September 14th was Onam. I didn't know that until my mom told me on the phone. It was also my sister's wedding anniversary. She paused for a few seconds hoping I would wish her. I knew this, and just droned, "OK". That's me, homies.

Onam was one of the best holidays. 10 days of holidays, nice weather and excellent food - plantain chips, the "kaalan" for the feast,..Most importantly no waking up early to go stand and sleep in the church, as for X-mas and easter. I never really mastered the art of standing and sleeping. My dad is very good at it. I just couldn't balance myself.

Onam is a festival about a mythical demon king who was benevolent despot. His government was largely socialist . Where else have you heard of such festival? We Malayalis rock!!!

My friend Noah is throwing a party at his place tonight. He has recently purchased a top-of-the-line beer funnel, and we're going to christen it tonight. Probably not the right expression, since he's jewish.

If you don't even know what a funnel looks like, see the movie 'Old school'.

Once Upon a Time...

..In Mexico.

The movie I was watching on Friday night.

I refuse to feel ashamed or guilty to say I love the 'El Mariachi' series. But Rodriguez stretches this a little too much with the Antonio being called just 'El' and Johnny's fake arm. And William Dafoe as a drug kingpin? Totally lame!

But there was Salma Hayek, athough she appears only in flashbacks as she was already dead when much of the story takes place. Ah...yes, Salma...isn't she the reason these movies are being made? Is there any heterosexual man in the last 10 years who hasn't fantasized about her?

There is a scene when 'El' reminisces his days with his beloved. Snuggled against each other, she asks him in her husky, sensual voice,

"¿Qué quiere usted de vida?"

The answer doesn't come until 'El' kills the corrupt general, destroys the coup d'etat and kills Barillo, the gangster.

"Quiero ser libre".

I whispered the same line. Yes, if I had to chose one thing, that would be to be free.

If you can learn something about life, and about yourself from a Robert Rodriguez movie, I guess your are in pretty good shape!