax, and to be sure, it's not a Hollywood production either. The movie was directed by a British, Danny Boyle and produced by a British production company with mainly British Indian actors. Sadly, I dont know what the equivalent of Bollywood/Hollywood of England is.... perhaps, Lollywood?! If I ever find out, I will share of course. But the point is, Slumdog Millionaire is a mainstream English movie based in India with Indian characters. That being said, please try not to dismiss the movie as another shoddy attempt by Bolloywood to infiltrate Hollywood.

I watched Slumdog Millionaire about 2 weekends ago at AMC. It wasn't running at my regular go-to theatre Cineplex Morningside, which made me a bit hesitant at first. Was it worth the extra $5 I paid at AMC? Sure why not. For those that don't know the story yet, Slumdog Millionaire is about an Indian boy, Jamal Malik, who grows up in the slums of Mumbai, and one day gets the rare 'once in a lifetime' chance to be a contestant on India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. The movie unfolds in flashbacks narrated by Jamal, from his childhood days in the slums with his brother, Salim, to him being brutally interrogated by police on the suspicion that he has been cheating on the show.

From the opening frame until the end, the movie had my interest captured majority of the time. What I enjoyed most about the movie was the realistic portrayal of life in India, specifically the slums of Mumbai. As horrible, and tragic some of the events of the movie were, that's India for you. Apparently, Amithabh Bachan had an outcry about India being portrayed in a deplorable manner and asked fellow Indians to boycott this movie. Someone should tell Mr. Bachan that not every story can be written so that characters are lugged off to foreign locales to sing and dance around trees. Having been to India and seen it's grimy conditions first hand, Danny Boyle has it down to a tee. The only reason the movie was able to reach out to millions of audiences was due to its realism and the powerful performances of the children.

The first half of the movie was my favourite. It tells the life of Jamal as a six year old living in dire conditions amid the stench of garbage and over flown sewers of the slums. Yet, (and this is what's incredible about the movie) dramatic emotions of humor and anguish are interlaced to create moments that will linger on your heart long after the movie ends. For instance, the scene where young Malik is determined to get the signature of a famous artist brings the house down with laughter! The young boys that play Jamal at age six, and then at 11 have given excellent performances. Actually, it would be wrong to call it performances, as this was their very reality. Danny Boyle chose children from the real slums of Mumbai to play the characters. Which in essence gives the movie it's undeniable realistic portrayal.

To sum things up, I would recommend Slumdog Millionaire to YOU! It may expose you to the many horrid facets of India, but essentially ends with hope, and a fairy-tale ending euphoria.

Maanada Mayilada

'Superb, Mind-blowing, Keeeleee' Have you had the chance to watch this show yet? It's "Maanada Mayilada" from Kalainchar TV, INDIA. Loosely translated in english is Deer dance, Peacock dance...lol. Somehow the authenticity of the title is lost in english. hahha. It's my favourite tamil reality show at the moment, and this being it's 3rd season, it has gained much popularity along the way. The show has 10 couples (+ their darling choreographers) competing each other for a coveted grand price in various dance offs. But what distinguishes this show is CHARACTER. Audiences (or rather, people like me) are captivated by the many contestants through interactive commentaries. And if you can catch on to their subtle comical quirkiness, you too will appreciate this show on a romanticized level. I have come to LOVE some of the contestants on this show, they have exceptional talent and charisma! My favourites are Sateesh, Logesh, Gokul and Azar. If you are looking for something new, I highly recommend this show. I will explain more later.

Meet Lucky!

I would like you to meet Lucky. That's his name and he is my boyfriend's family dog. He is a mixed breed between a poodle and a cocker spaniel, and will be celebrating his 1st birthday this April. Lucky is lucky in more than his name. First, he survived a terrible illness when he was just a pup of few weeks (the vets didn't even think he'd survive), but more importantly, he is lucky because my boyfriend's family loves him more than me. lol, Sadly..this is the truth! But that's another blog for a another day.

My first encounter with Lucky was supervised. I was horrified of dogs, and their ability to smell fear so one can imagine the horror of trying to play with a high strung 'spoiled' (yes he is spoiled) four footed creature with teeth! But sigh*...their adorable face will win you over. Ever watch the Puss in Boots in Shrek? I mean, how could that look not melt your heart. It did mine. And after several dangerous encounters, I can finally say I'm a fully capable dog lover. I hope to turn that into a dog owner soon, so Lucky gives me plenty practice.

I think everyone should adopt/ buy a dog. Especially newly married couples before they have a baby. It will teach them a lot too. In truth, caring for a dog is like caring for your own child. They become so meshed into your lives, that you can't imagine life without them. My wish is to own a dog one day, and to name him Subramani. (remember Moondram Pirai?)

Speaking of Stealing Headlines...

A snapshot of the US Airway passenger jet that 'landed' in the waters of Hudson River (near the Statue of Liberty).

This is the major headline of all the news media today, and will probably remain so until tomorrow. And of course the Canadian media is on top of it too! (Check out, thestar.com or citynews.ca). It will be interesting to note what the news media will choose to focus on this time since there were no causalities. Maybe the horrors of flying during the recession because the airline industry is cutting back on maintenance costs? lol. In any case, does this make me a hypocrite? Because I chose to blog about this first too. Quick...I need a new post!

Official Media Hater

It was near the end of high school that I began to acknowledge myself as a well-read person versed in current national and international affairs. Despite my then beggarly income of $10 a week for allowance, I'd still manage to buy the latest issue of the Times Magazine from time to time. In reality, there was no preference to Times, just that the magazine felt important, and I was ready to read what's important. I also read newspapers and sat through news programs, a rather unpopular activity among teenagers during my days, maybe even now but I can't know.

Fast forward several years, violent natural disasters, feeble wars and erratic weather forecasts, the media's big story today is the economy. Everywhere, you hear, see and read the instability and the withering of the world economy and in turn the Canadian economy. "Today TSX down 200 points, consumer confidence falls to an all time low, Jim Flaherty probes federal deficit, blah, blah, blah, blah, BLAH!!!"F***! I'm tired of all this frivolous nonsense!!! I was first introduced to this concept by Michael Moore, the idea of first instilling fear into ordinary people who will then turn around and do what you tell them. This worked for Bush, when he skillfully manipulated the American public through fear of terrorist attacks to sanction the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Advertising companies have been the forerunners of this ploy, subjecting an already dejected population into believing mere material attainment will lead to true happiness and security.

After years of accessing vital information through the media, I can honestly say that I am sick of their daily tantrums. Yes, people are losing their jobs, and Yes, the economy is not good, but it's not the end of the world, If you had visited your local mall this past holiday, it's not as gloom and doom as the convincingly conniving little *BEEP* make it out to be. People are still smiling. We're not AMERICANS. They have their own problems and we have our own. I know they have it more interesting, but that doesn't mean we have to steal their headlines. I pledge today, that I will not watch or the read the newspaper again for trivial matters but read and watch indepth articles (national geographic) and programs (the National on CBC) from hereon.

Next time you are watching the news, ask yourself this question "why the **** is the coverage on major headlines so short, but murders and accidents get repeated coverage?". Murder victims have been reduced to mere statistics (1st homicide of the year?). Today's media has no credibility, and are constantly inundated with horrific stories glorifying others' misery. And I refuse to be subjected to such ugliness. So it ends here.

George W. Bush is No More.

No other political figure in the history of US, or any other country for that matter, had (and will continue to be for many years to come) been subjected to such scrutiny and belittlement as the now infamous President George W. Bush. Just yesterday, Bush gave the last press conference of his tenure. Sources say, he is in fact pretty content with his work in Washington, D.C, and his swift and sound judgements over the 8 years is reflected in that the United States of America has not experienced another terrorist attack since 9/11. Putting aside the fact that thousands of innocent civilians and soldiers have died in the name of defending freedom (AND capitalism), and while we are at it, we should also try to conveniently forget the invasion of Iraq on baseless claims of Iraq harbouring weapons of mass destruction. If we can do all this (and maybe more), then maybe, just maybe, we can see where Bush is coming from. To be honest, Bush and his foreign policies are pretty much...well....'foreign' to me. I'm not going to pretend to know anything more than this, or I may run the risk of pulling a Bush myself...errgh. But at any cost, we can still rent Fahrenheit 9/11 whenever we need our dose of Bush bashing.

The 44th President of the United States of America is waiting to take over the throne next week. President elect Barack Obama will be the first Black President in a country where only 13% of the population is Black. That's real accomplishment for our neighbours down south. Can you imagine Ceylon, if a Tamilian was elected President? That's what America has managed to accomplish since it's blackmark years of slavery. Is hope not far too fetched then?

Going back to our Georgie, what still boggles my mind till today is, if BUSH was such a GREAT IDIOT, how did he pull off being elected twice for office? Americans will have to answer that one day. Maybe I can google it in a few years?! Perhaps.... but until then, good riddens!

Villu Varanda...(this weekend)

I wont do justice to this blog if my first official blogging wasn't about a Tamil movie. It's just who I am. From my early years as a six year old I loved tamil movies. And 20 years later, I still do. Varusham 16, Chinna Thambi, Rajathi Raja, and Mannan were some of my favourites. While most childeren in Germany spent their time watching CareBears, Heman and Sheman (remember?), I spent my time falling in love with Prabhu and Kushboo falling in love. My point is, no matter how corny, sentimental, or cliched tamil movies are, I still love them and will always remain a loyal fan. (EVEN if I do complain 90% of the time about the 2/3rds of the tamil movies released! They just dont make them like they used to!)Coming back to my blog title, Villu Varanda, did you know Vijay's movie titled "Villu" is now released at theatres near you? Just so you know, it's running at Woodside Theatres. No news yet whether it would be running at Eglinton Square or Town Centre. But the showtimes at Woodside are as follows, 4:30pm, 7:30pm and of course 10:30pm. This is Vijay's second movie with director Prabhudeva (yes! he is a director now, and he also directed Pokiri, so this is not news people!), and his first movie with Nayanthara as his leading lady. All the critics suggest I walk the other way, and if time permits (ONLY if time permits) watch it on DVD, but what becomes of my world if I can't even watch a Vijay's movie at the theatre? I don't want to know, not just yet anyways.

Chances are... you'll see me this Saturday at the 10:30 show (that's when all the single 'men' come *wink) and if you run into me after the movie, I'd be blatantly swearing off tamil movies FOREVER, but then and again, I'd be there again in a few weeks time, 'cause did you hear Rajini's new movie is with Aishwaray Rai? Note: If you do end up going to Woodside, try their Somosas at break time. Make sure to get it with their infamous sauce, it's THE champion of somosa sauces! You wont find this at Somosa King, so don't bother. Sure, you don't get 5 for your dollar, BUT unlimited supply of sauce awaits your order. Nice deal ya?

Why I am the way I am, I may never know!

If you are reading this, you know who I am. I don't fancy myself in being popular, nor do I make friends easily. So chances are, you are either considered family or part of my dwindling set of friends. But whoever you may be, welcome to my blog! First, thanks for clicking on the link I sent to come see what this is all about. You did your part. My part now is to make you keep coming back. Why? No, Google is not paying me. Although, I have read this can be done! That being said, if in the near future you see any ads on my blog, it was not intentional.

To begin, my boyfriend, who I spend approximately 2hrs a day (of course spread through out the day ) talking to, did not even knwo I was contemplating on starting a blog. He was included in the email with everyone else. I'm only making reference to this just to point out how random this was, and I chose to point him out, since he 'spends' the most time with me, and should have known about this venture. But he didn't, and obviously neither did you. so ta-daaaa.

Okay, if you have EVER asked yourself "hmmm, I wonder what Shalini is up to", you are now only a click away from finding out. Because this, ladies and gentlemen, is my answer to 'facebook mania'. And I can happily say, 'bug off facebook, I dont need you'.

Friends (lol, I remind myself of Vijay whenever I say that), I hope you will visit me again. I may not have a PhD, nor that law degree that I had once wished for, BUT I AM constantly trying to understand and unravel this thing we call 'life'. SO, just in case I have , you should check back in ...*wink