School: A place where Papa pays and Son plays.
Life Insurance: A contract that keeps you poor all your life so that you can die rich.
Nurse: A person who wakes you up to give you sleeping pills.
Marriage: It's an agreement in which a man loses his bachelor degree and woman gains her masters.
Tears: The hydraulic force by which masculine willpower is defeated by feminine waterpower.
Lecture: An art of transferring information from the notes of the Lecturer to the notes of the students without passing through "the minds of either".
Conference: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.
Compromise: The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybodybelieves he got the biggest piece.
Dictionary: A place where success comes before work.
Conference Room: A place where everybody talks, nobody listens andeverybody disagrees later on.
Father: A banker provided by nature.
Boss: Someone who is early when you are late and late when you are early.
Politician: One who shakes your hand before elections and your confidence after.
Doctor: A person who kills your ills by pills, and kills you by bills.
Classic: Books, which people praise, but do not read.
Smile: A curve that can set a lot of things straight.
Office: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.
Yawn: The only time some married men ever get to open their mouth.
Etc: A sign to make others believe that you know more than you actuallydo.
Committee: Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that nothing can be done together.
Experience: The name men give to their mistakes.
Atom Bomb: An invention to end all inventions.
Philosopher: A fool who torments himself during life, to be wise afterdeath.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Poila Baishakh
Shubho Nababarsho!
Welcome to the New Bengali Year. Baishakh is the first month of Bengali calendar. According to the Bengali calendar, the year starts from 'Baisakhi' that is the 13th or the 14th of April of the Gregorian calendar. From the time when English calendar was an unknown entity, Bengali calendars reigned supreme. English calendar started getting precedence over Bengali Calendars due to the influence of the British Empire on India. A plethora of socio-economic factors gave rise to the importance of English calendars. However, of late, Bengali calendar has somewhat regained it's lost glory.
Earlier, there were two methods of calculation - the 'Sauramana' system based on the solar year and the 'Chandramana' system based on the lunar year. Around 1181 BC, the two were merged. Although based on this system, all of India would have one New Year Day, in actual practice, different days are followed in different states based on past practice that is several decades old. The Bengali Calendar is based on ancient sub-continental calendars which was codified and standardized by the Mughal Emperor Akbar about 6 centuries ago. The start date of the Begali calendar was made to coincide with the start date of the Islamic calendar. The calendar is a solar one which is composed of six seasons that revolve around the region's agricultural cycle. In India, although the Gregorian calendar is used for official purposes, Hindus have a New Year of their own, based on the 'Samvatsar' system.
For the past few years, the month of 'Baishakh' is getting it's due importance. Baishakh is one of most auspicious month for the Bengalis. Bengali businessmen - small and big - take up the occasion to open their new shops, outlets as well as accounts. It ushers the beginning of agricultural production of Bengal. The rural folks still follow the Bengali calendar. Most of the events in the villages take place according to the Bengali calendar.
From time immemorial, the month of Baishakh has acquired a pride of place. It is considered the most auspicious month for marriage, the most auspicious month for undertaking any business venture and it is also the month when all agricultural production process begins. Bengali's think that any child born in this month would acquire all the qualities of being a prodigy. No wonder, the great Rabindranath Tagore, was born in this month. Rabindranath was born on the 25th of Baishakh.
If one have ever walked on the streets of Kolkata sometime in the beginning of April, one will be surprised with all the crowd, and perhaps curiously ask to oneself as to why all this shopping. Well this is the end of the month Chaitra and you can't stop people to get themselves prepared for their cherished Poila Baishak or 'Naba Barsho'. Yes the Bengalis celebrate this day as their New Year.
The first day of Baishakh remains a holiday in Bengal. The day is called 'Poila Baisakh'. The day starts with 'Surya Pranam'. Generally new clothes are purchased and worn by the family members. With powdered rice, housewives make beautiful designs called Alpana on the floor of their houses. People wear new dresses and go about socialising. The day is considered to be auspicious. Mostly elderly people visit the Ma Kali's temple with their offerings and prayers for the well being of society. Many cultural events are organized, sweets are distributed and greetings exchanged. The day is celebrated with much pomp and funfair. The Bengali New Year begins at dawn, and the day is marked with singing, processions, and fairs. On the day of Poila Baishakh, cultural programmes are organised throughout Bengal to welcome the new year. People pray for the well-being and prosperity. In the morning, processions called 'Probhat Pheri' (early morning processions) is taken out in various parts of Kolkata. Young ladies clad in white saris with red borders and young men clad in dhuti and punjabi perform on the road, welcoming the arrival of the new year. Through its traditional festive spree, offering to Lord Ganesha, 'Hal Khata' (new ledger), new clothes and of course Rabindrasangeet, West Bengal greets Poila Baishakh on a note of optimism and wishful thoughts. The day marks the end of Chaitra and welcomes Nor'wester, the first spate of rainfall in an otherwise long hot and humid summer.
The last month of the preceding year i.e. Chaitra, becomes a month of frenetic activity for all garment traders. All over Bengal, Chaitra Sale is organised with great fanfare and garments are sold with heavy discounts. In Kolkata, if one visits the Hatibagan area during the month of Chaitra, the person would get an idea about the magnitude and importance of Chaitra Sale. In fact, the arrival of Chaitra Sale announces the arrival of Baishakh. It also signals the end of the year. Kolkata during this time reels under a different type of invasion. The crowds throng the various marketing hubs to avail of the discount that is offered on garments and other consumer products before the Bengali New Year. This phenomenon is known all over Bengal as the Chaitra Sale. Men, women and children of all ages are seen to visit markets in different corners of the city, to buy a summer collection and new clothes for Poila Baishakh. Vibrant souls and colourful clothes fills the pavements where every trader, big and small, settles down with their largesse. People from all trades of life visits shops which are giving discount ranging from 10% to 50%. And Kolkata is once again painted with festive hues.
Traditionally, businesses start this day with a new ledger, clearing out the old. Hindus generally associate their New Year with Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth. Therefore Lakshmi puja is also common. Fairs and festivals are held all over the country, where singers sing traditional songs welcoming the new year. Food vendors sell traditional foods and artisans sell traditional handicrafts.
The day of Poila Baishakh also sees hectic activities in the film studio areas of Tollygunge. Most of the producers prefer to perform the 'mahurat' on that day. Producers pray for better business prospects. It is a common belief that if one can release a film on the day of Poila Baishakh, it shall do good business. In India, the day of new release in friday, and not every year the day of Poila Baishakh coincides with a friday. On the day of Poila Baishakh, the studio area of Tollygunge becomes a very colourful place, with actors, actresses and other technicians doing their rounds resplendent in their best attires.
If the rest of Bengal celebrates Poila Baishakh, can the Maidan be left far behind? All the football teams, including the giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, start their practice for the season by performing the 'Bhoomi Puja' on that day. Players of the respective teams gather in the respective grounds and start their practice by kicking the balls. It is a gala affair on that day, with famous players of yesteryears paying a visit to the grounds on that day.
The old year, for better or worse, is gone for good. The new year has begun with fresh promise. Here's our chance to start again, to do it right this time, to have another shot at success… at glory… at accomplishing what we resolve to. The day of Poila Baishakh bears immense significance in the life of Bengalis. It is not the first day of another year, it is the first day of hope, of reckoning, and of surprises. Let us all hope that the new year brings us joy, well-being and prosperity.
Subho Naba Barsho again ... (Happy New Year!)
Source: Forwarded Email.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
70+ Reasons to love KOLKATA
1.. Phulkopir Shingara: samosas don't stand a chance against these.
2.. Phuchka: gol-gappas aren't a patch on phuchkas. Try Bengal Lamp/Dakshinapan. Karaishutir Kochuri: a seasonal favourite, have it with "alur dam".
3.. Luchi: puri and phulkas - no comparison.
4.. Alurdom: the world's best. Try the offering at Vivekananda Park.
5.. Jhalmuri: a unique concoction, with nothing to equal it.
6.. Telebhaaja: these and jhalmuri are like 'made for each other'.
7.. Chanachur: many have tried unsuccesfully to steal the formula, MNCs included!
8.. Alukabli: where will you get something like this?
9.. Ghugni: again, chana is not the same at all.
10.. Radhaballavi: try it with alurdom or cholar daal.
11.. Chanmp: even Pakistani cricketers have sampled these, in Chitpur.
12.. Rezala: out of this world, just out of this world!
13.. Paradiser Sharbat: there is one which is green, and another, pink.No college student from Presidency or the University has failed to sample these!
14.. Lere Biscut: needed to make the batter for chop-katlet.
15.. Chicken Kabiraji: an unbelievable variation on the chicken cutlet.
16.. Moton Afghani: an equally innovative presentation of the mutton cutlet.
17.. Dimer Kalia: again, where do you get something like this?
18.. Kasha mangsho: it has become an institution now.
19.. Roll: the ubiquitous mutton, chicken or egg roll. Unquestionably superior to any variants (Frankies 4 that matter) in any other city of the world. And also....
20.. Coffee houser coffee ar adda: try the float with ice cream.
21.. Bharer chaa: on the Maidan, from shining brass vessels on a rainy day. And not to be missed in all this,
22.. Pan unmatched, even in Benaras or Lucknow. Honestly!
The sweeter side23.. Roshomalai: a creamy, mouth-watering delight!
24.. Jilipi: smaller than the jalebis and tastes quite different.
25.. Lal doi: is an experience by itself!
26.. Sada Doi: have it @ the shop, "Mithai"
27.. Kamala bhog: a pale yellow orb, delicately sweetened.
28.. Notun gurer sondesh: a winter speciality available in no other city.
29.. Rosogolla: simply needs no introduction.
30.. Natun gurer Rosogolla: the latest innovation.
There are many, many more traditional favourites. and also...
31.. Shitabhog: pure white, sweetened to just the right extent.
32.. Mihi Dana: golden yellow, saffron scented.
33.. Maalpoa: rich brown pancakes, dripping in sugar syrup.
34.. Ranga alur pithey: another traditional favourite in winter.
Up fashion street
35.. Fashions keep changing. But the dhuti-panjabi and tangail look never becomes out-dated.
36.. Dhuti with extra broad borders: the finest and most elegant available here.
37.. Dhutis in red or black! The latest sensation in Calcutta.
38.. Giley kara Panjabi: those with the improbably crinkled sleeves.
39.. Tangail Sari: the best in these all-time favourites can be found here.
and the other marks of distinction are...
40.. Bidy asagari choti: you still get them here.
41.. Kabuli Chappal: another old favourite.
42.. Garader Sari: ideal with pujo bari, shankher awaaj.
Sights and soundsOne wakes up in the morning and hears their voices drifting through the air. So typically do they say their bit...that it is difficult to forget....and even more so ...to imitate...
43.. Shil katowala: they chip the stone slabs which grind masalas.
44.. Chhuri Kanchhi Shaanwala: sharpens knives, scissors and anything with an edge.
45.. Lep Shelaiwala: they make those cotton quilts which warm you up in winter.
And early in the morning, before Durga Pujo, who can forget the strains of
46.. Mahalayar mahishashuromardini
Other things, quaint and very special
48.. Chinese Food in China Town: an early morning breakfast here is an experience.
49.. Metro Rail: spick and span, and the trains are dot on time.
50.. Maidan: the ideal p lace to be on a sleepy, winter morning.
51.. College Streeter Boipara: bookworms buzz around this place morning, noon and night.
52.. All Night Music Conference: you won't find a minute to yawn.
53.. Circular Rail: see the river all along as you travel on the train.
54.. Ganga te nouko bihar: either in a country boat or a steamer or on hover craft!
55.. Dolphins in the Ganga: if it's your lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of a frolicking shoal.
56.. Morning tram to the Maidan: see how green and fresh the city looks.
57.. East Calcu tta Wetlands: our very own eco-system regulator - just on the outskirts.
Travel in style
58.. Rickshaw: still the preferred form of transportation for some, especially children and the elderly.
59.. School van: it's to be seen to be believed.
60.. Tram: if you have time on hand, you can see the city glide by.
Calcutta's passion
61.. Roker adda: Calcuttans are an adda baaj lot.Mohan Bagan & East Bengal: prices of ilish or chingri go up, depending on who wins the day.
62.. Jatra: who says it is all melodrama?
63.. Durga pujo: the pomp and pageantry, reserved each year for the 'mother of all festivals'.
64.. Little magazine: you still find devotees of this publishing wonder.
65.. Book Fair: when the fair is on, you are there - whether you love books or not.
66.. Cricket match at the Eden: cricketers and cricket lovers the world over treasure the experience.
City's own
67.. Hydrant: there's a move by the CMC to revive the practice of ashing the streets with Ganga water from the hydrants
68.. Italian Saloon: road side barber joints, where you sit on a piece of brick (it).
69.. Chinese dry cleaners: do a very clean job, indeed.
70.. Darjees of Metiabruz: are a cut above the rest. Even if they cut corners at times!
2.. Phuchka: gol-gappas aren't a patch on phuchkas. Try Bengal Lamp/Dakshinapan. Karaishutir Kochuri: a seasonal favourite, have it with "alur dam".
3.. Luchi: puri and phulkas - no comparison.
4.. Alurdom: the world's best. Try the offering at Vivekananda Park.
5.. Jhalmuri: a unique concoction, with nothing to equal it.
6.. Telebhaaja: these and jhalmuri are like 'made for each other'.
7.. Chanachur: many have tried unsuccesfully to steal the formula, MNCs included!
8.. Alukabli: where will you get something like this?
9.. Ghugni: again, chana is not the same at all.
10.. Radhaballavi: try it with alurdom or cholar daal.
11.. Chanmp: even Pakistani cricketers have sampled these, in Chitpur.
12.. Rezala: out of this world, just out of this world!
13.. Paradiser Sharbat: there is one which is green, and another, pink.No college student from Presidency or the University has failed to sample these!
14.. Lere Biscut: needed to make the batter for chop-katlet.
15.. Chicken Kabiraji: an unbelievable variation on the chicken cutlet.
16.. Moton Afghani: an equally innovative presentation of the mutton cutlet.
17.. Dimer Kalia: again, where do you get something like this?
18.. Kasha mangsho: it has become an institution now.
19.. Roll: the ubiquitous mutton, chicken or egg roll. Unquestionably superior to any variants (Frankies 4 that matter) in any other city of the world. And also....
20.. Coffee houser coffee ar adda: try the float with ice cream.
21.. Bharer chaa: on the Maidan, from shining brass vessels on a rainy day. And not to be missed in all this,
22.. Pan unmatched, even in Benaras or Lucknow. Honestly!
The sweeter side23.. Roshomalai: a creamy, mouth-watering delight!
24.. Jilipi: smaller than the jalebis and tastes quite different.
25.. Lal doi: is an experience by itself!
26.. Sada Doi: have it @ the shop, "Mithai"
27.. Kamala bhog: a pale yellow orb, delicately sweetened.
28.. Notun gurer sondesh: a winter speciality available in no other city.
29.. Rosogolla: simply needs no introduction.
30.. Natun gurer Rosogolla: the latest innovation.
There are many, many more traditional favourites. and also...
31.. Shitabhog: pure white, sweetened to just the right extent.
32.. Mihi Dana: golden yellow, saffron scented.
33.. Maalpoa: rich brown pancakes, dripping in sugar syrup.
34.. Ranga alur pithey: another traditional favourite in winter.
Up fashion street
35.. Fashions keep changing. But the dhuti-panjabi and tangail look never becomes out-dated.
36.. Dhuti with extra broad borders: the finest and most elegant available here.
37.. Dhutis in red or black! The latest sensation in Calcutta.
38.. Giley kara Panjabi: those with the improbably crinkled sleeves.
39.. Tangail Sari: the best in these all-time favourites can be found here.
and the other marks of distinction are...
40.. Bidy asagari choti: you still get them here.
41.. Kabuli Chappal: another old favourite.
42.. Garader Sari: ideal with pujo bari, shankher awaaj.
Sights and soundsOne wakes up in the morning and hears their voices drifting through the air. So typically do they say their bit...that it is difficult to forget....and even more so ...to imitate...
43.. Shil katowala: they chip the stone slabs which grind masalas.
44.. Chhuri Kanchhi Shaanwala: sharpens knives, scissors and anything with an edge.
45.. Lep Shelaiwala: they make those cotton quilts which warm you up in winter.
And early in the morning, before Durga Pujo, who can forget the strains of
46.. Mahalayar mahishashuromardini
Other things, quaint and very special
48.. Chinese Food in China Town: an early morning breakfast here is an experience.
49.. Metro Rail: spick and span, and the trains are dot on time.
50.. Maidan: the ideal p lace to be on a sleepy, winter morning.
51.. College Streeter Boipara: bookworms buzz around this place morning, noon and night.
52.. All Night Music Conference: you won't find a minute to yawn.
53.. Circular Rail: see the river all along as you travel on the train.
54.. Ganga te nouko bihar: either in a country boat or a steamer or on hover craft!
55.. Dolphins in the Ganga: if it's your lucky day, you might catch a glimpse of a frolicking shoal.
56.. Morning tram to the Maidan: see how green and fresh the city looks.
57.. East Calcu tta Wetlands: our very own eco-system regulator - just on the outskirts.
Travel in style
58.. Rickshaw: still the preferred form of transportation for some, especially children and the elderly.
59.. School van: it's to be seen to be believed.
60.. Tram: if you have time on hand, you can see the city glide by.
Calcutta's passion
61.. Roker adda: Calcuttans are an adda baaj lot.Mohan Bagan & East Bengal: prices of ilish or chingri go up, depending on who wins the day.
62.. Jatra: who says it is all melodrama?
63.. Durga pujo: the pomp and pageantry, reserved each year for the 'mother of all festivals'.
64.. Little magazine: you still find devotees of this publishing wonder.
65.. Book Fair: when the fair is on, you are there - whether you love books or not.
66.. Cricket match at the Eden: cricketers and cricket lovers the world over treasure the experience.
City's own
67.. Hydrant: there's a move by the CMC to revive the practice of ashing the streets with Ganga water from the hydrants
68.. Italian Saloon: road side barber joints, where you sit on a piece of brick (it).
69.. Chinese dry cleaners: do a very clean job, indeed.
70.. Darjees of Metiabruz: are a cut above the rest. Even if they cut corners at times!
Some more food delicacies below:
Somebody took the time to make this list. How many have you tried ?
These are all available in Calcutta/Kolkata:
- Kabiraji Cutlet from Regent (S N Banerjee Road)
- Moghlai Parota from Anadi Cabin (S N Banerjee Road)
- Kosha Mangsho from Golbari (Shyambazar)
- Phulkopir Singara from Mrityunjoy (Lansdowne)
- Double Egg Chicken Roll from Kusum, Hot Kati @ Park Steet)(Campari @ Gariahat & Nizam is a close contender!)
- Chicken Rezala from Shabbir (off C R Avenue)
- Ujjala's Chanachur ( no comparison anywhere)
- Telebhaja from Putiram (College Street)
- Daab Chigri from Kewpies (Elgin Lane)
- Daak Banglo Mutton/Chicken from Oh! Calcutta
- Chicken Cutlet from Baked & Fried/Mukherjee Sweets (Ballygunge Place)
- Bijoli Grill's Fish RollMochar Chop Dhoka from Apanjan (Sadananda Road)
- Boudir's Lebu Cha (Deshapriya Park)
- Kochuri & Tarkari from Tasty Corner (Mandeville Gardens)
- Phuchka/Churmur/ Dahi Phuchka from Bilas or Boudi (Southern Avenue)
- Chicken Cutlet near Samur (Bhowanipur)
- Mishti Doi & Rosogolla from Mithai (Beckbagan)
- Sandesh (all types) from Balaram (Bhowanipur) (Naram pak & Ice creamsandesh)
- Pantua from Bancharam
- Indrani from Ganguram
- Rabri from Chittaranhan
- Darbesh from Sen Mahasay
- Amritti from Bhim Nag/Ganguram, Maniktala (Jalebis are no match)
- Skyroom's Prawn Cocktail & Mixed Grill & Baked Alaskaor
- Blue Fox's Lobster Thermidor - NOT anymore....even theMandarin Fish from Waldorf is no more available!!
- Chelo Kabab from Peter Cat
Now, Tell Me Is There Any Other Place Better Than Kolkata On Earth? ........... :-):-):-):-)
Something to know about our diets
Apples - Protects your heart, prevents constipation, Blocks diarrhea, Improves lung capacity, Cushions joints.Apricots - Combats cancer, Controls blood pressure, Saves your eyesight, Shields against Alzheimer's, Slows aging process.
Artichokes - Aids digestion, Lowers cholesterol, Protects your heart, Stabilizes blood sugar, Guards against liver disease.
Avocadoes - Battles diabetes, Lowers cholesterol, Helps stops strokes, Controls blood pressure, Smoothes skin.
Bananas - Protects your heart, Quiets a cough, Strengthens bones, Controls blood pressure, Blocks diarrhea.
Beans - Prevents constipation, Helps hemorrhoids, Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Stabilizes blood sugar.
Beets - Controls blood pressure, Combats cancer, Strengthens bones, Protects your heart, Aids weight loss.
Blueberries - Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Stabilizes blood sugar, Boosts memory, Prevents constipation.
Broccoli - Strengthens bones, Saves eyesight, Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure.
Cabbage - Combats cancer, Prevents constipation, Promotes weight loss, Protects your heart, Helps hemorrhoids.
Cantaloupe - Saves eyesight, Controls blood pressure, Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Supports immune system.
Carrots - Saves eyesight, Protects your heart, Prevents constipation, Combats cancer, Promotes weight loss.
Cauliflower - Protects against Prostate Cancer, Combats Breast Cancer, Strengthens bones, Banishes bruises, Guards against heart disease.
Cherries - Protects your heart, Combats Cancer, Ends insomnia, Slows aging process, Shields against Alzheimer's.
Chestnuts - Promotes weight loss, Protects your heart, Lowers cholesterol, Combats Cancer, Controls blood pressure.
Chili Peppers - Aids digestion, Soothes sore throat, Clears sinuses, Combats Cancer, Boosts immune system.
Figs - Promotes weight loss, Helps stops strokes, Lowers cholesterol, Combats Cancer, Controls blood pressure.
Fish - Protects your heart, Boosts memory, Protects your heart, Combats Cancer, Supports immune system.
Flax - Aids digestion, Battles diabetes, Protects your heart, Improves mental health, Boosts immune system.
Garlic - Lowers cholesterol, Controls blood pressure, Combats cancer, kills bacteria, Fights fungus.
Grapefruit - Protects against heart attacks, Promotes Weight loss, Helps stops strokes, Combats Prostate Cancer, Lowers cholesterol.
Grapes - Saves eyesight, Conquers kidney stones, Combats cancer, Enhances blood flow, Protects your heart.
Green Tea - Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Helps stops strokes, Promotes Weight loss, Kills bacteria.
Honey - Heals wounds, Aids digestion, Guards against ulcers, Increases energy, Fights allergies.
Lemons - Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure, Smoothes skin, Stops scurvy.
Limes - Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure, Smoothes skin, Stops scurvy.
Mangoes - Combats cancer, Boosts memory, Regulates thyroid, aids digestion, Shields against Alzheimer's.
Mushrooms - Controls blood pressure, Lowers cholesterol, Kills bacteria, Combats cancer, Strengthens bones.
Oats - Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Battles diabetes, prevents constipation, Smoothes skin.
Olive Oil - Protects your heart, Promotes Weight loss, Combats cancer, Battles diabetes, Smoothes skin.
Onions - Reduce risk of heart attack, Combats cancer, Kills bacteria, Lowers cholesterol, Fights fungus.
Oranges - Supports immune systems, Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Strengthens respiration.
Peaches - Prevents constipation, Combats cancer, Helps stops strokes, aids digestion, Helps hemorrhoids.
Peanuts - Protects against heart disease, Promotes Weight loss, Combats Prostate Cancer, Lowers cholesterol, Aggravates diverticulitis.
Pineapple - Strengthens bones, Relieves colds, Aids in digestion, Dissolves warts, Blocks diarrhea.
Prunes - Slows aging process, prevents constipation, boosts memory, Lowers cholesterol, Protects against heart disease.
Rice - Protects your heart, Battles diabetes, Conquers kidney stones, Combats cancer, Helps stops strokes.
Strawberries - Combats cancer, Protects your heart, boosts memory, Calms stress.
Sweet Potatoes - Saves your eyesight, Lifts mood, Combats cancer, Strengthens bones.
Tomatoes - Protects prostate, Combats cancer, Lowers cholesterol, Protects your heart.
Walnuts - Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, boosts memory, Lifts mood, Protects against heart disease.
Water - Promotes Weight loss, Combats cancer, Conquers kidney stones, Smoothes skin.
Watermelon - Protects prostate, Promotes Weight loss, Lowers cholesterol, Helps stops strokes, Controls blood pressure.
Wheat Germ - Combats Colon Cancer, prevents constipation, Lowers cholesterol, Helps stops strokes, improves digestion.
Wheat Bran - Combats Colon Cancer, prevents constipation, Lowers cholesterol.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
3 Minute Management Course
Lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door there stands Bob, the next door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you £800 to drop that towel.' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her £800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbour' she replies. 'Great!' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the £800 he owes me?'
Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident.After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologised 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak'.Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'
Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3
A sales rep, an administration clerk and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish'. 'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world'. Puff! She's gone. 'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life'. Puff! He's gone. 'OK, you're up', the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch'.
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?' The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.' So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sittingvery, very high up !
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull.. 'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.' Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. 'They're packed with nutrients.' The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally, after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story: Bullsh*t might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realise how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Moral of the story:
- Not everyone who sh!ts on you is your enemy
- Not everyone who gets you out of sh!t is your friend
- And when you're in deep sh!t, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
...This ends the 3 minute management course.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram Road Trip
The Planning ...
It had always in my dream to drive on the ECR upto Pondicherry since the day I bought my first car. I had been to pondicherry once some two years back. It is not only because of the place, it is the road which lured me again to visit that place again by my car.
I was in Taipei when I planned the trip with my mother over phone. She already knew about my intention of driving the car all the way. Subham, a friend of mine, also wanted to join us for the trip. He too was excited to take his new Alto on the NH4 and ECR.
We also added Mahabalipuram in our destination list and extended our vacation by one more day. We decided to start on saturday early morning from Bangalore and reach Pondy by noon. Everything went according to our plan and we managed to book the accomodations after little dilemma and troubles.
The plan was like this:
Day 1 (Saturday): We will leave from Bangalore on saturday early morning at around 6 Am. We will need 7 Hours to reach Pondy including breaks in between. 2 Night stay at Puducherry.
Day 2 (Sunday): Visit Auroville Matri Mandir early morning. Then the Boating @ Chunnambar and Beaches in the afternoon
Day 3 (Monday): Leave Pondicherry in the early morning to reach Mahabalipuram before lunch. Followed by Sight seeing @ Mamallapuram / Mahabalipuram. 1 Night stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Leave Mahabalipuram in the early morning and reach Bangalore before Dinner time, via Kanchipuram and Krishnagiri following NH4.
We managed to book our guest rooms for 2 nights at Anandha Inn (URL:http://www.anandhainn.com/) in Pondicherry and 1 night at Hotel Tamilnadu Resorts on Beach Road of East Coast Road near Mahabalipuram.
The Road Trip ...
As per the plan we started on Saturday early morning by 6:30AM (late by 30 mins). By then city roads have already started getting busier. I filled up some gas in my vehicle and headed towards Hosur. It took almost an hour to reach Silk Board junction on Hosur Road because of increasing city traffics. The traffic became easy after Electronics City and in no time we crossed Attibele and Hosur.
It was around 8:15 when we decided to take a tea break at the A1 Plaza adjacent to Relience Oil Station on the NH4. We took some light food items with Tea/Coffee and continued our journey towards Krishnagiri.
The road NH4 (National Highway 4) is just like a dream. It is a part of Golden Quadrilateral project (4 Roads to connect Metro Cities and major towns). I could easily drive at 100Km/h speed without any hitches. We reached Krishnagiri and took a left turn towards Chennai. On the Krishnagiri - Chennai Road, after going about 3 Kms we had to take a right turn towards Pondicherry.
Till this part of our journey the road is very good. But the road from Chengam to Thiruvannamalai is like hell. I was struggling to maintain average speed of 20 in those roads. The roads are totally out of shape and have numerous pot holes. This contributed some 30 minutes delay in our journey to reach Pondicherry.
The road from Thiruvannamalai to Pondicherry is proper but doesn't have any road/lane dividers. So one has to be very cautious while driving through these roads. On our way, we met many unattended cattle herds that made us wait standstill on the road for sometime.
Finally, following the printouts from Google Map and asking localites, we reached Pondicherry by 2:30 PM. We were hungry and quickly checked in to Ananda inn. The hotel is centrally located and not very far away from the Beach road of Pondy. We managed to freshen up fast and our lunch in one of the hotel restaurants.
In the evening we visited Beach Road and the nearby temples. The walk along the less crowded streets near the Arabindo Ashram, with french style residential buildings all around, is really enjoyable. One will get a different feeling walking through those streets (Rue De).
Puducherry
This was my second visit to Pondicherry and I liked the fact that nothing had changed much from my last visit, except the marine drive has been extended towards the Sea. The weather was perfect - not to hot and not to sultry.
We thought of taking the Pondicherry Tourism Bus to visit Auroville Ashram and other places around the city. But later we decided to take our own car to have more command over the time that we spend in visiting those places.
After enjoying the complimentary breakfast in our hotel we hit the road towards Auroville. It is 11 Kms from the main city towards chennai. The road is narrow but enjoyable. You get to see so many mangroves and mango orchards on either side of the road. As we approached the Auroville the road condition became worser .. until we reached Auroville.
Auroville is really nice as it is. But this time also we missed to see the inner chamber of Matri Mandir (Meditation Dome) as it was under construction. After taking some snaps and buying few souvenirs we moved on our way to Chinnambar Resort.
After reaching there we came to know about a nice beach which can be approached only after a boat ride from the same resort. We decided to go for the beach tour. I had not been to this beach before. It worth all our money and effort. The beach is very nice and well maintained. Most importantly, the beach is a private beach restricting access to public. The clean beach was good enough to lure us to take a dip into the sea waters for sometime. We were almost lost in sea bathing until re realised that we are all very hungry and we have crossed past the lunch time. We hurriedly came back to the resort (taking the ferrying boats) and finally to the pondy city. We were lucky enough to find a restaurant (Vegetarian though) just next to our hotel.
After lunch we headed towards Sri Aurobindo's Ashram and Marine Drive. The leisure stroll by the sea shore was quite relishing. We witnessed the sun set and evening and returned to our hotel for resting. We also visited the Manakula Vinayagar Temple on our way back to the hotel.
More to come : Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples, Butter Ball, Kanchipuram (Silk Sarees), Wild Rain on Highway... keep watching this space.
It had always in my dream to drive on the ECR upto Pondicherry since the day I bought my first car. I had been to pondicherry once some two years back. It is not only because of the place, it is the road which lured me again to visit that place again by my car.
I was in Taipei when I planned the trip with my mother over phone. She already knew about my intention of driving the car all the way. Subham, a friend of mine, also wanted to join us for the trip. He too was excited to take his new Alto on the NH4 and ECR.
We also added Mahabalipuram in our destination list and extended our vacation by one more day. We decided to start on saturday early morning from Bangalore and reach Pondy by noon. Everything went according to our plan and we managed to book the accomodations after little dilemma and troubles.
The plan was like this:
Day 1 (Saturday): We will leave from Bangalore on saturday early morning at around 6 Am. We will need 7 Hours to reach Pondy including breaks in between. 2 Night stay at Puducherry.
Day 2 (Sunday): Visit Auroville Matri Mandir early morning. Then the Boating @ Chunnambar and Beaches in the afternoon
Day 3 (Monday): Leave Pondicherry in the early morning to reach Mahabalipuram before lunch. Followed by Sight seeing @ Mamallapuram / Mahabalipuram. 1 Night stay at Mahabalipuram.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Leave Mahabalipuram in the early morning and reach Bangalore before Dinner time, via Kanchipuram and Krishnagiri following NH4.
We managed to book our guest rooms for 2 nights at Anandha Inn (URL:http://www.anandhainn.com/) in Pondicherry and 1 night at Hotel Tamilnadu Resorts on Beach Road of East Coast Road near Mahabalipuram.
The Road Trip ...
As per the plan we started on Saturday early morning by 6:30AM (late by 30 mins). By then city roads have already started getting busier. I filled up some gas in my vehicle and headed towards Hosur. It took almost an hour to reach Silk Board junction on Hosur Road because of increasing city traffics. The traffic became easy after Electronics City and in no time we crossed Attibele and Hosur.
It was around 8:15 when we decided to take a tea break at the A1 Plaza adjacent to Relience Oil Station on the NH4. We took some light food items with Tea/Coffee and continued our journey towards Krishnagiri.
The road NH4 (National Highway 4) is just like a dream. It is a part of Golden Quadrilateral project (4 Roads to connect Metro Cities and major towns). I could easily drive at 100Km/h speed without any hitches. We reached Krishnagiri and took a left turn towards Chennai. On the Krishnagiri - Chennai Road, after going about 3 Kms we had to take a right turn towards Pondicherry.
Till this part of our journey the road is very good. But the road from Chengam to Thiruvannamalai is like hell. I was struggling to maintain average speed of 20 in those roads. The roads are totally out of shape and have numerous pot holes. This contributed some 30 minutes delay in our journey to reach Pondicherry.
The road from Thiruvannamalai to Pondicherry is proper but doesn't have any road/lane dividers. So one has to be very cautious while driving through these roads. On our way, we met many unattended cattle herds that made us wait standstill on the road for sometime.
Finally, following the printouts from Google Map and asking localites, we reached Pondicherry by 2:30 PM. We were hungry and quickly checked in to Ananda inn. The hotel is centrally located and not very far away from the Beach road of Pondy. We managed to freshen up fast and our lunch in one of the hotel restaurants.
In the evening we visited Beach Road and the nearby temples. The walk along the less crowded streets near the Arabindo Ashram, with french style residential buildings all around, is really enjoyable. One will get a different feeling walking through those streets (Rue De).
Puducherry
This was my second visit to Pondicherry and I liked the fact that nothing had changed much from my last visit, except the marine drive has been extended towards the Sea. The weather was perfect - not to hot and not to sultry.
We thought of taking the Pondicherry Tourism Bus to visit Auroville Ashram and other places around the city. But later we decided to take our own car to have more command over the time that we spend in visiting those places.
After enjoying the complimentary breakfast in our hotel we hit the road towards Auroville. It is 11 Kms from the main city towards chennai. The road is narrow but enjoyable. You get to see so many mangroves and mango orchards on either side of the road. As we approached the Auroville the road condition became worser .. until we reached Auroville.
Auroville is really nice as it is. But this time also we missed to see the inner chamber of Matri Mandir (Meditation Dome) as it was under construction. After taking some snaps and buying few souvenirs we moved on our way to Chinnambar Resort.
After reaching there we came to know about a nice beach which can be approached only after a boat ride from the same resort. We decided to go for the beach tour. I had not been to this beach before. It worth all our money and effort. The beach is very nice and well maintained. Most importantly, the beach is a private beach restricting access to public. The clean beach was good enough to lure us to take a dip into the sea waters for sometime. We were almost lost in sea bathing until re realised that we are all very hungry and we have crossed past the lunch time. We hurriedly came back to the resort (taking the ferrying boats) and finally to the pondy city. We were lucky enough to find a restaurant (Vegetarian though) just next to our hotel.
After lunch we headed towards Sri Aurobindo's Ashram and Marine Drive. The leisure stroll by the sea shore was quite relishing. We witnessed the sun set and evening and returned to our hotel for resting. We also visited the Manakula Vinayagar Temple on our way back to the hotel.
More to come : Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples, Butter Ball, Kanchipuram (Silk Sarees), Wild Rain on Highway... keep watching this space.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Hiking on YangMingShan Mountain
YangMingShan (YMS) Mountain (Official YMS website: http://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/HTML/ENGNEW/index.htmIt was Adrain (a colleague in Taipei office) who planned for the hike on the YangMingShan Mountain in Taipei. I was trilled to hear about the plan.
As per the plan, we were four guys who showed up for the hike - Adrain, myself, Tim and Bruce. Jesper and Icaro had a night out in the city and couldn’t join us. We met at Jiantan MRT station and took the R5 Bus ride upto YMS Bus Station. In an hour we reached the YMS Bus Station. We took a quick breakfast and got some goodies from the 7-Eleven store next to the Bus Terminus.
After enriching ourselves we started walking from there up to Visitor Centre - a warm-up walk. We took a short break at Visitor Centre and decided to hit for the ChihSing Main Peak. ChihSing (which means 7 Stars in Chinese) is highest peak in YMS National Park and one could see Taipei City and Sea on the other side from the top in clear weather.
It takes almost 2-3 Hrs of continuous climb to reach the peak. It was just 1/4th of our way when I started feeling weary and out of breath. So we all took another small break in the side bench and continued our climbing. It was Bruce who extended his help and took my bag to relieve me out of those extra Kilograms. We saw some wild lives including the brown squirrels on our way.
The final 1/4th way of the climb was very steep and myself and Adrain (who had a sprained ankle) decided to go at slow pace agreeing to meet Tim and Bruce at the top. It was fun to see Tim and Bruce racing and climbing up the steep stairs so fast. And within few seconds those two runners went out of our sight.
It was me and Adrain who took our climb slowly, talking about various things on our way, and taking several short breaks. As we approached the summit the weather started to change and we faced strong wind and mist. Finally we reached the top. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t so clear and we missed the view of the YMS valley, Taipei City and the Sea from the mountain top. We joined Tim and Bruce savouring on breads, cookies, and water. As we regained our lost energies, we took the other path to descend the mountain all the way through the volcanic remains and sulphur springs.
It was amazing to see those active sulphur springs ejecting stinky fumes and hot steams which smell like raw egg. The smell reminds me of the Chemistry Labs in the school. We got some strong winds and rains on our way down. The stones near the sulphur springs were slippery and we cautiously took our steps down.
After crossing pasts some fantastic sulphur springs and scenic grasslands we reached the Hsiaoyukeng Visitor Centre withing few hours. We saw the Sulphur Valley next to the bus stop and took the shuttle bus (No 108) to YMS Bus Station. We were all hungry and took a dining break at the Starbucks café and then headed back to our homes/hotels.To sum up, overall trip was splendid and something that I would never forget in my life !!
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