Getting Kicked

I tried to slap her, a proper one aimed at the right cheek. She grabbed my right arm, twisted it deftly and flicked me on the ground. I anticipated this and rolled perfectly, regained balance and tried a right handed punch this time. This time she ducked, slid to my right side and threw me down. I was very much pinned and am sure IF I wanted to actually assault this lady I didn’t stand a chance.

Obviously this is deviant behavior. I would never harm a lady nor am training to do so; this was in a kick boxing class and my trainer was demonstrating a few techniques with me role playing as the attacker. With the new batch started, I had previously attended a month long course, hence was the ‘senior’ student and most eligible to be demonstrated upon. But no complaint as being part of the demonstration is the best learning in my opinion.

My first experience with Kick Boxing was amazing, within a month of training I felt like never before. I was in the best shape ever, I could resist sickness, I could endure a lot of pain, I looked good and I definitely felt beyond awesome. The journey indeed was difficult with the rigorous training and pain that came along with it, but the result was worth it. I had trained with the best instructors in the country and with a highly motivated group at various levels of proficiency. Unfortunately the demands of my job prevented me to continue the class as the travel and recuperation involved cut down my work hours drastically.

A centre opened near my house and I was super excited. Initially the class was for women only and I couldn’t get in and obviously they couldn’t make any exception without a sex change operation (kid you not that’s the conversation) later they relented and let the guys join in, I feel they needed attackers :D

So again the journey starts with Coach Sindhu who will reassure you that women can kick ass. People who feel they would start punching and kicking and become Bruce Lee over the weekend would be severely disappointed. The first two months are all about body conditioning and basics. Almost every class you end up tired and sore and hurting. Cliché’ alert – no pain no gain. A lot of work would be involved to get into a decently capable physique, stamina, endurance and flexibility; something gymming out would simply not provide even if you do it right and who wouldn’t want that. Right now I think I am still to achieve that level which would be half the war won for me.

More on this as I progress further

Check out their website
http://shootfighter.wordpress.com/

Forgive to Win

Something so universally relevant, simple and beneficial; yet we dont give it a try. Forgiveness, is very effective and beneficial, not to the person who offends you, rather beneficial to yourself. If you continually seethe with anger or maintain negativity about someone, invariably you end up clouding your mind with negativity. Almost always the time and energy spent in that negative loop amounts to nothing productive.

You can do yourself a favor by forgiving the person. This is more out of a selfish intention than an altruistic one. You realise when you do so, you can live better, think better, be happier and accomplish a lot by being positive.

If one thinks, 'what happens of my relationship with the offender?' well there is no relationship anymore. He or She is just one more person in the crowd for you. If the person forgiven is worth the gesture, you will in time realise it was a wise decision to forgive. If the offender has even half a brain, he or she will realise you have taken the high road and will probably reciprocate positively or else be netural. There is no negative outcome.

Trying it out is very easy, and you will start to realize its benefits immediately. Otherwise you can always revery back to the default setting we had from our cave dwelling times.

Hungry Iin Bangalore: Charting Chat - Masala Capsicum

Delhi Chat, Bombay Chat and yes there is something called Bangalore Chat (pronounced chat as in chat window and not the usual chaat). Its a different school of chat making in this town. Very different from the general understanding of the pudina, raw mango, khajoor infused and sev covered variety from Bombay, Bangalore Chat starts from the masala puri - puris covered with peas curry, bhel puri which is more close to the Davangere 'mandakki' and some interesting creations like Bullet masala - cylindrical fryums stuffed with stuff, pineapple chat (this rocks!) and Capsicum masala to be had fresh.

Capsicum masla - pipping hot fried 'Bhajji' of whole capsicum split and stuffed with veggies and Congress. Not the political party but the local name for fried peanuts. This stuff is awesome! A friend introduced me to this wonder of local snack. Worth wrestling through a mob of people to reach this variety and east fast before the crispiness goes.

Bangalore still has many chat secrets, unfortunately my reach limited due to my struggles with colitis, I hope to enjoy as many of the different varieties as possible.

Hungry in Bangalore: Halli Tindi Darshini

Its always breakfast time in Bangalore. Idli vadas are to Bangalore (and many many places in South India) what corn flakes are to the whole world. I practically lived solely on the combo my entire 1st year in Bangalore. There is a good chance one will get tired of this stuff, variety is the key. So you basically eat the same stuff at different places.

After climbing and descending a hill, its small but a hill, in Banashankari Bangalore to visit Ganapati at Banagiri, the best way to satiate your hunger is just opposite the steps. Head to Halli Tindi darshini. Recently opened, this place is an instant hit. It goes a bit beyond the usual Darshnini fare and serves you some variety in your everyday breakfast. The signature dish here - The Peserottu Dosa. Featured in many Bangalore newspapers, this dosa is healthy , tasty, fulfilling and as the proprietor scowls it - dilisius. Also must have the Jumbo Tindi, translating into Jumbo Meals. Not too Jumbo but the breakfast platter you were always looking for with idli, vada, dosa, upma and sheera.

Location - Banashankari 3rd stage on Ring Road. You can spot it by the crowd. The tea coffee is passable, you can have some real nice and exotic varieties at the 'Tea Shop' close by.

Whats new - Art @ Black Design

On my way back home, everyday I notice a shop very apart from the usual rash of shops. If I can define it properly, a boutique shop selling assorted Art with similar theme. Black design - a small neat shop selling artsy articles which are in use everyday. Photo frames, weird coat hanger hanger (yes the second hanger is necessary), Belt holders, showpieces and some nick nacks. I really liked the coffee table made of wood, glass sheet and bottles. Very artsy and has class. Much of the work is wooden, kind of rough and dark shaded, so everything probably wont work universally in someones house.

What I liked about this shop, the first one of its kind I stepped into, is its unique offering of practical articles which you can use everyday. Why the praise? I guess thats the way all the boutique shops work, but probably because I dont get to see a lot of variety in peoples house or workplaces. Apart from the potted plants and colorful flowers and stones in water bowls, there really isnt much to look at. What can work is 'Art' ing up everyday stuff. Functional and aesthetics, although subjective, an attempt can be made. Subjective being the main word to look at, of course. One mans trash is another mans art. Put that trash together and its that sells.

Have a looksie if you are around Jayanagar, straight down from KFC towards Ring Road. Worth your time.

Thorium, answer to India's power woes

'Obama could kill fossil fuels overnight with a nuclear dash for thorium' is the article heading in the telegraph article.

www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/7970619/Obama-could-kill-fossil-fuels-overnight-with-a-nuclear-dash-for-thorium.html

Just wish someone could write Dr.Manmohan rids India of power cuts with a big nuclear bite into Thorium(Th). Aunties now watch Saas Bahu serials non stop.

Th seems to be a wonder drug, clean and efficient and not as deadly as Mr.Uranium. Perhaps its non deadliness is what resulted in a technological lag to convert it into a usable power resource.

Some more R&D reveals India has 25% of worlds Thorium at last count, and it was upgraded recently by the IAEA. So it seems like we are sitting on a coal mine, with lots of coal, only radioactive and not coal. But many reasons stop our scientists from shoving loads into the furnace perhaps a lack of funds, stifling of any advancement by the jealous biggies, the brain drain (this is most responsible I think) and I might even go as far as to say the squabbling morons in the parliament, most of them though Dr.Singh you rock, just cant get their work straight when someone says 'this is good for India in the future' instead of 'heres your cut you pig'.

I see a glimmer though, what with signs of a proper nuclear treaty bringing things closer to a technology transfer and private investment into thorium based reactors and technology. Never mind getting dependent on fuel cartels, we got our own fuel stocks. Hopefully better sense would prevail in the powers that be and close the energy gap that affects us.

Check out more references at Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium

Worry isnt work

http://blogs.hbr.org/pallotta/2010/08/worry-isnt-work.html

Totally agree by what Dan Pallota says in the above article, we take worry as part of our work, fooling ourselves into thinking man thats a lot of work done. I confess I do this a lot and it screws up whatever amount of effective work that needs to be put in.

Quoting the best lines -After all, who is likely to be the more productive contributor to the company, and to the world — the person who is healthy, rested, well-balanced, full of energy, and clear of mind, or the sleep-deprived, overweight, heart-attack-waiting-to-happen, psychologically unexamined, self-critical maniac? Who is more likely to be present enough to see the next breakthrough? Who is more likely to analyze problems clearly, for what they really are, instead of what they are assumed to be?

Heres a mid year resolution - work not worry. Now wheres the beer.

The Wait Gain Project - step1 GOMAD

There has been only one period of time in my life so far that I have actually looked 'Khaate Peete ghar ka' or simply put a slightly chubby healthy guy. This was in the Third year of my engineering right after I made a trip to Tirupati. Well I infer it was divine intervention that helped me gain some mass, I now have decided to help myself and try some weight gain myself. Since its going to be a long journey without the use of any weight gain products, an all natural approach will definitely take time, hence the title 'The Wait Gain Project'

I am going to start out with the GOMAD diet - Gallon of Milk a Day diet. 1 Gallon = 3.7 litres. Nuts, I am going to start off reaching a 1.5 Liter a day target by the end of 1.5 weeks, which means I will incrementally reach 1.5 liters by starting off with .5 liter and go on increasing the amount, unless of course I go lactose intolerant which means I will switch to the 4 Packs O'Lays diet.

On a serious note - tonnes of body builders swear by GOMAD - its the best way to gain some natural weight. Just google.

Hungry in Bangalore : Momoz Koramangala

With a lot of courage and reflection I declare this - The best place to get Chinese in Bangalore

Make it the best place to get awesome Chindian cuisine for the best prices in Bangalore. No wonder it’s an instant hit in Koramangala, the place was packed on a Wednesday. Add to it a very rare and very wonderful gathering of all the members of previous project from MindTree. This Dinner ranks in the top 10 of many eat out dinners I had. This is not the usual run of the mill Chinese joint – this is a classy place with well trained and well mannered waiters, classy seating, dulcet ambience for a warm dinner – as long as the party is limited to 8, beyond that gets crowded. Momoz has come up with some really unique and enjoyable creations which I am sure people will love for a long time. Located near Baskin Robins, in a corner near Furtados’ , people should avoid getting confused with another joint named Momos near JNC college which is the OK college hangout and leagues behind this joint.

Sudip had been to this place just the day before and was blown away by the food and ambience. No second thoughts, Momos steamed, fried in Veg and Non Veg avatars were summoned without wasting a breath. And the chicken Momos are simply unbelievable! Friend and Boiled both are of the right texture and of proper neutral taste that you can zing up with the assorted table sauces. That’s the tip of the ice berg for the Chinese goodness to start rolling. Unique item – shredded threaded Chicken. Small ribbons and threads of deep fried chicken had us confused whether the stuff was fried rice noodles – but bite into the whole and you will find out the difference. Honey Crisp chicken was very nice. That’s the starters.

Main course : Cashew nut with Chicken and Hunan Chicken are quite nice. Chicken in Black bean Sauce is a rockstar! I will definitely have that the next visit. All these dishes grooved with Mixed fried rice and Chicken Schezwan noodles. Vegetarian were more than satisfied with the Chilli Potato and Veg Schezwan rice. All the dishes were adequately sized and we were stuffed way before we could finish.

The cost for feeding 8 with 14 amazing dishes and cold drinks in a lovely ambience and good service = 1045!!! Beat this and I will take you out for lunch at this place.

Desserts? Unfortunately we weren’t left with any place for dessert, one more reason to try this place out ! Run to this place…

Hungry in Bangalore: Shree Krishna Cafe Koramangala

The usual dilemma strikes again, you are at some hip locality and you wonder where do we have lunch? This thought has befuddled and repeatedly caused me and my pals to end up in KFC/MC or a very tried/tired and tested eatout for food not worth the price. So the next time you have a thought like and you happen to be in Koramangala, head straight to this place.



Revered for its wonderful Tamil - particularly Tanjavur veg cuisine, Shree Krishna cafe is a favorite of many from all over the country. Its in a street full of fancy restaurants like China pearl (), Oye Amritsar and many more. Blink and you miss, its above Kairali, announced by a modest board. Lets jump right into the food - meals.

I crown this place the best place to get a South Indian meal on the Leaf, so far in Bangalore.

Serendipity brought me to this place. Hungry after a tiring seminar, 4 of us were looking for some lunch. Last on my mind was a South Indian rice meal. Whats there to eat I exclaimed. As my friend Ravi, who I had befriended that very morning said, said this is the best Southie meal you will ever have. Challenge eh? Lets go. Two simple dining halls accommodate the patrons with simple furniture. The Plantain leaf is put as soon as you sit. 95 bucks for a meal. Say yes and the parade begins. I guess 3 sabjis, variety of sambhar, dal, rasam, buttermilk kadhi, assortments, vada (to die for) some sweet and some things I just dont know the name for keep coming. This is true to the word unlimited. I never saw myself eat so much rice before. The best stuff was the authentic Ghee which they dish out by the tablespoon load. This is the good stuff man.

You need to eat to stay alive, you need to eat good to stay happy.Go to this place, I am sure you will feel happy.

The Pre Mid life Crisis Crisis

Get up, commute through the circus that is Bangalore traffic, endure through office hours, eat, crash

Somewhere in between is the thought - wish I was hiking in Japan taking snaps of buddhist temple or speaking in fluent French amongst a group of international students or stitching together a nice track on a dj console ...there are so many. These are not entirely impossible yet they seem to become so as each day passes by despite efforts. They are no longer priorities.

Its pretty common in Europe for a person to take a sabbatical for 6 months or so to go on an extended break, a self discovery per se. A similar lifestyle is followed in the States - work hard, play hard. Of course there are exceptions. But not for the people in developing countries like the Indians and Chinese. Things are a race to the top, which is a narrow ledge you need to balance your feet on. This gives most Indians the edge over the Europeans or the Americans. The hunger to achieve a life style like theirs. Perhaps take a break for a few months...That break never came for most. They got older, they had kids. They stopped getting the H1B.

Having seen such cases, which are by the way cases of successful people, makes me say - hold on a moment and define Your success; its difficult. And I am not alone in this thought. I bet most of my peers feel the same. Perhaps its just the way people 'grow up'. My generation had it easy as compared to the previous. Things were easy and quick like 2 min noodles. IT companies were hauling in many and stupid. But getting stuck in a place, job or a schedule gets on our nerves pretty fast. I guess its a part of a mellowing process. At the end of it I hope something good comes out - like maturity.

Too senti? I guess its because I am writing this on a weekday :D

Blessings of Simarouba

Heres an interesting read I put up in another blog -

http://simaroubabangalore.wordpress.com/

Pulp Fictioned

Pulp Fiction - 1994
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/

Fact can be stranger than fiction – this movie goes against the trend. My favorite from Quentin Tarantino’s works (which includes Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs, Desperado), this movie carves its cult. Quentin weaves magic again through the medium of a Movie. He builds the various chemistries between characters with long drawn scenes, extracting a 100% of their ability to emote and deliver lines which are truly Tarantino’s trademark. I hope I can meet this guy.

This film is absolutely revolting to the normal Hollywood RomCom – Jackie Chan types. Watching it with your family is the worst thing you can subject them to. I have seen it thrice and I wish to see it again. On a repeatability scale, it ranks high up with The Departed. The dialogues are brilliant, expletives and all of which there are tons in this film. The best concept of the film is the shifted time lines. It leaves you guessing and wandering in different directions and following characters, some of which will become your favorites. My favorite was Vincent Vega. Travolta burns a solid impression of Vega. You feel sorry for the guy who has to take out the Boss’s wife for a date – its not a date according to him cause if it were then the Boss will….see it yourself.

Every cast member is a perfect fit for the characters – Samuel L Jackson, Bruce ;Willis, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Quentin with his expected cameo in all his films all are just perfect. Can’t think of anyone else playing anything. I am in love with the character of Fabienne.

See it, see it full. See it even if at some scene your reaction can be nausea or pure horror or disgust or anything that Tarantino might evoke – and he will evoke. Just keep your family out of the room.

Viva la Vile Parle - Gajalee

A town is defined by its people, places, events, weather etc. Gajalee is one such restaurant which has been an icon on Vile Parle’s and Mumbai’s culinary map since several years, lending Parla its distinctive identity. A Landmark on Hanuman Road, this joint has attracted many sea food enthusiasts and is a favorite of many celebrities, appealing mainly to Maharashtrian tastes. Tastes I say because Marathi sea food cuisine is not simply Malvani as many think. The food here has influences from Karnataka as also a generic way of preparation which might appeal to wide demographics. Check out some of the awards and accolades at http://www.gajalee.com/.

I have come back home after a brief period from Bangalore, and if there is one of the things unique which set Mumbai and Bangalore food apart is the sea food, obviously. So when asked which place to have dinner I couldn’t resist Gajalee, again.

First off the start without asking for a menu we, meaning me and my Brother, ordered Fried Bombil (Bombay Duck) and Tandoori Pomfret. These dishes are to die for. If not the need for the variety on offer we could have ended dinner on rounds of these two dishes. The Bombil is perfectly fresh and crispy, melts in the mouth leaving you wondering if you ever had some. The Pomfret was nice and robust. Cooked with the right amount masala and oil or butter – it was deliciously light. Tempting us to order a second round but we held on to having a main course. The waiter – conversing in Kannada after eaves dropping on our conversations suggests we order an Oyster Masala with Neer Dosa and Akki roti – or Rice Bhakri. Palak Khichadi for Mom as she is a Vegetarian, and so am I most of the time. Beverages were Sol Kadi and Fresh lime soda. The Sol Kadi is of a love it or hate it kind of make, so not recommended for the un adventurous.

A waiter does the rounds of tables balancing a fresh Pomfret, Lobsters and live Crabs for the customers to choose. As the price varies with the item, the waiter has to display the many offerings. The live giant crabs wriggling around are a sight and the kids reactions are quite a sight. I remember meeting my meal last time I had come here – he or she was a sprightful fellow who transformed into a tasty meal.

Palak Khichadi that mom ordered is very nice. It’s a bit heavy on the fat though but tastes awesome. It soothed my tongue from the fiery Oyster Masala. Beware this one is not for Kids, spicy hot with a tomato based gravy – the Oyster masala was a unique experience. I never had oysters before and I think I will skip them and stick to rather mobile crustaceans.

The cost of such a wonderful meal – 1200 for 2 sea foodies and dear vegetarian Mom.

I leave for Bangalore with new memories with my family, satisfied expectations and a hunger again which is so easy to deplete in times of task. I hope I come across newer experiences like ones to be had at Gajalee.

Now I am off for some Vada Pav…

Bangalore, how long till its no more

The Tech capital of India, the global IT hotspot, the place when millions of young Indians have flocked to make a career and call it home. I donot see a bright future ahead alas. I hope I am wrong.

Here is a glimpse of the future 10 years from now -

Bangalore is a workforce magnet. People from the country - not able to find opportunities in their home town or state still flock to Bangalore. Its Mumbai in fast forward. Inefficient state governments are to blame.

There is inadequate road network. The existing ones have been stretched to capacity a decade before. Traffic Jams are the order of the day. The workforce needs to spend a lot of time just to reach work. Bangalore since it cannot be served by a spine shaped railway corridor like Mumbai, the metro simply wont work. It is working in a few sectors, but is merely a gimmick. It cannot handle the ammount of passengers required like the Mumbai locals. It connects few areas, people would rather take their own vehicles. Vehicles add to congestion. Pollution levels have increased alarmingly. A daily unavoidable fight against traffic.

There is not enough water for buildings built recently. The water table is depleted soon after Monsoon. New Buildings are not served by the water utilities. People have to rely on Shady Water Tanker services. There is a severe Electricity deficit. Realty rates are sky high and unreasonable. Concept of Bangalore suburbs fail to provide people a good living zone.

Local political bodies similar to Shiv Sena will start agitations to claim rights for 'Sons of Soils' and similar Bull Shit.

Thats some of the things I forsee - all of these assumptions are possible. Agree am a pessimist, but this is is a fact in making, unless herculean efforts by the powers that be do something. Visionaries have made great efforts but votebank politics and crooks in power have screwed things up bigtime in the nation in general. Its not a regional problem rather a national one. There is a quick fix solution in the making right now - Integrated private Cities with adequate infrastructure for a limited number of residents. People will work and stay within giant gated cities, outside is an urban disaster.

Take that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome !

Yep the reason for my absence from subjecting random people to my blogs is CTS. Happens mostly to unsuspecting code monkeys who bang away at keyboards with the worst of typing postures. Plus I have the added advantage of having wrists thinner than usual – I knew instantly I wont be a good wrestler, shame the world will not witness that.

Sooo anyways why this return? Not for people to acknowledge my ramblings – that’s a side effect and I found out that quite a lot of people do like my stuff (honest to god people did notice I stopped writing and asked me to do more foodie posts), but I realized I had simply stopped thinking creatively. Partly because of CTS curtailing my typing, partly because I am still in the middle of a crisis, I am sure I will overcome now that I have found whats the root of it all. Not cured though relieved as to remember there is a tunnel out of the cave at the end of which is a light.

So here is the first salvo against it all – at least one article per week. Come rain or bad bandwidth; code reviews or aching hands the one article shall be written. (Note to myself -this doesn’t count)

Thanks a bit to Scott Adams in part – got a lot of inspi after I started reading his book – ‘Stick to Drawing Comics Monkey Brain!’ mind you was #1 NY Times Best Seller.

Dilbert again

Lol!


And a previous favorite of mine


Scott Adams, my inspiration to quit the rat race and become a cartoonist :D

Interestingtings - Running from Camera

The web is the new art gallery. Nice simple and cool theme running on this art blog - Press the 2 second timer and try to run away from the camera.

go to -> http://runningfromcamera.blogspot.com/