Chateau Indage, one of the largest wine makes in India launched a premium port wine - Figueira, lately and I picked it up last day, with a packet of roasted peanuts from Foodworld.
Though I love wines, I have not tasted much port wines, and so, I was a little skeptical of the taste and pairing, and since port is considered as a dessert wine, decided to have it with roasted spicy peanuts.
Figueira is a ruby port, produced from the grapes from the Sahyadri Valley in the Chateau Indage vineyards. Some other famous wines from the same valley are Chantilli, Riviera, Joie' and Vin Ballet - just to give a rough idea about the quality of grapes.
The color is ruby red, and the aroma is quite strong. The wine packs 18% alcohol, and is quite strong. The first sip gives a nice burning feeling, quite unlike the other wines. The wine tastes smooth and not overly sweet, and leaves a nice after taste.
If i have to pick up port, I will definitely choose Figueira over the other cheap, sweet ports.
And oh, the Peanuts’ went well with the wine.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The middle name meme
I saw this tag here.
The rules of the tag are:
1. The rules must be mentioned in the beginning of the tag.
2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My middle name is my dad's name and is very short - Sasi. So, here goes -
S - Sasi, my dad. he is the coolest guy I have ever come across, and is a super dad. Calm, collected, and confident. Love to do things and get his hands dirty than to order around, and never advices, but shows things by doing them. A terrific rider and driver, and a very good sportsman.
A - Automobiles: When i was at school, my mom and dad had an accident. The first question I asked my dad after the accident was - "howz the scooter?" now, that should tell you something - I love anything with an engine and wheels. And yeah, I am a somewhat competent DIY guy also.
S - Speed: i love speed, and when i get a empty stretch or a track, i unleash the power of the bike/car i ride. But, I never speed when there is traffic or when road conditions are not favorable. See, i am a sensible rider.
I - Independence. I can live without food, water or whatever, but try giving me orders and ask me to live confined to a set of laws, and am sure you will never succeed.
I am not tagging any one, but any of you like it, do take it and do it @ your page.
The rules of the tag are:
1. The rules must be mentioned in the beginning of the tag.
2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
My middle name is my dad's name and is very short - Sasi. So, here goes -
S - Sasi, my dad. he is the coolest guy I have ever come across, and is a super dad. Calm, collected, and confident. Love to do things and get his hands dirty than to order around, and never advices, but shows things by doing them. A terrific rider and driver, and a very good sportsman.
A - Automobiles: When i was at school, my mom and dad had an accident. The first question I asked my dad after the accident was - "howz the scooter?" now, that should tell you something - I love anything with an engine and wheels. And yeah, I am a somewhat competent DIY guy also.
S - Speed: i love speed, and when i get a empty stretch or a track, i unleash the power of the bike/car i ride. But, I never speed when there is traffic or when road conditions are not favorable. See, i am a sensible rider.
I - Independence. I can live without food, water or whatever, but try giving me orders and ask me to live confined to a set of laws, and am sure you will never succeed.
I am not tagging any one, but any of you like it, do take it and do it @ your page.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Curry Spice - Restaurant review
Yesterday my plan was to meet a friend after office, but it didn’t materialize -
and i was not in a mood to go home and pass a quite evening. So i went to see
Sooraj and hanged around with him till 9.30 at his shop. After closing down, we
both went to checkout Curry Spice.
Curry Spice is situated at Indiranagar 80FT road, and looks like a rundown or
not-so-well-kept place from outside. Don’t let it fool you - what wait you
inside is one of the best fare I have ever had in Bangalore.
The interior is cozy, and main stage is taken by two huge LCD screens playing
sports - something you wont expect in a place like this. The service is prompt,
and with every drink you order, you get a complimentary plate of snacks on the
house.
On Sooraj's recommendation I tried stuffed mushroom tikka - they where just awesome. Soft, supple mushrooms filled with a bit of fiery green chutney filling. For main course, we settled for a bread basket of assorted breads and paneer tikka masala. When the food came, we where immersed in some serious discussion, but when i put the first bite in my mouth, i suddenly stopped talking - the paneer tikka was that good. Right amount of spice, a slight sweet after taste and soft and juice paneer done to the right extent - I can say with confidence that it is one of the best vegetarian food i have ever tasted in
Bangalore. A dine out at curry spice for two will set you back by around 350 - 400 with out drinks. I find the wine and breezer priced slightly high, and not sure about the other drinks. They offer a verity of cocktails and mock tails, but again, I didn’t try any of them - so, i cannot tell you how they fare. But if I can go by the food they offer, there bar wont let you down.
Spotting the hotel is easy - it is bang on the 80 Ft road, just above theMaruthi driving school and parking space won’t be much of a problem.
My rating - 7.5/10 - I will keep visiting the place again.
and i was not in a mood to go home and pass a quite evening. So i went to see
Sooraj and hanged around with him till 9.30 at his shop. After closing down, we
both went to checkout Curry Spice.
Curry Spice is situated at Indiranagar 80FT road, and looks like a rundown or
not-so-well-kept place from outside. Don’t let it fool you - what wait you
inside is one of the best fare I have ever had in Bangalore.
The interior is cozy, and main stage is taken by two huge LCD screens playing
sports - something you wont expect in a place like this. The service is prompt,
and with every drink you order, you get a complimentary plate of snacks on the
house.
On Sooraj's recommendation I tried stuffed mushroom tikka - they where just awesome. Soft, supple mushrooms filled with a bit of fiery green chutney filling. For main course, we settled for a bread basket of assorted breads and paneer tikka masala. When the food came, we where immersed in some serious discussion, but when i put the first bite in my mouth, i suddenly stopped talking - the paneer tikka was that good. Right amount of spice, a slight sweet after taste and soft and juice paneer done to the right extent - I can say with confidence that it is one of the best vegetarian food i have ever tasted in
Bangalore. A dine out at curry spice for two will set you back by around 350 - 400 with out drinks. I find the wine and breezer priced slightly high, and not sure about the other drinks. They offer a verity of cocktails and mock tails, but again, I didn’t try any of them - so, i cannot tell you how they fare. But if I can go by the food they offer, there bar wont let you down.
Spotting the hotel is easy - it is bang on the 80 Ft road, just above theMaruthi driving school and parking space won’t be much of a problem.
My rating - 7.5/10 - I will keep visiting the place again.
an update...
Fixed my comp yesterday night. Now i am online again. Woo hoo... :-D
had to re-install XP and configure whole lot of softwares, and that took half of my night time - but at last, she is all up and running, and I am a happy soul now.
On the other hand, Sunday went really well - went out with friends and had a very nice lunch from Bombay Post, helped one of my friend to get some retail therapy and had around 70 km ride on almost empty ring road.
I was browsing through my pc to free up some HDD space, and came across this letter. I wrote this letter as a reply to one of the mails in one the biking clubs i belong to - I think this is the second most emotional letter I have ever written in my life (the first was a letter to my ex, before we fell in love, and no - it was not a love letter :P)
RE: [silver-bullets] what ticks u abt rides?
Many people have asked me this question. Why do I ride? Why don’t I go by car or by bus if I want to see places? Why don’t I just use bus or train? Why do I ride when it rains?
At first I used to answer these questions patiently - trying to make sense to those who asked me these questions. That was the dayz when I started riding.
Then I realized that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter whether it makes sense to others or not. It doesn’t matters whether I gave a satisfactory reply or not. What all matters is just that I want to ride; and I will ride. So I stopped answering, and started smiling when I hear the question.
But once in a while I too sit back and ponder - what makes me ride? Why am i so maddeningly love with everything on wheels?
What makes me take out my bike and roam around during full moon nights? What makes me take off my jacket and ride out when the rain kisses the grounds? What makes my heart skip a beat when ever I come across a virgin mud track? What makes me give a high when I open up the throttle and feel the wind gush past my face? What makes me sing out loud and pushes me to cloud 9 when ever I see hairpins?
Is it because -
I love the freedom my bike gives me
I love the feel of wind on my face
I love the thought that I have the power to control something dangerous 'SPEED'. (Yeah, it is plain EGO, ;-D)
I love roads - tarmac, trails, potholes, twisties, drag strips what ever it may, it never fails to ignite my imagination
I love engines, and love to work on them. When i ride, I get a chance to be one with my machine.
Or, is it because I love the coffee after hours of non-stop riding.
I don’t know. Hell, the only thing I know is, I just LOVE to ride :-D
[ i am having a bit of writers block - hell, i don’t know whether i can call it that - i just don’t feel like writing, but want to do a blog. so this dig from past. if you are reading this, you have got some patience. thank you for putting up with my rants]
had to re-install XP and configure whole lot of softwares, and that took half of my night time - but at last, she is all up and running, and I am a happy soul now.
On the other hand, Sunday went really well - went out with friends and had a very nice lunch from Bombay Post, helped one of my friend to get some retail therapy and had around 70 km ride on almost empty ring road.
I was browsing through my pc to free up some HDD space, and came across this letter. I wrote this letter as a reply to one of the mails in one the biking clubs i belong to - I think this is the second most emotional letter I have ever written in my life (the first was a letter to my ex, before we fell in love, and no - it was not a love letter :P)
RE: [silver-bullets] what ticks u abt rides?
Many people have asked me this question. Why do I ride? Why don’t I go by car or by bus if I want to see places? Why don’t I just use bus or train? Why do I ride when it rains?
At first I used to answer these questions patiently - trying to make sense to those who asked me these questions. That was the dayz when I started riding.
Then I realized that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter whether it makes sense to others or not. It doesn’t matters whether I gave a satisfactory reply or not. What all matters is just that I want to ride; and I will ride. So I stopped answering, and started smiling when I hear the question.
But once in a while I too sit back and ponder - what makes me ride? Why am i so maddeningly love with everything on wheels?
What makes me take out my bike and roam around during full moon nights? What makes me take off my jacket and ride out when the rain kisses the grounds? What makes my heart skip a beat when ever I come across a virgin mud track? What makes me give a high when I open up the throttle and feel the wind gush past my face? What makes me sing out loud and pushes me to cloud 9 when ever I see hairpins?
Is it because -
I love the freedom my bike gives me
I love the feel of wind on my face
I love the thought that I have the power to control something dangerous 'SPEED'. (Yeah, it is plain EGO, ;-D)
I love roads - tarmac, trails, potholes, twisties, drag strips what ever it may, it never fails to ignite my imagination
I love engines, and love to work on them. When i ride, I get a chance to be one with my machine.
Or, is it because I love the coffee after hours of non-stop riding.
I don’t know. Hell, the only thing I know is, I just LOVE to ride :-D
[ i am having a bit of writers block - hell, i don’t know whether i can call it that - i just don’t feel like writing, but want to do a blog. so this dig from past. if you are reading this, you have got some patience. thank you for putting up with my rants]
Sunday, November 25, 2007
My First Award
Wow, I got an award - the first in my backpack. thank you meghz, for this award.
I really feel happy to get my first award, and I pass this award to
Shre - Diva La Vie
Aarthi - Lost in Utopia
Rajani - The Pensive
this award 'Be the Blog' is a work of mark and the code for this badge can be found at MeAndMyDrum
Saturday, November 24, 2007
weekend plans - ruined.
Sometimes, things just like to loose your cool.
Yesterday, after a not-much-busy Friday, i went to my friends place to fix his bike and his comp. fixed his bike and tried to fix a HDD which was not detecting - the bloody thing is that, only slave HDDs are detecting in his pc. No matter what pin configuration you use, or cable you use, all the HDDs are detected as slaves. The comp just refuses to recognize a HDD as master. And to top it off, the disk manager won’t recognize more than one HDD. His pc is not that old, and it should not have any problems recognizing multiple HDDs, but, we are speaking of XP, so, anything can happen.
I was getting late for my usual weekend chat with my sis, so, i left his place and after a good biriyani @ a local joint, rushed home.
Reached a bit late, booted my box and wham - she coughed, sneezed and what do i see - the BOD (blue screen of death). I booted her again; she again coughed, sneezed and gave up on me. Damn.
Tried booting her again, but she was not in a mood to humor me - first she stopped recognizing my two HDDs /(i have 3 HDD and a DVD-R) and after a lot of coaxing, i was able to take her past the POST screen, but only to find out that the boot loader is corrupt. To top it off, i don’t have my XP cd with me. What a beautiful way to start my weekend. No comp means no songs - aarrggghhh....
at times like this, i really think - why the hell reliance don’t make drivers for Linux for their USB modem? it is only for that i am stuck with XP.
Morning got up a bit late, and before i start cooking, tried to play channel V - and lo - the cable operator have switched channels again, and channel V, MTV and VH1 are no where to be seen. But thankfully, my favorite CN and Nickelodeon where intact. After a re-tuning of the cable box, i got Channel V, MTV and VH1 - at the end of the spectrum, with screen full of those ugly colorful dots. But itz ok with me coz i don’t watch TV - i just hear TV. So, cranked up the volume level and started cooking.
After finishing my daily chores, sat with XBOX to kick some ass - some street fighter game - i don’t like role playing games, but i didn’t had any new racing games to play. And this stupid game wants me stand on my head, sing at the top of my voice and clap my hands to take me to next level – or may be i am just not skilled enough. Any way, it made me really loose all my control, so i switched it off and sat with Nietzsche and a bottle of cold breezer. Now the sun is down, I am just back from a walk, and peeped into this net cafe to get my daily dose. No regular peeps to net world till i fixes my pc. Have a nice weekend, folks.
Yesterday, after a not-much-busy Friday, i went to my friends place to fix his bike and his comp. fixed his bike and tried to fix a HDD which was not detecting - the bloody thing is that, only slave HDDs are detecting in his pc. No matter what pin configuration you use, or cable you use, all the HDDs are detected as slaves. The comp just refuses to recognize a HDD as master. And to top it off, the disk manager won’t recognize more than one HDD. His pc is not that old, and it should not have any problems recognizing multiple HDDs, but, we are speaking of XP, so, anything can happen.
I was getting late for my usual weekend chat with my sis, so, i left his place and after a good biriyani @ a local joint, rushed home.
Reached a bit late, booted my box and wham - she coughed, sneezed and what do i see - the BOD (blue screen of death). I booted her again; she again coughed, sneezed and gave up on me. Damn.
Tried booting her again, but she was not in a mood to humor me - first she stopped recognizing my two HDDs /(i have 3 HDD and a DVD-R) and after a lot of coaxing, i was able to take her past the POST screen, but only to find out that the boot loader is corrupt. To top it off, i don’t have my XP cd with me. What a beautiful way to start my weekend. No comp means no songs - aarrggghhh....
at times like this, i really think - why the hell reliance don’t make drivers for Linux for their USB modem? it is only for that i am stuck with XP.
Morning got up a bit late, and before i start cooking, tried to play channel V - and lo - the cable operator have switched channels again, and channel V, MTV and VH1 are no where to be seen. But thankfully, my favorite CN and Nickelodeon where intact. After a re-tuning of the cable box, i got Channel V, MTV and VH1 - at the end of the spectrum, with screen full of those ugly colorful dots. But itz ok with me coz i don’t watch TV - i just hear TV. So, cranked up the volume level and started cooking.
After finishing my daily chores, sat with XBOX to kick some ass - some street fighter game - i don’t like role playing games, but i didn’t had any new racing games to play. And this stupid game wants me stand on my head, sing at the top of my voice and clap my hands to take me to next level – or may be i am just not skilled enough. Any way, it made me really loose all my control, so i switched it off and sat with Nietzsche and a bottle of cold breezer. Now the sun is down, I am just back from a walk, and peeped into this net cafe to get my daily dose. No regular peeps to net world till i fixes my pc. Have a nice weekend, folks.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Life on weekdays – then and now.
Then:
Get up at 5.30. wait wait - to get up, first you need to sleep - and how can you sleep when you are gaming/ photoshopping/reading all the night? Okies.. Then let me re-phrase it - take bath by 5.30, and by 6, go to canteen for the morning dose of cups of black coffee.
Siphon as much as you can, read news papers, and return to room. Wake up the pc from snooze mode, play music, and visit friend’s rooms. Return back by 7.45; get dressed and out to canteen by 8.00.
From 8.30 to 1.00, sit in the class and enjoy the life as much as you can - pass chits, sleep, play checkers, and talk, but never attend the class. 1.00 to 2.00 - time for lunch.
2.00 to 4.00 - sleep in the class or play with comp if it is lab hours. At sharp 4.00, Run out of classroom to canteen and then go, change and play or roam around.
6.00 - time to get back, bath, and get ready for the class. 6.30 - 8.00 - be in the class, and enjoy as much as you can. 8.00 - time for dinner, and then, the real day starts till next day early morning.
Month end - empty purse, try to live on pennies till next month starts
Now:
Get up at 5.30, work out, read news paper, take bath and out to office by 7.30. 8.00-8.30 - breakfast and read news papers. 8.00 to 1.00 - get bored at office. 1.00 to 2.00 - lunch and a small walk. From 2.00 - till work ends - @ office (unless it is a Friday – Fridays are for going out and partying) Go home, if any energy is left, cook and then go online/read. 1.00 am - sleep
Month end - empty purse, try to live on pennies till next month starts
Humph! When it is all said and done, life haven’t changed much - it’s all about living on empty purse :-)
Get up at 5.30. wait wait - to get up, first you need to sleep - and how can you sleep when you are gaming/ photoshopping/reading all the night? Okies.. Then let me re-phrase it - take bath by 5.30, and by 6, go to canteen for the morning dose of cups of black coffee.
Siphon as much as you can, read news papers, and return to room. Wake up the pc from snooze mode, play music, and visit friend’s rooms. Return back by 7.45; get dressed and out to canteen by 8.00.
From 8.30 to 1.00, sit in the class and enjoy the life as much as you can - pass chits, sleep, play checkers, and talk, but never attend the class. 1.00 to 2.00 - time for lunch.
2.00 to 4.00 - sleep in the class or play with comp if it is lab hours. At sharp 4.00, Run out of classroom to canteen and then go, change and play or roam around.
6.00 - time to get back, bath, and get ready for the class. 6.30 - 8.00 - be in the class, and enjoy as much as you can. 8.00 - time for dinner, and then, the real day starts till next day early morning.
Month end - empty purse, try to live on pennies till next month starts
Now:
Get up at 5.30, work out, read news paper, take bath and out to office by 7.30. 8.00-8.30 - breakfast and read news papers. 8.00 to 1.00 - get bored at office. 1.00 to 2.00 - lunch and a small walk. From 2.00 - till work ends - @ office (unless it is a Friday – Fridays are for going out and partying) Go home, if any energy is left, cook and then go online/read. 1.00 am - sleep
Month end - empty purse, try to live on pennies till next month starts
Humph! When it is all said and done, life haven’t changed much - it’s all about living on empty purse :-)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
just like that
"Without question,the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer.
Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza."
~ Dave Barry
Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza."
~ Dave Barry
When you are bored, and you have lot of time at hand, what do you do? - Well, in my case - I browse and try doing memes whenever I come across something interesting. It keeps my sleep away, and creates the impression that i am busy working ;-)
While hopping from one blog to other, I saw this meme @ 'lost in wonder' and since I didn’t had anything else to do, i tried my hand at it.
It is called the house meme, and is bout things at your home.
1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? BRUT
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? No
3. What would you change about your living room? I would add one more book shelf,
a bean bag and a recliner. May be a flower vase too.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? I dont have a dish washer -
and i was dishes as soon as i finish cooking.
5. What is in your fridge? Water, milk, lemons, one bottle of Bacardi Breezer,
one carton Orange juice, assorted vegetables, tomato sauce, tamarind, chili,
leftovers and ice cubes
6. White or wheat bread? Wheat or grain
7. What is on top of your refrigerator? Nothing
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? No shower curtain
9. How many plants are in your home? None.
10. Is your bed made right now? Yes.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Don't have either.
12. Is your closet organized? Somewhat.
13. Can you describe your flashlight? Blue Everdey 2-cell.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? Coffee mugs and
glass.
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? Nope.
16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? No garage - though i would love to have
one.
17. Curtains or blinds? Only mosquito nets.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with? Don’t use pillows while sleeping.
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? no.
20. How often do you vacuum? I have a lady who sweeps the home every day.
21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Standard.
22. What color is your toothbrush? White and green.
23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? Yes.
24. What is in your oven right now? Don’t have an oven.
25. Is there anything under your bed? My exercise things, tools, and a suitcase
26. Chore you hate doing the most? Ironing and washing the dishes
27. What retro items are in your home? My comp and a Casio personal cassette player.
28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? nope.
29. How many mirrors are in your home? One.
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? not much.
31. What color are your walls? kind of ivory.
32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? I have lot of things
which can be used as weapons, but don’t keep anything for the sake of protection.
33. What does your home smell like right now? Nothing much - morning the house
smells of rose or sandalwood – depending on the agarbathi I use.
34. Favorite candle scent? Anything with a nice scent will do.
35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? Green lime and
chilly, tuna fish.
36. What color is your favorite Bible? Black.
37. Ever been on your roof? Yes.
38. Do you own a stereo? Not at where I live now.
39. How many TVs do you have? None. My Pc doubles up as my TV.
40. How many house phones? One, but never uses it(don’t even know the number).
41. Do you have a housekeeper? Nope.
42. What style do you decorate in? My style.
43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? depends.
44. Is there a smoke detector in your home? No.
45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only
could make one quick trip? My DSLR, keys of both bikes and wallet.
I tag Meghana to do this meme.
While hopping from one blog to other, I saw this meme @ 'lost in wonder' and since I didn’t had anything else to do, i tried my hand at it.
It is called the house meme, and is bout things at your home.
1. What kind of SOAP is in your bathtub right now? BRUT
2. Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? No
3. What would you change about your living room? I would add one more book shelf,
a bean bag and a recliner. May be a flower vase too.
4. Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? I dont have a dish washer -
and i was dishes as soon as i finish cooking.
5. What is in your fridge? Water, milk, lemons, one bottle of Bacardi Breezer,
one carton Orange juice, assorted vegetables, tomato sauce, tamarind, chili,
leftovers and ice cubes
6. White or wheat bread? Wheat or grain
7. What is on top of your refrigerator? Nothing
8. What color or design is on your shower curtain? No shower curtain
9. How many plants are in your home? None.
10. Is your bed made right now? Yes.
11. Comet or Soft Scrub? Don't have either.
12. Is your closet organized? Somewhat.
13. Can you describe your flashlight? Blue Everdey 2-cell.
14. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? Coffee mugs and
glass.
15. Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? Nope.
16. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? No garage - though i would love to have
one.
17. Curtains or blinds? Only mosquito nets.
18. How many pillows do you sleep with? Don’t use pillows while sleeping.
19. Do you sleep with any lights on at night? no.
20. How often do you vacuum? I have a lady who sweeps the home every day.
21. Standard toothbrush or electric? Standard.
22. What color is your toothbrush? White and green.
23. Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? Yes.
24. What is in your oven right now? Don’t have an oven.
25. Is there anything under your bed? My exercise things, tools, and a suitcase
26. Chore you hate doing the most? Ironing and washing the dishes
27. What retro items are in your home? My comp and a Casio personal cassette player.
28. Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? nope.
29. How many mirrors are in your home? One.
30. Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? not much.
31. What color are your walls? kind of ivory.
32. Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? I have lot of things
which can be used as weapons, but don’t keep anything for the sake of protection.
33. What does your home smell like right now? Nothing much - morning the house
smells of rose or sandalwood – depending on the agarbathi I use.
34. Favorite candle scent? Anything with a nice scent will do.
35. What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? Green lime and
chilly, tuna fish.
36. What color is your favorite Bible? Black.
37. Ever been on your roof? Yes.
38. Do you own a stereo? Not at where I live now.
39. How many TVs do you have? None. My Pc doubles up as my TV.
40. How many house phones? One, but never uses it(don’t even know the number).
41. Do you have a housekeeper? Nope.
42. What style do you decorate in? My style.
43. Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? depends.
44. Is there a smoke detector in your home? No.
45. In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only
could make one quick trip? My DSLR, keys of both bikes and wallet.
I tag Meghana to do this meme.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Kerosine Lamp
Took this long time back, with my friends canon Powershot. Saw this while browsing through Flickr.
Monday, November 19, 2007
weekend tales...
I was kind of adamant that I had to make some curry with coconut milk this weekend. But the first issue was - I don’t have a coconut scrapper. And, i want a particular type of coconut scrapper, which I can fix on my kitchen slab.
So, this Friday, i left office early and went to Reliance fresh to get some vegetables - picked up two coconuts, a packet of mushroom and some other supplies. Then I went searching for my elusive coconut scrapper. After nearly asking around a dozen of shops, I got it at last from one shop at Tippasandra market.
i was happy that at last i got all the things to make coconut milk, but when I reached home and opened the bag, I realized that i forgot to pick up one bag from Reliance fresh - My coconuts are sitting safely at reliance fresh counter.
I consoled my saying that I can buy a coconut from local market, so i went ahead with fixing the coconut scrapper - only to found out that the base is not proper and cannot be fixed by simply turning the screw. After some hammering and leveling, I fixed the scrapper with the help of a rubber piece, and went to sleep.
Saturday I woke up early and went to Temple (yeah, i am a good boy) and on teh way back, I picked up one coconut, and decided to make 'Pulingary' and Mushroom masala. 'Pulingary' is a simple Kerala dish, and you don’t need much culinary skills to make it. After cracking open the coconut with the help of a slab of granite and scrapping one half of it, I inaugurated my mixer grinder. After almost 2 furious hours at kitchen, I made rice, Pulingary and Mushroom masala. Contrary to my expectation, the mushroom masala turned out to be utterly delicious.
Now, my next item to do in order to have a good weekend - spending time with Arwen (by the way, Arwen is by 1978 model Royal Enfield STD 350). Itz been almost 2 weeks since I kicked Arwen to life, so, I was looking for some small resistance, but nothing made prepared me for what was in store. After the usual dusting, carburetor cleaning and sparkplug cleaning, I kicked her, but to my utter dismay, she refused to sputter into life. After some diagnosis, I found out that there is no spark from the plug. Rats.. Now, I need to strip her and fix her. Time was running short for my usual weekend meeting with my fellow riders, so I stripped her till the coil, and checked the points and timer, and found them perfectly ok. So, the problem is somewhere else, and i need almost another day to fix her.
Went to meet my friends by 6, and while we where busy chatting, I got a call from Vicks - man, I almost forgot that Vicks bachelor party was happening that day. Said a quick goodbye to all by 9.30 and reached Bageecha at Marathahally before 10 and had a rocking time there.
Sunday went to meet M (I have put that under the blog what is "care?") and before saying boo, my weekend was over. Now, waiting for next weekend...
So, this Friday, i left office early and went to Reliance fresh to get some vegetables - picked up two coconuts, a packet of mushroom and some other supplies. Then I went searching for my elusive coconut scrapper. After nearly asking around a dozen of shops, I got it at last from one shop at Tippasandra market.
i was happy that at last i got all the things to make coconut milk, but when I reached home and opened the bag, I realized that i forgot to pick up one bag from Reliance fresh - My coconuts are sitting safely at reliance fresh counter.
I consoled my saying that I can buy a coconut from local market, so i went ahead with fixing the coconut scrapper - only to found out that the base is not proper and cannot be fixed by simply turning the screw. After some hammering and leveling, I fixed the scrapper with the help of a rubber piece, and went to sleep.
Saturday I woke up early and went to Temple (yeah, i am a good boy) and on teh way back, I picked up one coconut, and decided to make 'Pulingary' and Mushroom masala. 'Pulingary' is a simple Kerala dish, and you don’t need much culinary skills to make it. After cracking open the coconut with the help of a slab of granite and scrapping one half of it, I inaugurated my mixer grinder. After almost 2 furious hours at kitchen, I made rice, Pulingary and Mushroom masala. Contrary to my expectation, the mushroom masala turned out to be utterly delicious.
Now, my next item to do in order to have a good weekend - spending time with Arwen (by the way, Arwen is by 1978 model Royal Enfield STD 350). Itz been almost 2 weeks since I kicked Arwen to life, so, I was looking for some small resistance, but nothing made prepared me for what was in store. After the usual dusting, carburetor cleaning and sparkplug cleaning, I kicked her, but to my utter dismay, she refused to sputter into life. After some diagnosis, I found out that there is no spark from the plug. Rats.. Now, I need to strip her and fix her. Time was running short for my usual weekend meeting with my fellow riders, so I stripped her till the coil, and checked the points and timer, and found them perfectly ok. So, the problem is somewhere else, and i need almost another day to fix her.
Went to meet my friends by 6, and while we where busy chatting, I got a call from Vicks - man, I almost forgot that Vicks bachelor party was happening that day. Said a quick goodbye to all by 9.30 and reached Bageecha at Marathahally before 10 and had a rocking time there.
Sunday went to meet M (I have put that under the blog what is "care?") and before saying boo, my weekend was over. Now, waiting for next weekend...
My take on 50 things to do before I die
Meghana taged me to do this meme. Since i had some time @ my hand, i thought why not do it now. So here is my list of 50 things to do.
01. Ride to Leh on Bullet.
02. Do a around the India trip on a bullet.
03. Do the complete Himalaya belt on bullet.
04. Go for a road trip across US on a Harley.
05. Cross Australia on a Buell or KTM.
06. Own a Ducati 1098 and MV Augusta F4Tamburini and do track days on them.
07. Meet Michael Schumacher, Ayn Rand and Richard M Stallman.
08. Become the test driver for Ferrari passenger cars.
09. Race a Ferrari F1 car.
10. Build a super bike from scratch.
11. Self modify a Contessa to produce over 1000 bhp power and win drag races.
12. Gift my dad and mom a Rolls Royce and a harley Davidson.
13. Learn to fly a fighter jet.
14. Experience Mach III speed in a fighter jet.
15. Fight for my country.
16. Learn professional photography.
17. Learn to bake.
18. Learn to handle a barbeque grill and organize a barbeque party for all my online friends.1
9. Learn to make my own dress.
20. Learn to make a shoe.
21. Learn to speak, write and read French, German,Italian and Greek .
22. Learn reverse engineering and reverse engineer windos XP/Vista to get the code.
23. Contribute to Open Source movement.
24. Own my own business empire
25. Learn salsa.
26. Read all the books I ever want.
27. Teach at Harvard.
28. Build a super computer
29. Go for a around the world trip with my Dad in a 4WD Jeep/Land Rover/Hummer H1.
30. Make my dad and mom feel like King and Queen at their old age.
31. Break land speed record.
32. Visit Utah Salt Flats.
33. Build a research laboratory for my brother
.34. Do bartending at a party.
35. Make a shelter home for the roadside people.
36. Rehabilitate all the homeless people i see on roads.
37. Gift a diamond to my mom.
38. Make my future wife a princess.
39. Race with my future kids.
40. Eliminate begging from the world.
41. Make my children study without ever letting them know the pressure to perform and get
high grades.
42. Go on a month long hiking inside a jungle, without any kind of electronic gadgets
43. Build a big township so that all my friends can stay together.
44. Make India proud about me.
45. Be a master wine connoisseur.
46. Enjoy all cuisines in the world.
47. Cook and server a moonlight dinner for my wife .
48. Visit all the 7 world wonders.
49. Participate in Dakar rally and Raid-de-Himalaya.
50. Learn bird calling
01. Ride to Leh on Bullet.
02. Do a around the India trip on a bullet.
03. Do the complete Himalaya belt on bullet.
04. Go for a road trip across US on a Harley.
05. Cross Australia on a Buell or KTM.
06. Own a Ducati 1098 and MV Augusta F4Tamburini and do track days on them.
07. Meet Michael Schumacher, Ayn Rand and Richard M Stallman.
08. Become the test driver for Ferrari passenger cars.
09. Race a Ferrari F1 car.
10. Build a super bike from scratch.
11. Self modify a Contessa to produce over 1000 bhp power and win drag races.
12. Gift my dad and mom a Rolls Royce and a harley Davidson.
13. Learn to fly a fighter jet.
14. Experience Mach III speed in a fighter jet.
15. Fight for my country.
16. Learn professional photography.
17. Learn to bake.
18. Learn to handle a barbeque grill and organize a barbeque party for all my online friends.1
9. Learn to make my own dress.
20. Learn to make a shoe.
21. Learn to speak, write and read French, German,Italian and Greek .
22. Learn reverse engineering and reverse engineer windos XP/Vista to get the code.
23. Contribute to Open Source movement.
24. Own my own business empire
25. Learn salsa.
26. Read all the books I ever want.
27. Teach at Harvard.
28. Build a super computer
29. Go for a around the world trip with my Dad in a 4WD Jeep/Land Rover/Hummer H1.
30. Make my dad and mom feel like King and Queen at their old age.
31. Break land speed record.
32. Visit Utah Salt Flats.
33. Build a research laboratory for my brother
.34. Do bartending at a party.
35. Make a shelter home for the roadside people.
36. Rehabilitate all the homeless people i see on roads.
37. Gift a diamond to my mom.
38. Make my future wife a princess.
39. Race with my future kids.
40. Eliminate begging from the world.
41. Make my children study without ever letting them know the pressure to perform and get
high grades.
42. Go on a month long hiking inside a jungle, without any kind of electronic gadgets
43. Build a big township so that all my friends can stay together.
44. Make India proud about me.
45. Be a master wine connoisseur.
46. Enjoy all cuisines in the world.
47. Cook and server a moonlight dinner for my wife .
48. Visit all the 7 world wonders.
49. Participate in Dakar rally and Raid-de-Himalaya.
50. Learn bird calling
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Memories – a page from my college life
Inspired by the blog of Aarthi-Lost in Utopia
PUC or Pre degree was the best time to enjoy college life. You are just out of school, and all the freedom and color of campus life is sure a heady cocktail which can knock you out till the exams wakes you up.
I have a weird habit - i sleep very little at night - i am happy with just 45 minutes of sleep - anything less than that, and i feel tired next day. But if i attend a seminar of class, I will slowly drift into sleep. Anyway, I didn’t fight this habit coz it helped me always pass teh boring class hours.
During my Pre-Degree first year, I used to sit in 1st bench - with my gang (that is the last time I sat in 1st bench) and to sleep well, i used to open my book and sleep in the pretext of reading the book - especially in Zoology class. I was sure that my zoology teacher know this, but he is letting it go unnoticed (now, don’t ask me how did I knew that - I just knew it) Every thing was fine till the notice came for the PTA (Parents-Teacher-Association - an association created to harass the poor students and put a big blooper in the otherwise excellent college life) and to my worst horror, i was assigned to my Zoology teacher. I was sure that I am going to a good dose from him, and to make the things worse, my dad - for the first time- decided he will attend the meeting instead of my mom. On the D day, i was really tensed up, and was waiting my turn - literally shivering inside. At last my turn came and with a thumping heart, i went to meet him. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, he told my dad "I am really proud of your son. From the moment I start taking class till I finish, he will not even look away from his text book. Anoop, keep this habit - you are concentrating in my class, and it will help you to pass the exam in flying colors" man, can’t say what relief I felt that day. I promised my dad that I will keep 'concentrating' in the class and kept the word ever after ;-)
PUC or Pre degree was the best time to enjoy college life. You are just out of school, and all the freedom and color of campus life is sure a heady cocktail which can knock you out till the exams wakes you up.
I have a weird habit - i sleep very little at night - i am happy with just 45 minutes of sleep - anything less than that, and i feel tired next day. But if i attend a seminar of class, I will slowly drift into sleep. Anyway, I didn’t fight this habit coz it helped me always pass teh boring class hours.
During my Pre-Degree first year, I used to sit in 1st bench - with my gang (that is the last time I sat in 1st bench) and to sleep well, i used to open my book and sleep in the pretext of reading the book - especially in Zoology class. I was sure that my zoology teacher know this, but he is letting it go unnoticed (now, don’t ask me how did I knew that - I just knew it) Every thing was fine till the notice came for the PTA (Parents-Teacher-Association - an association created to harass the poor students and put a big blooper in the otherwise excellent college life) and to my worst horror, i was assigned to my Zoology teacher. I was sure that I am going to a good dose from him, and to make the things worse, my dad - for the first time- decided he will attend the meeting instead of my mom. On the D day, i was really tensed up, and was waiting my turn - literally shivering inside. At last my turn came and with a thumping heart, i went to meet him. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, he told my dad "I am really proud of your son. From the moment I start taking class till I finish, he will not even look away from his text book. Anoop, keep this habit - you are concentrating in my class, and it will help you to pass the exam in flying colors" man, can’t say what relief I felt that day. I promised my dad that I will keep 'concentrating' in the class and kept the word ever after ;-)
'Curious as a cat'--An interesting meme from Justamotehroftwo
This meme is from justamotheroftwo. If any of you feel like picking it up, please leave a comment - would love to read.
1) Which one person would you choose to understand you better?
One of my cousin sister. I just want her to know that I love her next to my parents, i really respect her.
2) What do you think is the best age to be? Why?
My current age. I enjoy every moment of my life - I am out of college, working and single. not much tensions, and all the fredom I want.
3) Of all the people you know, who would be the easiest to seduce? Why?
hm.. tough question. I have never tried seducing anyone till now (yup - thatz true - life sucks ;-) )
4) What's the best advice you didn't heed?
How to live my life - it is MY life, and when i want an advice, I will ask.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
22.5 minutes before I have to wake up. darn, i love early morning sleep during winter.
1) Which one person would you choose to understand you better?
One of my cousin sister. I just want her to know that I love her next to my parents, i really respect her.
2) What do you think is the best age to be? Why?
My current age. I enjoy every moment of my life - I am out of college, working and single. not much tensions, and all the fredom I want.
3) Of all the people you know, who would be the easiest to seduce? Why?
hm.. tough question. I have never tried seducing anyone till now (yup - thatz true - life sucks ;-) )
4) What's the best advice you didn't heed?
How to live my life - it is MY life, and when i want an advice, I will ask.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
22.5 minutes before I have to wake up. darn, i love early morning sleep during winter.
What is “Care?”
M – age 27 – is an average Indian. He doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t hang out in pubs, and is a man of simple tastes. Works in a prestigious research firm, and pretty well settled in Bangalore – owns a flat, bike and all the stuff. Last year he decided to get married. His mom saw a girl from him, who’s family is known to them, and he and the girl talked and both said yes for the marriage, and they got married.
Fast forward to November 2007. Itz been six months after marriage – he is happy, and so is she – well, at least, there is any other reason to think otherwise. One day, out of the blue, he gets a call from his father-in-law that he want to take his daughter to her home urgently, and Madhu said ok. Two days after that, he gets the news that she want to get divorce from him. The reason – she says he is not caring for her. M is shattered, and really don’t know what to do.
M is a very close friend of mine – I know him for past 11 years, and let me tell you – he is a sweet guy. I can give him a clean chit blindly. I have seen him through many crisis and happy times, so, for me, it is very hard to buy what she says. So, I started going deep to find the root. And I don’t really know what to say when I got the clear picture.
Let us call her A, the wife of M. She just finished her MSc and wanted to do further studies. M got her admission to the course she wanted and she was to join the classes from this month last. M goes for work by 7.45 and comes back by 4.15. Saturday is half working day for him, and Sunday he takes A out and usually has food from outside. They go to attend parties and visit friend’s places too. A have never told M that she is unhappy, not give him any reason to suspect anything. M has never scolded her, nor did say no to anything A tell him. Among her friends circle, she always painted a rosy picture about M. In fact, one of the close friends of A told me that she was the only ‘happy’ housewife among them. Her only grouses about M where – M didn’t buy a car, and M doesn’t talk to her while taking her out. M stays near to his office, and don’t drive a car. He recently brought a flat, and never gave much thought about buying a car. Before the wedding, A’s parents offered to buy a car for them as a wedding gift, but he politely declined that. A never told him that she want a car. He doesn’t talk while riding a bike – well, I don’t know much people who talks while riding, and I strongly recommend to all that while riding you should not talk, but keep your concentration on road. She never told him this too. But these two things she told to her neighbors/friends.
Now all of a sudden she is telling that he is not caring for him. So, does caring means buying a car and talk to her while riding? He, being a sensible guy, asked her to come to counseling to sort out if she have any problems with him, but she is not ready for that. When she asked for divorce, he told her that he can wait for six months – if she ever wants to come back, she can. If she still wants a divorce after six months, he is ready. But she is adamant that she wants a divorce immediately. At last, he decided to grant her her wish, and M and A is now undergoing divorce procedures.
I strongly believe if A told M what she felt, or told M to change, he would have been more than happy to oblige. Why can’t she just communicate in plain words? I simply don’t know. And, I think A is an as***le to behave like this. Guys like M don’t grow on trees. If any one of you who read this can find a rationale behind A’s behavior, please comment.
Fast forward to November 2007. Itz been six months after marriage – he is happy, and so is she – well, at least, there is any other reason to think otherwise. One day, out of the blue, he gets a call from his father-in-law that he want to take his daughter to her home urgently, and Madhu said ok. Two days after that, he gets the news that she want to get divorce from him. The reason – she says he is not caring for her. M is shattered, and really don’t know what to do.
M is a very close friend of mine – I know him for past 11 years, and let me tell you – he is a sweet guy. I can give him a clean chit blindly. I have seen him through many crisis and happy times, so, for me, it is very hard to buy what she says. So, I started going deep to find the root. And I don’t really know what to say when I got the clear picture.
Let us call her A, the wife of M. She just finished her MSc and wanted to do further studies. M got her admission to the course she wanted and she was to join the classes from this month last. M goes for work by 7.45 and comes back by 4.15. Saturday is half working day for him, and Sunday he takes A out and usually has food from outside. They go to attend parties and visit friend’s places too. A have never told M that she is unhappy, not give him any reason to suspect anything. M has never scolded her, nor did say no to anything A tell him. Among her friends circle, she always painted a rosy picture about M. In fact, one of the close friends of A told me that she was the only ‘happy’ housewife among them. Her only grouses about M where – M didn’t buy a car, and M doesn’t talk to her while taking her out. M stays near to his office, and don’t drive a car. He recently brought a flat, and never gave much thought about buying a car. Before the wedding, A’s parents offered to buy a car for them as a wedding gift, but he politely declined that. A never told him that she want a car. He doesn’t talk while riding a bike – well, I don’t know much people who talks while riding, and I strongly recommend to all that while riding you should not talk, but keep your concentration on road. She never told him this too. But these two things she told to her neighbors/friends.
Now all of a sudden she is telling that he is not caring for him. So, does caring means buying a car and talk to her while riding? He, being a sensible guy, asked her to come to counseling to sort out if she have any problems with him, but she is not ready for that. When she asked for divorce, he told her that he can wait for six months – if she ever wants to come back, she can. If she still wants a divorce after six months, he is ready. But she is adamant that she wants a divorce immediately. At last, he decided to grant her her wish, and M and A is now undergoing divorce procedures.
I strongly believe if A told M what she felt, or told M to change, he would have been more than happy to oblige. Why can’t she just communicate in plain words? I simply don’t know. And, I think A is an as***le to behave like this. Guys like M don’t grow on trees. If any one of you who read this can find a rationale behind A’s behavior, please comment.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
he rips till he is R.I.P
the wind whispers
and he fly his metal steed
where eagles dare, he roams
chasing the midnight sun
playing hide and seek with clouds
singing on top of his voice
his growling exhaust note
the smell of burned rubber
sweet fatigue of unbridled passion
the soul of rebel
the metal made of sin and sweat
the molten tarmac, the numb hands
the lashing rain, the scorching sun
the howling crowd, the lone water well
he grips, breaks and rips again
dancing with the devil
touching the cheek of death
saying a prayer and keeping a steady hand
he rips till he is R.I.P
and he fly his metal steed
where eagles dare, he roams
chasing the midnight sun
playing hide and seek with clouds
singing on top of his voice
his growling exhaust note
the smell of burned rubber
sweet fatigue of unbridled passion
the soul of rebel
the metal made of sin and sweat
the molten tarmac, the numb hands
the lashing rain, the scorching sun
the howling crowd, the lone water well
he grips, breaks and rips again
dancing with the devil
touching the cheek of death
saying a prayer and keeping a steady hand
he rips till he is R.I.P
Of things and rings...
What will you feel when you lose someone who was with you all the time for last 12 years? Who saw your ups and downs? Whom you trusted with you trust and fears?
I used to wear a ring on my ring finger - a simple metal ring of Lord Guruvayoorappan (an incarnation of Lord Krishna). For the past 12 years, I have never worn any other ring, nor have I left it. But last day, the ring broke. The current ring was with me for more than three years, and now, the kind of ring I wear is no longer available in market. So, for the first time in the last 12 years, I am not wearing a ring.
My ring was my faith, my personal temple and yeah - i do feel vulnerable without it. But, as with everything, this will also pass. If there is anything that life has taught me, it is this three words - "Life goes on"
Last day Jeevs crossed 30K mark. It is his 2nd b'day on saturday. He have been my most trusted steed ever since he came to my possession - tough, smooth and reliable. I think I will do a post about him soon.
I used to wear a ring on my ring finger - a simple metal ring of Lord Guruvayoorappan (an incarnation of Lord Krishna). For the past 12 years, I have never worn any other ring, nor have I left it. But last day, the ring broke. The current ring was with me for more than three years, and now, the kind of ring I wear is no longer available in market. So, for the first time in the last 12 years, I am not wearing a ring.
My ring was my faith, my personal temple and yeah - i do feel vulnerable without it. But, as with everything, this will also pass. If there is anything that life has taught me, it is this three words - "Life goes on"
Last day Jeevs crossed 30K mark. It is his 2nd b'day on saturday. He have been my most trusted steed ever since he came to my possession - tough, smooth and reliable. I think I will do a post about him soon.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Zahir and the reflections...
This time, I knew the D'vali weekend was going to be a long and lonely one. All my friends around - whom I used to bug at unholy hours- where off to their home towns, and my pocket was empty due to some mad but enjoyable rides I did last week. So, the only option was to get some books and play some games on my Xbox.
I went to Landmark to pick up thus Spake Zarathustra, and saw the Zahir on the next shelf. I was thinking of buying it for a long time, so I picked it up along with the other book.
I took the book to read on Saturday after my lunch, and by evening, I finished it - on one sitting. I was not able to put it down once I start reading it, and it was like a big revelation for me.
I always take pride on the fact that I ma a happy man. Whatever happens, you won’t see me in a frowning mood. But of late, I was not feeling happy, and for the first time, my friend Kite saw worry lines on my face. Yeah, I was unhappy, and was very unhappy about that. The worst part was that, I could not make out why I am unhappy.
But no more. Zahir give me the question and the answer and some more. While reading Zahir, I realized that I don’t love any one. Yeah, I love my parents, I love my kid bro and many of my friends, and I absolutely love my bikes and camera. But, I don’t have that 'special' one to love. Till my 10th standard, I was a dumbo. When I joined for PUC, I started reading, and exploring - Ayn Rand, Kafka, Capra, Neruda, Wodehouse, Hesse, Stephen king, Dennis, Astrix - I got many friends and they helped me to re-write my life script.
And, soon I got my first soul mate. She was never my lover - but a friend and lots more. We where together for few years and said goodbyes when the time came. And then I fell in love. She was not the best, but she was the one I liked. So I asked for her hand, and we where in deep love for next few years. Those few years saw us through many things - both happy and sad. And at last we both realized we where not made for each other. So, almost one year back, we parted our ways. Honestly, I was happy when we parted our ways - I got lot of time and freedom which I was missing. And from then, I am living my life to itz fullest, knowing that one day another girl will come in my life and my bachelor life will bid me good bye.
But almost one year down the line, I started to realize how empty my life was. Like the author says in the book ", I set off for a stroll around the city. It was a particularly lovely night, the streets were deserted, the bars and restaurants still full of life, and everything seemed utterly calm, orderly, pretty, and yet suddenly…suddenly I realized that I was utterly alone"
Now, the book has given me the problem, and the solution. Since I know the solution, I am free to act upon it any time, and no - I am not going to fall in love again. The book put my mind back to rest, and when I finished the book, I could sense the happiness in me. I was really happy, and I am back to the happy self again.
I went to Landmark to pick up thus Spake Zarathustra, and saw the Zahir on the next shelf. I was thinking of buying it for a long time, so I picked it up along with the other book.
I took the book to read on Saturday after my lunch, and by evening, I finished it - on one sitting. I was not able to put it down once I start reading it, and it was like a big revelation for me.
I always take pride on the fact that I ma a happy man. Whatever happens, you won’t see me in a frowning mood. But of late, I was not feeling happy, and for the first time, my friend Kite saw worry lines on my face. Yeah, I was unhappy, and was very unhappy about that. The worst part was that, I could not make out why I am unhappy.
But no more. Zahir give me the question and the answer and some more. While reading Zahir, I realized that I don’t love any one. Yeah, I love my parents, I love my kid bro and many of my friends, and I absolutely love my bikes and camera. But, I don’t have that 'special' one to love. Till my 10th standard, I was a dumbo. When I joined for PUC, I started reading, and exploring - Ayn Rand, Kafka, Capra, Neruda, Wodehouse, Hesse, Stephen king, Dennis, Astrix - I got many friends and they helped me to re-write my life script.
And, soon I got my first soul mate. She was never my lover - but a friend and lots more. We where together for few years and said goodbyes when the time came. And then I fell in love. She was not the best, but she was the one I liked. So I asked for her hand, and we where in deep love for next few years. Those few years saw us through many things - both happy and sad. And at last we both realized we where not made for each other. So, almost one year back, we parted our ways. Honestly, I was happy when we parted our ways - I got lot of time and freedom which I was missing. And from then, I am living my life to itz fullest, knowing that one day another girl will come in my life and my bachelor life will bid me good bye.
But almost one year down the line, I started to realize how empty my life was. Like the author says in the book ", I set off for a stroll around the city. It was a particularly lovely night, the streets were deserted, the bars and restaurants still full of life, and everything seemed utterly calm, orderly, pretty, and yet suddenly…suddenly I realized that I was utterly alone"
Now, the book has given me the problem, and the solution. Since I know the solution, I am free to act upon it any time, and no - I am not going to fall in love again. The book put my mind back to rest, and when I finished the book, I could sense the happiness in me. I was really happy, and I am back to the happy self again.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
a random tag i picked up...
A tag, which I picked up from happy_go_lucky
1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it.
One on my right eye brow. Got it in a knife fight at a local bazaar. well, for peeps who don’t believe that, got it whn my cous scared me with this scary mask whn i was 6 yr old. I fell down and got a nice scar and my cous, he got beating of his life from his dad. Poor cous.
2. What does your phone look like?
Silver and blue, place, boring - it is not even color.
3. What is on the walls of your bedroom?
Posters, but keep changing them.
4. What is your current desktop picture?
Buell Ulysses, yellow color.
5. Do you believe in gay marriage?
Yup
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
more and more open roads. want to get out and ride
7. Last person who made you cry?
don’t remember, people don’t usually make me cry (shh..but sometimes, movies or books do)
9. What is your favorite perfume/cologne?
nothing.
10. What are you listening to?
Led zapplin, Paul Van dyke, LCMD, Aaja Nachle, OSO and Saavariya
11. Do you get scared of the dark?
nope
12. Do you like pain killers?
don’t like them, but hey, they do help me often. So, no hard feelings towards them.
13. Are you too shy to ask someone out?
Not at all
14. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
hm.. what about roasted turkey?
15. Who was the last person who made you mad?
itz a project mate from our US office. Stuipd people. they should take a course in common sense.
16. Who was the last person who made you smile?
my friend Sophia
17. Is someone in love with you?
Nope. not in da market ;-)
1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it.
One on my right eye brow. Got it in a knife fight at a local bazaar. well, for peeps who don’t believe that, got it whn my cous scared me with this scary mask whn i was 6 yr old. I fell down and got a nice scar and my cous, he got beating of his life from his dad. Poor cous.
2. What does your phone look like?
Silver and blue, place, boring - it is not even color.
3. What is on the walls of your bedroom?
Posters, but keep changing them.
4. What is your current desktop picture?
Buell Ulysses, yellow color.
5. Do you believe in gay marriage?
Yup
6. What do you want more than anything right now?
more and more open roads. want to get out and ride
7. Last person who made you cry?
don’t remember, people don’t usually make me cry (shh..but sometimes, movies or books do)
9. What is your favorite perfume/cologne?
nothing.
10. What are you listening to?
Led zapplin, Paul Van dyke, LCMD, Aaja Nachle, OSO and Saavariya
11. Do you get scared of the dark?
nope
12. Do you like pain killers?
don’t like them, but hey, they do help me often. So, no hard feelings towards them.
13. Are you too shy to ask someone out?
Not at all
14. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
hm.. what about roasted turkey?
15. Who was the last person who made you mad?
itz a project mate from our US office. Stuipd people. they should take a course in common sense.
16. Who was the last person who made you smile?
my friend Sophia
17. Is someone in love with you?
Nope. not in da market ;-)
unniyum unnide achanum
this is something i scribbled today - Itz in malayalam.
anantharam...
unni padiyirangi
padikkal nikunna mavineyum
melle veesunna choodu kaatineyum
kozinja mullapoovukaleyum saakshiyakki
avan aa illi vathil chari vachu
ini pandego pacha pidicha aa thodiyum
thenoorum manpazam veezthiyirunna chakkaramavum
mani kilukki odi nadannirunna sunandini payyum
avanu anyam
kathil kinnaram pozichirunna aa puzakadavum
chiveedukal thalamittirunna idavazikalum
vaziyarikile transformarum
ini avanu ormakal maatram
unniyude achan innu happyanu
keesa niraye kaasu kitti
taravadu irunnidathu puthiya flat varunnu
allengilum ee pazaya veedokke enthina?
unniyo? paavam unni 'flat' aayi.
anantharam...
unni padiyirangi
padikkal nikunna mavineyum
melle veesunna choodu kaatineyum
kozinja mullapoovukaleyum saakshiyakki
avan aa illi vathil chari vachu
ini pandego pacha pidicha aa thodiyum
thenoorum manpazam veezthiyirunna chakkaramavum
mani kilukki odi nadannirunna sunandini payyum
avanu anyam
kathil kinnaram pozichirunna aa puzakadavum
chiveedukal thalamittirunna idavazikalum
vaziyarikile transformarum
ini avanu ormakal maatram
unniyude achan innu happyanu
keesa niraye kaasu kitti
taravadu irunnidathu puthiya flat varunnu
allengilum ee pazaya veedokke enthina?
unniyo? paavam unni 'flat' aayi.
Monday, November 12, 2007
in search of...
Suddenly, I woke up from my sleep
No, it was not the howling of wind,
Nor hooting of owls, or a strange step in the attic
But I woke up, and realized -
of all the things I lost,
I miss my mind most
She was pure and white,
Not the pale white of death, but the white of a flame
But that was then, and time changed
Lust and pangs of desire
The aberrations of pure and unadulterated
Somewhere along the path, I kept her safe
And she kept her word
- She kept her safe from me, my lust
When I went looking for her
I saw a heap of ashes with some dying embers
And she was already free
Left the cage long time back
And what left of her,
was strange to me.
( inspierd from the quote "Of all the things Ive lost, I miss my mind the most" by Mark Twain )
No, it was not the howling of wind,
Nor hooting of owls, or a strange step in the attic
But I woke up, and realized -
of all the things I lost,
I miss my mind most
She was pure and white,
Not the pale white of death, but the white of a flame
But that was then, and time changed
Lust and pangs of desire
The aberrations of pure and unadulterated
Somewhere along the path, I kept her safe
And she kept her word
- She kept her safe from me, my lust
When I went looking for her
I saw a heap of ashes with some dying embers
And she was already free
Left the cage long time back
And what left of her,
was strange to me.
( inspierd from the quote "Of all the things Ive lost, I miss my mind the most" by Mark Twain )
diwali weekend
It was a long weekend. Some times, all the best laid plans may get spoiled by some unseen small things. Like that, my plan to celebrate Diwali with my friends didn’t happen. So I was at home for the full three days. Finished reading 'The Zahir' and man, it is one of the best books I read about love.
After reading the book, I realized that I am not man enough to love a lady like the guy loved. But nevertheless, I will try my best.
The other book I am reading "Thus Spake Zarathustra" by Frederic Nietzsche is a kind of expedition or pilgrimage, and I plan to complete it slow. I first read it during my college days and now, after a long time, I am re-reading it.
Other than books, I spend time for cooking. I made Pearl Spot fry and some other dishes.
Friday and Saturday evenings i spent by walking around and watching all the fire works. The sky was like a coloring box, and the atmosphere was fun filled and joyous all around. I have taken some snaps, and will try to upload it soon. This time, many of the shots where done in RAW mode, so it will take some time for me to pre-process it and upload.
This weekend saw a new addition to my home - a pearl white Fridge, and i plan to add some more additions like that soon. This pretty much sums up my last weekend - not so bad, after all.
After reading the book, I realized that I am not man enough to love a lady like the guy loved. But nevertheless, I will try my best.
The other book I am reading "Thus Spake Zarathustra" by Frederic Nietzsche is a kind of expedition or pilgrimage, and I plan to complete it slow. I first read it during my college days and now, after a long time, I am re-reading it.
Other than books, I spend time for cooking. I made Pearl Spot fry and some other dishes.
Friday and Saturday evenings i spent by walking around and watching all the fire works. The sky was like a coloring box, and the atmosphere was fun filled and joyous all around. I have taken some snaps, and will try to upload it soon. This time, many of the shots where done in RAW mode, so it will take some time for me to pre-process it and upload.
This weekend saw a new addition to my home - a pearl white Fridge, and i plan to add some more additions like that soon. This pretty much sums up my last weekend - not so bad, after all.
Living by it
Living by it - A Short film on Harley-Davidson's www.livingbyit.com.
It's an inside look at living outside the norm.
Our own Bullet is not much different from HD in this regard. Both are not just motorcycles, but a culture, religion and way of life.
By Right or by Choice?
According to a recent survey published by India Today, 76% of men think it's their right to have sex with their wife. Of these, 74% fall in between the ages of 21 and 30.I was quiet surprised to read this. I never think it is the right of husband to have sex with his wife - sex should happen with mutual consent. I think marriage happens between two persons, and they need to work to generate mutual trust and emotional and physical fidelity.Trust is not something which comes in a pack - you need to work to achieve it. and when there is mutual respect and trust in a relation, the foundation will be strong to face many storms.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Money
I was going through Ishrah's blog and thought I will just post here what i consider as the most eleqount expression about the value of money I have ever come across.
this passage is from the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and is spoken by Francisco d'Anconia.
heard Bertram Scudder, outside the group, say to a girl who made some sound of indignation, "Don't let him disturb you. You know, money is the root of all evil—and he's the typical product of money."Rearden did not think that Francisco could have heard it, but he saw Francisco turning to them with a gravely courteous smile."So you think that money is the root of all evil?" said Francisco d'Anconia. "Have you ever asked what is the root of money? Money is a tool of exchange, which can't exist unless there are goods produced and men able to produce them. Money is the material shape of the principle that men who wish to deal with one another must deal by trade and give value for value. Money is not the tool of the moochers, who claim your product by tears, or of the looters, who take it from you by force. Money is made possible only by the men who produce.Is this what you consider evil?"When you accept money in payment for your effort, you do so only on the conviction that you will exchange it for the product of the effort of others. It is not the moochers or the looters who give value to money. Not an ocean of tears nor all the guns in the world can transform those pieces of paper in your wallet into the bread you will need to survive tomorrow. Those pieces of paper, which should have been gold, are a token of honor—your claim upon the energy of the men who produce. Your wallet is your statement of hope that somewhere in the world around you there are men who will not default on that moral principle which is the root of money. Is this what you consider evil?"Have you ever looked for the root of production? Take a look at an electric generator and dare tell yourself that it was created by the muscular effort of unthinking brutes. Try to grow a seed of wheat without the knowledge left to you by men who had to discover it for the first time. Try to obtain your food by means of nothing but physical motions—and you'll learn that man's mind is the root of all the goods produced and of all the wealth that has ever existed on earth."But you say that money is made by the strong at the expense of the weak? What strength do you mean? It is not the strength of guns or muscles. Wealth is the product of man's capacity to think. Then is money made by the man who invents a motor at the expense of those who did not invent it? Is money made by the intelligent at the expense of the fools? By the able at the expense of the incompetent? By the ambitious at the expense of the lazy? Money is made—before it can be looted or mooched—made by the effort of every honest man,each to the extent of his ability. An honest man is one who knows that he can't consume more than he has produced."To trade by means of money is the code of the men of good will.Money rests on the axiom that every man is the owner of his mind and his effort. Money allows no power to prescribe the value of your effort except the voluntary choice of the man who is willing to trade you his effort in return. Money permits you to obtain for your goods and your labor that which they are worth to the men whoobtain for your goods and your labor that which they are worth to the men who buy them, but no more. Money permits no deals except those to mutual benefit by the unforced judgment of the traders. Money demands of you the recognition that men must work for their own benefit, not for their own injury, for their gain, not their loss—the recognition that they are not beasts of burden, born to carry the weight of your misery—that you must offer them values, not wounds—that the common bond among men is not the exchange of suffering, but the exchange of goods.Money demands that you sell, not your weakness to men's stupidity, but your talent to their reason; it demands that you buy, not the shoddiest they offer, but the best that your money can find. And when men live by trade—with reason, not force, as their final arbiter—it is the best product that wins, the best performance, the man of best judgment and highest ability—and the degree of a man's productiveness is the degree of his reward. This is the code of existence whose tool and symbol is money. Is this what you consider evil?"evil?"But money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver. It will give you the means for the satisfaction of your desires, but it will not provide you with desires.Money is the scourge of the men who attempt to reverse the law of causality—the men who seek to replace the mind by seizing the products of the mind."Money will not purchase happiness for the man who has no concept of what he wants: money will not give him a code of values, if he's evaded the knowledge of what to value, and it will not provide him with a purpose, if he's evaded the choke of what to seek. Money will not buy intelligence for the fool, or admiration for the coward, or respect for the incompetent. The man who attempts to purchase the brains of his superiors to serve him, with his moneyreplacing his judgment, ends up by becoming the victim of his inferiors. The men of intelligence desert him, but the cheats and the frauds come flocking to him, drawn by a law which he has not discovered: that no man may be smaller than his money. Is this the reason why you call it evil?"Only the man who does not need it, is fit to inherit wealth—the man who would make his own fortune no matter where he started. If an heir is equal to his money, it serves him; if not, it destroys him.But you look on and you cry that money corrupted him. Did it? Or did he corrupt his money? Do not envy a worthless heir; his wealth is not yours and you would have done no better with it. Do not think that it should have been distributed among you; loading the world with fifty parasites instead of one, would not bring back the dead virtue which was the fortune. Money is a living power that dies without its root. Money will not serve the mind that cannot match it. Is this the reason why you call it evil?"Money is your means of survival. The verdict you pronounce upon the source of your livelihood is the verdict you pronounce upon your life. If the source is corrupt, you have damned your own existence. Did you get your money by fraud? By pandering to men's vices or men's stupidity? By catering to fools, in the hope of getting more than your ability deserves? By lowering your standards? By doing work you despise for purchasers you scorn? If so, then your money will not give you a moment's or a penny's worth of joy. Then all the things you buy will become, not a tribute to you, but a reproach; not an achievement, but a reminder of shame. Then you'll scream that money isevil. Evil, because it would not pinch-hit for your self-respect? Evil, because it would not let you enjoy your depravity? Is this the root of your hatred of money?"Money will always remain an effect and refuse to replace you as the cause. Money is the product of virtue, but it will not give you virtue and it will not redeem your vices. Money will not give you the unearned, neither in matter nor in spirit. Is this the root of your hatred of money?"Or did you say it's the love of money that's the root of all evil?To love a thing is to know and love its nature. To love money is to know and love the fact that money is the creation of the best power within you, and your passkey to trade your effort for the effort of the best among men. It's the person who would sell his soul for a nickel, who is loudest in proclaiming his hatred of money—and he has good reason to hate it. The lovers of money are willing to work for it.They know they are able to deserve it."Let me give you a tip on a clue to men's characters: the man who damns money has obtained it dishonorably; the man who respects it has earned it."Run for your life from any man who tells you that money is evil.That sentence is the leper's bell of an approaching looter. So long as men live together on earth and need means to deal with one another—their only substitute, if they abandon money, is the muzzle of a gun."But money demands of you the highest virtues, if you wish to make it or to keep it. Men who have no courage, pride or self-esteem, men who have no moral sense of their right to their money and are not willing to defend it as they defend their life, men who apologize for being rich—will not remain rich for long. They are the natural bait for the swarms of looters that stay under rocks for centuries, but come crawling out at the first smell of a man who begs to be forgiven for the guilt of owning wealth. They will hasten to relieve him of the guilt—and of his life, as he deserves.
this passage is from the novel Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and is spoken by Francisco d'Anconia.
The new BIG boy
The Big Boy is on the way. With 30 BHP and a light weight engine which boasts less friction, I am sure he will smoke some serious rubber. The new bullet Electra comes with EFI, Unit Construction Engine, and some other changes, but as per those who rode it, the bike manages to retain itz character and thump.
I am sure the bike will appeal to a wide range of customers, and I hope it will keep the money bags at Enfield motors ringing. For me, I don’t fancy buying one - but I would certainly love to ride one to see how the bike feels. The news in grapevine is that India will have to wait some time before we see this machine in a showroom near to us – initially it will be offered only in UK, but we will get a 350CC counterpart.
(All the pics, Courtsy - www.motomag.com. Click here or here to see more pics)
Martin Kobe
Martin Kobe's paintings are surrealistic architectural renderings, which , the viewer will feel, that will collapse at any moment. Vibrant, modern, sharp and clean, Kobe’s paintings uses restrictive set of hues - reds, greens and blues.
I like the way he paints shadows - they give his work a certain character and depth.
<white cube>
Kobe’s paintings reference architectural modernism, and its emphasis on sheer horizontality, open-plan living, and visually bisecting lines as much as the seamless set architecture of popular science fiction. Interior and exterior views are compressed using interlocking horizontal planes. Sharp, vertiginous walls and ceilings inter-cut with balconies, picture windows and coulisses, leading the eye around the canvas. Kobe’s palette is vibrant but with each painting, the overall hues are restricted, either a tight range of deep reds, silver blues or acid greens that enhance the emptiness in the work: utopia devoid of the mess of the everyday.
Kobe makes his paintings using many layers of paint, built up to create chromatically varied and rich areas of colour that are kept in place by masking tape. In this way, there is an element of painterly collage, of different viewpoints, buildings and trajectories being compressed together in one image. The buildings are sometimes unfinished, without roofs or walls, provisional support structures that are like scaffolds for the picture itself. Different areas of the paintings are handled in different ways – mostly, it is applied in a perfectly smooth, flat manner, the blocks of colour working against the depth or reduction of space in the composition. At other times, it is modulated – a rectangular mirror pool of water, for example, is mottled and indistinct, since the paint has been dragged or squeezed onto the surface.
white cube
I like the way he paints shadows - they give his work a certain character and depth.
<white cube>
Kobe’s paintings reference architectural modernism, and its emphasis on sheer horizontality, open-plan living, and visually bisecting lines as much as the seamless set architecture of popular science fiction. Interior and exterior views are compressed using interlocking horizontal planes. Sharp, vertiginous walls and ceilings inter-cut with balconies, picture windows and coulisses, leading the eye around the canvas. Kobe’s palette is vibrant but with each painting, the overall hues are restricted, either a tight range of deep reds, silver blues or acid greens that enhance the emptiness in the work: utopia devoid of the mess of the everyday.
Kobe makes his paintings using many layers of paint, built up to create chromatically varied and rich areas of colour that are kept in place by masking tape. In this way, there is an element of painterly collage, of different viewpoints, buildings and trajectories being compressed together in one image. The buildings are sometimes unfinished, without roofs or walls, provisional support structures that are like scaffolds for the picture itself. Different areas of the paintings are handled in different ways – mostly, it is applied in a perfectly smooth, flat manner, the blocks of colour working against the depth or reduction of space in the composition. At other times, it is modulated – a rectangular mirror pool of water, for example, is mottled and indistinct, since the paint has been dragged or squeezed onto the surface.
white cube
OSO or Saawariya?
The war between these two films is reaching the climax - and the final 48 hour count down have started (according to TOI).
Today when I opened the paper, it really made me astonished to read that professional bookies are accepting bets on these movies - a bet to see which movie will do better in Box Office. And according to the news paper, some 'old hats' of movie business have said that OSO have trumped the pre-publicity game by linking Deepika Padukone with Dhoni and with the spin scene of SRKs six packs.
It is fun to watch the frenzy, and the animated discussions of movie buffs, and though I don’t know ABDC of this film thing, I enjoy songs... Songs from Saawariya are a definite hit, but for me, the chart topper is Dard-e-Disco from OSO.
So, what do you think? Which movie will make the cut? OSO or Saawariya?
Today when I opened the paper, it really made me astonished to read that professional bookies are accepting bets on these movies - a bet to see which movie will do better in Box Office. And according to the news paper, some 'old hats' of movie business have said that OSO have trumped the pre-publicity game by linking Deepika Padukone with Dhoni and with the spin scene of SRKs six packs.
It is fun to watch the frenzy, and the animated discussions of movie buffs, and though I don’t know ABDC of this film thing, I enjoy songs... Songs from Saawariya are a definite hit, but for me, the chart topper is Dard-e-Disco from OSO.
So, what do you think? Which movie will make the cut? OSO or Saawariya?
Monday, November 5, 2007
KTM to India???
India's second-largest motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto Ltd has acquired a 14.5 percent stake in Austria's KTM Power Sports, one of Europe's largest sports motorcycle manufacturers, it was announced Monday.KTM will provide the know-how in the joint development of water-cooled 4-stroke 125cc and 250cc engines, to be used as the basis for products from both companies.Bajaj will take over the sales of KTM products in India and Southeast Asia, opening up the Asian market for the Austrian producer. Bajaj acquired the KTM stake through its 100 percent-owned Dutch unit for Rs.3 billion ($76.3 million), the company said in a statement.KTM CEO Stefan Pierer welcomed the development, saying the cooperation was a great chance to 'strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment'.KTM is listed on Vienna's stock exchange and reported revenues of 599.1 million euros ($866 million) in the previous business year.Bajaj Auto Ltd ranks among the world's top five motorcycle producers, reporting revenues of 2.9 billion euros ($4.1 billion) and 220 million euros ($318 million) consolidated net profits.
--source - advrider
When will I see a KTM @ a Bajaj delership? one thing is sure - Beg,borrow or steal, i will most probably get my hands on one when they come to India. What more can a off-road dreamer like me can ask...
--source - advrider
When will I see a KTM @ a Bajaj delership? one thing is sure - Beg,borrow or steal, i will most probably get my hands on one when they come to India. What more can a off-road dreamer like me can ask...
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Golconda Chimmeny - restaurant review.
Today after a long time, I caught up with my long time friends couple Suni and Jini.
Over cups of leisurely morning tea, we caught up with each others life and when it was time for lunch, we decided to dine at Golconda Chimmeny, at Marathahally.
It is easy to reach the restaurant - it is on the road side, and so the parking space is not so
easy to find out, especially when the place is full.
The weather was pleasant, so We chose to sit on the terrace. The interiors are of a pleasant tone of green, with dabs of terracotta. The place have a cool air, and though yopu sit on the terrace, the city traffic don't disturbs you - well, at noon at least. I am not so sure how the jam packed Marathahally road will treat you in the evenings.
We ordered Paneer Tikka and Kalmi Kebab for starters, nd it took a lot of time to reach us. The meat of the kebab was done perfectly - juicy, but not overdone- But the masala was on a bit of high side. The paneer was soft and tender, and was done nicley, with the perfect amount of spices. On Suni's recommendation, we ordered Hydrabadi chicken (they call it Zabardast Chicken, and I am really at loss to understand the connection), Mixed veg kuruma and butter nan. I had a bit of high expectation about the food after having the starter, but when we bite into the main course, i realized that it doesn't even come near to starters.
To begin with, the butter nan was crispy - more like roasted nan. the Hydrabadi chicken was good, but not exceptional. we fished out almost half a load green chillies from the curry, but surprisingly the curry was not spicy.
the meat pieces ranged from well done to crispy, but the taste was good. The mixed veg kuruma - guaranteed by the restaurant people to be medium spicy - turned out to be sweet enough for a dessert.
The most bizarre thing happened when I tried to pay the bill using my card - they said they don't accept the card since the terminal have some problem, but when I told him a bit firmly that we don't have cash, and he should have warned us that card is not acceptable before we start our food, he silently took my card and presented me the bill. It should have been a very weird terminal - only to work when you really ask it to work.
the service is efficient, and the whole experience, pleasant. I will give Golconda Chimmeny 3 out of 5.
Over cups of leisurely morning tea, we caught up with each others life and when it was time for lunch, we decided to dine at Golconda Chimmeny, at Marathahally.
It is easy to reach the restaurant - it is on the road side, and so the parking space is not so
easy to find out, especially when the place is full.
The weather was pleasant, so We chose to sit on the terrace. The interiors are of a pleasant tone of green, with dabs of terracotta. The place have a cool air, and though yopu sit on the terrace, the city traffic don't disturbs you - well, at noon at least. I am not so sure how the jam packed Marathahally road will treat you in the evenings.
We ordered Paneer Tikka and Kalmi Kebab for starters, nd it took a lot of time to reach us. The meat of the kebab was done perfectly - juicy, but not overdone- But the masala was on a bit of high side. The paneer was soft and tender, and was done nicley, with the perfect amount of spices. On Suni's recommendation, we ordered Hydrabadi chicken (they call it Zabardast Chicken, and I am really at loss to understand the connection), Mixed veg kuruma and butter nan. I had a bit of high expectation about the food after having the starter, but when we bite into the main course, i realized that it doesn't even come near to starters.
To begin with, the butter nan was crispy - more like roasted nan. the Hydrabadi chicken was good, but not exceptional. we fished out almost half a load green chillies from the curry, but surprisingly the curry was not spicy.
the meat pieces ranged from well done to crispy, but the taste was good. The mixed veg kuruma - guaranteed by the restaurant people to be medium spicy - turned out to be sweet enough for a dessert.
The most bizarre thing happened when I tried to pay the bill using my card - they said they don't accept the card since the terminal have some problem, but when I told him a bit firmly that we don't have cash, and he should have warned us that card is not acceptable before we start our food, he silently took my card and presented me the bill. It should have been a very weird terminal - only to work when you really ask it to work.
the service is efficient, and the whole experience, pleasant. I will give Golconda Chimmeny 3 out of 5.
I feel the need... the need for speed.
Jeevs have got his fair share of performance tweaks over a period of time, the last being high
performance Platinum Spark plugs from NGK. Today early morning I took him out for a speed run to check how much he can clock on a open road. I left by 5.00, and reached the spot by 5.30 - the traffic was nil - so, with out losing time, i revved him up and gunned him down the tarmac.
He crossed 125KMPH on a straight, and crossed 130 with the help of a decline. Not bad at all, for a bike which barely managed to touch 120 KMPH before the mods.
And before shouting at me for the high speed run - I have done this in a secluded road, with high visibility and devoid of any public transport. The road is officially not open for public
transport, and there is no houses or villages along side. I use full protective gear, and I
strongly discourage stunt/fast riding on public roads through traffic.
performance Platinum Spark plugs from NGK. Today early morning I took him out for a speed run to check how much he can clock on a open road. I left by 5.00, and reached the spot by 5.30 - the traffic was nil - so, with out losing time, i revved him up and gunned him down the tarmac.
He crossed 125KMPH on a straight, and crossed 130 with the help of a decline. Not bad at all, for a bike which barely managed to touch 120 KMPH before the mods.
And before shouting at me for the high speed run - I have done this in a secluded road, with high visibility and devoid of any public transport. The road is officially not open for public
transport, and there is no houses or villages along side. I use full protective gear, and I
strongly discourage stunt/fast riding on public roads through traffic.
First time...
Weekend started as usual - a flurry of activities by Friday evening, and when i at last managed to get myself free from office work, the rain just stopped. too bad, missed a good rain.
Saturday morning i worked on Jeevs - give him some nip and tuck jobs, and after a lunch of rice, tomato curry and egg omlettes, i deiced to see a masseur to get a full body massage.
The parlor offered me a combination package of seven services at a very competitive rate, so i opted for that. And thus, for the first time in my life, I got myself a facial and pedicure.
there was a big list of things to choose from, and i was really as lost as Alice in wonderland.
At last i deiced to get a glow facial, hair trimming, shave, deep conditioning, body massage, head massage and pedicure.
I never thought facial was such a long and tedious process - the guy applied three coats of
something or other and a face pack - i don't mind that - but hey, do he really have to steam my
face? man, it was some kind of torture - but the result is nice - a smooth face, and yeah - it
really feels nice to touch my skin ;-) Will I do it again - no, i don't have the patience to sit
and undergo the ordeal though the results are really worth it
Saturday morning i worked on Jeevs - give him some nip and tuck jobs, and after a lunch of rice, tomato curry and egg omlettes, i deiced to see a masseur to get a full body massage.
The parlor offered me a combination package of seven services at a very competitive rate, so i opted for that. And thus, for the first time in my life, I got myself a facial and pedicure.
there was a big list of things to choose from, and i was really as lost as Alice in wonderland.
At last i deiced to get a glow facial, hair trimming, shave, deep conditioning, body massage, head massage and pedicure.
I never thought facial was such a long and tedious process - the guy applied three coats of
something or other and a face pack - i don't mind that - but hey, do he really have to steam my
face? man, it was some kind of torture - but the result is nice - a smooth face, and yeah - it
really feels nice to touch my skin ;-) Will I do it again - no, i don't have the patience to sit
and undergo the ordeal though the results are really worth it
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