Sun sets in Mumbai!

I am here to watch the sunset from the terrace!

See the golden rays of the sun streaming out!! Its really beautiful!

Some where in the corner of the sky the moon appears!
Getting darker! that tiny white spot is the moon!

Nach Baliye:season 3

I got hooked to this dance show last year, which showcased some stellar performances,and in the end Hussain and Teena bagged the trophy for being the best (of course jantha couldn't stop raving at their jalwas)

Anchors: Hussain and Teena. Teena looks so cold and angry with everyone. What happened girl? Is Hussain giving you a complex in anchoring?? Please be pleasing to the contestants - you seem to be very irked by all.

Judges: Isha Koppikar, Vaibhavi Merchant and David Dhavan. Really good judges. Isha replaces Mallika with her sugary talk. Vaibhavi and David just tell the contestants on face about their flaws.

This time we have the following couples for the fight:

Rakhi Sawant and Abhishek Awasthi

Shweta Keswani and Alex O’ Neil
Karan Patel and Amita Chandeka
Shakti Kapoor and Shivangi Kapoor
Vikas Sethi and Amita Sethi
Karan Grover and Kavita Kaushik
Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheikh
Kashmira Shah and Krishna Abhishek
Kiran Janjani and Ritu Janjani
Pooja Bedi and Hanif Hilal

This week the couples got the topic of "Fusion"to perform.

NACH this week (as on Sept. 28)

Rakhi and Abhishek rocked the stage. Their dance moves were so fast and superb synchronization. I loved their moves. The judges were happy and they got 30/30 for their performance. Ishaa asked Abhishek "Will you dirty dance with me?" (oooo........). In fact I didnt like their first performance.

Shweta Keswani and Alex O’ Neil were really cute and they danced great. Alex got himself tanned and his outfit was really funny. His comic timing and expressions were cool. David remarked that Alex reminded him of Mehmood. Their scores were also good.

Karan Patel and Amita Chandeka: Bad choreography; I think these both will be saved by the janatha eventually becos of serial effect. [Choreographer is not serious or he can't make you to dance]. In fact, they got the lowest scores last week. I wanted them to get eliminated this time. x-(

Shakti Kapoor and Shivangi Kapoor: What an energy level? Shakthiji is the only person who is taking this competition in its right spirit. Shivangi couldn't make for the competition this time due to a bad backache. Hope they come back again to rock the stage!!

Vikas Sethi and Amita Sethi: Tremendous improvement from last time. The concept was cool and the choreography was appreciable. The song was really nice.

Karan Grover and Kavita Kaushik: Got really bad comments from the judges. Can Kavitha stop overacting (: fake pouts?? ) Karan got really bad comments for his part of the old man. Better luck next time!!

Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheikh: My favorite and defenitely the Audience's favorite jodi. Both of them complement each other very well and they really work hard - its shown. Their choreographers are talented and they have got a good jodi. I want them to get a 10/10 from all the judges everytime. In fact, the last performance in fusion took the breath away from Vaibahvi. They danced really well and the table act amazed me. They have raised the standard of nach baliye - I must say!

Kashmira Shah and Krishna Abhishek: I don't like this jodi - I didn't like their last filmy performance nor the present one. Puhleeeeeeez stop doing "tumkas" Krushna - Ain no good in that. I didnt like their performance at all. Their costumes were yuck.
Choreographers -BEWAAARE!!!!

Kiran Janjani and Ritu Janjani: Kiran irritated me. Dude, this is a national show. Stop screaming at your wife and behaving like an MCP. JAnatha is not blind: No wonder yu got eliminated. This time Ritu (a sweet lady she is - she looked great in her costume) forgot her steps. I thought that Mr. MCP was going to slap her. He ended crying and jerking tears. Ritu had improved tremendously; Best of luck for the wild card entry round - STOP SHOUTING AT YOUR WIFE ON TV -PSYCHO!!! (I know that Ritu doesnt have a problem with it; but damn, why don't you understand that the janatha has???)

Pooja Bedi and Hanif Hilal: This jodi is my seconmd favorite. Pooja is really so down to earth and positive - I like her as a person too. As a dancer, I was amazed by her performance this time as a look-like of Menaka. Hanif is no doubt a superb dancer and their choreography was beautiful. No wonder, Vaibhavi remarked "I got to see some real fusion now."

Keep watching Nach Baliye 3!!!

My fav pic!

Clicked from a running bus :)

How to reach the fort in Ratangad!

Ratangad is the jewel of forts. It lies in the Ajoba mountain range surrounded by great mountains of Kulang, Alang, Kalsubai, Katarabai, Ajoba and Ghanchakkar. Geographically, Ratangad is at the banks of Bhandardara lake of Ahmednagar district.

How to go to Ratangad (the way we trekked up to the fort)

First catch a train to Igathpuri

Take an auto to Goti village (7-10 rs per head)

From there hire a jeep to Bhandardhara village (20 rs per head)

Here, you can visit the Bhandardhara dam.

Next, you will have to hire a trax to Amrutheshwar temple - this temple is at the base of that fotress (Ratnavadi village). (we struck a deal for 1000 to and fro together)

Amrutheshwar temple is a an ancient temple with a "Shiv ling" in it.

Next, you will have to hire a guide from this place...because inorder to reach the fort we have to pass dense jungles, streams, waterfalls... Its difficult to trek and find the fort in monsoons. We went with chander - infact, Chander was the master - wow! he knew every nook and corner of that place.

When we are almost near, there will be two deadly ladders and a rock climb for reaching the temple and fort on top. (Not for the weak- hearted). Also, one important thing - in monsoons, the rocks will be slippery - so be very very careful while climbing.

It takes almost four hours for the climb uphill. There are differnet routes to take, while trekking. While coming back you can ask the guide to take you through the less slopy route. My legs ached like hell while climbing down.

Map: http://wikimapia.org/1705491/

Stripped of life!

I feel that I am stripped of life

I crave for a space to breathe

I crave to leave this busy life to some peaceful country side...

But when I look around, I see the undefiable spirit of people who thinks that this mechanized life is everything and they fight to survive in this dirt

I am not a fool to think so... there's a better life than this outside

Crammed trains, dirty drains, people shouting on mobiles, no place to sit, no place to stand - I can't see anything so high in this...

Its my choice to be happy or sad - but a meanie i am, I can't be happy with this

I dont choose to be sad either...

I choose to be indifferent and happy at times, but with the unhidden shadows of sadness...

People have lost the common ethics
To be polite is a distant dream

I dont call this the art of life - I call this the "art of survival"

SPITUNNI

I am the great great spittunni (and the spits of the universe)

I spit everywhere ... I live in mumbai

Spitting gives me the high
I like to spit through the window of a running bus.
The thrill...
The wind...
Everything makes my spitting experience a worth while.

I chew pan and I like to create artworks at the bus stop
My ode to my fellow spitters is to spit and spit till mumbai becomes a spit land
that is red with our spits!!!

Have yu tried spitting from a local train
MAN..... if u have not then u have lost entire excitement of the spitting phenomenon

I like to spit on the road
on the walls
on the railings

I leave my mark everywhere...

JOIN THE SPIT FORCE...lets spit till we die !!!

Beautiful Ratangad!

RING TONE ROWDY

U can find this species anywhere
at the bus stop
at a cofee shop
at the mall
in the bus
at office or at home

A ringtone rowdy is someone who is fond of ringtones
be it old or latest!
He subscribes for new ringtones everyother day
When he acquires a ringtone, his soul attains the ultimate unexpalinable satisfaction
U can see a ringtone rowdy listening to different ringtones
wherever it be...
In the bus stop his ringtone playing skills are at its peak
He is satisfied when other's get bugged by his ringtones
He keeps altering the volume till he is satisfied by the ear defening output

A day in the life of a typical ringtody (ringtone rowdy)
He gets up late - and catches hold of his mobile
WOW! a new ringtone again..

Its the donkeys cry - he feels that the music tingles his ears
Its time to go to the bus stop
as soon as he reaches there, he opens the pandora's box of ring tones
Ear blasting, worst form of sound pollution.
A beggar looks at him with a sheepish grin.

He plays the donkey's cry (GUWAAAAAAAH GUWAAAAAAAAAAAAAH)
Few street dogs come running behind him.
He runs away for his life

Running and Panting, he reaches a churchthe church service was going on.
Total silence....
Suddenly, his best friend calls him on his mobile
"YEEEEEEEH DOSTIIIIIIII...hum nahinnnnnnnnn chodengeyyyyyyyyy"
All prayerful eyes on him with disgust.
He slips away with embarrassment.

He reaches back home
A call comes for him.. Himesh bhai croons as the ringtone goes.........."ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"
Baby in the cradle wakes up and screams his lungs out...
His mom throws his mobile out...
He goes out and picks the mobile; back to bus stop again!

Die hard 4.0

Welcome to the era of Cyber terrorism! In this movie, we can see the attack on the entire infrastructure of US through Internet, which brings the complete system to a halt on July 4th. Obviously, the demand is money.

This movie is a one of the greatest action flicks starring Bruce Wills. Its great to see him back in action with this movie. To all those action movie lovers, you got to watch this movie because there is only action and action, less dialogues and not even a speck that can bore you.

In this movie you can see the fight between planes and trucks, also cars and helicopters. Overall, a feast for eyes. The climax and fights are real good. Bruce Wills seems to be stronger than Arnold at times because he keeps emerging like a phoenix after every stunt.

Wiseman, the director, has done a great job. The plot is superb and the stunts are great. This movie breathes Bruce Wills and Bruce Wills only. He balances the role of John McClaine, an NYDP detective and protective dad, with ease and valor.

This is one of the greatest action flicks of 2007!!

Rating: 4/5 stars

Monsoon special - Home-made Paani poori!!!

Hey all, here follows the lip smacking recipe of home-made paani puri. I got the inspiration to make paani pooris at home from one of my ex-collegues. Also, I insist that you try this at home - cos everything starts from the scratch - so no tension of gastroentritis....

Poori:

Rava or semolina - 1 and 1/2 cup
Maida - 1/2 cup
Salt - half tsp
Club soda - half a bottle (I got the pet bottle)
Oil - to deep fry

The Cook's Way Mix the rava, maida and salt evenly and add the club soda and make a semi-thick dough (not so smooth as for chappathis). Add little oil while making the dough. Now, keep the dough aside for 20 mins - cover it with a wet cloth.

Make cigar like rolls of the dough and cut small pieces from them - flatten them evenly using the chappathi roller, but dont make them too thin and also take care not to make the pooris so big!!

Deep fry them and keep dripping hot oil on the top of the puris so that they become cute golden brown spheres. and turn them and its beetr to keep the flame normal so that the oil and puris don't get burnt.

After frying the pooris, spread them on a paper tower to remove the excess oil and then store them in an air-tight container.

Spicy and Yummy Paani:

5 cups of water

1. Ready made Paani puri masala (Baadshah or everest) - 2 tbsp

Powdered Jeera - 1 and 1/2 tbsp

2. Gud (Jaggery) - 1 tbsp

Sugar - 1 tsp

Coriander leaves - chopped - 1 cup

Mint leaves - chopped - 1 cup (optional)

Green chillies - 7

Tamarind pulp - 2 tbsps

(In case u are not having the ready made paani poori masala, dont forget to use 1 tbsp black salt (kala namak -very important ingredient) )

The Cook's Way Mix ingredients no.1 in 1 cup of water. Grind ingredients no.2 using a grinder. Now blend both these mixtures and all the remaining water and taste for spiciness. Strain this and keep the filtrate aside, dicard the residue.

Sweet Chutney !!! :P

1 cup of water
Powdered Jeera - 1 and 1/2 tbsp
Gud (Jaggery) - 1 cup

Tamarind pulp - 1/2 cup (depends on the "khattaness" u need)

Dates -1 cup (deseeded)

Red Chilli powder -half tsp

The Cook's Way Mix all the ingredients and heat in a deep sauce pan till they melt and reache the desired consistency.

(I loved this chutney - in fact, it was little thick (jammy) and even went well with bread and chappathis)

Other ingredients

Boiled dal (I used a normal thick dal curry for a change)

Boiled black chickpeas - 1 cup - mixed with salt and chopped onion
Boiled potatoes - boiled and chopped finely - mixed with chilly powder and salt
Boiled mung - 1 cup - mixed with salt and chopped onion
Onion - 2 nos - finely chopped
Tomatoes -2 nos - finely chopped
Mint leaves - 1 cup - finely chopped

How to serve Paani pooris:
Crack the top of the poori with yur thumb or spoon and put some dal, mung, onion and i tbsp of paani with a few pieces of potato and gulp it down - and lo!!! a blast of flavours :P

You can try a sweet poori in between by adding sweet chutney :P

Also, use lemon juice as the drink.. A perfect combination!


My verdict: A must try this monsoon!!!

The Chase

This is a fragment of my sweet childhood memories

My cousin and me; we loved squirrels
We dreamt of keeping a squirrel as a pet some day
Once while playing outside the house, we noticed a squirrel running in haste
And we saw that the squirrel was carrying its baby in its mouth
We decided to chase them (we were cruel minded .... but not now =))

At last we got an opportunity to catch a baby squirrel ... We ran behind the squirrel ...

Some four five plots and hundred trees later, they climbed on a small tree.
All the way, our dog Tommy was following us
And, we both were already tired
Anyhow we started shaking the tree on which the squirrels were present

Suddenly, the baby squirrel fell down
GULP! ....... Suddenly Tommy leaped and caught the squirrel in his mouth

I didn't know what to do :0
I moved swiftly towards the dog and slapped it ... (PHATAAAAK!!!!)

AAAARgh thappoooo!!!!! ....The dog spat back the squirrel on the floor.

Oh no! the head of the squirrel was turned to one side
We thought it was dead..we felt so sad that the squirrel had to go through all this

I saw Tommy running away with his life and he was peeping from the side of a wall

What to do now?
We touched the squirrel
It appeared stiff (Did the stupid dog kill the squirrel????)
Suddenly, it moved its tail.
Phew! it was alive
But the head still remained twisted (handicapped pet .. we would have to live our life with guilt)
We tried to make its head turn back slowly... suddenly, it bit my cousins finger

He started screaming "Ayyo Ayyooooooooooooooooooooo..................."
The squirrel was adamantly hanging from his hand.. :0

He held its head carefully so that it can remove the teeth...
When its grip loosened we tried to put it in the small sack we were carrying

We noticed a change...
WOAAA! its head became normal

The squirrel looked huge
How come? (it is supposed to be a baby....)
Its front teeth was so big and sharp... (err..birk :0) ( or was it a big squirrel with Down's syndrome???)

A series of confused err's and birk's followed????!!!

Then we realised the hard truth...

WE CAUGHT THE MOTHER SQUIRREL :(

We released the Mommy back into the wild...
We couldn't bear the babies cries from some other tree

This was the last time we attempted to catch a squirrel..

The baby cries stopped.. phew! it met its mom :)

We saw some one peeping near a tree.... it was Tommy! :D (peeping tommy :P)
(Tommy was back after recovery from the slap and in action, but hesitant to join us.. SLAPPY BLUES)

How to drive a stray baby bat away from your house without killing it?

Please note, this technique applies only for stray "BABY" bats

1. If the baby bat (bb) is hovering in a particular room. Leave the lights on and evacuate the room asap.
2. Never shoot a bat - u may get screwed by PETA
3. Now the bb is harmless, but it doesn't know that its claws (at the end of the wings) are harmful. In case it strikes your eye you will be blind for life.
4. Next, take a big sheet and cover your self - including your head and arms and the lower part of the face. If u have a burkha like outfit - then that will come handy in such a situation!!!
5. Use kitchen gloves - in case, the bat is in the kitchen, u can use a thick polythene bag to cover ur hands.
6. Please use a goggle or glare to protect your eyes.
7. Now use a mosquito net or yet another bed sheet.
8. Open the closed room and enter slowly (take care that u don't panic nor u panic the bb).
9. Stand at the middle of the room and gently spread the net wave it (as u catch butterflies).
10. If wave the net professionally with care, the bb can be caught in 5 mins.
11. Once caught, the bb does not flutter - it can be held within your fist.
12. Slowly, untangle the bat from the net and set it free outside. (Please take care not to strangle or squeeze the bat, bbs are very delicate animals)

Please note that a fully grown bat cannot be captured and freed by this technique. In case, u want to try this with an adult bat, please do at your own risk!

Chuttaman - the super hero!

I met Chuttaman first on the Star one "comedy show HA HA HA" But! sob, sob -- that show is aired no more..

It is 6.30 - am waiting for bus number 42
We are supposed to be in a queue
But, the smart and disciplined people who come late formed the queue
by closing the vents in the existing one...
Hmm...I realised - Mumbai makes people smart enough that they know where to be

The bus arrives..
I tried to catch a seat near the window, in the middle part of the bus
But, the people who entered before me had a fetish for window seats
I got the front seat :(

I waited for the arrival of my tormentor
I had a 100 Rs. note in my hand :(

The bus started in five minutes
I saw him entering from the front door
I was busy thinking how to save myself from some unstoppable blabbering in Marathi
I got a brilliant idea ..I started searching my purse

As expected, he asked "Madam, ticket!"
Since I was busy searching my bag, he moved to the next seat and continued his job

Phew! now what? he will return back
Since there were very less passengers, he returned back in no time.
He repeated "Madam, ticket!"
I handed over the 100 rs note to him and told "Vashi ..Station"

I got the reply "Chutta..... !$%^&**((^&*(&;*^&^)* #$%^&**((###^&*^(@...."
I gave him a dead look
I can't understand Marathi......!!??
I don't have chutta (oh! by the way chutta means change - i should/am supposed to give him the money in change,which is 17 rs)...
I looked at him like "Puss in boots " does...No use at all !!! This won't work outside the world of animation
He continued his incessant !#$%^&*()((&%^%$!#!#!@"
I told him "Chutta nahin hain!"

I felt that I was on the verge of a volcano, which was smoking and was ready to erupt anytime..
As I expected, he continued "Subah subah....!@$#^*&()*_*#$%^&*("
I felt that I spoiled his day - how mean I am?

Do u think Spider man can save me from such a situation?
or Superman?
or Bat man?
or our own Indian made "Shaktimaan"???

NO.... NO... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..............................

Only Chuttaman! he is our only saviour
The only one for the working middle class who travels early in NMMT or BEST buses.

Cutta man is cute, chubby and obese (so much of visceral fat)!!!
His attire is black.
He wears a broad belt designed with so many coins.
He appears when we need chutta.
He can come anywhere.
He is mainly found in the bus stop.
He has a transparent sling bag full of chuttas.
(In fact, he looks like a bus conductor after a drastic make over)

If you want ten 10rs notes for 100 rs, ask the chutta man
If you want hundred 1rs coins for 100 rs, ask him
or even if you want "chillar" for 1000 rs, ask him
He will never disappoint you...

He is the ultimate "Chutta man"
Chuttaman is a superhero with a purpose, not a superhero who saves the world
Alas! he doesn't exist..

I came back from the thoughts of the chubby Chuttaman...
The conductor was seen no where..my ticket?
Suddenly, he came from the back he handed over my ticket and told me something
I understood that what he meant was that he will give the change later
I thought "He could have told this earlier... Chutta is the only way to freak a conductor.."

"Cheeni Kum" mein Cheeni kum hain !!!!???

You should see "cheeni kum" if
1. You want to see the stellar performances of Amitabh, Tabu, Paresh Rawal and Zohra Sehgal.
2. If you want to see an indian film in the backdrop of tasty indian food. Amitabh runs an Indian restaurent in london.
3. If you are okay with an older man (60+) falling for a younger woman (30+); but not like a dark hued film like nishabd - its a satirical comedy
4. If you believe that kids should speak like adults even if they are 6 yrs of age.
5. If you think that the girl should not leave her lover even if he is older than her dad (six years) - and this means trouble
6. If you believe that just by covering yourself in khadi and wearing rounded frame glasses, you can't claim to be the follower of Bapu.
8. If you want to laugh on a cook's malayalee accent.

You should not see "cheeni kum" if
1. You are very conservative and feel that such an age gap is not allowed between lovers.
2. If you believe that kids should be kids.
3. If you don't digest a satirical comedy.

Overall, Cheeni Kum is a good film. Nothing is misplaced and they have handled a good subject by means of a film. Amitabh is great - He looks fit and fabulous. What a comeback to Hindi for Tabu! Zohra, Amitabh's mom, is constantly insisting Amitabh to join the gym - this gives us some lighter moments - they both share a great chemistry. Amitabh and Tabu - trust me! look great together. Paresh Raval - you can see a typical "old" indian dad who threatens his daughter that he will go on a hunger strike till death if she chooses Amitabh as her soul mate.

But, at times I felt that this film has a feeble story line - all the ingredients are there - par cheeni kum hain. However, I recommend - worth watchable for the above reasons.

Chicken curry for your soul... :p

Chicken tastes really good if prepared like this!

Chicken -500 gms
Tomatoes - 2: blended
1.
Onions - 3: finely chopped (you can use a grinder for this but don't make it a puree; just chop each onion into six halves and grind it for 4 secs - this worked for me)
Green chillies - 2 nos
2.
Curd - 1 tbsp(thick)
Turmeric powder - one tsp
Ground red chilly powder - one tsp
Chicken masala (Everest)- half tbsp
3.
Ginger - chopped - 2 tbsp
Coriander leaves chopped -1 tsp
Garlic - ten cloves
Green chillies - 2 nos
4.
Mustard seeds -half tsp
Sunflower oil - 4 tbsp
5.
Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
Chicken masala (Everest)- two half tbsp
Coriander powder - two table spoon
Salt - to taste

Cook's Way
First, mix the cleaned chicken pieces with ingredients no.2 and marinate it for an hour.

Grind the ingredients no.3 into a fine paste.

Now, in a deep pan, add oil and mustard seeds; later, add ingredients no. 1 and ingredients no.3 and saute it nicely on low flame. Next, add and blended tomatoes when the onions become slightly brown and allow thenm to boil for five minutes. To this, add ingredients no.5 and continue mixing them at low flame. Add chicken pieces and two cups of water along with salt to taste. Boil this for 5 mins on high flame with constant (slow) mixing. Finally, close the vessel with a lid and allow it to cook at low flame till the chicken pieces are cooked well and the gravy thickens.

More chicken masala (maybe a tbsp) can be added, as the gravy is slightly sweet because of the ground onions.

This dish goes well with rotis.

Evolution: Adding curry leaves is also recommended.

My Verdict: My husband loved this curry. The gravy was lip smacking :P I was happy that I used less oil and it turned out well.

The Reptile that (((((Shrunk)))) my Soul!

I woke up and moved to the kitchen.
My sleepy eyes!
My groggy mind!

And LO!!!!!!
I saw that huge reptile crouching on the wall!
It ran with great vigour towards me!
I ran out of the kitchen.... (poor weak- hearted me)

My heart became a pin head
My mouth went dry
I experienced goose pimples on my head!
(In seconds, I carried a Cruella hair do!)

How can this reptile torcher me like this without hurting me?? I wondered
I summoned up all my courage and moved back into the kitchen.
(As you see in some scary movies, the hero advances towards the ghost)

I looked around! I couldn't find the lizard
I ran back to my room and took my glasses so that I can believe my eyes
Slowly, with soft steps I moved towards the sink and started washing the vessels ...

I moved towards the gas stove, suddenly, something fell on me!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (echo!) I screamed with all my might and ran out!

Damn! the lizard was back
It attacked me!!!
I was travelling on the thread between life and death!
I don't remember what went through my mind that time.
All that I remember is that I was screaming on the top of my voice with closed eyes and I could see some red sparks...

To some, the lizard is cute with beautiful eyelids and a pink body (YUCK!)

I found that the lizards in my native were far better - at least they were tiny
This lizard was ugly, huge and had warts :(
I wondered how Steve Irwin could handle four comodos together with no fear!
And here, poor me cannot even handle a tiny lizard.

I waited for some time and slowly peeped into the kitchen
All that I could hear was a thumping sound - by the way, that was my heart

People laugh at this phobia but later I discovered that my colleague had this too!
Phew! so this is not abnormal! I felt relieved!

Every time I enter the kitchen, I feel that I am in constant scrutiny by that reptile!

When I told regarding this encounter to my friend, he smiled and replied "Maybe the lizard got scared and was trying to exit!"

I don't believe this!

Picasa tales - I

Scene 1
Me: I need ur pics
Friend 1: For what?
Me: am editing pics?
Friend 1: So? why u need mine?
Me: To enhance it!
Friend 1: ?????????????
Me: Hey! I will make it look better
Friend 1: But????? why only meeeeeeee??? oh will see u later! hold on! am busy! (escaped!)

Scene 2
Me: I need ur kid's pics
Friend 2: For what?
Me: i will show my capabilitites in photo editing
Friend 2: ????? ...okay but whats the need now?
Me: To enhance it!
Friend 2: ok! :S
Me: Hey! hows it?
Friend 2: Baby is looking paler!!! :D:D:D:D
Me: Oh ! learn to appreciate my creativity. I will send one more!
Friend 2: hehe! wait i am mentally preparing to see the pics :D
Me: :-#
Friend 2: Hey this looks cool! (applause!!!)
Me: thanks!!!! :p


Scene 3
Me: I need ur pics
Friend 3: For what?
Me: Can't u trust me??? I am not any fraud!
Friend 3: ????? ...NO
Me: what??? :-o
Friend 3: pics are not mine..it belongs to nature..it is paper and dye..if its jpeg its electrons and protons
Me: :( (omg!)
Friend 3: what is the purpose?
Me: do u trust me?
Friend 3: NO
Me: then don't send!!!bye! X-(
Friend 3: How would i know if you will put an ad in paper that i am missing or that i am in search of a bride?
Me: How can yu think like this????????? :-o :-o :-o (faints!)

Egg and Bread Masala

This is tea time snack! I happened to go through several recipes of Egg and Bread masala and finally thought of trying it.

Bread - 8 slices and powder (one tbsp- can be prepared by grinding a bread slice)
Onions-cleaned and sliced finely- two
Green chillies - three to four
Sunflower oil - 3 tbsp
Tomatoes- finely sliced - a small one
Eggs-3
Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Salt-to taste

Cook's Way
First, cut the bread into small pieces. Heat the oil and fry the onions and chillies in a pan. Add the bread pieces to it and just fry them till they slightly turn brown and crispy.
Next, add the beaten eggs to these bread pieces and scramble them.
Then, add the chilly powder, salt and tomatoes and fry them till the tomatoes become dry. Finally, add the bread powder and mix it well into the dish.

Evolution: You can avoid the tomato, the snack tastes different.

My verdict: This dish tastes a little spicy and (somewhat like a sandwich) its tastier with less oil. My husband told me to add more chillies next time. :) Moreover, its very easy to make. A healthier option is to use brown bread and two tbsps of oil.

Editor in Love!

This poetic passage is dedicated to my editor friend who recently got engaged! (Strange are the ways of love!)

My friend got engaged!
His eyes gleamed with happiness, I gauged!!!

Oh!!! he fell into a deep trance...
No chats, no messages

I wonder how he changed so :D~
That's the power of love - don't you think so?

Long distant calls started taking toll
He confessed "I didn't know that I could speak so much?"

He longed for her presence..
His heart rippled with joy!

When I buzzzz!!! him, he says
"Oh I am in the trance ... Let me be there! I love it" :-o

I asked him "How's she?"
He replies, "Oh! she hardly speaks, just she has a limit on how many words to be told in a stipulated time"

"Before she used to tell yes/no
Now I get some sentences
Hope i get to hear new sentences
and a few complex clauses,
but let it be in such a way that it does not complicate my future"

I smiled! :)

He enjoys to day-dream now!
He loves to make long-distant calls now!
He loves to keep his dame happy!
He loves to be in love!

P.S. He justifies, Follow Abdul Kalaam's policy "Always dream about your future"

Four months to go for the marriage - he fears bankruptcy due to phone bills!!

Friend! now you are a busy man - hope your love lasts forever!!
Enjoy such beautiful moments to the fullest!

Koushambi

The brutal and cold-blooded murdering of Koushambi Layek is now all over the headlines. Manish Thakur was arrested by the Police from a hotel room in Andheri!

You can find love in the strangest places, indeed!!!

Koushambi Layek, a 24-year old software professional working for TCS would have never expected that she could have ever faced such a brutal death!

Koushambi met Thakur, a navy officer, online two years back and the story goes like this. Manish, in spite of being married lured her to marry him. Koushambi had informed this to her family, but they advised her not to marry him. Their relationship continued and the Police suspect that he might have murdered her because she denied to marry him. Manish tried to convince her several times that he will divorce his wife to marry her. In fact, he had not informed her inititally that he was married. Her body was found in a pool of blood in hotel room in Andheri. They had checked in as Mr. and Mrs. Thakore on May 12. She had been killed in Sunday night and by Monday afternoon her body was found by the hotel employees. By then Manish had sneaked away.

Police confirmed that this murder was preplanned.This is because Manish was already carrying a chopper and a gun with him. They also suspect that he might have shot her in her sleep. The latest updates on CNN-IBN say that after shooting her (through a pillow to avoid noise of the gunshot! and he even turned up the TV volume), Manish wanted to chop her into pieces. But, he couldn't and he stayed almost 5 hours drinking (a whole bottle of whisky - to summon up courage??).

Now where does orkut come into picture: Both of them had their profiles on orkut!
Condolences are pouring into her scrapbook (http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=11725203022944506305) and some "great wishes" into his (http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=348385650417627297)! Using this site, the police tracked the killer at Vasco (in Goa)

I was shocked to see the testimonial written by a girl to her future killer:

Koushambi: Well, what to say about this sportive guy... He is really caring and loving guy... He is amazing, awesome and friendly. I need not describe him as anyone close to him must surely be aware of his abilities. He is an all rounder.. Be it in the field of studies, sports or music. He is a champo...Don't u think so???

According to her, he seems to be intelligent - an all rounder - well his so-called intelligence killed her!

Why did u do this? She was the only financial support to her mom, who is a widow. The deadly roots from the net just squashed her life and a family's hopes. When matrimonial sites make relationships online, we should be aware that there are so many deadly pits in the Internet where you can fall to never return. Can you imagine such an incident happening to your friend? Her friends are all in a shock - they can't believe that she could get involved with such a Psycho!

This reminds me of another incident - One of the girls whom I know met a guy through the net - It all started with friendship and later after an year or two they started dating. They fell in love (that was expected!), but before getting too involved she asked for commitment. His reply was "Oh ! I can't guarantee that I will marry you - you may have to wait for two years till my younger sister gets married. I can't forget my sister's marriage and start thinking about mine."I couldn't help thinking myself: Okayyyyyyyyy!!! MR. PERFECT!!!! - your love for family is like"WOW," but where are u luring this second female into - for time pass? Is she not a sister to her brother? What is this downtrodden mentality? [Lolakutty says: "Doodh ka doodh aur nariyal paani ka naariyal paani??"]

I dedicate this blog post to all those who have got anonymous friends on the Internet. Next time you get involved with someone, at least be meticulous. Not all the prince charmings or drop dead gorgeous' are worth a relationship!

U can pay your tributes to Koushambi here: http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=32445399

PaInT WoEs!

Cucumber curry

This dish can be cooked using any type of cucumber. But, it tastes the best when the bigger variety of cucumber (mostly used in Kerala, known as vellarikkay) is used.

Small onions - cleaned and sliced: three to four bulbs
Green chillies - four
Dried Red chillies - three
Sunflower oil - 1 tbsp
Cucumber - (please remove the seeds) finely sliced - three cups
Garlic - five cloves
Cumin seeds - half tsp
Mustard seeds -half tsp
Curd - one cup (thick)

Turmeric powder - one tsp
Salt - to taste

Cook's Way
First, take three cups of water, sliced green chilies, cucumber pieces, salt(half tsp will do) and turmeric powder and boil them together in a deep vessel till the cucumber pieces turn translucent.

Take the curd and add half a cup of water and salt (to taste) and beat it evenly.
Take the garlic cloves and a pinch of cumin seeds and grind them along with a bulb of small onion.

Now, in a deep pan, add oil and mustard and cumin seeds on low flame; later, add the grounded garlic-cumin mixture. Next, add the dried red chillies till they fry. To this, add the curd mixture and stir it evenly on low flame. Add the initial cucumber mixture and continue the stirring. Boil this final mixture for 5 mins on low flame.

This dish goes well with brown rice.

Evolution: Adding curry leaves can give unique yummy flavour!!! :P

My Verdict: I have always loved this curry. My husband (was new to this dish) loved its taste. I was a bit surprised with his response because he usually don't like dishes with boiled vegetables.

What women want? :-o

(girl1: BE, job hunting for an year; girl2: her room mate)

girl1: I want to get married as soon as possible!
girl2: Oh that's great!! Hey what are u looking for?

girl1: He should be educated, NRI, have a big house and lots of servants
girl2: Don't you think that your expectations are a little high?

girl1: Whatever it is ..he should be rich and handsome
girl2: Oh! Why yu want a handsome guy - if u go for the look factor, u will be missing the chances of finding yur soul mate

girl1: Even if he is not rich, I don't mind but he should be HANDSOME - I can never compromise on that; oh! excuse me! I got a call
girl2: .. ...... ..... :-# ....... ......
(mindtalk: wha??? a handsome idiot is what she is looking for???)

300 - Its supercalafragilisticespialidaucious!!!!

300 has made its mark as the best movie made so far in 2007!
Its a movie that portrays the courage, team spirit and bravery!


The History In 480 BC, the Persian King Xerxes sets out on his expedition to conquer the Athenians, Naxians, and Eretrians; He first attempts to cross the Hellespont but fails miserably. It is being said by Herodotus that he ordered to whip the sea 300 times and fetters were thrown into the water and eventually the sea calmed down and the bridge was built. Many smaller Greek states took the side of Xerxes making things easier for him and his huge army (2 million warriors).

An oracle foretold that the Greeks can be saved only by the death of one of its kings. However, nothing stopped Leonidas from taking his personal bodyguards of 300 finest men among the Spartans, who have their sons to succeed them and to carry their name.

Xerxes persuaded Leonidas to kneel down and live as a local governor under him. For this, Leonidas replies "MOLON LAVE" (Come and get them). This phrase has been quoted by many war leaders to inspire their nations not to surrender without a war.

The Battle of Thermopylae in fact shook Xerxes! This battle is considered to be one of the famous last stands in the history. A small army (300 of the finest spartan warriors) led by their great king Leonidas held the Persian army at the narrow pass (where barely a chariot could fit in - 12 ft wide) of "Hot gates." They fought fiercely against this huge Persian army with great courage, thereby preventing them to invade further.

After three days, Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by revealing another secret passage to the Hellenic force. These three days, the Spartans fought with minimal losses. However, all the Spartans were finally killed. The Thespians voluntarily support them and they also die with the Spartans. After the defeat of the Spartans, the Persian army marches in to burn down Greece. But by that time, the Greeks get ample time to evacuate the city. Subsequently, this war gives more time and inspiration for the Greeks to prepare for their next battle against the Persians, which they eventually win.

The movie: The movie is fabulous with the CGI images that are superimposed with the live war scenes. U can see the blood splattering and the heads flying (me weak hearted !). In fact, this movie captures the darkness and gloominess of the war front. I loved the background score.

Xerxes looks powerful; he thinks about himself as a God! What I didn't like was that he had some "n" number of piercings, some freaky nail color and he looked like an Xmas tree without leaves and only the hangings and some freaking' eye shadow and shaped eyebrows - I felt that he looked like an Egyptian (Queen) more than a Persian king. I feel that a little more research would have made him look better.

Leonidas (Gerard Butler) - no one else could have enacted him better. I don't know what his accent was like, but I just loved the commanding power and determination that echoed throughout his speeches. He looks, walks and talks like a brave Greek warrior king. His eyes speak his inner emotions. His love towards Gorgo is shown in the last sequence.

Back to historyAccording to Plutarch, Gorgo asks Leonidas how she could aid his mission. He responded "marry a good man, bear good children, and live a good life."

His courage and love towards his fellow warriors. He is a King who fights in the war front. He reigns as the rock of inspiration for the Spartans to fight hard.

Lena Heady plays the role of Gorgo, the beautiful wife of Leonidas. She carries herself with dignity and looks ravishing as the Spartan queen. According to the historical records, Gorgo was quite younger to Leonidas (20 to 30 years). When Leonidas fights the battle with his 300 men, Gorgo tries to convince the council of Greeks to prepare for a war to defend themselves.

The hunchback (Andrew Tiernan) looks too evil (more evil than Xerxes) and I believe that he might have struggled the most to enact Ephialtes (physically) with loads of padding and pancakes...

The Spartan army looks fit and strong and they display one of the greatest war sequences ever made in Hollywood [All the warriors have six to eight packs :-o]. The gigantic elephants and rhinos, the immortals -- all of them fail miserably before the well-organised and high-spirited Spartan army.

The Battle sequences are eye catching, brimmed with violence, and "sensually" brutal -- yeah that's the word!

The casting is superb; each and every person is being etched for their respective roles.

Please don't miss this movie because its not just another war movie - its a beautiful war movie interwoven with all the emotions. I loved the Spartan King - He rocks the movie!!!

Links Referred for History:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Thermopylae
http://www.300spartanwarriors.com/
http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/g/leonidas.htm

Egg curry!

Another recipe that shows u the power of tomato and chicken powder! Yummy ... :P

Onions-cleaned and sliced - one
Green chillies - one
Sunflower oil - 3 tbsp
Tomato pulp - of 3 tomatoes (into the mixer and zap!)
Eggs-3

Chilly powder - 1 tsp
Chicken powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
Chicken powder - 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder- one pinch
Salt-to taste

Cook's Way
First, beat the eggs and mix it thoroughly with three pinches of salt.
Scramble the eggs with little of oil.
Heat oil in a deep pan and saute the onions till they turn light brown.
Add the tomato pulp and all the powders.
Heat at low flame fro 10 minutes.
Finally, add the scrambled eggs and salt and mix it and again continue the heating for another 15 mins.
This curry goes well with rice and rotis!

Evolutions: 1. U can add a teaspoon of finely chopped coriander leaves at the end and heat it again for a different taste.
2. U can also make a variation: Instead of scrambling all the three eggs - u can scramble two of them and hard boil the other one. Remove the shell and slice the egg white into thin slices and mix the egg yolk into the gravy - ooooooooo.... another lip smacking variation!

My verdict: My husband loved it :P and egg tasted so good with the tomato pulp than sliced tomatoes..

A new cauliflower recipe!! Yummy for the Tummy :P

YO!!!!!

All yu need is cauliflower, carrot and onion sliced into thin pieces. Then, u require the pulp of three tomatos (into the grinder and zap! - u get them). So heres my new dicovery ...

Cauliflower - cleaned and sliced - medium one
Onions-cleaned and sliced - three
Carrots-cleaned and sliced - three
Green chillies - four
sunflower oil - three table spoons
Tomato pulp - of three tomatoes

Chicken powder - two teaspoons
Chilli powder - one teaspoon
Coruiander powder - one teaspoon

Coriander leaves - chopped finely
Salt for taste

Cook's way
Heat the oil in a pan and add all the sliced vegetables and saute for a minute on high flame. Then add the powders and mix them with salt and continue to mix the contents in the pan thoroughly. Place the lid on the pan and steam the contents at a verrry low fame for 10 mins. Finally add the tomato pulp and the coriander leaves and continue mixing the contents. Steam it for another 15-20 mins and then mix the contents thoroughly at high flame till the tomato pulp completely covers the vegetables.

And yo this tasy indian cauliflower recipe is ready! U can have this with rotis or rice...

My verdict: this dish is so colorful, thereby a feast to the eyes and if u reduce the amount of oil then u can obtain a more healtier version!!!

And as my husband loves fried veggies than steamed ones (or its likes) - u can add one more table spoon of oil and fry the "curry" - fried carrots and cauliflower together are heavenly.. mmmm!!!

MinD StringS!

In high schoolI loved to watch TV
I loved to eat peanut butter
I loved to fight with my brother
I loved to collect clutter
I loved to learn cooking
I loved to paint
I loved to fight with my pals at school
I used to complain abt these fights to my teachers!
I loved to help others
I didnt miss any match of 1996 cricket world cup during my board examinations

In College
I loved to take tuitions
I loved to play cricket
I loved to go fishing
I used to be a book worm
I hardly worried about what I wore (I looked as if I was from the previous century)
I used to backanswer my mom
I used to fight with my brother
I loved to play with my cat and dog

My graduation
First two years, I was frustarted becos I didn't get a better professional study oppurtunity
Third year, I studied hard
I went through a drastic make over - I too wanted to look good
I used to fight with my brother
I loved to play with my cat and dog
I got some great friends
I loved to paint
I loved to take tuitions
I aimed to go out for a professional post-grad degree

Post Graduation
First semster, I studied the hardest - computers blasted my brains
The two years went so fast and I studied very hard
I loved to play with my cat and dog
I loved to take tuitions
I used to fight with my brother
I loved to visit my grandmom

Sound waves - being assertive!

Being assertive without being aggressive at workplace???

what's being assertive?

"to state positively"

I highlight your positive traits and appreciate you "loudly."

"WOW Kilrone - what a superb idea? U are very innovative. KEEP it up!! "

Note: Ur decibels should not be as low as that of the cracking of a dry leaf , but fairly high enough that not only you but your team recognises his/her good work.

A recent survey showed that "APPRECIATION" is a stronger motivator than money!!! In fact this is true be'cos this is the sole reason why people stick to some companies even if the pay is less! - However, I feel that they get overmotivated by appreciation

"What the blah blah blah blah BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH ......

u take ur coworker or ur team member on a trip to hell, heaven, and the jungles of amazon and blast him with a comet and hit him with a meteor - at last you have achieved nothing but an "ARMAGEDDON"

I should "scold u in silence" - in fact, I have to keep my decibels too low that only the person whom I am being assertive with should be able to record the soundwaves when I "scold" him?

what's being aggressive?

"tending toward or exhibiting aggression"

I highlight your negative traits and demoralise you and SCOLD U INSANELY!!!

NOTE: SUPERSONIC decibels not allowed!!!

To all those so-called aggressive leaders?

If you are a leader, why you have to be aggressive when you know that the basic craving for a human mind is love and affection.

SO stop being aggressive and be assertive!!! One of the strongest lessons of life!

Matrimonial sites!

Matrimonial sites? blessing in disguise - how to choose the one u need!!

Hi all, for those who have registered in matrimonial sites - I hope this material would be helpful!

1. u wanna date - then why to fool the ones who are sincerely searching their soulmates: BEWARE of these kind of homosapiens who think that matrimonial sites are great to trap humans of either sex.

2.CONFUSED??? - hey! list ur preferences - and avoid expecting an ice maiden or a drop dead handsome - afterall we all are human beings and a teeny weeny percentage of error factor is allowed. So, just pull down ur perked up expectations of ur life partner and check out for a more "human" option.

Ta ra rum pum! - My Review

Ta ra rum pum turns out to be one of the best movies churned out from Yash Raj's Film factory!

Saif and Rani steal the show as a couple who struggle hard through the ups and downs of life. Their kids - "champ and princess" too join them to make this film a wonderful experience.

The race-sequels are shot wonderfully, topped with the background score that makes ur pulse raise.

The story is all about facing the harsh realities of life - how to deal with the situation when u fall from riches to rags and how to tackle all the obstacles in life with a smile.

The Director, Siddharth Anand shows his potential by growing out from Salaam Namaste!

However, the music is not as catchy as that of Salaam Namsthe; overall, its a good effort.

There is good news for all that cartoon loving kiddus - the animated song of "Ta ra rum pum" is really a treat for the eyes! Great work!

This movie is worth watchable and please dont miss it! Its time to learn the hard lessons of life! :)

Just out of 360

I am new to the blog world...

I am getting addicted to blogging!! I want to share my ideas, views, and I want to connect with yu all.......