Cool Dude - The most used word in a day.
One who can do things which we cannot do - is termed a "cool dude". Be it growing hair, or not growing hair, tattooing, speaking four letter words, smoking ultra milds or menthol, going all the way to Bangalore for a rock band maiden concert, or laughing amidst a group of dozen girls. The word has become the most used word in the group of people (folks - to sound cool) I move with, to such an extent that every other conversation ultimately comes to the same thing "Dude, you are becoming cool".
Be it when my office moved to a cool, vibrant IT park (And I became a Parkite), when I applied a temporary tattoo on my forearms, when I got a wireless internet connection, when I browse internet on my mobile, when I insist on wearing socks before putting on the Sandals - All I could hear is "Dude, you are becoming cool!"
So I assume, by now the reader has got an idea of what a Cool Dude is, rather what an Item he is!
Some random notes:
Q. What do Dudes do in Office?
A: The do stuff. Not work. Remember "I need to get this stuff done" ?
Q: What do dudes have for lunch?
A: They grab a Sub. And remember A dude would always "customize his sub".
The sub topic reminds me of a very crude (the most closest antonym of cool) incident at the Sub. During one of those initial visits to Sub, I had taken a friend along with me, thinking he would be a moral support to me at the cool shop (cool joint to sound cool).
The friend whom I had taken along, had once tasted garlic bread that someone in office had ordered from Pizza Hut. After finishing the bread, seeing the label Pizza Hut written on the sauce packets, he commented - "The Pizza was good". This after being in the IT industry for 7 years!
So it was just uncool of me to take him with me for moral support. Since we were two, we had the courage to face the questions shot at us. Yes, too many questions for having a sandwich. Oh not sandwich - It's a Sub. With great difficulty, we were able to get something made though we still do not know what we had answered for questions like 6 inch or foot long? , Type of bread, should i toast it?, with cheese /without cheese? , All vegetables? etc. All we could see is something had been made for both of us. And soon we are going to eat the cool sub. And then a question. "Do you want to make it a meal?" I asked my friend "Acha yahan meals bhi milta hai kya"? I did not see the "Meals Ready" board outside. All eyes on me. My friend did not have an answer.
Then came the final question. With the gesture and tone, we could make out that this is the final question and soon we can start eating. But what he asked was too fast and unheard of. He repeated it. Still no change in his reaction. Again the question with a demeaning look at us. Finally we answer - "Yes". And he gives a much demeaning look, in fact something like - These people can never grow up. Then he gave us the bill and the Sub - both the subs in the same plate (Tray to be cool).
And then My friend says aloud "Donon sandwich parcel kar do yaar". All faces in the restaurants were on us. All the Sub makers at the counter saw him. My friend was stunned. He was trying to think what he spoke. He was saying to himself "Did I use any abusive language?". Soon the person on the other side of the counter, said in a slightly louder tone, "That's what i asked you. You could have said you wanted Take-Away". So that is what he was asking towards the end of the Sub making process.
All this when the person who made the sub also knows the local language or atleast common english - The kind of English that we have been listening to, since our childhood. But if he does that then whats cool about Sub? Or rather what so cool if even in the mid of his sleep a dude can say whats the Sub of the day.
Q: Where do Dudes go for snacks?
A: CCD, MacDee
Q: What do dudes do on weekends?
A: They groove and dance around in the disc by just shaking their head or grooving their hip. Whereas all we go to the Pub is to drink. And talk about Deva's latest gana song inside the pub.
Few days back, I had a conversation with a cool dude during one of those bus journeys to Pune. After talking for a while, I could make out that he is a Tamilian. So to confirm my speculation, I asked him "Where are you from?". With a bit of restaint, he said - "I am from Madras (pronouncing it the non-native way), but I currently stay in Pune." This was followed by the information that next month he would be going to... (some place in USA, later on he said it was in the Valley). The valley part of the answer was the most stressed one. My further questions in Tamil were answered back in English and not so fluent Hindi. And I could notice, he was so uncomfortable talking about Madras, or even Pune. They find it demeaning to answer questions like Which part of India they belong to. They do not like to be geographically identified (unless of course, it's the valley)
Yes cool dudes are Global Indians - or may be Global citizens.
One good thing about dudes is that they do not care much for what others think. Their actions are not dependent on their surroundings. Rather, "They give a damn.." Yes, thats how they say it.
Another interesting aspect that me and my fellow dude observers noticed, is on the dude's blogging pattern. Most of the times, the title of the post will have twice as many words as the content, combined together can be less than 10 words. Probably Cool dudes can express in few words.
Recently on one of those try-to-be-cool acts from me, a friend of mine asked me If I would give him a treat if I am ever successful in turning cool. And when I said I would rather give a party to all, he says - "No dude, Dudes do not give or host a party. They throw a party."
To be continued..
Postscript: There has been a radical change in my thoughts and actions ever since I came in terms with Sub making process. As I write this post, the coolness factor has increased so much in me and a crude friend of mine [His first Sub was here] , that we can now make world class Sub at home. Yes, we will customize it for you. Honey Mustard or Southwest, Italian bread or honey oat, Jalapeño or Lettuce.. Not just a Sub, a salad too. And if you are not much bothered about the calorie intake (as against dudes), we can make it a meal.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
My friends made me realize my capacity and stability
This is a follow up of a post written by my friend here.
My first take on karma (as Dude puts it) when I woke up today was "What do I do for the keys now? Let me go to the temple and I will get the keys back." Saying this to myself I get ready and put on the jeans and hear something chime in the pockets.
"Eureka! God, you appeared even before I came to you! My keys are here in the pockets!"
Saying this (again to myself), I jumped to announce to my friend that I have found the keys. And that they were in my jeans pockets. This again made my friend to have an edge over me by saying "You get really bad after you are drunk. You searched for the keys so many times in your pocket and still did not find it. You were not in your senses". So the friend, who was part of the privileged three, and who generally cannot control her laughter and never during these kinds of plots was still able to manage the situation very well by again putting the blame on me.
Thinking on, even I was a bit shattered as I am that kind of person who often boasts about his capacity and stability, more so after a couple of pegs.
Today morning when I come to office a friend who was not part of the privileged three - but who knows me so well, that the moment he read this post on the web, he pinged me and asked - "Dude, Is this you?". He has accompanied me several times on those key finding expeditions.
Reading the post, I was happy. They found the keys at exactly the same place where I remember seeing it last (I mentioned the place last night only.. not now). So after a brief period of being down, once again I am proud of my capacity and stability. Cheers!
My first take on karma (as Dude puts it) when I woke up today was "What do I do for the keys now? Let me go to the temple and I will get the keys back." Saying this to myself I get ready and put on the jeans and hear something chime in the pockets.
"Eureka! God, you appeared even before I came to you! My keys are here in the pockets!"
Saying this (again to myself), I jumped to announce to my friend that I have found the keys. And that they were in my jeans pockets. This again made my friend to have an edge over me by saying "You get really bad after you are drunk. You searched for the keys so many times in your pocket and still did not find it. You were not in your senses". So the friend, who was part of the privileged three, and who generally cannot control her laughter and never during these kinds of plots was still able to manage the situation very well by again putting the blame on me.
Thinking on, even I was a bit shattered as I am that kind of person who often boasts about his capacity and stability, more so after a couple of pegs.
Today morning when I come to office a friend who was not part of the privileged three - but who knows me so well, that the moment he read this post on the web, he pinged me and asked - "Dude, Is this you?". He has accompanied me several times on those key finding expeditions.
Reading the post, I was happy. They found the keys at exactly the same place where I remember seeing it last (I mentioned the place last night only.. not now). So after a brief period of being down, once again I am proud of my capacity and stability. Cheers!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Amazing Week
Staying at a wonderful resort amidst vast serene tea and cardamom estates and thick forests, at about 10-12 degress temperature, no network connectivity, Ayurvedic body massage, timely food at the doorstep (unlimited idlies, Nei Roast, Boori and Barota!), unlimited supply of Military wines- Bliss!
Gods Own Country- Ente Keralam! Better seen than written:-)
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharathganesh
Ferry Station, Jew Town, Fort Kochi
Backwaters at Alappuzha - Venice of the east
Cherai Beach, Kochi
More photos at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharathganesh/Munnar
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharathganesh/FortKochi
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharathganesh/CheraiBeachAndATrainJourney
Postscript: If any of the readers are really impressed by my photogenic senses, and thinking of rewarding the artist inside me, why not a Club Mahindra Lifetime membership?
[Photos taken on a 2 Mega pixel Mobile Phone camera]
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The same old portals to Web 2.0
Today morning, I happened to run into Sulekha.com classifieds for some home search. Sulekha and Rediff have always been my favorite web portals ever since I started using the internet.
Firstly, they were offering localized content long before Yahoo! India or MSN India. Second, the Web 2.0 storm hasn't taken much toll on them. I have always been a great fan of Rediff. Whenever I want to see any news on the web, rediff would be the first site to be opened. Recently I was amazed to see a friend still using Rediffmail as his primary e-mail account. Dont know if they are still lightening fast!
But today while looking at an advertisement on Sulekha classifieds I saw something really interesting. I was looking for a apartment for rent. So I quickly applied the filter for my specs like area, locality, budget etc. And then it displayed a list of suitable advertisements. Besides the advertisement I could see a phone symbol and below it was written "Sulekha Classifieds can call your phone now and connect you to this advertiser for free". And then there was a text box for entering my phone number. I just entered my number and the system gave me a call within 30 seconds and connected me to the advertiser. I was amazed:-)
Now I saw the real Web 2.0 and look up at it:-)
Firstly, they were offering localized content long before Yahoo! India or MSN India. Second, the Web 2.0 storm hasn't taken much toll on them. I have always been a great fan of Rediff. Whenever I want to see any news on the web, rediff would be the first site to be opened. Recently I was amazed to see a friend still using Rediffmail as his primary e-mail account. Dont know if they are still lightening fast!
But today while looking at an advertisement on Sulekha classifieds I saw something really interesting. I was looking for a apartment for rent. So I quickly applied the filter for my specs like area, locality, budget etc. And then it displayed a list of suitable advertisements. Besides the advertisement I could see a phone symbol and below it was written "Sulekha Classifieds can call your phone now and connect you to this advertiser for free". And then there was a text box for entering my phone number. I just entered my number and the system gave me a call within 30 seconds and connected me to the advertiser. I was amazed:-)
Now I saw the real Web 2.0 and look up at it:-)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Of Tele-marketing calls and my Workaround
Of late my mobile and myself have been die-hard victims of the tele-marketing menace.
I remember a few years ago, receiving a tele-marketing call was considered a privilege and a status symbol for few. But now with the recent entry of some private banks (off late even SBI is aggressive on this) in India this whole telemarketing calls have become a nightmare, a nuisance. [I have come across a few really professional telemarketers whom I wholly liked talking to]
This was a recent conversation
Caller: "Sir I am calling from XX Bank"
Me: "Are you an XX Bank employee?"
Caller: "No Sir, But I am calling on behalf of XX Bank"
Me: "Ok Tell me"
Caller: "Sir, we are offering you a lifetime free XX Bank Steel/ Copper/ Silver/ Gold/ Diamond/ Platinum credit card. I would be needing a signature of yours. When can I send my executive?"
Me: "But I already have a[metal name] card of the same XX Bank.
Caller: "But Sir U can get one more card which is a [metal of higher value] card.."
..
I laugh
The caller tries hard to control his laughter, gives up at the end.
This XX Bank wants to offer a card every week.
Next a call from YY Bank for personal loan.
Caller: "Sir I am calling from YY Bank"
Me: "Ok Tell me"
Caller:"We are excited to tell you Sir, we are offering you a Personal loan of (some) lacs, with no documentation. If you agree I can process it right away."
Me: "Sorry, Not needed now. Will let you know when needed (that sentence is
enough for him/her to catch it)"
Caller:"But Sir, If we process it today, I can waive off the processing fees"
Me: "What would make you so happy to see me in Debt!"
The caller Smiles.
....
The issue with me is I feel a bit uncomfortable to say a harsh "No" to a telemarketer as a I feel I should not be the person who spoilt his/her day. And most of the times the call wouldn't end unless you say that harsh "No".
That reminds me of a bank which has its insurance company, where the folks are extremely keen on insuring my life. After lot of thought on how to handle them with minimal words and in a very soft way I decided the next time they call me, my response would be "Bharath just died a few hours ago. [So there is no point in insuring him now]. I am his brother, just came back after the last rites".
That is the easiest, fastest and most gentle answer I can give.
Postscript: If there are any pretty tele-marketing girls who are reading this post, please do not decide to remove me from your call list. Remember, though the author is still single and has given up looking, he can be looked by others.
I remember a few years ago, receiving a tele-marketing call was considered a privilege and a status symbol for few. But now with the recent entry of some private banks (off late even SBI is aggressive on this) in India this whole telemarketing calls have become a nightmare, a nuisance. [I have come across a few really professional telemarketers whom I wholly liked talking to]
This was a recent conversation
Caller: "Sir I am calling from XX Bank"
Me: "Are you an XX Bank employee?"
Caller: "No Sir, But I am calling on behalf of XX Bank"
Me: "Ok Tell me"
Caller: "Sir, we are offering you a lifetime free XX Bank Steel/ Copper/ Silver/ Gold/ Diamond/ Platinum credit card. I would be needing a signature of yours. When can I send my executive?"
Me: "But I already have a
..
I laugh
The caller tries hard to control his laughter, gives up at the end.
This XX Bank wants to offer a card every week.
Next a call from YY Bank for personal loan.
Caller: "Sir I am calling from YY Bank"
Me: "Ok Tell me"
Caller:"We are excited to tell you Sir, we are offering you a Personal loan of (some) lacs, with no documentation. If you agree I can process it right away."
Me: "Sorry, Not needed now. Will let you know when needed (that sentence is
enough for him/her to catch it)"
Caller:"But Sir, If we process it today, I can waive off the processing fees"
Me: "What would make you so happy to see me in Debt!"
The caller Smiles.
....
The issue with me is I feel a bit uncomfortable to say a harsh "No" to a telemarketer as a I feel I should not be the person who spoilt his/her day. And most of the times the call wouldn't end unless you say that harsh "No".
That reminds me of a bank which has its insurance company, where the folks are extremely keen on insuring my life. After lot of thought on how to handle them with minimal words and in a very soft way I decided the next time they call me, my response would be "Bharath just died a few hours ago. [So there is no point in insuring him now]. I am his brother, just came back after the last rites".
That is the easiest, fastest and most gentle answer I can give.
Postscript: If there are any pretty tele-marketing girls who are reading this post, please do not decide to remove me from your call list. Remember, though the author is still single and has given up looking, he can be looked by others.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Of Saturday and Sunday
After a very long time, I had a fulfilling weekend at Hyderabad. Yesterday went for a movie with Neha and Samarjit. Though I felt the Govinda movie a bit boring, the constant Neha-Laughter on every scene, made me feel that I am a highly humorless guy and hence I have no right to say that the movie was boring.
Another usual incident that happened in the cinema hall was about an unknown couple sitting next to me. Till interval, the girl was sitting besides me. Post interval, the guy (her husband/boyfriend/fiance/whatever), swapped seats. Fearing his sweethearts security, he sat next to me. Though even after swapping, there was a strong man sitting next to her(on the other side). Which means that guy thinks I am more a threat than the strong guy on the other side.
The best part of the evening was the dinner after the movie.
We went out to dine at Basera. After a very long time, after those college days, I saw someone doing justice to the unlimited Buffet system. The foodie in Samarjit was in full form(which according to him, is nothing compared to his old times). And I am really happy as long as the person with me goes on doing justice to food, so that I can do some justice to the Alcohol.
Ohh don't think I am a drunkard. Yesterday It was only cold drinks (Beer has fallen into that category ever since Egg became a veggie).
All this was at the Ohri's restaurant at Basera. For the dessert (another beer) we went to the Pub at basera. There we were witness to come cool dudes and dudis, who were drinking and dancing, with no sense of what is happening around them. Probably, they were chilling out. Or probably we are so crude dudes, that we can never do that, even If we really want to. Anyways, watching them was fun. We came to know what all we can never do.
So obviously today morning starts at noon. Evening went on a long drive with Ramesh along Shamirpet lake. Ramesh is one such nice person who is ready to join whenever you invite him. Way back did something which I have never done before. We stoppped-by at a soft toy stall. Probably the soft boy in me aroused today. Got a 2 and a 1/2 feet white feathery teddy bear, which, considering my height, looks really big when I see it. Now the question: Why should a crude-uncool dude ( the closest antonym of cool dude) like me, buy a teddy bear? Ohh no idea. Still thinking on it.
Anyways the weekend was really memorable one.
Postscript: Reader might think how boring this author is, who thinks and writes about people having fun/chilling out at pub as a very unusual act. Also reader might think why cant this guy gift the teddy. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Another usual incident that happened in the cinema hall was about an unknown couple sitting next to me. Till interval, the girl was sitting besides me. Post interval, the guy (her husband/boyfriend/fiance/whatever), swapped seats. Fearing his sweethearts security, he sat next to me. Though even after swapping, there was a strong man sitting next to her(on the other side). Which means that guy thinks I am more a threat than the strong guy on the other side.
The best part of the evening was the dinner after the movie.
We went out to dine at Basera. After a very long time, after those college days, I saw someone doing justice to the unlimited Buffet system. The foodie in Samarjit was in full form(which according to him, is nothing compared to his old times). And I am really happy as long as the person with me goes on doing justice to food, so that I can do some justice to the Alcohol.
Ohh don't think I am a drunkard. Yesterday It was only cold drinks (Beer has fallen into that category ever since Egg became a veggie).
All this was at the Ohri's restaurant at Basera. For the dessert (another beer) we went to the Pub at basera. There we were witness to come cool dudes and dudis, who were drinking and dancing, with no sense of what is happening around them. Probably, they were chilling out. Or probably we are so crude dudes, that we can never do that, even If we really want to. Anyways, watching them was fun. We came to know what all we can never do.
So obviously today morning starts at noon. Evening went on a long drive with Ramesh along Shamirpet lake. Ramesh is one such nice person who is ready to join whenever you invite him. Way back did something which I have never done before. We stoppped-by at a soft toy stall. Probably the soft boy in me aroused today. Got a 2 and a 1/2 feet white feathery teddy bear, which, considering my height, looks really big when I see it. Now the question: Why should a crude-uncool dude ( the closest antonym of cool dude) like me, buy a teddy bear? Ohh no idea. Still thinking on it.
Anyways the weekend was really memorable one.
Postscript: Reader might think how boring this author is, who thinks and writes about people having fun/chilling out at pub as a very unusual act. Also reader might think why cant this guy gift the teddy. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Why do I blog?
I was just thinking what makes me blog. Or rather why do people blog. The post might be really boring, so continue reading only if you can bear the boredom.
Sometimes I think I just blog for ego-satisfaction. What do I get when someone reads my blog? Or what does the reader get? Whatever we do in life, their would certainly be some purpose behind it. It can be as simple as to live a life to - earning money or making friends or achieving fame or attaining pleasure. Or it can be to help someone.
Same applies for blogging. If it is a technical blog, you might blog to share your knowledge, initiate some discussions, criticisms on your ideas or showcase your ideas. Or to publicize your idea or yourself.
So now comes my concern. My blog here is not a technical blog. Neither it is an informatory blog, in the sense not a notice board kind of stuff.
It is just a board where I write what I think, or rather what goes on in my mind. Then why cant i write in a diary and keep it only for me. Why should the whole world know what I think. I am not thinking on any social issues which need mass opinion/criticism. Then why?
Is this ego-satisfaction? Is it that I want to be known to more people? Is that the reason I write my thinkings on a public place? Some old time bloggers say a blog is ones private place to express oneself etc etc. I do not agree on that as, if you think it is really a private place then make your blog a private one, readable only to you. Otherwise a blog is a public place, just like any website.
So why do I write my thinkings on a public website? Is is that i want to know what people think about my thinkings? I do not think even thats the reason. See the comments on my blog, hardly one or two for every post. Very rarely 4-5. It has never crossed 10. Unless when some spammer tries to sell Viagra through a comment on my blog.
Then why? Is it to increase my page rank on Google? Even then what do I gain? Again Ego satisfaction. I can ask myself why do I work. There definitely I gain something. My company also gains from me. So thats a different case.
Now let me come back. Is is it that I want to make myself in sync with the web 2.0 thing. Definitely not me. I have been blogging since 4-5 years, thats much before web 2- the cool stuff. So thats also rules out. Which leaves back only ego-satisfaction. Which I am unable to accept. Off late, in the last couple of years, mostly on Dash-Maniac I have tried to make my posts have a bit of humor. So that, the person who reads it, might laugh at least a couple of times. Which really makes me happy. I think through any of your writings the person opposite has a good laugh(of course in a positive sense), you have definitely done something good. Few of my good friends say, they laugh a lot when they read my blog. (But they, like me, actually laugh for any small thing. You laugh and tell some simple thing, they will start laughing).
O.K i guess this is getting really boring. Friends say something has happened to my psyche after I had that that tooth ache and subsequent treatment.
Anyway I still lie confused as to why I blog? Or even why I write this post?
Postscript: Reader might think how boring this author is who writes some senseless intellectually depressing stuff on a weekend evening. Why cant the author freak out or chill out during the weekend, instead of sitting in front of the comp and writing some junk. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Sometimes I think I just blog for ego-satisfaction. What do I get when someone reads my blog? Or what does the reader get? Whatever we do in life, their would certainly be some purpose behind it. It can be as simple as to live a life to - earning money or making friends or achieving fame or attaining pleasure. Or it can be to help someone.
Same applies for blogging. If it is a technical blog, you might blog to share your knowledge, initiate some discussions, criticisms on your ideas or showcase your ideas. Or to publicize your idea or yourself.
So now comes my concern. My blog here is not a technical blog. Neither it is an informatory blog, in the sense not a notice board kind of stuff.
It is just a board where I write what I think, or rather what goes on in my mind. Then why cant i write in a diary and keep it only for me. Why should the whole world know what I think. I am not thinking on any social issues which need mass opinion/criticism. Then why?
Is this ego-satisfaction? Is it that I want to be known to more people? Is that the reason I write my thinkings on a public place? Some old time bloggers say a blog is ones private place to express oneself etc etc. I do not agree on that as, if you think it is really a private place then make your blog a private one, readable only to you. Otherwise a blog is a public place, just like any website.
So why do I write my thinkings on a public website? Is is that i want to know what people think about my thinkings? I do not think even thats the reason. See the comments on my blog, hardly one or two for every post. Very rarely 4-5. It has never crossed 10. Unless when some spammer tries to sell Viagra through a comment on my blog.
Then why? Is it to increase my page rank on Google? Even then what do I gain? Again Ego satisfaction. I can ask myself why do I work. There definitely I gain something. My company also gains from me. So thats a different case.
Now let me come back. Is is it that I want to make myself in sync with the web 2.0 thing. Definitely not me. I have been blogging since 4-5 years, thats much before web 2- the cool stuff. So thats also rules out. Which leaves back only ego-satisfaction. Which I am unable to accept. Off late, in the last couple of years, mostly on Dash-Maniac I have tried to make my posts have a bit of humor. So that, the person who reads it, might laugh at least a couple of times. Which really makes me happy. I think through any of your writings the person opposite has a good laugh(of course in a positive sense), you have definitely done something good. Few of my good friends say, they laugh a lot when they read my blog. (But they, like me, actually laugh for any small thing. You laugh and tell some simple thing, they will start laughing).
O.K i guess this is getting really boring. Friends say something has happened to my psyche after I had that that tooth ache and subsequent treatment.
Anyway I still lie confused as to why I blog? Or even why I write this post?
Postscript: Reader might think how boring this author is who writes some senseless intellectually depressing stuff on a weekend evening. Why cant the author freak out or chill out during the weekend, instead of sitting in front of the comp and writing some junk. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Friday, July 20, 2007
Improper use of urban land
This comes as a follow up of Jayati Ghosh's column on "Uses of urban land" in this fortnight's Frontline. She talks about the more-than-needed malls coming up in South Delhi, thus terming it as not a very proper use of urban land.
Most of the development in the urban land is happening in the form of Malls,
Multiplex, IT Parks and Residential townships. Of the above, latter two are justifiable to an extent.
But consider malls and multiplexes. What is the real use of these? Flow of money? Today malls and multiplexes seems to top the list of places where urban population "freak out".
Does freaking out only mean Purchasing things/ spending money/ watching a movie? A well known mall in Hyderabad used to be second home for an ex-colleague and friend of mine. She used to believe in Shop, Eat and Celebrate.
I remember this was not the trend a decade ago, or rather 3-4 years ago. I remember people visiting the nearby park to spend the evening. Other places to freak out included beach, planetarium, museum, zoo, forts etc.
Today there is a segment of urban population, who no longer visit these places for entertainment. They instead prefer shopping, watching a movie and grabbing a coke and have a combi for lunch/snack, all at the same place - the nearby Mall. Or is that that they enjoy spending money, just because they have more of it?
Is it because the malls are the safest and most convenient places to visit?
Probably cool dudes prefer taking their sweethearts to such cool places, since the crowd at these malls is also cool. They could feel that places like beach, the multiple class cinema halls (the huge ones comprising of A class, B class and balcony, ideally not located in malls), parks are generally inhabited by rogue stags like me, who they think might be a possible threat to their relationship. Or they probably think rogues like me indulge in certain unconstitutional activities. Actually what they do not understand is such places are most safest for them and people like us are the safest. Anyway people like me are chronic stags, and we have been like that since birth, so there is no chance of your girl getting attracted to us!
I understand that mall phenomenon has taken over only a minor segment. But consider the amount of urban land taken over by them, right at the heart of the city, making it usable only by that niche segment of urban population.
Postscript: Contrary to the author, the reader might still prefer to choose a mall/multiplex over planetarium/museum/zoo/fort to "freak out". Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Most of the development in the urban land is happening in the form of Malls,
Multiplex, IT Parks and Residential townships. Of the above, latter two are justifiable to an extent.
But consider malls and multiplexes. What is the real use of these? Flow of money? Today malls and multiplexes seems to top the list of places where urban population "freak out".
Does freaking out only mean Purchasing things/ spending money/ watching a movie? A well known mall in Hyderabad used to be second home for an ex-colleague and friend of mine. She used to believe in Shop, Eat and Celebrate.
I remember this was not the trend a decade ago, or rather 3-4 years ago. I remember people visiting the nearby park to spend the evening. Other places to freak out included beach, planetarium, museum, zoo, forts etc.
Today there is a segment of urban population, who no longer visit these places for entertainment. They instead prefer shopping, watching a movie and grabbing a coke and have a combi for lunch/snack, all at the same place - the nearby Mall. Or is that that they enjoy spending money, just because they have more of it?
Is it because the malls are the safest and most convenient places to visit?
Probably cool dudes prefer taking their sweethearts to such cool places, since the crowd at these malls is also cool. They could feel that places like beach, the multiple class cinema halls (the huge ones comprising of A class, B class and balcony, ideally not located in malls), parks are generally inhabited by rogue stags like me, who they think might be a possible threat to their relationship. Or they probably think rogues like me indulge in certain unconstitutional activities. Actually what they do not understand is such places are most safest for them and people like us are the safest. Anyway people like me are chronic stags, and we have been like that since birth, so there is no chance of your girl getting attracted to us!
I understand that mall phenomenon has taken over only a minor segment. But consider the amount of urban land taken over by them, right at the heart of the city, making it usable only by that niche segment of urban population.
Postscript: Contrary to the author, the reader might still prefer to choose a mall/multiplex over planetarium/museum/zoo/fort to "freak out". Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase).
Friday, July 06, 2007
A day of bliss
Today I was just thinking of what makes for a day, at the end of which you can say you had bliss, a one-off day.
This is what I could think of and what I have been wanting to have since long.
Wake up in the morning by 6 AM to the hymns of MS Subbulakshmi's Suprabatham. Open the door, to see the Hindu lying on the veranda. Comfortably lift the paper and you should not see any pamphlets falling off from within the paper. (Which is never the case with the Hindu/Times in Hyderabad, or may be off late in Madras also. Recently Hindu gave a half page ad clarifying that it's not them who is doing this manipulation).
An easy chair in the Veranda, sit on it and mom comes with coffee - Not the Bru/Nescafe kind, but the proper filter coffee, with its rich aroma spreading around the veranda. This used to happen when I was in Madras, the only place I have stayed in an independent house.
Filter coffee with Hindu paper - Ah the best combination you can ever think off!
Neha says here, that when it comes to filter coffee I am The Sanjeev Kapoor of it!
An hour passes by reading Hindu.
Have a bath. Visit the nearby temple. Reminds me of the KK Nagar Aiyappa temple:-)
Head off to watch one of those morning shows like the Sun TV Vanakkam Tamilagam/ Asianet/Surya TV.
Next in the line comes up the most important and exciting meal of the day- The Breakfast - called so since you are now breaking the fast you were on since previous night.
For me, an ideal one would be some hot - steaming - soft Idly (Ohh ya the Khushboo idly kinds) with equally good Sambar and coconut chutney. The chutney would taste better to your tongue if its bit wet and hot (not the temperature). A plate of pongal would top up the pleasure. And some sweet - best at this time of the day would be the sweet pongal or Chakkara Pongal as it is called in Tamil.
An hour passes by watching one of those debate shows on TV - Sun TV Arattai Arangam. Next in the line is some mild reading. Spend some time reading the Sunday Magazine/Frontline kinds.
Now comes the lunch time. I would prefer a kerala Palakkad lunch.
Top it up with one of those Sunday special movies on Asianet/Surya. Next comes the sleep time.
The evening would be more fun if the next day is also a holiday, if not as blissful as this. Else the sheer thought of the next day routine makes this evening a dull one:-)
Head off to meet some school/college friends. Drive along to ECR. Used to be our everyday hangout in the last two years of college. Ashok Nagar to ECR , with a 2-3 minutes tea break(glorified way of saying a cig break), every 4-5 km - CIT Nagar, Adyar, Tiruvanmiyur.. Mostly till Mayajal - Oh not to watch a cool movie, but only to the tea kadai opposite it and to the un-attended beach alongside.
Way back home visit one of those Udupi hotels for the pre dinner intake. Set Dosa would fine at this time. Back home, have a light dinner, sleep.
This would be bliss! A bland way of so.. A one-off day.
Postscript: The activities and ingredients that make up bliss for the author need not be same for the reader. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase)
This is what I could think of and what I have been wanting to have since long.
Wake up in the morning by 6 AM to the hymns of MS Subbulakshmi's Suprabatham. Open the door, to see the Hindu lying on the veranda. Comfortably lift the paper and you should not see any pamphlets falling off from within the paper. (Which is never the case with the Hindu/Times in Hyderabad, or may be off late in Madras also. Recently Hindu gave a half page ad clarifying that it's not them who is doing this manipulation).
An easy chair in the Veranda, sit on it and mom comes with coffee - Not the Bru/Nescafe kind, but the proper filter coffee, with its rich aroma spreading around the veranda. This used to happen when I was in Madras, the only place I have stayed in an independent house.
Filter coffee with Hindu paper - Ah the best combination you can ever think off!
Neha says here, that when it comes to filter coffee I am The Sanjeev Kapoor of it!
An hour passes by reading Hindu.
Have a bath. Visit the nearby temple. Reminds me of the KK Nagar Aiyappa temple:-)
Head off to watch one of those morning shows like the Sun TV Vanakkam Tamilagam/ Asianet/Surya TV.
Next in the line comes up the most important and exciting meal of the day- The Breakfast - called so since you are now breaking the fast you were on since previous night.
For me, an ideal one would be some hot - steaming - soft Idly (Ohh ya the Khushboo idly kinds) with equally good Sambar and coconut chutney. The chutney would taste better to your tongue if its bit wet and hot (not the temperature). A plate of pongal would top up the pleasure. And some sweet - best at this time of the day would be the sweet pongal or Chakkara Pongal as it is called in Tamil.
An hour passes by watching one of those debate shows on TV - Sun TV Arattai Arangam. Next in the line is some mild reading. Spend some time reading the Sunday Magazine/Frontline kinds.
Now comes the lunch time. I would prefer a kerala Palakkad lunch.
Top it up with one of those Sunday special movies on Asianet/Surya. Next comes the sleep time.
The evening would be more fun if the next day is also a holiday, if not as blissful as this. Else the sheer thought of the next day routine makes this evening a dull one:-)
Head off to meet some school/college friends. Drive along to ECR. Used to be our everyday hangout in the last two years of college. Ashok Nagar to ECR , with a 2-3 minutes tea break(glorified way of saying a cig break), every 4-5 km - CIT Nagar, Adyar, Tiruvanmiyur.. Mostly till Mayajal - Oh not to watch a cool movie, but only to the tea kadai opposite it and to the un-attended beach alongside.
Way back home visit one of those Udupi hotels for the pre dinner intake. Set Dosa would fine at this time. Back home, have a light dinner, sleep.
This would be bliss! A bland way of so.. A one-off day.
Postscript: The activities and ingredients that make up bliss for the author need not be same for the reader. Remember, the author is still single and has given up looking.(the tragic end of the single and looking phase)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Wedding between Trees
Wedding between a Peepal and Neem tree - One of the rarest holy wedding performed in India.
This one was performed by my grandfather, Venkatachalam Iyer, at my native place in Kerala to fulfill the promise he made to his father. The peepal tree is of almost the same age as my grandfather. Both had Upanayana at the same time.
From what he told me, the wedding between the Peepal tree(groom) and Neem tree(bride), was performed the same way as any other brahmin wedding- right from the wedding clothes, poojas, homams, to actual muhurtam where the peepal ties the thali on the neem.
A complete wedding lunch followed the wedding.
Deccan Herald has covered it here:
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun202007/national200706208422.asp
This one was performed by my grandfather, Venkatachalam Iyer, at my native place in Kerala to fulfill the promise he made to his father. The peepal tree is of almost the same age as my grandfather. Both had Upanayana at the same time.
From what he told me, the wedding between the Peepal tree(groom) and Neem tree(bride), was performed the same way as any other brahmin wedding- right from the wedding clothes, poojas, homams, to actual muhurtam where the peepal ties the thali on the neem.
A complete wedding lunch followed the wedding.
Deccan Herald has covered it here:
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun202007/national200706208422.asp
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