Mahatma Gandhi - Apostle of Non Violence (1869-1948)

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest leaders of 20th century is remembered. Back on October 2nd, 1869 he was born and was assasinated on 30th January 1948.



more later....

The 10 Most Trusted Celebrities in America

Forbes has come out with a list of "The 10 Most Trusted Celebrities". Here' a look at the celebrities on Google Maps showing where they were born along with video clips.

(Note: Coordinates via Yahoo Geocoding API)

America's Drunkest Cities on Google Maps

Forbes has a list out there on "America's drunkest Cities". The list rates 35 American Cities on things like:

Most Drinkers - Adults having atleast 1 drink of alchohol in past 30 days
Heavy Drinkers - Men having 2 or more drinks a day Women having 1 or more drinks a day
Binge Drinkers - Adults having more than 5 drinks on a given occasion
Alcholism - Cities were ranked based on the number of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held in the area

(Note: This post mentioned by:
David Ewalt, Forbes reporter for America's Drunkest Cities in Forbes Blog
Mike Pegg in GoogleMapsMania
John Musser of ProgammableWeb has this post as "Mashup of the Day" (September 30)
(Also check out America's most Trusted Celebrities)

Detroit Tigers - News and Video on Google Maps

Here's the latest Detroit Tigers News via Yahoo Sports News RSS Feeds. There's also a YouTube video with a background song - Billy Joel's "This is the time..".



more later....

New Delhi News on Google Maps

New Delhi (my birth city) News via Google News RSS Feeds from right on top of Qutub Minar.

I also have included a Video of Indian (Punjabi) Wedding in New Delhi.

New Delhi - WIKI
New Delhi - FLICKR Images

Detroit News via Google News RSS Feeds on Google Maps

Detroit News bought to you via Google News RSS Feeds from right on top of GM World Headquarters at Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI.

Bhagat Singh - India's Treasure Remembered

Bhagat Singh one of India's greatest Freedom Fighters is remembered on what would have been his (September 27th) 99th birthday.

Here are couple of songs from Manoj Kumar Classic "Shaheed" a Bollywood film based on the story of legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh

Indian Actress Padmini Dies

Dave Mallya from Oakland Township, MI sends in this:

Legendary Indian Film Actress Padmini dies of a heart attack in Chennai, India at the age of 74 (June 12, 1932 - September 24, 2006).

For more on this check out BBC

Here's Padmini in Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai

Early Fall Sunset - Plymouth, MI

I noticed this spectacular view looking out West from the front of my house (09/24/2006).



more later...

Lata Mangeshkar - Nightangle of India

Lata Mangeshkar one of India's greatest and most popular singers celebrates her 77th Birthday on September 28th.

It was extremely difficult to pick out a song because she has had so many...great songs in her career which has spanned almost 7 decades. I finally decided to go with a song from Bollywood Hindi film Pakeezah

Here it is..

Hoo Haa...India, Aaya India

DON team of Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor along with John Abraham and the Indian Cricket team have joined hands to promote ICC Chapmpionship Trophy and also celebrate the greatness of India

Related: Indian Cricket Team on Google Maps (with video highlights)

They have come up with this music video "Aaya India" (Here comes India!)

Jai Santoshi Maa Comes to Michigan

Jai Santoshi Maa Comes to SR Movies, Novi, MI on September 29th.
For showtimes visit Alok's Michigan Indian Community Website

Michigan Billionaires

Forbes has come out with a list of 400 richest Americans (All are billionaires)

Here's a look at Michigan Billionaires

Rank    Name
64      William Morse Davidson ($4.0 Bil)
        (Bloomfield Hills, MI)

73      Richard M DeVos ($3.5 Bil)
        (Ada, MI)

140     Roger S Penske ($2.2 Bil)
        (Birmingham, MI)

160     Ronda E Stryker ($2.0 Bil)
        (Kalamazoo, MI)

204     Jon Lloyd Stryker ($1.7 Bil)
        (Kalamazoo, MI)

242     Michael Ilitch ($1.5 Bil)
        (Detroit, MI)

278     A Alfred Taubman ($1.4 Bil)
        (Bloomifield Hills, MI)

322     William J Pulte ($1.2 Bil)
        (Bloomfield Hills, MI)

354     Daniel Gilbert ($1.1 Bil)
        (Livonia, MI)

374     John W Brown ($1.0 Bil)
        (Kalamazoo, MI)

Punjabi Movie at SR Movies, Novi, MI

Anokhe Amar Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji a Punjabi Movie comes to SR Movies Novi starting September 29th, 2006.
For Showtimes visit mimantra.com

Rajiv Sanghvi - Your Michigan Indian Radio Host

Rajiv Sanghvi - Have you listened to him. If not then tune in to AM 690 every Sunday from 11 AM to Noon.

Rajiv a second generation American Born Indian has been in this business for over 20 years.

Listen in to the latest Bollywood Songs and songs from YesterYears (YesterYears - I have borrowed this word from Rajiv Sanghvi's show on my bollywood videos site).

He is an excellent resource for the latest in community news. At times he will interview Community Leaders on his show which turns out to be extremely beneficial to our Indian community.

One of Rajiv's greatest achievement was "Festival of India" event at Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI during the month of August, 2006. He was one of the chief organizers and it turned out to be a spectacular show.

Over the past 20 years Rajiv Sanghvi has interviewed quite a few bollywood personalities like Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Arjun Rampal and many others.

Related:
Subhash Kelkar - Know your Michigan Indian Radio Host
Michigan Indian Radio Hosts

Our Civic Dharma

Sent in by Sheetal Patel of Westland, MI:

Election season is coming up fast upon us. Here’s an excellent article written by Dr . Swarn Rajpal and published in Chetna (Publication of Bhartiya Temple, Detroit) September 2006, encouraging all of us to perform our civic duty by voting on the 1st Tuesday in November.

POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IS A FORM OF KARMA YOGA

Swarn Rajpal


At the battleground of Kurukshetra with the armies of Kauravs and Pandavs facing each other, Arjun is perplexed as to why should he fight and kill his own cousins, uncles and teachers. At this juncture Lord Krishna gives him the advice which is written in our holy book, Geeta. Lord Krishna manifests himself as GOD and teaches Arjun to take the right action. The results of his action are not in his control. Win or lose, he is not to be attached to the outcome while performing the act. Arjun understands that his duty as a kshatriya (protector of gentle people) in the battleground is to fight the enemy.

The immigrated and America-born Indians are working hard to preserve and to propagate this Hindu philosophy. Our henotheistic faith (worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods) preaches tolerance. Our scriptures guide us to many paths leading to Moksha (final liberation). We have a distinct eastern culture that is very slowly being accepted in the neighborhoods of our adopted country. But every day there are reminders of prejudice, discrimination and racial profiling against us by various groups. This realization unites us and gives us the energy to take positive action.

Our community is recognized for its intellect, economic prominence and adaptation to the local culture, without losing its identity. We are gaining ground in all aspects of American society, but are most challenged in the political arena. We have not yet demonstrated our power at the ballot. Because we are dependent on the federal, state and local government officials to protect our faith and religious institutions, it is our job to elect legislatures that understand our culture.

The US census in year 2000 showed that Indian Americans represent 0.6% of the US population. According to an analysis by the Indian American Center for Political Awareness, the Indian American community should have at least 45 State Legislators of Indian origin, as opposed to three who currently hold office, when considering that there are 7,424 state legislators nationwide. Only 30% of eligible Indian Americans voted in the year 2000 Presidential election. Of those who did not vote, 90% were not registered to vote.

It is imperative that each of us become registered to vote. Only then can we cast our ballot for our favorite candidates and support issues that are consistent with our values. Let us not be apathetic, cynical or fearful of expressing our opinions on the ballot. Candidates elected by the power of our vote are obligated to protect and to respect us. With the election season upon us, let us heed to the main lesson in Geeta. Let us practice karma yoga (action of selfless service) like Arjun. Let us perform our civic duty as US citizens to vote on the first Tuesday in November.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai a bargain at $5 at SR Movies, Novi, MI

Lage Raho Munna Bhai and other movies at SR Movies which are screened on or before 1.00 pm on Saturday, Sunday are $5.00. Also all shows on Wednesday are $5.00

I have not seen Lage Raho Munna Bhai, so I plan to take my family this weekend. 50% discounted tickets. Can't beat that. From what I have heard about Munna Bhai and Circuit, this will turn out to be a fun filled family event.

For showtimes and all upcoming Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu Movies at SR Movies check out mimantra.com

Hollywood Movie opening song outsourced to Bollywood

This might be old news to some, but I saw "Inside Man" this past weekend and I could not believe it. "Inside Man" had the opening song from a Bollywood Hindi Film "Dil Se" - Chaiya Chaiya. Wow!

Here it is:

Google in Ann Arbor, MI - Day 1 (09/18/2006)

Google opened its offices today at 110 S.Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. It started with 20 employees today. Recruits were mostly from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Michigan State University, Lansing.

For more on this check out Detroit News

MIBAZAAR Looking for Contributors

MIBAZAAR.com is looking for contributors from Michigan and elsewhere who would be interested in writing articles for the Indian Community, share information which will benefit our community in Michigan and around US and Canada.

What's in it for you? My site is not a revenue source, so what you get is:
Your name on the article.
Link to your blog/site.

Please respond here or send me an email.

thanks,
mibazaar

Dev Anand in a new role

Dev Anand will be a guest editor for BBC Patrika - BBC's Hindi Internet Magazine.

The 82 year old "evergreen hero" of Indian films will monitor the site from Mumbai. For more on this check out BBC.

Here's Dev Anand with Indian Beauty Waheeda Rehman in Bollywood Hindi Film Guide from yesteryears.

Child Bride of Indian Origin from Michigan sues her Husband

A Child Bride Rukinamma Madireddy sues her husband a 70-year-old Doctor named Subba Reddy Madireddy from the New York Area.

The Husband however denies ever marrying Rukinamma Madireddy. Even though the couple has 4 children, the Husband claims it was just a relationship.

Yaa Right!

For more on this check out Woodtv.com - Grand Rapids News and Weather

Indian Grocery Store in Garden City, MI

India Grocers an Indian Grocery Store in Garden City, Michigan is an excellent place for all your Indian Grocery Shopping Needs.

Every other Sunday my wife has to visit India Grocers. They even sell multi movie DVD's, cricket match DVD's.

Cannot do without your BOURNVITA or HORLICKS from your India days, then India Grocers has plenty of them.

Owned and Managed by Pritesh Patel, India Grocers is located at 28251 Ford Road, Garden City, MI 48135. Their phone number is (734) 422-5121.

When was the Last time you took your child to the Dentist?

Parents, better take your kids to the dentist on a regular basis because if you neglect then you might end up in a jail.

Yes this is what I heard talk show host Mitch Albom (WJR 760) talk about, while I was driving home from work. He was talking about how a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania mom was sent to prison for endangering the welfare of her 5 year old.

The mom, looks like never took her child to the dentist. The result was that the Child's teeth was so badly rotted that 12 of them had to be pulled out. The dentist got so pissed off that he contacted the authorities.

Now the mom is sitting in jail trying to come up with $25,000 bail and her 5 year old is in a foster care.

Check this story out on topix.net

Was any law broken? What do you think?

Amitabh Bachchan as Gabbar Singh in remake of Sholay

Amitabh Bachchan who will be Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) will now deliver those famous dialogues from the original Sholay:

Arre 'O Samba ("Hey! Samba")
Jo darr gaya, samjho marr gaya. ("He who is afraid, is as good as dead.")
Kitne aadmi the ? ("How many men were there?")

and Ajay Devgan who will play the role of Veeru (Dharmendra) might utter the following dialogue

Basanti, in kutton ke samne mat naachna. ("Basanti, do not dance in front of these dogs.")

the other stars in the remake of Sholay

Mohit Ahlawat as Jai (Amitabh Bachchan)
Katrina Kaif as Radha (Jaya Bachchan)
Mohanlal as Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar)
Sushant Singh as Samba (Mac Mohan)
Esha Deol as Basanti (Hema Malini)

Ram Gopal Varma plans to release this the new SHOLAY sometime early next year.

For more on this check out Apun Ka Choice

Related:
Happy 64th Birthday to a Bollywood Living Legend

Khosla Ka Ghosla comes to SR Movies, Michigan

Khosla Ka Ghosla is scheduled to be released in Michigan on September 22nd at SR Movies. Check out mimantra.com for more details.

I have no idea what "Khosla ka Ghosla" means. Story is somewhat like this:
Anupem Kher (Khosla) dreams of building a house in Delhi and Boman Irani who is a Land Broker is out looking to milk people like Khosla.

In other words I think what it means is Khosla Kaa Baraa Bajne Wala Hai (or maybe not). I think Khosla eventually will have his revenge.

From the expression in the photographs looks like a fun movie.

Stay tuned....

Here's Chakde Phatte

South Indian Classical Dance Event at Michigan State University

Ragamala Music and Dance Theater will present their South Indian Classical Dance Event with the title:Sethu at the Michigan State University Campus in Lansing, Michigan.

Event Details:
Thursday, October 5:

Ragamala Dance - Sethu
MSU
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Cobb Great Hall
Show Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: $28, $23, $18, $15
STUDENT DISCOUNT TICKETS $15 w/ ID
1-800-WHARTON

The following information from the event organizers:

Ragamala Music and Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving the South Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam while using it as a springboard for innovative choreography. Old forms are used in new ways to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Ragamala's vibrant classical work and pioneering cross-cultural collaborations demonstrate to diverse audiences the versatility, depth, and contemporary vitality of Bharatanatyam. Sethu (Bridge) is a pioneering global collaborative work that combines South Indian Bharatanatyam dance and Kecak, the powerful vocal tradition of Bali, to create a stunning presentation of the Indian epic Ramayana.

Classical Flute Virtuoso from India

Jayaprada Ramamurthy, a young and talented classical flautist from India is visiting and performing at Orchard Ridge Smith Theater located at Farmington Hills, MI on Friday, September 29th from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm.

Tickets are a bargain at $10 and available at OCC Bookstores. For more information, please contact - Preetha Kannan at preethakannan[at]yahoo.com.

This event will have a thematic presentation on Indian 'Raagas' (melodies) and 'Taalas' (rhythm) and a 2-hour concert with on the bamboo flute with traditional Indian percussion instruments.

This concert will also feature Indian musical compositions on the Western Key Flute.

Jayaprada is the Director of 'Uttaraa Center for Performing Arts' in Hyderabad, India.

Indian Cricket News from Malaysia

Here's Indian Cricket News from Malaysia via Google RSS Feeds on Google Maps.

Since I could not locate Kinrara Academy Oval where the cricket matches will be played, I have placed the marker at a famous landmark Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Related:
The current Indian Cricket Team
Sachin Tendulkar's Record Breaking Test Centuries

Indian Wedding in Michigan

Planning a Indian Wedding in Michigan? Then check out Mandavo Wedding Planners.

I was at a friend's wedding and Mandavo Wedding Planners who were incharge did a spectacular job. The decorations were unbelievable.

Mandavo Wedding Planners is your one stop shop for all your Indian and South Asian Wedding needs.

Some of their Services include:
Elaborate mandap and wedding decorations
Elegant reception setups
Engagement, mehndi, garba, sangeet, and bridal parties
Fresh flowers for all occasions

Check their website out for more details.

Diwali in Michigan - Indian American Cultural Association

Diwali in Michigan.

This time it is the Indian American Cultural Association who have Diwali Festivities/Function planned for November 4th, 2006 at 6 pm at the Costick Activity Center in Farmington Hills, MI. They have a fantastic program planned for the evening which includes:

Bhangra performances
Regional Dances from India and other Cultural Programs
and yes:
Hot Sizziling Desi Dinner

For tickets and contact information visit upcoming.org

For Maps and Directions visit my Michigan India Community page.

Wiki: Diwali

Note: Do you know of any other Diwali Celebrations planned around Michigan then please do email me the details and I will post it here.

Kareena Kapoor: I can never match upto Aunty Helen

In an upcoming Shahrukh Khan starrer Bollywood Film DON which is a remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer DON (1978), Kareena Kapoor does a Helen.

In an interview she says "It's great. I am nervous because I don't think I could ever match up to Helen aunty. What she has done is something else altogether and there is absolutely no comparison." For more on this interview click here

Here's a interesting statistic: Helen (born 1939) was 39 years 'young' when she tried to seduce Amitabh Bachchan in DON (1978). And Kareena (born 1980) would be 26 years 'young' when she tries to seduce Shahrukh Khan in DON (2006).

So what we have here is a Helen (Age: 39) seducing Amitabh Bachchan (Age: 36 ) and Kareena Kapoor (Age:26) seducing Shahrukh Khan (Age:41)

Here is Kareena Kapoor trying to seduce Shahrukh Khan followed by a video of Helen trying to seduce Amitabh Bachchan

Indian Women headed to Liberia on UN Mission

About 100 brave and courageous women from across India who are experienced in battling insurgencies in Kashmir and the North Eastern part of India are headed to Liberia.

Their role will be to control riots and crowds and also train local police force.

Seema Dhundiya who is the leader of the unit has this to say "We are very confident that we will meet the expectations of our unit and our country and also UN's expectations as well. We'll make our country proud."

Seema! Best Wishes to you and your unit.

Source: BBC - Indian women to keep Liberia peace

MIBAZAAR.COM mentioned in techsoup.org

Brian Satterfield writes in (09/08) edition of techsoup.org on "Mashups: An Easy, Free Way to Create Custom Web Apps".

In it he mentions about my World News and Human Rights Watch Mashup. In the techsoup.org article this can be found under the heading "Mashup Delivers World News, Human-Rights Alerts".

On a related note, couple of weeks back I volunteered to create a Google Maps Mashup of HIV/AIDS related violence/incidents around the world for the Human Rights Watch Group which was presented by Human Rights Watch Group at the AIDS international Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan in Lip-Lock

There is no stopping Mr. Amitabh Bachchan these days. He is scaling new heights.

In an upcoming Bollywood movie Nishabd Mr. Big B is in a erotic lip-lock scene with 18 year old Jiah Khan,

It is said that Jiah Khan was a bit awkward during the lip-lock scene. However according to Jiah Khan "Mr. Bachchan made it easy and comfortable for me". For more on this click here.

News, Traffic, Weather, Dining, Movies, Golf in your Zip Code

Couple of months back I had created a Google Maps Mashup of Local News, Traffic, Weather, Dining, Movies, Golf from your Zip Code (US Only). What I have done now is added a form to the top right of this page where you key in your zip code and it will take you to my Google Maps Mashup page which will display information from the Zip Code you have entered.

Give it a try here:

Please enter US Zip Code

I have also added a Google Gadget for the Local News Google Maps Mashup. You can add the following URL to your Personal Google Page --> http://www.mibazaar.com/localnews/hometownusa.xml which will display a similar form on your Personal Google Page as shown on the top right of this page.

Jay Sean at Festival of India - Photo with Navras Bhangra

My son and his buddies posing with Jay Sean at Festival of India, Detroit, MI. They took part in a Bhangra Competition at Festival of India.
Standing from Left to Right (Garauv, Aman, Jay Sean, Kai, Vinay (my son), KC)
Sitting from Left to Right(Jimmy, Paul, Hardeep)


more later....

Naksha - Bollywood Hindi Movie comes to Michigan

Naksha - A Sunny Deol, Vivek Oberoi and Sameera Reddy starrer comes to SR Movies, Novi, MI starting September 15th. For showtimes visit mimantra.

Here's Naksha Trailer:

Shakira to star in a Bollywood film?

Shakira the Latin Beauty, according to news reports has a dancing part in an upcoming Bollywood film "Om Shanti Om" which is being produced by Farah Khan.

Shakira it seems is a great fan of Bollywood Film Culture that she has asked Farah to direct her next music video.

For more on this story click here.

Here's Shakira - Hips Don't Lie

Amitabh Bachchan now trying something new

Amitabh Bachchan the Bollywood legend is now trying out something new. He is writing the script for the new film he has signed - Johnny Walker. Rumor has it that this new movie is a Love Story!.

For more on this check out reuters.

Indian Store Clerk shot dead in Jackson, Michigan

Harinder Singh Kang, 36, a Indian store clerk was shot and killed during a robbery at the Chuckles Party Store in Jackson, MI on Monday (09/04). Apparently Harinder Singh was having difficulty opening up the cash register and that's when the robber fired 4 bullets into Harinder's back.

Harinder is survived by his wife and children who are in India. Our prayers and thoughts go out for the family.

Fore more on the story read mlive.com

Globe Appliances - Indian Appliance Store in Garden City, MI

Globe Appliances (phone: 734-425-5410) a terrific Indian owned appliance store is located in Garden City, Michigan. I call it terrific because the service is great. The people behind the counter Vinod Patel and Roshan Patel are great. "Kaise Ho", "How are things" and that too with a smile, is what I hear from them whenever we walk into the store.

My wife must visit this store every other Sunday. She has to check out the latest Bollywood Hindi Songs CD and movies. Ofcourse Bollywood Movies DVD, Songs CD is not the only thing they sell. Other things I have seen at the store are:

1. Luggage items. Not only I have seen Desis shopping for this, but folks from the Carribean Island also shopping for luggage items.

2. 120/220 volt appliances.

3. Tamil Movies

4. Electronics

5. Indian Cricket Matches (Videos)

Oh yes, if you want to know what's the latest Bollywood movies being shown in the area theaters (SR Movies), take a look at the posters on the outside window of the store.

Amitabh Bachchan in interesting roles lately

Amitabh Bachchan appeared as a philanderer in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

Then there is Nishabd where he romances a 18 year old girl Jiah Khan

And now this. Amitabh Bachchan to star in "Cheeni Kum" (Less Sugar) , where he is a chef in a restaurant and then has a affair with a customer - Tabu - who comes in to eat at his restaurant.

Indian Cricket Team for the Champions Trophy

Indian Cricket Team for the upcoming Champions Trophy has been announced. I have put the team up on Google Maps. Check it out at mibazaar. (update: I have also embedded YouTube Videos for all the players except Ramesh Pawar whose video I could not find on YouTube.)

From the map you can see that there are no players south of the parallel which runs through Mumbai. What? Are there no talent in those parts of India.

Related: Champions Trophy Schedule, Team Selection News

Education and Google Maps

Mike Pegg of GoogleMapsMania did a post on Education and Google Maps which has resulted in quite a bit of traffic to my Top High Schools Google Maps Mashup. Thanks Mike for the mention.

So I take this opportunity to again mention couple of Educational related Google Maps Mashups I have created which I hope our community will find very useful.

Top High Schools in United States as reported by Newsweek
Top Business Schools in United States as reported by US News and World Report
Top Medical Schools in United States as reported by US News and World Report
Top Engineering Schools in United States as reported by US News and World Report
Top 10 Colleges in United States as reported by Princeton Review

more later....

Indra Nooyi and Sonia Gandhi in Top 100 most powerful women in the World

Indra Nooyi and Sonia Gandhi make it to Forbes list of 100 most powerful women in the world.

Indra Nooyi, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo is ranked No. 4.

Read more on Indra Nooyi at Forbes.



Sonia Gandhi, President of Indian National Congress is ranked No. 13

Read more on Sonia Gandhi at Forbes.

Made in India - Alisha Chinai

Here's Alisha Chinai also known as Indian Madonna, singing "Made in India" which was released in 1996. Yes its 10 years old, but even today is a GREAT song to listen too.