Complexions Contemporary Ballet...Spring tour!

Complexions Contemporary Ballet continues to amaze audiences across the country and around the globe.

Palm Beach Arts put it succinctly when Sharon McDaniel described the troupe this way:

"Beyond doubt, this is the finest collection of dancers I've seen in recent memory. They are fearless, focused and formidable. I couldn't pick out one or two favorites - all 15 dancers were top-flight -  beautifully strong and strikingly expressive."  (January 10/2010)

After returning from successful tours to Egypt, Lyon France and in the US in Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, the Company is underway with their Spring schedule here and abroad.

APRIL 2010

April 3rd  (8 pm)
Byham Theater
Pittssburgh, PA

April 7th  (7:30 pm)
Portland, OR

April 16th  (8 pm)
Zeiterion Theater
New Bedford, MA

MAY 2010

May 3rd-7th  (7 pm)
Russa Stanislavsky Theater
Moscow

May 7th-8th  (7 pm)
Mikhailovsky Theater
St. Petersburg, Russia

May 10th  (7pm)
Nokia Concert Hall
Tallinn, Estonia

May 12th  (7pm) 
National Opera House
Riga, Latvia

May 17th-30th
Holland

JUNE 2010

June 4th-5th 
Salle J. Antonio-Thompson
Trois-Rivieres, QC (Canada)

June 6th-12th
Santiago, Chile

Info: contact@complexionsdance.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

Charlie Chaplin...Gold Rush to screen with SF Symphony! April 15th-17th...

The San Francisco Symphony will play the original score for the  classic film the "Gold Rush"  at a rare screening on the Davies Symphony Hall stage (April 15th-17th).

The comedy was written, produced, and directed by Charlie Chaplin - who appears in a role that he made famous - the "Little Tramp" - during the silent film era.

The black & white feature also stars Georgia Hale, Mack Swainam, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman, and Malcolm Waite.

A scene where the "Little Tramp" is forced to eat his boot to satisfy his hunger is one of the  most memorable cinematic moments from Gold Rush that catapulted Chaplin to great fame and fortune.

Chaplin, who also directed, got the little gem in the can with a budget of $923,000.00.

The Gold Rush was originally 96 minutes long in an uncut version but edited to 82 minutes when originally distributed by United Artists in 1925.

The Cinematography was by Roland Totheroh.

Info: http://www.sfsymphony.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...Stephanopoulos baits Prez! Palin dried-up tea bag...

That George Stephanopoulus is a crafty devil when it comes to the subject of that dried-up old tea bag, Sarah Palin.

For example, in a one-on-one interview with President Obama on the subject of Nuclear materials this morning, he was relentless in his sly efforts to bait the Commander-in-Chief with pointed queries about the former VP hopeful from the frozen North.

But, Obama was light on his feet and evaded the velvet punches.

“Trying to get a rise out of me,” the President qently teased, as George shifted uncomfortably in the hot seat.

Frankly, I doubt that the President would be attracted to an uneducated backwoods country hick like Sarah Palin, y’all!

No boner surfacing there!

Obama passed with flying colors.

However, one off-handed biting remark dredged up a full-frontal attack from the Palin camp on the propaganda trail today elsewhere in the Nation.

Palin wasn’t about to ignore Barack’s back-handed assessment of her lack of familiarity (and knowledge) on the subject of nuclear materials.

“Oh yes, Barack's role as a community worker makes him an expert on the issue,” she laughed in so many words, to a roar of approval from supporters watching her back.

At that rally, she repeated her assertion that there was nothing wrong with the “tea party” being the irascible “no party”.

In response, pundits wondered aloud if there was much bark to her bite.

Meanwhile, President Obama continues to go on his merry way, unfettered by the hollow quitter who’s fast becoming a big joke around the country.

Amen!

Palin out of fashion!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Facebook...eyes Chinese Internet market!

It what appears to be a flow against the tide, Facebook is musing the pros and cons of jumping into the Chinese Internet marketplace.

On the heels of Google’s abrupt withdrawal from China over censorship issues, the popular social hub  appears to be ready to throw caution to the wind.

It may be a good marriage; after all, in recent days members of Facebook have complained about invasion of privacy and rights violations, prevalent in China.

The Chinese media at Sina.com held back on the specifics, but a Facebook representative had no qualms about spouting off at the mouth about the possibilities.

“We’re interested in China, just as we are with many other countries, and while we are studying and learning about them all, we have no specific plans for China at this time.”

Yup!

They’re about to launch a Facebook banner on the Chinese blogosphere.

A tipster at Sina.com was quick on the uptake and offered up advice to Facebook aficionados.

“They should set up shop like MySpace did by sharing data with the U.S. Market but does not completely copy the American way.”

Since Facebook boasts a membership of 400 million world-wide (with 70% non-U.S. based) perhaps a Global perspective (and hands-on approach) is better suited to their ceremonious entry into the Chinese social, political, and business arenas.

 

http://www.thetattler.com

Elizabeth Taylor...say it ain't so! You'll end up dead like Michael Jackson...

News outlets are firing off hectic alerts around the blogosphere that Elizabeth Taylor is preparing to march down the aisle once again.

According to reliable sources (!) - the many-times-betrothed last great star of Hollywood - is engaged to Jason Winters (Michael Jackson's former business manager).

Egads!

Has dizzy Ms. Lizzy lost her marbles?

Taylor's agent - Dick Guttman - would not confirm or deny the bizarre engagement to KTLA reporters.

In spite of being non-commital, though, he was inclined to note for the record that it was apparently no secret the two have been "this-close".

"It's no secret that they've been together forever and are in love, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they were engaged. Right now they are keeping it between them," US Magazine reported without batting an eye.

Richard Burton must be turning over in his grave.

Personally, I am quite shocked by the disturbing turn-of-events.

I'm Ms. Taylor's No. 1 fan, after all.

Is Dame Elizabeth that desperate for love?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Chinese Hackers...ghost network used for espionage! Indian Government files cracked...

 

According to researchers in Canada, there is a door to a subterranean “otherworld” on the Internet where Chinese hackers stealth fully roam at whim and indulge in high-stakes espionage.

The complex “ecosystem” has been targeting the Indian government, researchers at the Shadow Server Foundation, have accused.

Through an elaborate clandestine network of social networking hubs, and free web hosting sites, the perpetrators have allegedly gleaned highly-classified documents and other data from the Indian Government, the United Nations, and the even the personal papers of the exiled Dalai Lama.

The criminals are thriving, noted Ron Deiber (Director of the U of T Munk School of Global Affairs).

In the recent past, Citizen Lab (a member of Information Warfare Monitor) - uncovered an espionage network by the name of GhostNet - run by a nefarious band of hackers targeting the Tibetan Government.

The network hacking the Indian government was given the name Shadow.

The hackers make use of a network of computers comprised by malware - software designed to take over, monitor, and harm computers without the owner’s (user’s) knowledge.

I reported on a malicious intruder by the name of the - Soldier Virus - which is currently infecting computers around North American which uses the malware software aforementioned.

Post: 03/31/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/03/soldier-virusscam-extorting-money.html

In the near future, I shall be publishing a post with instructions on how to eradicate the nasty intruder on home computers and laptops.

Researchers have been alarmed to learn that simple networks like the one I encountered with the Soldier virus (using malware software) are fast-becoming complex systems moving from simple criminal exploitations to political, military, and illegal acts motivated by a hunger for highly-sensitive intelligence data.

“We see criminal networks increasingly compromising sensitive targets and stealing sensitive information, in addition to typical things that they’re interested in, like credit card numbers and bank account numbers,” added Dieber.

Although the researchers were able to track the hackers to Chinese soil, they were unable to link the intrusions directly to the Chinese Government.

The hackers rely on the victim acting on information (bait) in order to infect their computer with the malware.

For this reason, enticing e-mails (at-the-ready to infect), are used to prey on human nature.

“They will use either compelling newsworthy themes or in some cases , they’ll use very specific information from a previous ‘attack‘, “noted Nart Villeneuve, a chief security official at the SecDevGroup.

Villeneuve cautioned that PC users should keep their eye out for attachments containing pdf’s, word documents, PowerPoints, and Zip files.

The infected files will compromise the user’s computer bringing it under the attacker’s control.

As was the case, when my own laptop became infected with the “Soldier virus“.

“Then they will be able to send documents from the user’s computer to other locations.

Researchers are scheduling a Global Security Summit at the University of Toronto in the fall in a bold-faced effort to policymakers together from the world community so they may share resources in hopes of building sound practices in a realm currently lacking normal procedures or pervasive policing.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Justin Bieber...PEOPLE cover goofy! Pop star cries foul...

When a artist graces the cover of PEOPLE magazine, they’ve arrived in many respects.

But, in view of the complaints emanating out of the Justin Bieber camp, mainstream images beaming out to the masses is not always a palpable one, welcomed with open arms by the subject.

Shortly after Pop Culture’s “Bible”of  celebrity tattle released a promo on their new darling - Justin Bieber - he roared his disapproval by way of the almighty tweet.

If fans read between the lines, it was obvious.

Bieber hates the squeaky-clean - almost scary - photograph that stares out goofily from the popular weekly on the newstands around the country.

The mouth, for example, is so pepsodent!

Also, it appears that PEOPLE facilitated some photo-shop magic to effect the image of a wholesome all-American pop star (in spite of the fact he’s Canadian).

Ah, it’s the nature of the beast.

Once fame has knocked on a celebrity’s door, the perceptions of the individual become twisted and distorted (triggered by a ravenous press out to manipulate - and eventually devour - their latest caged animal).

I expect that in the near future, Bieber’s handlers will start requesting editorial control, choice of pics, you name it.

Like Streisand, before him, there may be clandestine efforts to protect and promote the persona that fits their vision of the sizzling hot pop star in the early throes of his career on talk shows and at high-profile celebrity events.

If you recall, Barbra Streisand demanded Oprah Winfrey rearrange the furniture on her set, so the Diva's  better side (is there one?) was facing camera.

Antics like that earned La Streisand the title of “Super C**t”.



For good reason, celebrities lay down a lot of cold hard cash to snap up a bevy of expert handlers to usher them up the ladder of success without any burps (or nasty gaffes) causing stumbles along the way.

Superstars are not immune to fatal missteps in the fickle arena - otherwise known as the Hollywood Dream Factory - though.

When Tom Cruise took a dive from his lofty perch (in part due to the infamous couch-jumping scene on Oprah) foes clucked with glee.

No wonder!

Just months prior, Cruise parted ways with the all-powerful well-connected Hollywood public relations team,  once watching over him with hawk-like precision.

Cruise has never recovered from the fallout.

As to Bieber, well it’s not all roses, by any means.

For some inexplicable reason, TMZ has  chosen to knock the kid marvel (with a  No. 1 hit record and a posse of adoring fans "following"  every move).

On one segment, Harvey &  the kids gleefully referred to Bieber as a gruesome virus spreading around the Nation.

The mischievous gossip mongers tend to broadcast off-the-wall embarrassing photos, too, whenever they're offered up by a watchful paparazzi quick on the uptake.

For example, one cynical photog captured a shot of a Bieber billboard captioned - “My World” - atop a strip joint known as “Crazy Girls”.

I caught the whiz kid slip - and reveal  a cocky ill-mannered side - when he plunked his foot down on the coffee table during an appearance on the Jay Leno show.

Right about now, the industry is panting at the mouth, for a delicious Bieber scandal.

If God smiles on me, I may be the lucky one to break the news first.

Eat your heart out, Harvey!
 

http://www.thetattler.biz

President Barack Obama..."Start Treaty" signed in Prague! Former Soviet Nations worry...

In what amounted to a landmark step forward on arms control, President Obama met with the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to sign a pact known as the “START” treaty.

The Commander-in-Chief flew to tPrague on Wednesday and met with the Russian leader like clock-work at the Prague Castle today (Thursday April 8th) without any hitches.

The treaty calls for a reduction in both U.S. and Russian nuclear strongholds.

Contrary to predictions that the arsenals will be reduced by thirty percent, critics and analysts have pooh-poohed the notion.

“The numbers will be much smaller,” one official confided anonymously.

Although growing tensions in recent years between the two world powers are expected to abate somewhat, some speculate that the pressure may have been dumped into the laps of other foreign nations.

Former Soviet countries in eastern Europe are allegedly nervous, for example, about the new bonding between Barack Obama and Dmitri Medvedev, and are expected to seek assurances that their security is not adversely affected by the accord struck between the U.S. and Russia.

Obama is now inclined to focus at the heart of the matter.

The President will host a summit meeting on Washington Hill next week to discuss effective ways to secure nuclear materials.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival...splashy cinematic event kicks off April 29th!.

Probably one of the classiest film festivals to hit town each year is the Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Word from a top honcho at Festival headquarters is that the annual event (one of the longest-running in Los Angeles) is slated to run this year from April 29th through May 8th (2010).

The popular fest - which sold out many screenings last year at the Director's Guild and other venues - will feature 170 films represented by 20 countries (including world premieres, sneak previews, you name it).

As usual, in addition to the daily screenings, there will be a big splashy event or two difficult to pass u, psuch as a Bruce Lee 70th Birthday Celebration.

Together with Bruce Lee Enterprises, the festival will highlight the life of this legend with special high-profile screenings.

A free outdoor screening of Lee's classic film  - THE CHINESE CONNECTION - is slated for April 30th at Madang the Courtyard in Korea Town (Western & Wilshire Blvd).

There will also be a special showing of -  ENTER THE DRAGON - on May 1st at Noon at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatres in West Hollywood.

In addition, there will be gala events, Industry Panels, and compelling line-ups of Documentaries and Narratives which focus on the Asian Experience from around the world.

Arvin Chen’s Debut Feature - “AU REVOIR TAIPEI” (produced by Wim Wenders and Fest Alum In-Ah Lee) - will rev up the 10 day circuit event.

Hong Kong Box Office Smash “BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS” - starring Tony Leung and Donnie Yen - will close out the fest at a tony gala event.

Visual Communications (VC) - the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center - announced that screenings will be held at a handful of exciting venues around Los Angeles.

The Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) boasts previews at the Director’s Guild of America (DGA), Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatres, the Downtown Independent Theatre, The Tateuchi Democracy Forum @ the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre.

In addition, the LAAPFF will launch Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Arvin Chen will open the festival on Thursday, April 29th at the DGA with a screening of the much-anticipated AU REVOIR TAIPEI.

The filmmaker and cast are scheduled to attend the Los Angeles premiere.

The romantic comedy was an audience fave at the Berlin Film Festival

"We are excited to present the Los Angeles premiere screening of AU REVOIR TAIPEI as our opening night film,” noted  Abraham Ferrer (Exhibitions Director at VC & Film Festival Co-Director).

“We have been following director Chen’s career since we produced his USC thesis film MEI at the 2007 LAAPFF. We are honored to have him return and present his latest effort."

Another LAAPFF alum - filmmaker Quentin Lee (Drift, Ethan Mao, Shopping for Fangs) - brings his hit sex comedy (THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH) - to the fest as the American Centerpiece film on Saturday, May 1st at the DGA.

Director Lee, screenwriter Koji Sakai and the film’s stars - Karin Anna Cheung (Better Luck Tomorrow), Archie Kao (CSI, Desperate Housewives), and Wilson Cruz (He’s Just Not That Into You, My So Called Life, Noah’s Arc) - will be in attendance.

“Quentin Lee is one of our VC family members and is perfect example of what the organization does for Asian American filmmakers,”  David Magdael (Festival Co-Director) noted for the record.

“Since his arrival to VC in 1991, he has participated with us in utilizing the training, resources, networking and fiscal sponsorships that we provide. We have seen his career grow throughout the years, and we are extremely proud. With this film, one can see how Lee has become one of our strongest filmmakers. And now tackling comedy, he continues to evolve.”

Le Thanh Son’s action-packed film the "CLASH" - Vietnam’s current box office smash - is slated for the LAAPFF International Centerpiece premiering on Sunday, May 2nd at the DGA.

CLASH reunites the team behind the LAAPFF 2007 closing night film "The Rebel" and stars Johnny Tri Nguyen and Veronica Ngo in what is being described as a hard-hitting thriller.

Incorporating stylish action sequences and stunning cinematography, the film continues to propel the current Viet Wave Cinema, according to Festival organizers.

 Cast members will join Director Le Thanh Son at the LA premiere for a Q & A.

The 2010 LAAPFF is proud to also present - THE MIKADO PROJECT - from Festival alum Chil Kong on Saturday, May 1st at the DGA.

The comedy centers on an Asian America troupe - The Angry Buddha Theater Ensemble - as they try to mount the popular theater piece after they lose their leading male star.

Director Kong and his all-star cast of actors including - Tamlyn Tomita, Erin Quill, David McInnis, Allen Liu and Ryan Yu -  are slated to attend the gala event.

This year, the LAAPFF will present the North American premiere of the hit South Korean comedy - THE ACTRESSES - from director E. J-yong in the Special Sneak Preview slot on Saturday, May 8th at the Downtown Independent Theater.

Shot as a documentary, this comedy send-up is an inside look at the dramatics of six of the most famous actresses in Korean film who were gathered together by Vogue Korea for a photo shoot on Christmas Eve 2008.

The multi-generational cast play themselves and worked without a script, as they acted out the varied facets of their respective private and public personas.

"With 'THE ACTRESSES' - it’s always about the drama on-and-off screen for stars Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Mi-sook, Choi Ji-woo, Ko Hyun-jung, Kim Min-hee and Kim Ok-vin,"  officials underscored in their press release yesterday.

Closing out this year’s fest is the Southern California premiere of the current Hong Kong smash -  BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS - from director Teddy Chen (featuring an all star cast which includes Tony Leung, Simon Yam, Donnie Yen and kickboxer/MMA fighter Cung Le).

This blockbuster action film will be presented Thursday, May 6 at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles with actor Cung Le at the gala.

“We are excited about BODYGURADS AND ASSASINS as our closing night film,” states Shinae Yoon, VC Executive Director.

“It’s been a while since our festival has closed with such a Hong Kong blockbuster film. It’s a great way to cap off our celebration.” .



In addition, two special panel discussions are scheduled as follows:

Enter the Dragon (May 1st)

Filmmakers Reginald Hudlin and Brett Ratner, President of Bruce Lee Enterprises (Shannon Lee), and actor/martial artist Bob Wall are scheduled to attend at press time.

Guests will discuss the impact of Bruce Lee on world-wide pop culture.

Bruce Lee Panel Discussion DGA (May 2nd)

The Lee Family (including wife Linda Lee, daughter Shannon Lee, and God-daughter/actress Diana Lee Inosanto) - and friends - discuss Bruce Lee the man, the father, the husband, and the friend.

“Bruce Lee was not only an icon for many of us as Asian Americans, but for everyone from around the world,” says Magdael.

“This special celebration of his life and the discussion around him as a person, a friend, a family man and a martial artist and actor will definitely be moving," festival staff assured me.

This year marks a strong year for non-fiction works at the LAAPFF with submissions up in numbers this year.

The 2010 documentary line-up includes award winners, premieres events, and a special spotlight on Academy Award® winner/LAAPFF alum Freida Lee Mock.

Some of the films featured are:

•LAST TRAIN HOME (Lixin Fan) • ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE (Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath) • ONE VOICE (Lisette Marie Flanary) • STATE OF ALOHA (Anne Misawa) • A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILES (S. Leo Chiang) • IN THE MATTER OF CHA JUNG HEE (Deann Borshay Liem) • MAMACHAS DEL RING (Betty M. Park) • BEIJING TAXI ( Miao Wang) • AOKI (Ben Wang and Mike Chang) • MACHO LIKE ME (Helie Lee) • MY TEHRAN FOR SALE (Granaz Moussavi) • LT. WATADA (Freida Lee Mock) • SING! CHINA (Freida Lee Mock).
The Festival is proud to be partnering with Toyota as the Official Vehicle Sponsor.

Toyota once again will bring their cutting edge style to the Festival in their car displays.

In addition, Toyota is making possible the music video showcase - Cinema Musica! - amid the rooftop after-party.

They're also hosting the free outdoor screening of  "THE CHINESE CONNECTION".

The Festival is also proud to partner with the Directors Guild of America as the main screening venue during the Festival’s Opening Weekend.

This state of the art theater is where the Festival will screen its opening night film as well as both Centerpiece Films.

Visual Communications (VC) is the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center and was established in 1970.

The organization has established a lengthy track record of pioneering achievements in producing, presenting, and preserving more honest and accurate representations of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in America.

Visual Communications is also recognized as an incubator of emerging Asian Pacific American cinematic talent.

The organization's works have been exhibited in numerous venues and broadcast outlets around the world.

The mission of Visual Communications is to promote intercultural understanding through the creation, presentation, preservation and support of media works by and about Asian Pacific Americans.

Ticket Info:

www.vconline.org/festival

Visual Communications
(213) 680-4462 (ex 68)

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...Cherry Blossom Festival! Japantown April 10-11th!

The 43rd Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off this weekend.

The  event runs April 10th thru 11th & April 17th thru 18th in downtown San Francisco.

The US-JAPAN Choral Festival is slated for Friday April 9th.

The exotic Asian tradition attracts about 150,000 visitors.

Expect exquisite foral displays that showcase the art of flower arrangements - which ultimately  reflect - one of the myriad facets of the ancient Japanese culture.

The festival will be held on Post between Laguna & Fillmore.

The 4-day event (spread over two separate weekends) promises to be quite entertaining.

There will be food booths offering up culinary delights, costumed performances, martial arts, and live bands.

The annual Queen Program gets underway on Saturday April 10th.

The Grand Parade will be held on April 18th.

The colorful procession begins at City Hall & ends up in Japantown.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Pamela Anderson...drunken starlett stumbles out of Guys & Dolls! Sloppy seconds anyone?

Pamela's horizontal take on life!

Blond sexpot Pamela Anderson shocked onlookers when she stumbled out of Guys & Dolls nightclub in the wee hours this morning - dishevelled and out-of-control of her faculties - with nasty stains spotting the front of her ultra-tight chic party dress last night.

At one point, Pamela hid underneath her wild unruly mane of hair, as she was escorted to a waiting vehicle.

The tipsy top-heavy dance contestant should have called it a night.

Was the former Babewatch star just kicking up her heels (letting down her hair literally?) to release a little tension that had been mounting over the past week @  "Dancing with the Stars"?

Pamela narrowly missed being canned from the hit ABC show last round of the competition when she could barely pass muster with the viewing audience at home.

One gossip monger on a popular tabloid show was heard to mutter last night.

"It's the women. They don't like sluts like that," he spat out in disgust in so many words.

Another host on the tops ratings-getter was indignant about the unkind barb and stuck up for the former babe watch star.

"That's not true."

After her splashy night out on-the-town, Pam may have turned the corner in the regard now.

Maybe folks in middle America just wanted to give a true underdog (like Kate Gosselin) a chance instead of a big pampered Hollywood movie star?

Viewers at home were undoubtedly shocked when they caught sight of one video which captured a shot of  a man on top of the oiled-up starlett inside the night club trying to make out with her on the couch.

The panting horndog may have left some saliva behind on her chest in the wake of his animal passion!

Talk about sloppy seconds!

Want a go?

The line queues over there, dudes!

If a great dane jumped the dizzy dame last night, it's doubtful she would have been the wiser.

Not content to conjure up a big splash at the trendy watering hole, Pamela proceeded to make the rounds at Chateau Marmont Hotel (a notorious lair for night creatures and superstar party-heartiers) and Dominick's eatery.

Yeah, get some food into your stomach, Pam.

And, drinks lots of water; otherwise, you're going to be suffering with green gills and a splitting headache throughout the rest of the day.

Yeah, we've all been there!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Ellen DeGeneres...Family Feud contestants choke on gay issue! Simon unpopular...

OMG!

On the West Coast - especially in the show biz arena - we are all so blase about Ellen DeGeneres being "openly" gay.

Married to a pretty lipstick lesbo?

Who cares!

Not so - in mainstream America - if we're to try to fathom what went down on Family Feud this week.

Even Ellen was a trifle perplexed (miffed?).

Game show contestants were asked to take a stab at a quiz that should have been a snap!

During the segment - "Things that people know about Ellen DeGeneres" - it became quite evident that the guests (a typical middle-class American family) were having a difficult time dealing with the issue of Ellen's "gayness".

I expect the first answer that popped into the fuzzy little heads of the viewers at home was quite obviously one that pertained to the fact that Ellen is "gay!".

Nope.

First answer?

"Ellen has a talk show."

Okay, not bad, but just betcha the next response will focus on her same-sex persuasion (I thought to myself from the comfort on my Hotel suite in San Francisco).

The second answer tripped off-the-tongue of the contestant trippingly, no problem.

"She is a funny lady."

Uh-huh.

Not queer, mind you, just funny.

Golly, the next words to be uttered up would  surely have the - "H", "G", or "L" - letters in it (wouldn't you have thunk?).

"Ellen doesn't like this country," the husband hazarded a guess (with a straight face, mind you!).

Huh?

"Ellen takes care of her mother," flunked out too.

Not on the ubiquitous board above the stage!

Finally - gosh almighty - a family member piped up that Ellen's married.

Bingo!

But, the tactful woman stopped short of noting the particulars.

"To a woman, you idiot!"

Needless to say, when Ellen showed the clip on her show earlier today, she was obviously in need of some consoling.

Til now, the perky talk show host - and upbeat friendly Judge on American Idol - must have thought she was the darling of America.

Nope.

Hard to swallow, eh Ellen?

In another surprise moment (when Ellen was setting up a belated April Fool's Day joke) she announced that Simon Cowell was exiting American Idol.

The spirited guests in her audience cheered!

Or was there an applause sign being held up from the sidelines?

Nope.

Ellen was shocked.

"You want Simon Cowell to leave Idol?"

The crowd roared in approval.

Life is full of surprises, isn't it?

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...Hilton workers walk off job! Angry protest in streets...

I was strolling along the street doing a little window shopping just a short while ago, when I was confronted with an angry mob of Hotel workers protesting in front of the upscale Hilton in downtown San Francisco.

The situation has been bubbling over for while now.

In fact, when I was in town in January, a highly-vocal gang of protestors disrupted the lobby.

Although, the disgruntled employees eventually packed it up kit 'n kaboodle - and headed back into negotiations - it doesn't appear that there is a solution in sight  yet!

In January, I reported Union reps were pushing for continued health care coverage with low co-payments which the Hotel is opposed to.

In fact, Hilton reps have taken  the position that workers in the Bay area should help their end to cover ever-rising costs thrust on the providers in recent days due to the current economic climate around the country.

During that wild and raucous protest, the AFL-CIO President - Richard Trumka - was arrested.

Consequently, the issues were catapulted into the National spotlight.

Post: 01/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/01/san-franciscohilton-hotel-protests.html

The main issues - as you can well imagine - continue to focus on  Insurance coverage and benefits.

What else?

Neither side appears to be willing to budge, so it may end being up a long fiery dispute, played out on the streets in the tony climbs of picturesque San Francisco.

As usual, tourists will gingerly step their way through the ka ka that is is otherwise known as union and hotel management negotiations.

http://www.thetattler.biz

American Idol...Angry fan taunts Simon! Casey's whiskey-soaked voice appeals!

American Idol is starting to steal alot of thunder from the gutsy Jerry Springer show.

No wonder!

Idol - and one of its irascible Judges (Simon Cowell) - hit a new low last night!

Simon's mean-spirited assessments turned folks off so much, in fact, they were inclined to openly taunt him to show their disapproval during the broadcast.

The normally-cool Simon was so unnerved by the incident - that he was indignant - and begged (!) that he be allowed to "finish" his talent assessent.

Thank you very much!

In a nutshell, it appears that fans are tired of the English transplants cruel attacks on the contestants each week, and have no qualms about lashing back.

Security!

That aside, the performances (for the most part) were not only entertaining last evening, but more individualistic in style.

To their credit, the warblers took a shot with their own arrangements - and thankfully - refrained from being total copy-cats (Karaoke-style).

Casey James tried his hand at "Jealous Guy" with a romantic approach.

Rusty, heartfelt and - bluesy at times - the gamble paid off since the rendition suited the tune and his voice.

One Judge applauded the handsome stud for showing a vulnerable side.

Fellow songbirds joked about Casey and his golden locks (reminded me of my hippie days when I was 17 - footloose and fancy free - dancing outdoors at be-ins in Vancouver) and were inclined to bandy about names for the soap character they predict he'll be playing one day (Trevor & Drake were two favorite choices).

In particular, I was impressed with the way he closed the ballad with a heartfelt cry!

Tim Urban - the kid with the bright blue eyes and wide pretty smile - was received well by the adjudicators who have criticized him in prior weeks for holding back and taking advice lightly.

He started off slow with "All my Loving", then built slowly, until he had the rapt audience in the palm of his hand.

I thought that the performance turned a bit pedestrian at one point, and ended up a little flat, but the Judges raved.

It sure lacked the excitement and frenzy that ignited the British Invasion back in the sixties.

I was a teen when they conquered North America, so I know from whence I speak!

Tim's stage persona was bang on, though.

"You've got that McCartney cuteness going on," gushed Simon.

"The girls love 'ya. And it will sell tickets," he added in so many words.

Aaron's "Long and Winding Road" was too sweet (a polite way of saying weak) and was a bad choice in my estimation.

The kid's vocal projection was poor - which caused me to wonder - if he needed to be in a lower register.

Another singer fell into the same trap.

When the pretty songstress sang out - "Nothing's Going to Change My World" - I prayed that someone would toss out a hook, drag her offstage, and prove otherwise!

Pathetic!

Crystal Bowersox wowed judges and the audience alike with her stab at a Beatles tune - and managed to pique their curiosity too - when she facilitated the use of a didgeridoo (an instrument originating with tribes in Australia) to injest a haunting new sound into the mix.

In  contrast, another performer's use of bagpipes (Heh Jude) caused most to shake their heads.

"Looks like that dude wandered in from another sound stage," one Judge snickered.

As usual, Ryan Seacrest fluttered about the stage, trying to look important (relevant, as the Judges would say).

I laughed out loud last night when Dave Letterman quizzed one of the singers (who just got kicked off the show) about Seacrest's role on American Idol.

"What does that fellow Ryan Seacrest actually do," he quizzed the suprised guest.

The tactful young lady tried to skirt around the issue, but eventually coughed up a response.

"Ryan helps put the performers at ease," she asserted in so many words.

"Oh, he's one of those good looking non-threatening guys, eh?" Dave dead-panned to the camera.

Uh-huh.

Quite unlike that Brit who gets two thumbs down this week!

Tune in tonight for a performance by Rihanna.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Dancing with the Stars...Buzz moonwalks home! Kate Gosselin spared axe! Security tight!

"It's the best show on TV," raved a fan who braved the throngs and tight security (that required a body scan with a high-tec wand) to be up-close and personal for Tuesday night's episode of Dancing with the Stars.

Maybe, the dance lover was anxious to witness the drama in person?

After a tense week for the contestants - featuring  sad teary-eyed break-downs - anything was bound to unfold on stage this evening.

Would Kate Gosselin be given the axe?

Was a former astronaut's day in the sun coming to a poignant close?

In a way, dancers exiting stage right or left, would be a blessing for me (and most journalists reporting on the show).

Let's face it - a two-hour entertainment variety show with ten couples parading by non-stop - is a tough assignment even for a writer capable of lighting speed shorthand techniques.

The ess dancers there are to keep track up, the better for moi!

I confess - occasionally - it has been tough keeping up.

For starters, the blond bimbo babes all look the same to me! 

Wigs, make-up, and dazzling body-transforming outfits by wardrobe masters, have added to the challenge this end.

So, take this as a kind of disclaimer.

If you want the exact scores without any mix-ups - or are keen on being abreast of the status of each couple up-to-the-minute, cruise on over to ABC's web site.

Gosh, my occasional slip-ups may be a plus for the network, because they're bound to get an overflow of traffic bouncing off the tattler site to theirs at ABC.

What is important to me is the color - the highlightss and the devastating lows - and the spirit of the competiton.

That's the meat of  "Dancing with the Stars", after all.

To be honest with y'all, two hours sensory overload, is a bit discaboobating!

An hour-and-half would be stretching it, really!

I'd be interested to take a gander at the ratings - and determine when and where the viewing  audience tuned in (or out) - during the course of the upbeat exciting dance competition.

By the way, the male dancers are easier to keep track of  generally - especially when they open their yaps - and end up stirring up controversy or titillating bill-of-fare.

For example,  when a ompeting athlete got excited about the thought of getting down 'n dirty next week on stage with his dance partner, host Tom Bergeron quipped that next week's episode would be pay-per-view.

By the way, thought that Evan's black jacket with a dazzling spray of stardust casting rainbows in the light,  was just FABULOUS darlings!

The black studs on the white dress shirt, and corectly-knotted bow tie, were tasteful stylish flourishes.

A host was inclined to dredge up the details of a "mickey" still haunting one couple.

Why did the winsome twosome break the rules in their quick-step performance?

The male cutie - Derek - confessed that he got swept away in the moment.

I hope he keeps a rubber in his wallet given his lack of self-control!

Wink! Wink!

Backstage, in an intimate moment, dancers noted that Tuesday night (eliminations) was the most stressful for everyone.

The troupe has become quite close-knit, has developed relationships, and feel like family at this juncture.

Niecy joked that she was the big mamma.

"I try to get these thin children to eat," she quipped (a bit envious of their toned bods?).

Two male dancers were spied outside of their trailers. 

The spoils of their success?

I wonder if the comfy motorhomes rock from side-to=side (up & down, too) on quiet afternoons during break?

If we're to believe the gossip mongers on the night-time tabloid shows, yes!

Once dancer noted that Erin Andrews was down-to-earth and fun to be around.

In view of the death threats haunting her, not an easy row to hoe,  I expect.

After alot of entetaining segments - sandwhiched in-between slick high-profile advertisements at commercial break - it was time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

Was it my imagination, or did Pamela Anderson nearly faint, when the word came down that she was saved for another round of fancy glamorous footwork?

Kate Gosselin, who many predicted would be shown the backstage door, managed to finesse her way through for a triumphant encore next episode.

In a real cliff-hanging moment, Buzz Aldrin finally got the word.

It would be his last moonwalk home in the arms of his charming wife.

But, what a send off.

The audience jumped to their feet - and clapped and stomped their feet - in recognition of the man's ballsy chutzpah!

"Why did you take on this challenge, Buzz?" the pretty hostess probed.

"I did it for the fighter pilots, the military, and an old geezer - me!

Buzz Alrin, in the final anaylsis, is a gentleman and a scholar.

Not many of us left!

See 'ya next week.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Adam Lambert...to mentor American Idol contestants! April 14th episode...

Early this afternoon, Adam Lambert let 'er tweet!

The sizzling hot news?

Lambert will not only mentor  next week's hopefuls on American Idol - but will also perform his latest hit on the stage - at Fox!

"Whataya Want From Me" will blast across the old boob tube on April 14th.

In closing, Adam chirped that he was excited at the prospect of returning to his old stomping grounds.

"Even though I'm just at the start of my recording career, I hope to lend some insight as one who's been thru the Idol adventure."

http://www.thetattler.biz

Whitney Houston...confused on Australian stage! Cancels Paris show...

Tongues wagged last week when Whitney Houston stumbled about the stage in Australia and appeared to be downright confused.

Stoned?

On the heels of that brouhaha, Whitney was forced to cancel her Paris concert, on the grounds that she was experiencing an upper resperatory infection which prevented her from performing live on stage.

However, the troubled songbird assured her fans there would be a concert next week in Manchester to look forward to.

Are old demons surfacing once again in Ms. Houston's life?

This spoof on Whitney by Candis Cayne, which I caught on HD Video at the Abbey in West Hollywood, points an accusing finger at the true culprit in my estimation.

Post:  05/28/2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R96Euas-SA

Can rehab be very far behind?

http://www.thetattler.biz

India...welcome! Increased traffic boosts stats at Tattler...

Although I haven't changed my content here at the Tattler (business as usual!) - for some inexplicable reason - a review of stats has established that over the past few weeks there has been a huge surge in traffic from India.

There has been a lot of coverage on the high-profile Oscars and popular U.S. TV shows (such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "American Idol") - which may figure in.

After all, India touts a burgeoning BOLLYWOOD that is on par with the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry here on U.S. Shores in Tinsel Town.

Don't know, for sure!

Granted, there have been blog posts which may be of particular interest to Indian citizens.

For example, there have been movie reviews for films like "Outsourced".

The upbeat entertaining film takes a poke at "outsourcing" of American jobs overeas.

Movie Review

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/outsourcedcharming-film.html

Before "Slumdog Millionaire" was released Internationally  - and became a "known commodity" in the film industry - I reported on the film's relatively unknown cast on the red carpet in Dallas and in Los Angeles (which included an interview with highly-respected film Director Denny Boyd).

Post: 02/24/10http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/02/slumdog-millionaireafi-foresaw.html

There have been on-camera interviews with Bollywood Stars such as Samrat Chakrabarti when he attended the Director's Guild screening of "Karma Calling" at the Aisan Pacific Film Festival, too.

Post:  05/05/09http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalsamrat_05.html

Occasionally, I pen articles on Yoga and Buddhism, since Eastern religions (and the philosophy and teachings of the great Masters originating from this culture) are of great interest to me.

And, I often quote one of my favourite spiritual leaders,  Gandhi.

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/05/mahatma-gandhiquote-on-immortality.html

Unfortunately, I've yet to visit India, but I can dream - can't I?

I'd love to see the Taj Mahal, visit a handful of ancient ruins, and trapise though the breathtaking mountain regions.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.


The Taj Mahal is an exquisite example of Mughal architecture - a style that combines elements from - Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

It is often referred to as "the jewel of Muslim art" in India.

History

India's history and culture is ancient and spans back to the beginning of human civilization and is touched on here briefly for obvious reasons.

The wealth of information is staggering!

The history of India has been one of constant integration with migrating peoples and with the diverse cultures that surround India.

At the center of Asia, India is at a crossroads with cultures from China to Europe, with a significant Asian connection with the cultures of Africa.

India's history, in many ways, is a microcosm of human histor comprised of diverse cultures.

The History of India arose with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization in such sites as Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Lothal, and the coming of the Aryans.

These two phases are known as the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods.

Hinduism arose in the Vedic period.

In the fifth century, large parts of India were united under a legendary historical figure known as Ashoka.

Ashoka the Great was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from 269 BC to 232 BC.

Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests.

His empire stretched from present-day Pakistan, to Afghanistan in the west, beyond to  the present-day Bangladesh, included the Indian state of Assam in the east, and went  as far south as northern Kerala and Andhra.

He conquered the kingdom named Kalinga and embraced Buddhism from the prevalent Vedic tradition after witnessing the mass deaths of the war of Kalinga (which he himself had waged out of a desire for conquest).

He was later dedicated to the propagation of Buddhism across Asia and established monuments marking several significant sites in the life of Gautama Buddha.

In human history Ashoka  is often referred to as the emperor of all ages.


Ashoka was a devotee of ahimsa (nonviolence), love, truth, tolerance and vegetarianism.

Under the Mauryas, Hinduism took shape and transformed over the ages until the present day.

The Mauryas were an Indian dynasty in the fourth-third centuries (BCE) which unified the subcontinent for the first time and contributed to the spread of Buddhism as well.

Islam was first introduced to India in the eighth century and over time became a major political force.

The European presence in India dates to the seventeenth century.

The English rule emerged as a result of the conquests at the battlefields of Plassey and Buxar.

A Rebellion in 1857-58 - which sought to restore Indian supremacy - was defeated.

When Victoria was crowned the Empress of India, the Nation became incorporated into the Empire.

Eventually, the  British were forced out of India in 1947.

Temples

India, a territory bound by the Hindu Kush and the Himalayas, boasts many wonderful temples.

The earliest temples were  rock cut and cave temples in India.

The temples of the Medieval Era were varied in architectural styles and often followed the taste  of the ruler at the time and the nature of his or her devotion. .

For the most part, the sacred houses of worship reflect age old customs and traditions of India.

Some of the jewels in that crown include the Sun Temple at Konark, the Khajuraho Temples, the Ajanta Caves, Brihadeswara Temple, and the Sanchi Stupas.

Literature

The oldest literature of Indian is thought to be the Veda, a collection of religious and philisophical poems and hymns composed over several generations beginning as early as 3000 BC.

The Veda was composed in Sanskrit which was the intellectual language of both ancient and classical Indian civilizations.

There are four Vedas.

Some Vedic hymns and poems address philosophic themes such as the henotheism (the key to Hindu theolog).

Through Henotheism the idea is put forth that one God takes many different forms and that - although individuals may worship several different gods and goddesses - they really revere but one Supreme Being.

The Rig-Veda

The Veda dates back to 3000 BC and contain 1028 hymns (10,589 verses are divided into ten mandalas or book-sections) dedicated to thirty-three different gods.

The most prominent Gods were Gods of nature like Indra (rain god; king of heavens), Agni Mueller, the Vedas (fire god), Rudra (storm god; the 'howler'), Soma (the draught of immortality, an alcoholic brew).

The Sama-Veda

The Sama-Veda (or the wisdom of chants)  is basically a collection of samans or chants, derived from the eighth and ninth books of the Rig-Veda.

These were meant for the priests who officiated at the rituals of the soma ceremonies.

The Yajur-Veda


They performed the sacrificial rites.

The Veda also outlines various chants which should be sung to pray and pay respects to the various instruments which are involved in the sacrifice.

The Atharva-Veda

The Atharva-Veda (the wisdom of the Atharvans) is called so because the families of the atharvan sect of the Brahmins have traditionally been credited with the composition of the Vedas.

It is a compilation of hymns but lacks the awesome grandeur which makes the Rig-Veda such a breathtaking spiritual experience.

The Upanishads

The term Upanishad means sitting down near.

As the idea implies, students sitting down near their Guru, to learn the secrets of existence.

In the splendid isolation of their forest abodes, the philosophers who composed the Upanishads, contemplated upon the various mysteries of life and its creation whether common or metaphysical.

The answers were not revealed to all - but rather - to  select advanced students.

The teachers felt that some individuals were not capable (or ready) to deal with the powerful knowledge bestowed upon them.

The Upanishads were sought to fathom the mystery of the earthly and spiritual realms.

Through commentaries, stories, traditions and dialogue, the Upanishads unfold the fascinating tale of creation, life, the essence of life and of that beyond to the seeker of truth.

The Upanishads were composed over a long period (7th -5th centuries BC.).

The Upanishads were originally called Vedanta (conclusion to the Vedas).

The teachings of the Upanishads focused on views about Brahman (the Absolute, or God) and atman (one's true self).

Brhad-aranyaka Upanishad

The Brhad-aranyaka Upanishad is widely accepted to be the most important of all Upanishads.

It has three khandas or parts.

The madhu khanda contemplates on the relationship between the individual and the Universal self. The muni khanda or yajnavalkya is a debate which goes on to give the philosophical backing to the earlier teaching. The khila khanda tackles various rituals of worship and meditation.

Chandogya Upanishad

This Upanishad is a part of the Sama-Veda (see The Vedas).

The name comes from the singer of the songs (samans) who is called Chandoga.

The initial chapters of the Upanishad, discuss the ritual of sacrifice.

The others debate the origin and profundity of the concept of Om, among other things.

Aitareya Upanishad

This one forms part of the Rig-Veda.

The purpose is to make the reader understand the deeper meaning of sacrifice and to take him away from the outer trappings of the actual act.

Taittriya Upanishad

The siksa valli deals with the phonetics of the chants, while the others, brahmananda valli and bhrgu valli deal with self-realization.

A part of the Yajur-Veda, this Upanishad is divided into three sections or vallis.

Isa Upanishad
Also called the Isavasya Upanishad, this book deals with the union of God, the world, being and becoming.

The main thrust was on the Absolute in relation with the world (paramesvara).

The gist of the teachings is that a person's worldly and otherworldly goals need not necessarily be opposed to each other.

Kena Upanishad

The name of this Upanishad comes from the first word kena, or by whom.

It has two sections of prose and two of poetry.

The verses deal with the supreme spirit or the absolute principle (brahmaana) and the prose talks of ishvara (god).

The moral of the story is that the knowledge of ishvara reveals the way to self-realization.

Katha Upanishad

Also called the Kathakopanishad, this Upanishad uses a story (katha) involving a young Brahmin boy called Nachiketa to reveal the truths of this world and the other beyond the veil.

Prashna Upanishad

Prashna literally means question and this book is part of the Athrava-Veda.

It addresses questions pertaining to the ultimate cause, the power of Om, and the relation of the supreme to the constituents of the world.

Mundaka Upanishad

This book also belongs to the Atharva-Veda.

The name is derived from 'mund' or to shave which means that anyone who understands the Upanishads is shaved from ignorance.

This book stresses  the importance of knowing the supreme brahmaana, only by which knowledge can attain self-realization.

Mandukya Upanishad

The Mandukya is an exquisite treatise which expounds on the principle of Om and its metaphysical significance in various states of being, waking, dream and the dreamless sleep.

The subtlest and most profound of the Upanishads, it is said that this alone will lead one to the path of enlightenment.

Svetasvatara Upanishad

The name of this Upanishad is after its teacher.

It teachings focus on the unity of the souls and the world in one all-encompassing reality.

The concept of there being one god is also talked about here.

It is dedicated to Rudra, the storm god.

Maitri  Upanishad

This Upanishad references the Trinity of Hindu Gods (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) which was a later development with theories on the world being illusory in character (a Buddhist influence).

Vajrasucika Upanishad

Belonging to the Sama-Veda,  the Vajrasucika reflects on the nature of the supreme being.

The core of the teachings of the Upanishads is summed up in three words:

tat tvam as… you are that.

The Puranas

The Puranas contain the essence of the Vedas.

They were written to impress the teachings of the Vedas onto the masses and to generate devotion to God in them.

They have five characteristics: history, cosmology (with symbolical illustrations of philosophical principles), secondary creation, genealogy of kings, and Manvantaras (the period of Manu's rule consisting of 71 celestial yugas).

The Puranas were meant, not for the scholars, but for ordinary people who could not understand high philosophy and could not study the Vedas.

There is an emphasis on the worship of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer), Surya (the Sun God), Ganesha (the elephant headed god known to be the remover of obstructions ), and Shakti (the goddess).

All the Puranas belong to the class of Suhrit-Sammitas, or the Friendly Treatises, while the Vedas are called Prabhu-Sammitas or Commanding Treatises with great authority.

There are 18 Puranas : Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana or Siva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Narada Purana, Markandeya Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Linga Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Vamana Purana, Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, Garuda Purana and Brahmanda Purana.

Of these, six are Sattvic Puranas glorifying Vishnu; six are Rajasic, glorifying Brahma; six are Tamasic, glorifying Siva. Vyasa, the son of Rishi Parasara, is said to be the author of them all.

Hindus view cosmic activity of the Supreme Being as comprised of three tasks: creation, preservation, and dissolution and recreation.

Hindus associate these three cosmic tasks with the three deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Lord Brahma brings forth the creation and represents the creative principle of the Supreme Being.

Lord Vishnu maintains the universe and represents the eternal principle of preservation.

Lord Shiva represents the principle of dissolution and recreation.

These three deities together form the Hindu Trinity.

Hindu religion is often labeled as a religion of 330 million gods.

According to the Hindu scriptures, living beings are not apart from God, since He lives in each and every one of them in the form of atman (BG 10.39).

The number 330 million was simply used to give a symbolic expression to the fundamental Hindu doctrine that God lives in the hearts of all living beings. .

Sri Ramakrishna once said that  there can be as many spiritual paths as there are spiritual aspirants - similarly - there can really be as many Gods as there are devotees to suit the moods, feelings, emotions & social background of the devotees.

The Hindu scriptures when they were describing the qualities of God.

He is all-knowing & all powerful.

He is the very personification of justice, love & beauty. He is ever ready to shower His grace, mercy & blessings on His creation.

The main Hindu Gods today are  broadly classified as Saiva Gods (Siva, His consort, His sons, His other forms), Vaishnava Gods (Vishnu, His consort, His various avatharams)& Sakthi or Saktha (Forms of Goddess Sakthi)

The Ayrans

The Aryans were semi-nomadic Nordic Whites, perhaps located originally on the steppes of southern Russia and Central Asia, who spoke the parent language of the various Indo-European languages.

Latin, Greek, Hittite, Sanskrit, French, German, Latvian, English, Spanish, Russian etc. are all Indo-European languages; Indo-European, or more properly Proto-Indo-European (PIE), is the lost ancestral language from which those languages ultimately derive.

They worshiped a sky-god, they traced descent through the male line, they raised cattle, they drank meed, they used horse-drawn chariots (which they probably invented) as weapons of war, etc.
Aryans, specifically Indo-Aryans, make their first notable appearance in history around 2000-1500 BC as invaders of Northern India.

The Aryans were remarkably expansionist, and almost everywhere they went they conquered and subjugated the indigenous peoples, imposing their languages and (to varying degrees) their religious beliefs on the natives, and receiving in turn contributions from the peoples whom they conquered.

Aryan invasions swept across Old Europe beginning as early as the fourth millennium BC.

Caste System

Social classes are referred to as the "caste system (Hinduism).
The first three are referred to as the twice born.

This has nothing to do with reincarnation.

Being "twice born" means that you come of age religiously, making you a member of the Vedic religion, eligible to learn Sanskrit, study the Vedas, and perform Vedic rituals. The "second birth" is thus like Confirmation or a Bar Mitzvah.

According to the Laws of Manu (whose requirements may not always be observed in modern life), boys are "born again" at specific ages: 8 for Brahmins; 11 for Ks.atriyas; and 12 for Vaishyas.

A thread is bestowed at the coming of age to be worn around the waist as the symbol of being twice born.

The equivalent of coming of age for girls is marriage.

The bestowal of the thread is part of the wedding ceremony.

That part of the wedding ritual is even preserved in Jainism.

Ancient Iran also had a coming of age ceremony that involved a thread.

That and other evidence leads to the speculation that the three classes of the twice born are from the original Indo-European social system (the theory of George Dumézil).

Even the distant Celts believed in three social classes.

Although there must have been a great deal of early intermarriage in India, nowhere did such an Indo-European social system become as rigid a system of birth as there.

The rigidity may well be due to the influence of the idea of karma, that poor birth is morally deserved.

According to the Laws of Manu, when the twice born come of age, they enter into the four âshramas or "stages of life."

The first is the brahmacarya, or the stage of the student (brahmacârin).

For boys, the student is supposed to go live with a teacher (guru), who is a Brahmin, to learn about Sanskrit, the Vedas, rituals, etc.

The dharma of a student includes being obedient, respectful, celibate, and non-violent.

 "The teacher is God."

For girls, the stage of studenthood coincides with that of the householder, and the husband stands in the place of the teacher.

Since the boys are supposed to be celibate while students, Gandhi used the term brahmacâri to mean the celibate practitioner that he thought made the best Satyagrahi, the best non-violent activist.

The second stage is the gârhastya, or the stage of the householder, which is taken far more seriously in Hinduism than in Jainism or Buddhism and is usually regarded as mandatory, like studenthood, although debate continued over the centuries whether or not this stage could be skipped in favor of a later one.

This is the stage where the principal dharma of the person is performed, whether as priest, warrior, etc., or for women mainly as wife and mother.

Arjuna's duty to fight the battle in the Bhagavad Gita comes from his status as a householder. Besides specific duties, there are general duties that pay off the "three debts": a debt to the ancestors that is discharged by marrying and having children; a debt to the gods that is discharged by the household rituals and sacrifices; and a debt to the teacher that is discharged by appropriately teaching one's wife or children

The third stage is the vânaprastya, or the stage of the forest dweller.

This may be entered into optionally if one's hair has become gray, one's skin wrinkled, and grandchildren exist to carry on the family.

Husbands and wives may leave their affairs and possessions with their children and retire together to the forest as hermits.

This does not involve the complete renunciation of the world, for husbands and wives can still have sex (once a month), and a sacred fire still should be kept and minimal rituals performed. This stage is thus not entirely free of dharma.

The Forest Treatises were supposed to have been written by or for forest dwellers, who have mostly renounced the world and have begun to consider liberation.

The modern alternatives seem to consist of the more stark opposition between householding and becoming a wandering ascetic.

The fourth stage is the sannyâsa, or the stage of the wandering ascetic, the sannyâsin (or sâdhu).

If a man desires, he may continue on to this stage, but his wife will need to return home; traditionally she cannot stay alone as a forest dweller or wander the highways as an ascetic.

The sannyâsin has renounced the world completely, is regarded as dead by his family (the funeral is held), and is finally beyond all dharma and caste.

When a sannyâsin enters a Hindu temple, he is not a worshiper but one of the objects of worship.

Not even the gods are sannyâsins (they are householders), and so this is where in Hinduism, as in Jainism and Buddhism, it is possible for human beings to be spiritually superior to the gods.

It has long been a matter of dispute in Hinduism whether one need really fulfill the requirements of the Laws of Manu (gray hair, etc.) to renounce the world.

There are definitely no such requirements in Jainism or Buddhism.

The Buddha left his family right after his wife had a baby, which would put him in the middle of his dharma as a householder.

Jainism and Buddhism thus developed monastic institutions, but these did not really develop as such in Hinduism.

Four stages of Life (Four parts of Vedas)

The four stages of life may be associated with the four parts of the Vedas: the sam.hitâs with the stage of the student, who is particularly obligated to learn them; the brâhman.as with the stage of the householder, who is able to regulate his ritual behavior according to them; the âran.yakas with the stage of the forest dweller, who regulates his ritual behavior according to them and who begins to contemplate liberation; and finally the upanis.ads with the stage of the wandering ascetic, who is entirely concerned with meditation on the absolute, Brahman.

The twice born account for about 48% of Hindus.

The rest are Shudras and Untouchables.

The Shudras may represent the institutional provision that the Arya made for the people they already found in India.

The Shudras thus remain once born, and traditionally are not allowed to learn Sanskrit or study the Vedas.

Their dharma is to work for the twice born.

But even below the Shudras are the Untouchables, who are literally "outcastes," and were regarded as "untouchable" because they are ritually polluting for caste Hindus.

Some Untouchable subcastes are regarded as so polluted that members are supposed to keep out of sight and do their work at night:

They are called "Unseeables."

In India, the term "Untouchable" is now regarded as impolite or politically incorrect.

Why there are so many Untouchables (15%-20% or so of Hindus) is unclear, although caste Hindus can be ejected from their jâtis and become outcastes and various tribal or formerly tribal people in India may never have been properly integrated into the social system.

When Mahâtmâ Gandhi's subcaste blocked his attempts to go to England to law school,  he went anyway and was ejected from the caste. After he returned, his family got him back in, but while in England he was technically an outcaste.

Existing tribal people, as well as Untouchables, are also called the "scheduled castes," since the British drew up a "schedule" listing the castes that they regarded as backwards, underprivileged, or oppressed.

The Untouchables, nevertheless, have their own traditional professions and their own subcastes.

Those professions  involve: (1) dealing with the bodies of dead animals (like the sacred cattle that wander Indian villages) or unclaimed dead humans, (2) tanning leather, from such dead animals, and manufacturing leather goods, and (3) cleaning up the human and animal waste for which in traditional villages there is no sewer system.

Mahâtmâ Gandhi referred to them  "scavengers".

Since Gandhi equated suffering with holiness, he saw the Untouchables as hallowed by their miserable treatment and so called them "Harijans" (Hari=Vis.n.u).

Later Gandhi went on fasts in the hope of improving the condition of the Untouchables, or at least to avoid their being politically classified as non-Hindus.

Today the status of the Shudras, Untouchables, and other "scheduled castes" (and the preferential policies that the Indian government has designed for their advancement ever since Independence)  are sources of serious conflict which have consisted of murders and riots in Indian society.

I wonder, which caste is inclined to read my blog?

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