Grit, Grace & Gusto: 2008

Monday, December 15, 2008

Another adorable voice

Back in B'lore

And man it feels warm! Not weather wise warm, but feeling-wise warm. The moment we entered Devanhalli, Aai went, "No matter where we go, coming back to Bangalore always feels like coming back home"! Life is good :).

Just back from a dinner treat - three massive pieces of chocolate truffle & black currant ice-cream for dessert - I feel like a beast. More on the month long vacation naalle.

P.S: Listening to Nat King Cole's Unforgettable (Damn! I should've had another piece of that truffle)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

'One lie short of true...'

Title - Honestly
Band - Cary Brothers

Think I’m goin home
I think I’m gettin lost for a while
Tired of getting stoned
And thinkin ‘bout you in the night

So I’ll file away all my dreams
Though I still believe in everything

I wished your love away
I wished your love away

Honestly over you
Honestly over you
One lie short of true
Honestly over you

Lookin for some hope
Polished off the whiskey tonight
You turned a man to stone
For lookin at you straight in the eyes

So I’ll drive away with all my things
Though I’ve a faint belief in everything

I wished your love away
I wished your love away

Honestly over you
Honestly over you
And I’ll tell the world
Honestly over you

I wished your love away…

Friday, November 28, 2008

Visiting Relatives

Here's a question - "What is the meaning of life?" - Would love to read your answers.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Inscrutable

Ever tried telling a professional baker that his pastry was missing an ingredient? I did. Last night. When I picked up Baba's b'day cake. Black-Forest.

Long, long ago (and I honestly mean a really long time ago), ladi-tai handed me a recipe for baking a Black-Forest cake. I memorized the ingredients. Not 'coz I thought I'd lose that piece of paper she'd written it on (infact I still have that ancient piece tucked into my recipe collection book), but 'coz those ingredients felt almost divine. Atleast in that era, it certainly did (Aai would NEVER use such exotic stuff in her cake preparations).

Last night ofcourse, on tasting my Rs. 20/- pastry piece (meant for making a choice among several pastries), I happened to tell the baker that there wasn't any rum in his Black-Forest preparation. The response - dumb-struck awe.

Picture this scene - In a town that's been introduced to the world of pastries only a few years ago, a female (maybe I should highlight that word), wearing a worn-out, unkempt, soiled pair of jeans, with an even more worn-out, unkempt, soiled T-shirt and a pair of slippers (ahh! disgusting!), orders for a black-forest pastry so she can decide if that's what she wants to buy and ends up complaining - it has no RUM!

I must say, the guy was truly modest when he recovered from that momentary breakdown and smiled gingerly, revealing his white Dabur-Lal-dant-majan teeth, and said, "No madam, no rum. Only sugar-syrup."

Monday, November 10, 2008

Food for thought - 8

"Truth is not beautiful, neither is it ugly. Why should it be either? Truth is truth, just as figures are figures.

When man wishes to learn the exact condition of his business affairs, he employs figures and, if these figures reveal a sad state of his affairs, he doesn't condemn them and say that they are unlovely and accuse then of having disillusioned him. Why then condemn truth, when it only serves him in this enterprise of life as figures serve him in his commercial enterprises?"

- as answered by Owen C. Middleton in On the meaning of life, Will Durant

P.S: It's Baba's 58th birthday today. Not sure how we're going to celebrate it. Will need to hunt for a cake shop here in Amravati. He's celebrating a birthday in his native village after 30 long years :)!

Happy Birthday ol' man :P!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Another 'Credit Crunch'

Albeit, a different kind...

Two planets eh?! That would be fun - I'd like to work on one, rest on another :P!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Couldn't help...

...putting this up, after we (Ujji and me) noticed.

This picture's been going to and fro for some time now. The last time I saw it was in March, when Sudi forwarded the same. After a few text messages and a lot of arguing over who's who (Ujji thinks they've painted Mandela playing a flute and I think it's Kofi Annan), we realized that they've painted OBL right above GWB (right-hand, upper-half)! Heh! Nice!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Food for thought - 7

"What is spiritual realization? The belief that you are a spirit? No, that's a thought.
(...)
Spiritual realization is to see clearly that what I perceive, experience, think, or feel is ultimately not who I am, that I cannot find myself in all those things that continuously pass away."

- A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle

Thursday, October 23, 2008

And you thought...

...only your 'kind' could blog?!! I think NOT! Following links on Amit's blog, I found my way to this page.

Not long before we have more competition on blog-o-sphere, eh?!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Slouthful

My blog isn't the only 'thing' that has suffered in recent times due to my sluggishness; my trips to Crossword have been a rarity as well. Work seems to have taken a backseat and my search for 'The Seven Ages of Rock' DVDs, is almost a closed chapter.

But guess what?! I ain't complaining. And you know why?! 'Coz I've spent all this time reading books. Books that I knew made up my dad's collection, but were more often than not, ignored. And it would be drastically understating if I said, "It's been fabulous!"

Lying on a cozy bed, a quilt to protect from the occasional chill, some drizzles, a few heavy rains, warm sunshine here and there, not a soul intruding (:P!) and books! A few too many of them. No particular subject. Or actually, maybe there was - soul-searching - if that qualifies for a subject.

I think I could do this forever.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Looking for I Need...

'...Where do we go when we just don't know
And how do we relight the flame when it's cold
Why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothing
And when will we learn to control...'

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Cheap Thrills

Enjoyed this tag on Deepti's blog. Too lazy to put it up here and read your answers (*yawn*). So, pliss to be doing honor - read, fill-out and let me have a laugh.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Couple o' things

Baba's moved from wearing traditional pajamas to tracks
Aai's moved from humming Pal Pal (Lage Raho Munna Bhai) to Socha hai (Rock On)
Sheru & Munnu have shifted base from a one-room-kennel to an entire alley

Nice.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Hola

I've been trying to think of a reason as to why there have been no posts on my blog recently. And the best I could come up with is - I didn't feel like it. Hmm. Go figure.

Anyways, this video on Heather's blog, changed the procrastinating me. I absolutely HAD to put this up here for all those who haven't had a chance to laugh their heads off. (I would love to hear her views on the crashing financial sector! *guffawing*)

P.S: It might seem stuck, but the video does work. And while you're at it, check out the ads too (Heh!)

In other news, Santosh had this tag up and here are my favorites -

"The difference between a person and an angel is easy. Most of an angel is in the inside and most of a person is on the outside." - Mister God, this is Anna
"The only true law is that which leads to freedom," Jonathan said. "There is no other." - Jonathan Livingston Seagull
"The world has no existence whatsoever outside the human imagination. It's all a ghost, and in antiquity was so recognized as a ghost, the whole blessed world we live in." - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds." - The Notebook
"Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted" - The Last Lecture

All those who stop by... you've been tagged.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Gung-ho?!

Two days after Heather posts this (...and for which I'd put all my bets on her, if she ever entered American politics - Heather, you absolutely rock!...), Obama comes out with this statement. Smashing or what?! He'll probably get a lot'a Indian fan-fare following him for that one statement! Think it's time to celebrate yet? No?! Well, here's another reason for Indians to raise their glasses tonight - the NSG waiver! MUHAHAHAHA... Baba and me were wondering last night as to how Dr. Manmohan Singh must be perspiring profusely after having put everything at stake for this deal. Well Mr. Prime Minister, we sure hope you sleep well tonight!

And if none of that brought a smile on your face, maybe this will... You've probably heard this number -

You can find the lyrics here.

So I'm standing next to Aai in the kitchen helping her prepare dinner, when they play this track over the radio. Everything's normal until chorus starts; and Aai goes -

"Bembi I love you, Bembi I love you..."

(for the Marathi illetrate, Bembi translates to belly-button)

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Google's next assault on MS

It's called Chrome. As explained in the instruction guide, this new web-browser promises improved speed and responsiveness.

It's been years since I used IE. Firefox is almost second nature. Yet, I'm looking forward to try my hands on Chrome - I like the name :P!

Google's first screenshot of Chrome

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Rushing through

Million things happened over the last week. Here are a few, that didn't go unnoticed -

McCain picks Palin (OH. MY. GOD.)
Mamata Banerjee steps in to rescue Bengal farmers (ROTFL!)
Sheru provokes Munnu for a fight and accepts defeat even before they begin (Nope. They're not pedigree dogs.)
Aai sits through 'Rock On' and actually enjoys the story-line (The ONLY 40+ person in the entire theatre!)
I manage baking some 'Carrot Cake' (and that's not what Sheru and Munnu were fighting over - hmpf!)

Friday, August 22, 2008

I guess you have to be Indian...

...is just one of the comments posted on this site. No offense taken. I hope none given either :).

Imagine shopping at your favorite mall - dabbling with 'this-piece-or-that', or eating-out at your favorite restaurant - relishing every 'sinfully-tasty-bite', when your neighbor's phone goes - "condom, condom"! Damn! I'd choke!

*rolling on the floor, laughing*

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Self-inflicting torture machine

Ever seen this episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Yes, this -

Well, if you thought epilators were better - take my word for it - they're worse! WAY, way, worse! Atleast waxine doesn't go - 'one-at-a-time'!

In other news, here's the cover-page for the latest edition of Sports Illustrated -

Mamma mia

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

R. I. P

LeRoi Moore (September 7, 1961 - August 19, 2008),
Founding Member, Dave Matthews Band

"It's always easier to leave than be left" - Dave Matthews, DMB

Agree.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

The Economics of Love

Of late, I find a lot of my friends talking investments, returns, bonds, shares and all other buzz words associated with the 'economics enchilada'. I guess it's the age. I've done my bit too, I must admit. And I'm willing to go all the way to get my wise returns.

So while on the topic, I'm browsing other blogs and as usual, find interesting stuff on Amit's blog. Economics being the current state of mind, I am directed to this page.

Gyaan from this view point, makes it SO much simpler for a numbers crazy person, doesn't it?! So all the young-at-hearts - go invest! Wisely, if I may add.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Food for thought - 6

"Who would the 'believer' be without the 'unbeliever'?"

- Stillness Speaks, Eckhart Tolle

Monday, August 11, 2008

Ironies?

A few days ago, news channels broadcasted the verdict on how a young couple were banned from aborting a 25-week old fetus. They aired discussions between a large divide - from doctors, to priests, to law-makers. Apparently, the court thinks the couple and their gynecologist were unable to prove that the child would face a substantial health risk. Honestly, I'm speechless.

During the same time, I came across this news article. A perfectly healthy child, almost pushed into substantial health risks, by another couple, elsewhere. Now I'm flabbergast!

If you're thinking - different country, different rules, different people - hold that thought right there. Just this one time, overlook boundaries, rules, systems; and maybe ask yourself - is any of this making sense?! If yes, help me understand. If no, where are we going wrong?!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Gardening Bouts

I'm not a plant-person; animal-person - yes, but not a plant-person. Someone wants me to tend to dogs, cats, horses, birds, if I get lucky - snakes, wild cats, primates, etc. - I'd do it without a blink; plants - and I'm a complete dodo - no offense to the bird. Aai on the other hand is a vehement plant-person. You can find her singing to them at times! She treats them like her own babies!

Over the last two days however, we've had some role-reversal. She's been cleaning up after my dogs, and me - getting my hands dirty in her garden. No, we're not in a mother-daughter bonding phase, it was more experimental - for the lack of a better word. I think her intention was to keep her garden clean. And mine, to explore earthworms. I've enjoyed it - I must admit. I can't say the same for her...

The part that made me sit down and make this post, is our common weakness for cleaning. Yup, cleaning. We both enjoy it tremendously. Infact, Ujji has gone far enough to say - "If you were tied up with some mafia crowd tai,... you'd make a perfect handler"... From animal-person to handler - Hmm... quite a transition you think?

On a side-note, here's something that's been playing in my mind over-and-over again -

Incase you're interested in the originals... here they are -
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

P.S: Happy Friendship's Day!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Junk night

Dinner consisted of -

ek masala-puri
ek allu-tikki
ek paani-puri
ek bhel-puri
ek aattaa-ladoo
ek veg-grill sandwich
ek watermelon juice (less melon, more water)

My stomach feels abused...

Friday, July 25, 2008

Quirk : An idiosyncracy

Tagged by Deepti.

Tag Rules (hmm... this is new) -

Link the person who tagged you
Mention the rules on your blog
Tell 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs, letting them know that they have been tagged

Here goes -

Everytime I enter a restroom, I HAVE to turn on the lights; no matter what time of day it is
When in deep thought, my tongue folds backwards - halfway through; pretty much like a frog
Even as a child, I'd put all my might in holding a pen/pencil. Result - I have a corn on the first knuckle of my right hand, middle finger. Now it's pretty much a cushion for my writing instruments
Curling-up in bed, I cradle myself to sleep by rocking the lower half of my body
I always note the last page number of a book I pick-up to read
Everyday I wash one handkerchief - whether used or not; I change to a new one everyday

phew!... Done! Following people tagged - Smini, Sudi, Santosh and Anushree/Pooja. Two others will have to be non-bloggers. Jump in and leave yours on the comments section guys :)!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Goodbye to blackouts?

Let me begin with - Yay! We've finally got the verdict on the confidence vote! - And while I'm not proud to have witnessed the way this vote was won at the Lok Sabha, it's comforting to see some of our MPs have a sound mind on their shoulders. Why the Left front has been so adamant about scratching the deal, is anyone's guess. I'm just glad there'll be less arguing on which equipment stays on and which not (our UPS is a shame to it's kind!).

As P. G. Wodehouse would put it - 'Cheerio, for now!'

Friday, July 18, 2008

Going Musical

Baba's always been musical. You can find him humming to himself when he's in a REALLY good mood. And music soothes him. I think I get that part of me from him. After presenting Ujji with books for his birthday, we were discussing other gifts we could've bought him. We came up with musical instruments. Honestly, Ujji's not someone who'd go buy some such thing for himself. So it would've been a good gift. And that got me thinking.

I've always wanted to buy an instrument for myself. And thanks to Baba's musical gene, I've made them buy me stuff earlier :). However, over the last 3 years I've given myself reasons not to do certain things I want to - buying an instrument is just one among them. Ujji's birthday kinda broke that spell.

After much experimenting, researching and thinking, I realized, saxophones need too much room in your lungs. So do flutes (don't go by the sheer size-difference between these instruments). Mine barely help me breath normally! Baba suggested the sitar. And while it's a really good suggestion, I don't see myself sitting with a sitar after the first few times (and I wouldn't want to see an instrument lying around, unused). Aai went back to casios... I'd love to play a piano someday, but then the mind goes to... "Nah... Not something I'd buy for a LONG-long time". So it's the most common instrument - the guitar. Hmph.

I have nothing against the instrument, except... everybody wants to play the damn thing! Looking at it's pros, though - It's affordable (at this point), it's something I can take along wherever, I can learn it by myself off the internet and most important... I think I'll look good on it, Heh! So there, I'm buying a guitar.

P.S: I might just mention this - the idea of an instrument occurred to me 'coz a friend mentioned he bought a guitar. This was a few days before Ujji's birthday. Now I'm thinking - is that why I'm buying a guitar? Hmm. Well, if it's so... so be it! I'm still buying one. Wish me luck.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Month packed with Birthdays

Yesterday was Ladi tai's and Ujji's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, guys!!). While the day was more or less a usual Sunday, there were some unexpected guests and good food. The highlight of the day was my brother going missing :D!

Ujji's gift from us. Thanks Deepti, it's after you mentioned these

It so happened that Baba's car had a dead rat in the AC system and there was absolutely no way Aai was going to travel in that vehicle (Heh!) We were suppose to meet Ujji at CMH and have some junk for dinner (not Baba, ofcourse; he helped himself with some leftovers...) So Aai and me rode on my gaadi, while Baba came along in an auto-rickshaw. After dinner, Ujji wanted to take Aai home on his Pulsar (which she always avoids; she thinks I'm a safe driver/rider *grinning*). Me and Baba rode back on my gaadi. So by the time Ujji started back to the institute it was almost 11:15 - 11:30 pm. He had an early lecture today and so nobody insisted on him staying back.

One hour later, my parents are frantically trying to reach him on his mobile to confirm he's reached the institute. Some strange man picks up his mobile, is rather rude, doesn't tell who he is and cuts the line. Aai gets all hysterical, Baba looks worried and I'm thinking - Wow! You really getting yourself into trouble this time, bro!

At 12:30am, Aai - half-heartedly yet determined - sat in the same car that was stinking of a dead rat and Baba drove all the way to the institute. I was home, incase he called us on the landline. 45 minutes, one worried friend and an even more worried uncle later, Baba informs us all that his bike is outside the hostel and our man's happily sitting in his friend's room, celebrating his now-gone birth-day and completely oblivious to the fact that he was suppose to inform them he's reached the institute!

Aai almost slapped him (earlier today, when I asked him if she did (?), he said - In her dreams...), Baba as usual, gave him a stern warning and I asked him to kick himself twice for me :)...

All in all, Ujji's 23rd birthday was quite a day for Aai and Baba. They're gonna laugh over this years from now, when Ujji's kids ask them about his forgetfulness.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Food for thought - 5

"Imagine the universe beautiful and just and perfect.
Then be sure of one thing:

The Is has imagined it quite a bit better than you have.
The original sin is to limit the Is.
Don't."

- Illusions, Richard Bach, Delacorte Press, New York, 1977

Monday, July 7, 2008

Celebrating Nadal's first

A rightly deserved win!

In other news, we've been trying to locate my gaadi keys the whole day, only to learn Aai slipped them into the trash along with her garden kachraa...

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Regular conversation

M: ah
back
m: crapping is it?
M: who won wimbledon womens?
m: venus
M: no - was playing game with someone else online
thoo..
m: :D
M: anyway
m: what you support serena?
either of them waste... how did it matter?
M: yeah
m: tomorrow will be fun
M: true
yeah
m: if nadal is in form
M: yeah, but i dont mind either of them winning
exact opp of today
m: hehe...
would like to see nadal win
but i kinda doubt it
M: that too..
m: he's better off skidding on clay
M: funny he is
m: watte ass!
M: used to have big crush on him
then i saw more of federe
m: haha...
federer is good boy
M: yeah..
m: nadal nice ass... :)
M: very!
and he keeps drawing attention to it
m: totally man!
M: by scratching, or pulling his pants up
m: yeah
Sent at 11:33 PM on Saturday
M: i'm off to sleep now
yaaaaaaaaaaawn
m: wokay
Sent at 11:35 PM on Saturday

M is offline. Messages you send will be delivered when M comes online.

I am:

...completing Santosh's tag
I think: I ponder over thoughts too much
I know: gaallees from 5 different languages (mostly Indian)
I want: to live with Cheetahs, a Falcon, couple'a Orangutans, some Stallions, a dozen-odd dogs and a Python
I have: a lot'a hiccups about how life's played out itself so far
I wish: I could be a bit more 'on-the-face' at times with some people
I hate: fanaticism of any kind
I miss: LA times
I fear: my mind winning over my heart
I hear: my dogs complaining about their meals everyday
I smell: stale by 4pm
I crave: for freedom from my thoughts
I search: for too much spiritual gyaan
I wonder: what those two little baby-crows on our coconut tree are doing this very minute
I regret: letsee... that... and that... and that... and that... and... nevermind...
I love: ME
I care: a rat's ass about Tom, Dick or Harry
I am not: a feminist
I believe: in love
I dance: fairly well by myself
I sing: everytime I'm asked to; no much bhaav required
I cry: without a whisper
I don’t always: play by the rules
I fight: only with my brother
I write: my grand-prarents rarely - almost never (*sigh*)
I win: accolades for my patience from many
I lose: to my brother ALWAYS (*hmpf*)
I never: read a novel twice; unless the first time was a bouncer
I always: manage to find common ground with everybody in a group
I confuse: Venus for Serena & Serena for Venus, among the William sisters
I listen: to every word my mother says and grumble
I can usually be found: reading on my terrace
I am scared: of lizards
I need: to get out and do all the things I've listed in my mind
I am happy about: how I've turned out

Thanks Santosh. This was fun :).

Thursday, July 3, 2008

TADA!

For all those who might not know, (or might know and forget) tomorrow I complete 28 wonderful years of my life in this physical form (Heh!). So go ahead and wish me; make my day! Life's too short not to have people sending good wishes your way and I'm reminding you guys a day earlier :)!

Just so I don't forget - Happy Birthday Pranjal :)!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Highlight of the day

Salon, Jelebis and this -

Heh!

I've been down and
I'm wondering why
These little black clouds
Keep walking around
With me
With me

It wastes time
And I'd rather be high
Think I'll walk me outside
And buy a rainbow smile
But be free
They're all free

So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home

I look around at a beautiful life
Been the upperside of down
Been the inside of out
But we breathe
We breathe

I wanna breeze and an open mind
I wanna swim in the ocean
Wanna take my time for me
All me

So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home

So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I'll find my way home

Monday, June 23, 2008

Connecting with self

I've been reading a lot on the Law of Attraction and it's various sub-laws, over the last few months. In order to get myself in-sync, I've even tried meditating. But I guess you really need to learn the basics from someone who's well-versed in the subject. I've been meaning to approach someone for the same. As the law might have it (Heh!), I found myself at the Art of Living, International Center, Bangalore.

Spent the weekend attending one of their courses. Liked what they had to offer and absolutely enjoyed the tranquility of the place. I think I'm going to find myself visiting this place more often.

Ofcourse, there is the occasional irritation of having to see people flock in dozens to touch Mr. Ravi Shankar's feet or seek his blessings (arrgh..), but that's for a fraction of a second. Look around and understand what he's trying to communicate, and none of that irritation persists :)!

*Photo courtesy - Discover Bangalore

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Food for thought - 4

"Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

- Randy Pausch, Professor, Carnegie Mellon

(w.r.t road-blocks one faces)

Friday, June 13, 2008

Finally - Once

After a long, LONG wait, I finally manage to get my hands on this movie. A simple story, repeated a million times over maybe; and told in the most beautiful way! Icing on cake - the music!

"how often do you find the right person?!... once"

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Mystery solved

Rains are such joy. Hot pakoras, steaming coffees, warm quilts and couches...*sigh* absolute BLISS! Oh and there's the hot water bath! Although, for a few days now, the hot water faucet's been gurgling out some weird stuff. Last few days I've been seeing a lot of feathers in my bucket! While I didn't want to admit, at the back of my mind was a thought that maybe - just maybe - I'm dealing with a...! (Hey, I'm just really good with my imagination, so don't squirm!) I let the thought pass. And the feathers. They kept appearing. Today, I found a leg. With claws. One leg. (I told you my thoughts turn to reality! )

We spent the whole morning cleaning tanks - underground sump, cold water tank, hot water tank... and nothing... phew. There was not a single piece of evidence that it was a bird. But I swear I found a leg! So we decided to drain all pipelines. And nasty as it may sound - bit-by-bit, degenerated chunk of flesh kept finding it's way out through the hot water faucets. YUCK!

Now, the big mystery is - how did it find it's way into the water?! No tank is open. All have solid covers - metal or stone ones. There's absolutely no way some stupid bird flew down and got caught! The verdict?! - BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply & Sewage Board).

And the verdict was unanimous.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Suggestions Required

Santosh's dad sent him a list of books. He's trying to figure out which ones he should buy for his old man. I've read just one from this list - A Beautiful Mind - and was hoping you guys might suggest some from these -

Fermat's Last Theorem - Simon Singh
The Code Book - Simon Singh
A beautiful mind - Sylvia Nasar
The Man who loved only numbers - Paul Hoffman
The Victorian Internet - Tom Standage
Fingerprints - Colin Beaven
Can Reindeer fly? - Roger Highfield
Mendeleyev's Dream - Paul Strathern
Snowball earth - Gabrielle Walker
The fifth miracle - Paul Davies
Strange beauty - George Jonson
The Cogwheel Brain - Doron Swade
The making of the atomic bomb - Richard Rhodes
Chaos - James Gleick
Flatland - Edwin. A. Abbott
A Mathematician's apology - G. H. Hardy
Our final century - Martin Rees
The surgeon of Crowthrone - Simon Winchester
The Pahntom Tollboth - Norton Juster
Roses In December - M. C. Chagla
Artificial Intellegence and Natural man - Margaret. A. Boden
Dimensions of creativity - Margaret. A. Boden
The Philosophy of Artificial Life - Margaret. A. Boden
Swami Rama - Swami Ajaya
The Traditions of The Himalyan Masters - Pandit Rajamani Tigumant
The Emperor's New Mind - Roger Penrose
Theories of Everything - Joh. D. Barrow
Don't You Have time to Think - Richard Feynman
Narrative - Fredrick Douglars
Autobiography of a Fugitive Negro - Samuel Ringold Ward
The Fugitive Blacksmith - J. W. C. Pennigton

Monday, June 9, 2008

Classics

HBO featured a 'Top 10' tear-jerker's list. 'The Notebook' stands at the number 2 spot. I hadn't heard about the movie, but that's not what I'm writing about. So I download the movie and 30 minutes into it, this song plays in the background. It's one of my favorites and it goes well with the movie. Here it is -

Hope you like!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

More Lists

Another one from Deepti -

Bold - the ones I've watched.

Not bad eh?!

Update: (June 9th) Two more classics suggested by Smini -

Mackenna's Gold
King Solomon's Mines

Friday, June 6, 2008

Flavours

Yesterday was refreshingly different. To begin with, it marked 3 years of my return from the U.S of A. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem so long!

The first half flew by engrossed in work. It's amazing how some results can make you feel on top of the world! Spent the afternoon watching some high-budget, poor-performance movies (and they make plenty of those in LA!). Evening was a teaser with a slight shower and a beautiful, beautiful rainbow! It was so enchanting, I didn't want to run upstairs to get my camera! For those who missed it - Rajesh has a snap of it. The spell of rain lasted barely 20-25 minutes. This was followed by anxious neighbors comforting a fellow resident, whose house had been robbed in broad daylight (that's a rare thing in this part of town), a murky discussion - over phone - with someone terribly confused, an enlightening conversation with Baba on some old Marathi music, some physical assault on a cold-infected brother (muhahaha), preparing Rasam, having dinner and another lethargic movie!

Life's good. It's so bloody amazingly good :)!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Let's hear it for Obama

With Step-Father, Mother, Step-Sister - Barack Obama

...or should we wait until November?

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Calling it a day

I absolutely long for Friday nights. Not 'coz the weekend's a respite from all the week's work (I work 6 hours, 7 days a week; so no weekends for me), but because Ujji comes home for the weekend. And it's fun when he's around. Of course, that only means a drop in the number of hours I can put in on these days. Which I then have to make up for on Mondays and Tuesdays. Normally, these aren't bad either. This week has been an exception.

Work has been K.R.A.Z.Z.Y! Yes, that bad! Two continuous 16 hour days with barely a breather between. I'm so pooped... *phew*...

Gonna slump into that bean-bag and watch a couple of movies with a steaming cup of coffee and nothing - absolutely nothing - to eat. My stomach feels like it can go without food for a whole week! That's something I've gotto stop doing; crunch time and my routine's pretty much - Food-Laptop-Food-Laptop-Food-Laptop... If I repeat the word 'f.o.o.d' again, I might throw up!

So that's that. TV, here I come.

Monday, June 2, 2008

I MISS THIS SHOW SO MUCH

I SO need to go get the DVD collection for these!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Maa-Baap ka PYAAR

We had dinner at India Gate on 100ft road, Friday night. Lovely dinner. Good drinks too. Aai ofcourse, always avoids drinks (not that she drives after that; she'd probably cause more damage without being drunk - Baba's words). So on our way out, I was busy messaging someone, my brother was picking up some extra saunf and Baba as usual, is way ahead. In that split second when all this is happening, my brother and me hear a THUD!, turn around and see Aai on the floor!

Apparently, she didn't realize there was a step and was happily thanking the manager for his services (my mom). So anyways, we helped her up, massaged her ankle and walked out. The first thing she can come up with - "Maazha mhaataaraa kuthey gelaa"?! - rather irritated.

Baba was holding the elevator for us, he went - "Buddhi padli-re-padli"! - with a BIG grin!

If there's anything I enjoy more than stand-up comedy... it's my parents addressing each other. One helluva couple!

Why I love the Internet

Years ago, there used to be this add on TV. Well, I don't quite remember the add. Or the year. All I remember is the background score - "I'm in the mood for love". Now basically, this is a really popular number with over 2 dozen artists recording it in their respective voices. And I'm looking for this one particular artist, whose voice plays in the background of that particular add. So I go hither-tither looking for this track, with no name for the artist, no add details and no year (nice)... and I find this -

I'm in the Mood for Love

Now, I'm not sure THIS is the artist or THE VOICE in the background of THAT particular add. But hey! it's close - real close!

Lyrics -
I'm in the mood for love
Simply because you're near me
Funny, but when you're near me
I'm in the mood for love

Heaven is in your eyes
Bright as the stars we're under
Oh, is it any wonder?
I'm in the mood for love

Why stop to think of whether
This little dream might fade?
We've put our hearts together
Now we are one, I'm not afraid

If there's a cloud above
If it should rain, we'll let it
But, for tonight, forget it
I'm in the mood for love

Friday, May 30, 2008

Love the rains...

And the first thing that comes to mind each time I'm getting soaked is -

The number of times I went through this exercise as a teenager... Heh! A splendid way to enjoy the rains, no?!

Update: (6:45 PM) Another favorite during rains -

Thursday, May 29, 2008

In the last few hours

Scene 1 -
Baba: "Mazha dokka dukh-tay"...
Me: "Kashaani?"...
Baba: "Maahit naahi"...
Me: "Goli ghetli?"...
Baba: "Naahi... nantar gheyil"...
Me: "Hmm"...

Scene 2 - (Two hours later)
Baba: "Me challo zhopaayla"...
Me: "Huh?" (had headphones on)
Baba: (lip-syncing) "Me zhopaayla challo"...
Me: "Oh... Ok"...
Me: "Tumcha dokka banda zhalaka?"...
Baba: (just stares, trying hard not to laugh)...

A second later... all 3 of us are quacking bigtime!

They can use your help

As usual, I get this from my brother, in my email -

SlideShare

| View | Upload your own

I've done my bit of search and found The International Federation for Red Cross, an easy way to donate online. They're even Verified by Visa, so you can safely use your State Bank, HDFC or other cards to give as much as your heart (and bank account) will allow. Make your donations... without a hiccup!

Have a good day y'all!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Kudos...

...to this album, to this acoustic-guitar singer-songwriter. Like Heather rightly puts it -

"If you're looking for something to help you heal, no matter what went wrong, go buy this album."

I am my mother's only one
It's enough

I wear my garment so it shows
Now you know

Only love is all maroon
Gluey feathers on a flume
Sky is womb and she's the moon

I am my mother on the wall, with us all
I move in water, shore to shore;
Nothing's more

Only love is all maroon
Lapping lakes like leary loons
Leaving rope burns --
Reddish ruse

Only love is all maroon
Gluey feathers on a flume
Sky is womb and she's the moon

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Finally moved

Drove down airport road for an ice-cream. Passed the last stretch of the airport. Witnessed a quite skyline, a barren flying strip and no improvement in traffic :).

15 long years in this part of town; I miss the sound of planes taking-off and landing. I miss being 'close-to-the-airport' *sigh*.

* Photo courtesy Rajesh Dangi

Hmm...

I was looking up the meaning for -

"Mangalyam tantuna nena
Mama jeevana hetuna
Kanthe bhadhrani shubhage
Twam dheeya sharadam shubam"

...and I was directed to this page :)!

P.S: Meaning -

"By tying the 'mangalyam' (sacred thread) around her neck, the husband entwines his life with his wife's"

...phew!

Also, I just tried making some Babycorn Masala... YUCK! I'm so sorry, but it really wasn't upto my taste :\.

Lists

Here's Deepti's post and here's my list -

Bold - ones I've read
Underlined - ones I read for school
Italicized - ones I started but didn't finish

P.S
(*) - ones I liked and would (or did) read again or recommend
(<--) - books on my wishlist

Thanks Deepti!

Here are a few other's I'd recommend personally -

Jonathan Livingston Seagull *
The Day of the Jackal *
Roots *
Mister God, This is Anna *
Marley and Me :) *

Friday, May 23, 2008

Of people & vibes

Baba's enjoying IPL whole-heartedly. He's even got Aai hooked to it. Come 9pm and you can hear him go, "Ahh... this team's out..." or "That's a stupid shot bugger...". Aai chips in with comments too, which is fun to hear!

So a couple of days ago, Ujji asked me why I wasn't interested in cricket and that got me thinking - why? I've never been a cricket 'fan'. Then again, I've been a 'fan' of no game really; definitely not the kinds to sit in front of a screen either booing or cheering a team or person. I guess I'm not a TV person. I'm not even fond of any particular movie personality, now that I think of it. As far as sports go, I've always enjoyed participating in person. I enjoy my time at basketball courts, badminton courts, race-courses, etc. Basically, I like being there, doing it myself. It gives me a 'kick' of sorts; one that seeing someone perform or do the same, doesn't.

I have to agree though, when I do watch some people on screen, they leave behind a 'good' feeling. Ofcourse, not one to make me go buy their posters or watch their every game or movie. It's a few seconds feeling - like sparing them a few thoughts and that's about it. Stefanie ~~was~~ is one of them. More recently (blame this on IPL), Glenn McGrath has been added to this list. Again, he's an old-timer, but it's not his game or his performance that earned him his spot in my list. It's a feeling - a vibe :)!

So there, I've just explained the title for this post.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Lucky me

I had an episode with my bike some time ago. I parked it on a quite road in Indiranagar, spent sometime on CMH and got back to find it lying flat on the same spot. Not much damage... just the front left hand portion had a major dent. So when I left it at the service center, the guy asked me if I'd like to get that portion fixed. He said I could claim insurance for the damage and I'd get back 80% of whatever I spend on it. I agreed.

I just received my insurance cheque today - a 110% refund... Heh!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Road Trips

Lack of posts?... Blame it on the roadtrips. First to Pune, then to Munnar. And it's been fabulous indeed! They're doing a splendid job with the Golden Quadrilateral. It makes road journeys all the more agreeable. While Pune trip included visits to relatives, Munnar was altogether a 'break-from-the-mundane'. And what a refreshing break... phew! Here's a glimpse of this beautiful place -

Between these 2 trips we've had a brief stay in Bangalore and Aai was busy tending to her garden. She's got her Ashoka trees trimmed and the place looks barren without them *sigh*. On the other hand, she's had some wonderful blooms too -

All-in-all it's been a busy yet happy time :)! Now... back to work. Heh!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Exhilarated

So I finally got to a bookstore... Yay! I was hoping to pick up one other book along with 'god is not Great' and my mind was trying to choose between - 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Maximum City'. I ended up buying - 'The Secret'! And WOW!... what a book this is!

I'd only heard of the movie (in passing) from a friend sometime in 2006, but never really had a chance to catch it. The book is exactly or maybe more that what I've been looking for! I immediately began reading it and wasn't able to put it down until I'd finished!

Whether it'll ring with you or not, I'm not sure. I sure hope it does :)! Fill me in on your experience!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

6 months and counting

I've been trying to get a snap of his for a whole week now. All I manage is him sleeping or barking at Munnu (he hates it when Munnu barks at strangers! Weird dog!) or hidden under some chair. So finally today, I put my efforts to rest. I bribed him with biscuits for snaps! Here's Sheru, 6 months old -

I'll try and put up a slide-show here sometime soon! This one looks like he changes every other day!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Hot under the Collar

I came across this post today by another of my own species. The title reads - 'Awesome girls' profiles ........taken from Shaadi.com!!!'.

For a moment it didn't register. And when it did, I could feel blood rising to my head! Reading the post initially made me sick, then hateful and finally pitiful towards the author. To my dismay, the author turned out to be a woman too!

It's such a pitiable society we live in, isn't it? Here are some women trying to rise from their otherwise mundane and ignored lives to find a special someone. Agreed, their choice of words isn't anywhere close to yours or mine. Or even the author's who wrote that post! But hell, how good are you or me or she when compared to let's say Tony Morrison or Ayn Rand or Pearl Buck?!

How can you possibly find humor in something that could mean the world to another?! It's just beyond me! Oh and ofcourse, I'm sure there would be the lot that comes up with - "Hey, it's just a gag!" Sheesh! Where do these specimens come from?!

Sarcasm

Another forward from my brother -

A world-wide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question asked was: "Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world?" The survey was a huge failure! Here's why:

In Africa they didn't know what 'food' meant,

In India they didn't know what 'honest' meant,

In Europe they didn't know what 'shortage' meant,

In China they didn't know what 'opinion' meant,

In the Middle East they didn't know what 'solution' meant,

In South America they didn't know what 'please' meant

And in the USA they didn't know what 'rest of the world' meant!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Take Heed

This is a report produced by 'The GreenPeace India Society'. It gives a detailed survey on the effect of climate change on the Indian Subcontinent.

Not interested?! How about this - Atleast 120 million people will be rendered homeless with the rise in water level, in India alone! Still no effect?! Consider this then - People are expected to migrate inland from as early as 2045! That's the same 120 million people who might lose their homes.

Think we're prepared for that?!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Fussing over food

Aai has always complained about my eating habits. I've always had a sparse appetite, but that's just one of her concerns. She's making a big deal about what I like and don't almost every other day. Well, I guess that's quite understandable being my mother and all (and I guess I should appreciate the fact that I'm quite lucky in a million ways), but I thought I'd put the matter to rest once and for all. If I'm really that choosy, I should make room for more variety, right? So letsee, I'm making a list of things I think I consume & not -

Consume -

Milk & milk products
Eggs
Cereals & Pulses
Green Vegetables AND Other (er...um) selected Vegetables

Don't -

Beans
All types of 'gourds'
Vegetables that appear as fruit of a plant - Pumpkins, Eggplants, etc.

Hmm. I still think I have a healthy diet. My mom should see this list maybe! (Heh!)

Friday, April 4, 2008

City Cleansed

Bangalore still looks beautiful when it rains. Many might say there's trouble with roads, with basements in apartments, with traffic - which is all true and yet, there's something mystical about the rains in this city. It's almost spiritually healing! Ofcourse, you're looking at Bangalore from the stand-point of someone who barely gets out of home (no traffic nuisance!), is pretty much confined to one room that overlooks a beautiful garden (thanks to Aai) and enjoys her mug of hot-coffee, all alone, slumped in a bean-bag at 2:30am, watching thunder and lightning from this confinement of hers! Rains are fun, aren't they?!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Google 'Quote for the day'

"At the age of eleven or thereabouts women acquire a poise and an ability to handle difficult situations which a man, if he is lucky, manages to achieve somewhere in the later seventies."
- P. G. Wodehouse (Uneasy Money)

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Jeremy Camp

Spent the whole day listening to Jeremy Camp. Here's one of his numbers -

Artist - Jeremy Camp
Title - Give You Glory
Year - 2007

Lyrics -

We have raised a thousand voices
Just to lift Your holy name
And we will raise thousands more
To sing of Your beauty in this place
Well none can even fathom
No not one define Your worth
As we marvel in Your presence
To the ends of the earth.

We give You glory,
Lifting up our hands and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart
Glory, lifting up our voice and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart

As we fall down before You
With our willing hearts we seek
In the greatness of Your glory
It's so hard to even speak
There is nothing we can offer
No nothing can repay
So we give You all our praises
And lift our voice to sing

We give You glory,
Lifting up our hands and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart
Glory, lifting up our voice and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart

Our hope is drenched in You
Our faith has been renewed
We trust in Your every word
Nothing else can even measure up to You.

We give You glory,
Lifting up our hands and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart
Glory, lifting up our voice and singing holy,
You alone are worthy
We just want to touch Your heart, Lord, touch Your heart

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Frequenters

Every morning, at around 9-9:30 am, there's a clatter on our terrace. A group of no less than 10 monkeys find it a convenient place to hang-out! Some have little ones pinned to their fronts, others simply jump around making merry :). It's quite a sight! This one mother-child pair, never fail to keep me company for atleast half-an-hour. After which I'm compelled to feed them :)! The little one's quite a handful. The mother's delight at being offered something she can have herself without sharing with the little one, is quite obvious!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Hiatus

It's been a long time! The culprit? - my dial-up connection. I've been waiting for broadband in our native town for 3 weeks now (*sigh*)! And I've finally managed to get one (Heh!). So hopefully I'll be more regular at posting and keeping accounts of our exploits at Amravati :)!

Hope you guys still stop-by :)!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Recieved through email

My brother forwarded this email to me today. The subject line read - 'She makes babies out of clay'. It instantly captured my attention! So I visited her website and read up everything I could. She truly has a God given gift! Hope you enjoy the pictures as well.

Camille Allen's Clay Babies

Monday, February 11, 2008

Valentine's is around the corner

...and here's a wonderful way to say you care -

Feed a Rescued Infant Chimpanzee for a Week

Gifts That Give More

You can make a difference!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Everything

A skit performed on 'Lifehouse - Everything'

Yenjoy!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Confused? Maybe an editor can help!

I read Heather's blog religiously. Today she had these 2 video links - 'Wiener Poopie' and this -

Hope they brighten up your day, as they did mine :)!

Friday, February 1, 2008

A True Friend

...is a valuable treasure. I've said this a million times before and I'd like to reiterate here -

'On his death bed, if a man has atleast one true friend by his side, he's a succesful man!'

Today, I feel like one (and I'm not close to being on my 'death-bed'!). Sudi always says -

'When life asks you to put something down, it's because it wants you to lift something bigger; something better!'

He couldn't be more right. In all my troubles, you've been stedfast by my side, correcting me if I were wrong, showing me which route would be better and never judging me!

I might forget to thank the Lord for little things He's been blessing me with, but I pray I never stop thanking Him for you!

Thank You.

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About Me...

'Pranjal' means 'pure' or 'crystal clear'. It's a name my father chose for me. I've had trouble getting people to pronounce it right and had my doubts about whether or not I identify with it. Ofcourse, the 'identifying-battle' is long gone. It's my name and I've grown into it.

I was born in a small district called 'Yavatmal' (sometimes spelled 'Yeotmal') of Maharastra, India. You might have a hard time locating it on a map. I was brought up in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. I spent my first 8 years of schooling (Kindergarden to 6th grade) in a convent, after which I was moved to a Central School.

Following most students from my batch, I took up engineering at S. M. V. I. T., Bangalore. Having completed that, and after a brief stint with a Hardware Company, I enrolled into a Master's Program at USC, Los Angeles, USA. I returned to India in June 2005.

I took up a research project at IISc for a year after my return. I was then offered a job with a startup company, of which I was a part for 8 months. Following this, I started out on my own as an Independent Consultant ~~and have remained so~~, worked as a Freelancer, worked with a big IT company and then went back to stay-at-home-mumma.

Life's been fair so far; I've enjoyed my happy times and struggled through difficult patches. I have a small but cozy circle of friends. I rarely meet most of them and hope to make up for that (...even now...).

I like adventure. I've tried para-sailing. Hopefully I'll get a chance to live all my dreams of travel and crazy sporting adventures. I'd also like to try my hands on photography and playing the ~~saxophone~~ ~~guitar~~ (turns out, my lungs can't hold enough air, and my fingers gave up following my mind a long time ago).

I love animals better than most humans. I've had dogs from when I can remember. I've tried horse-riding. I dream of bringing up cheetah cubs, orangutans, snakes and falcons/hawks. I would love to live in a jungle someday. It would be a 'dream-come-true' to have a family living among the wild.

For now, ~~Bangalore's home~~ Hannover is home. Making the most of 24/7! ~~working from home.~~ Much to catch up on. Life's unfolding itself bit-by-bit!