I just came back from a late morning show of The DaVinci Code. And while I truly enjoyed the book and was looking forward to the movie - well, I should have stayed in bed.

It was the same great story but the movie lacked the taut suspense that carried me through Brown's book. It wasn't that I knew every plot point in the story by heart; I did remember the overall plot however it's been more than a year since I read it. And so with a nearly unsullied mind, I found it...ok. All the hype that was built up around this movie just made it more of a disappointment.

So my advice? Wait till the DVD so you can watch it on a Saturday afternoon with a cup of tea at hand.

A composite shot of my desk in my little office (click on it for a larger image). I love this room as there's tons of storage space. I'll be moving soon and the next spot won't have half as much storage space as this.

You have to admit, Japan is an exotic place. Its's a wonderland of unexpected contrasts.

Ultra modern cityscapes buzz with the energy of an old feudal culture while the cult of 'kawai' or cuteness hums side-by-side with vending machines of used panties and graphic manga comics. Sedate office ladies in branded fashion share the sidewalk with kimono-clad geishas who totter past some of the more outrageous fashionistas on the planet. High tech giants of Sony, JVC, Toshiba, Panasonic are paving the way to the future for the rest of the world while in the countryside, farmers cling to their traditional ways and sell produce at prices that make the rest of the world blink. Twice.

Things are never dull in Japan. And this video is a sample of its peculiarities. Enjoy!

Nooooooooo! What on earth moved America to vote him out? Hello, people...! He's the best contestant there; he's THE American Idol.

I was so looking forward to a rocker claiming the title this year after previous winners in Country, Pop and R&B.

It just better not be Taylor at the finals.

A little fun toy I got at Borders. A 3D doodle for Wednesday.

Here's to 'Over The Hump' Day!

Discovered a drink counter at a mall near my office several days ago selling smoothies and ice-blended drinks. I had a Blueberry Yogurt Ice-Blend and promptly fell in love. I went back at lunch yesterday and watched them closely to see what went into it. And I was surprised at how easy it was to make.

Fill a blender half-full with ice cubes. Then add 3 large shots of blueberry syrup (the kind you get from a tin of blueberry pie filling - it was kind of thick and syrupy. Yes, I was that close to scrutinise it carefully. LOL!). Then 3 shots of a plain yoghurt drink. Blend till smooth.

I'll take a pix the next time I get one and load it. But honestly it was utterly delicious - creamy with a blueberry tart sweetness. Perfect for this muggy weather.

Kaavya Viswanathan.

You must have read the latest literary news - Harvard sophomore accused of plagiarising chunks of her first novel from 2 other authors - Megan McCafferty and Sophie Kinsella. Her defense? That she was a fan of the 2 authors whose books she's read several times, and it was purely 'unconscious and unintentional'.

I have my doubts. Some examples I read were practically word for word copies. And with so many near such sentences sprinkled in the book, I wonder how truly 'unconscious' was her use of them.

Poor girl...whatever writing talent she has may now never again see the inside of a publishing house. And I wonder what this will do for the other young writers in the wings.