tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163367552024-03-07T18:09:42.932-08:00Dewdrops of ThoughtsA person without dreams is not worth his/her salt...and there are many such ones... but rarely will u find any without thoughts.. Itz the thoughts which make us what we are and itz these which make us unique...Analyzing these kaleidoscope of thoughts is said to be the the first step towards recoginizing ur unique self and herez my attempt to do so and accept myself as an enitity that I am now and will be !Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-25334186932261926692013-02-04T12:34:00.000-08:002013-02-04T12:34:08.076-08:00Right or Wrong? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have never felt so sad about doing what I perceive as the
right thing for us. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkXSuaTwkEncn7sjdsEW1jL0HzDDUVG1D3xYJHXCXCcuSMHDVurvlB9Heiiqw0FoH1fRUuvruJ-z4CyyYZttpQQj_pEqyVKfVMv9YN31rRs8-LTWmvaa94_70DjZAeBpNd-F3Vw/s1600/3122650_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkXSuaTwkEncn7sjdsEW1jL0HzDDUVG1D3xYJHXCXCcuSMHDVurvlB9Heiiqw0FoH1fRUuvruJ-z4CyyYZttpQQj_pEqyVKfVMv9YN31rRs8-LTWmvaa94_70DjZAeBpNd-F3Vw/s320/3122650_17.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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This weekend we cut down a beautiful sugar maple which
hovered right above our roof… In spring time with new leaves peaking through,
this tree would have been the a sight to behold.. I can still remember waking
to the chirping of the birds outside our bedroom window.. now I wonder if I
will ever hear them again. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Practically, we did the right thing, with hurricanes getting
bigger and bigger, having a huge tree above our house would be a liability we
can do without. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Then why do I feel like a murderer? Why do I feel this awful
sense that I have wronged ?? </div>
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<br /></div>
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This is in fond memory of a tree that once was …. </div>
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Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-20552165702920600632012-07-14T21:12:00.000-07:002012-07-14T21:12:05.626-07:00An long overdue obituary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are so many times in your life when you tend to look
back at life what is past and then sigh… some of them filled with that feeling
of correctness, the content … and some that of regrets. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes! Regrets,.. a human nature is such.. always second
guessing at what may have been.. always thinking about how you missed that opportunity
.. how perhaps life would have moved on a different track (not necessarily the
right one but different nevertheless). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Amongst these zillion peeps down the memory lane.. I have
always regretted what I think was my biggest failing ….. I have always wished I
could turn the clock back on that one and do things differently.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You would understand this ache in me, if you have ever had
someone you loved pass away and when you look back .. u wish you had snatch
some personal moments with the loved one, before the death snatched them away! </div>
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My Favorite cousin, Suja, was always this person I loved… my
fondest memory of her in sitting with her my parents room, she wearing a white
nightdress my mom had given her.. me playing with her hands and telling her this
movie story (excruciating and painfully detailed) which was my then favorite. She
smiling, asking questions, seeming genuinely interested in listening to me .. at
the end saying “I want to now see this movie, your story just mesmerized me”
and me glowing with pride on having evoked the desire.. </div>
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Now when I look back, I can see how kind and sweet that
really was. Would I ever be able to listen to someone for more than an hour on
a topic I really did not care about? And yet be so gracious and so delightful..
I am not so sure.. </div>
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She was that kind of person… a nature lover… a animal
activist …I sat beside her, reading books about volcanoes, and nature…she was a
born story teller, could make anything sounds magical… the prettiest amongst us
cousins.. she was the one with a heart I could connect with, with whom I could
share my ambition of being a pilot, with whom I could talk about joining army..
with whom I could really discuss the things I really wanted to do… </div>
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<br /></div>
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As I grew up, I never loved her less, but I did not seem to
spend as much time… perhaps life got in way.. and then when I was in my senior
year (12<sup>th</sup> grade) she feel sick suddenly… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she was sick for 4 days.. and I thought I
would go and meet her… I kept pushing it out and by 5<sup>th</sup> day she was
gone…. Forever from our lives .. the brain fever just grasped her away.. .and I
never ever got to say how much I cared, how much I loved her still.. Till the
date, I feel awful about being so immersed in my teenage life.. I cry for a
chance to see her smile again, to tell me go do what I want to .. alas! I never
can, I never will.. and all I have of her are few memories and a wish that I
was not so selfish then … </div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes when I am living my life now, I often find myself
wondering what would she have tought of me now? Would she have liked what I
have become? … I have no answer.. but just regrets.. for not having “the Suja”
in my life anymore… </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-45621862076812708922012-07-06T13:44:00.001-07:002012-07-06T13:44:36.129-07:00A Buffet Lunch @ Malabar Hills, Elmsford<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A lunch with your old colleagues is always a delight.. given
of course, you liked them at the first place. I meet my old colleagues once a
month at restaurants around the office area. Of course, the number of folks
getting together seems to be getting smaller with each meeting, some leaving
for another job, some retiring.. sigh! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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So<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for the last few
times, we have been exploring Indian restaurants nearby. Perhaps by the virtue
of me being Indian, I qualify well (amongst the acquaintances) to be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“the Indian” food connoisseur. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So this time around, we ended up in Malabar Hills, Elmsford, NY.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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The décor of the place is nothing extra ordinary, in fact
quiet on contrary; nothing about the place stands out. Of course, while I appreciate the ease of parking (A plus in Westchester), I would not choose this place for a romantic night out with my other half.. .. but on the other hand, I think it is perfect for a lunch with colleagues or friends. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And the food… well, let’s put it this way.. it is one of my favorite
Indian restaurants in Westchester
County for buffet, which
is saying a lot, since I am not particularly huge fan of buffet. I have always
held on to the idea that the buffet food screams of similar tasting items, lined
together for the newly exploring taste buds.Yes Yes! I am biased, but there have been very few buffets which have evoked any other opinion from me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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However, at around $11 per buffet, the good thing about
Malabar Hill buffet is that each item seemed to have a distinct individualism. The
Sambar (and I am a stickler for this, since my mom makes the most amazing one)
and the idlly, were pretty good, dosa’s not bad either. Cabbage Subzi, Cholle, Saag
Paneer and Kheer which are the usual buffet items in any Indian restaurant were
well made and distinct in their tastes as well. However, my favorite was
perhaps the onion pakoda’s (Onion Fritters) and yes! I know fried stuff always
tastes good…. However, you would be surprised how many can taste rancid if not
made fresh. . </div>
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<br /></div>
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I think the buffet is reasonably priced, however, I do balk
at the prices if ordering for individual dishes. I think they are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pricey, but I guess Indian food always is….!! So, if you are not an Indian, or do not make Indian food at home, and do not mind paying for dishes which you really want to choose and eat, this is a reasonably good place as any (much better than Royal Palace, Passage to India, Mughal Palace) </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, Another buffet lunch meet up in Malabar hills? Sure, bring it on, I am
game!! </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-44748281845960819242012-07-02T13:59:00.002-07:002012-07-02T14:01:19.779-07:00Leshan Gaint Buddha (A day trip from Chengdu, China)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwhzz-bHU1pf0leXoAD5LCRzHT1mbo9TgylpSO0RLZImN8u42MnVoY5SgFrsskXVS-A5SGjNr-zwalRTUJbt5tin34uD8t9ERaOLlqbYF-Bkno_8XBG5_frxagLW7G0DwlvecoQ/s1600/IMG_7998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwhzz-bHU1pf0leXoAD5LCRzHT1mbo9TgylpSO0RLZImN8u42MnVoY5SgFrsskXVS-A5SGjNr-zwalRTUJbt5tin34uD8t9ERaOLlqbYF-Bkno_8XBG5_frxagLW7G0DwlvecoQ/s320/IMG_7998.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a claim of being the world’s biggest Stone Buddha,
sitting tall at 71mts, how can one miss seeing this wonder just a few miserly
hours away? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Roughly about 2.5 hrs away (100 KM) from the Chengdu City center, the Leshan Buddha makes for
an easy day trip. </div>
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Build by the river banks by a monk, to calm the water “monsters”
it is definitely a sight. Amongst the oldest statues in the world, this Buddha
is craved onto a cliff in sitting position (perhaps to give it more support?). </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfwe3h23CqpD0Naphd84PPm1mDD0DxcwYNJVn-60RUxr4JCdvxCFINhgeXwuRHR4RBkn7pkfzObvqWkcIyjmSqokxoKVppzxLrNAQmHtIbLcRTVc9w5aHJwlSqt-3AUsSc52GA/s1600/IMG_7992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFfwe3h23CqpD0Naphd84PPm1mDD0DxcwYNJVn-60RUxr4JCdvxCFINhgeXwuRHR4RBkn7pkfzObvqWkcIyjmSqokxoKVppzxLrNAQmHtIbLcRTVc9w5aHJwlSqt-3AUsSc52GA/s320/IMG_7992.jpg" width="240" /></a>There are 2 ways to seeing the Leshan Buddha, (a) via boat, from the River (where apparently
you see the most picturistic views) (b) A trek down the steep staircase,
starting somewhere near the head of the Buddha to the very feet of the Giant. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We choose to trek down and were soon engulfed in the huge
mass of tourists.. mostly local Chinese people, coming to see this ancient
statue… As we stood in the snail paced lines, I had locals coming and asking to
take pictures of me. Perhaps, they had never really seen a brown Indian Woman….
Nevertheless it was a great way to pass time: Taking pictures with dozens of
Chinese locals, none of who spoke English.. posing and smiling with each of them,
trying to interact using signs … </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEPrwnXT8JbLJPuZtzaz7kIgMoSWNbQ7NcW9XImXigYU2M_3UOB_hSddJew-Zt8sthyphenhyphen47HME_8Qm0B6Mq77vTNpcoSO0YiR13p8hSjxdRa1d2CjzZhUE6S9ZFc_lTEcdwDI4i_Q/s1600/IMG_8014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEPrwnXT8JbLJPuZtzaz7kIgMoSWNbQ7NcW9XImXigYU2M_3UOB_hSddJew-Zt8sthyphenhyphen47HME_8Qm0B6Mq77vTNpcoSO0YiR13p8hSjxdRa1d2CjzZhUE6S9ZFc_lTEcdwDI4i_Q/s320/IMG_8014.jpg" width="240" /></a>And as we walked along the queue, we realized, that perhaps,
just perhaps, China
does not understand the concept of queue and waiting to take your turn very
well.. we had some pushing, shoving, trying to get ahead sort of people.. and
eventually, we decided to form a human wall of 3 , which could not be crossed
.. and that worked really well..!! </div>
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I had a woman behind me, probably angry, trying to shove her
way through… almost shouting .. . but since I do not not understand Chinese,
and she could not speak English…and frankly since there was no emergency… we
learned to ignore her and she us … </div>
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<br /></div>
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And soon as we reached the bottom, near the foot of the
Buddha.. she rushed past us and looked as us with a total look of victory!! Sweet!
No words were needed to translate that to us ! </div>
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<br /></div>
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From the foot of the Buddha as you gaze up.. u realize just
how tiny you really are and how perhaps insignificant you stand in this world ….
Was I awed? No.. but I was impressed, by the sheer size of it, by the sheer age
of it and by the sheer effort it must have taken to build at that age and that
time (803AD) …. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4973BR7QcqUqhdBgIEgsi1fEgE-ALcjDjeqPgR9kfEhrCiztfj-Ztsv6rVGkiz_uAyPqXIyQQUH4Bfgw6GJLAUbbk3-wL_dz_A_g7vGAcp7jqa8a91l2vVaD5MibWTBoZvZJOA/s1600/IMG_8026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4973BR7QcqUqhdBgIEgsi1fEgE-ALcjDjeqPgR9kfEhrCiztfj-Ztsv6rVGkiz_uAyPqXIyQQUH4Bfgw6GJLAUbbk3-wL_dz_A_g7vGAcp7jqa8a91l2vVaD5MibWTBoZvZJOA/s320/IMG_8026.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long trek down to the Buddha</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm3SKjXJ9QLKZwb4aQh6kzGKlpxb_u7wjWoFjES46HQUHHj55EYpjAy4BgA2Jd-E1gnWT49RuJFMkYA2QDbbHkD6O2h27WWoD74sMnaQjl6VUPchlUynq8kpAZLHmOE5jKjn3gA/s1600/IMG_8022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm3SKjXJ9QLKZwb4aQh6kzGKlpxb_u7wjWoFjES46HQUHHj55EYpjAy4BgA2Jd-E1gnWT49RuJFMkYA2QDbbHkD6O2h27WWoD74sMnaQjl6VUPchlUynq8kpAZLHmOE5jKjn3gA/s320/IMG_8022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the foot of the Buddha.. a then we Gaze up.. behold the biggest Buddha of them all !! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 90 RMB, the tickets were not exactly cheap, and for those
with small kids, consider taking the river boat rather than the trek down to
the Buddha foot.. However, it is definitely a sight to see near Chengdu and well worth a
day trip… </div>
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</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-33988756432595011632012-07-02T13:09:00.000-07:002012-07-02T13:09:20.416-07:00A first: Venturing into China as a tourist for the weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will start with this disclaimer “I do not know a word of
Chinese” and traveling in China
without a Chinese speaking native seemed like a huge challenge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, with a weekend in between the meetings, it seemed
like a waste of time in a country of such depth and culture like China, to not
explore. So here I was with a few of my colleagues (who I had managed to
convince) all set to sightseeing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now there were two main issues to be resolved, where should
we go and how? The where part was easy.. Leshan Buddha, Panda Park
and Local Market, seemed the right amount of things to do at the right pace…why would I miss out on seeing the world's biggest Buddha and the world's cutest living slobs! Yay! the agenda seemed right.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the biggest question for non native, non-chinese speaking folks is "how to see the sights at your pace, all by yourself". Well, turns out when you work with China team, it can be resolved rather simply (I call it cheating.. but hey! whatever it takes)... I simply asked one of our Chinese colleagues to help book a air conditioned taxi for
us.. and one lesson I learned while she was booking our Taxi was “always haggle
in China”
. It was pretty amazing how well that worked… the price started from 1200RMB
and ended at 340RMB … So, if in China,
haggle away!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Armed with a few English to Chinese translations (thanks to
our Hotel concierge, I was all set with most important things like “Toilet”, “How
Much”, “What Time” etc.. you get the flow… ) I was ready to see the sights.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The driver was amazing.. did not speak much, spoke no
english, did not play Chinese music.. just drove at an even pace (probably slow
for China)
and the whole trip was a breeze. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spend 9 hours with him and he waited for us patiently at
each spot and took us from one place to another, all our communication was done
via sign language and at the end of the day the total cost of the taxi, gas,
driver’s food was just 650RMB.. Not bad for a private tour, done at your own
pace.. with the cost being shared equally amongst the 3 people.. it was barely
a burp..I would do it again in a heartbeat.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line, traveling in China can be reasonably cheap,
provided you have haggled the right way and have some good references.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For timebeing, after my first taste of China as a tourist... I am dying to explore China at leisure with my other half
and the baby….. it should be fun… </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-52669473095287389742012-07-02T10:24:00.002-07:002012-07-02T13:09:20.422-07:00A day with Panda’s (@ Chengdu China Giant Panda Breeding Base)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A weekend in Chengdu,
thanks to some extended client meetings now allows me to vouch for the fact
that “Panda’s are really the most adorable, cutest slobs you can ever see”.
Their black and white fur, tinted with brown dust makes them definitely one of
the most photogenic bears around the world. Albeit, note that the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>word “bear” can be held debatable, they apparently
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>also classify as belonging to Raccoon
family. However, I think bear sounds much more huggable that raccoons, so I
choose to use the bear classification. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrnoA4AKcY_G2KvDAwbdLRjzz-pLHBuKLeqbXnjZJh_M703d_z5htwIZ9ueDf9g7Kzzmbq9QFEbUbPppugt4AcWl6V9HJFNbJPfZpQtRzeHx5szbDRSpDNqglXBqlW9j8I3xe4g/s1600/IMG_8067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrnoA4AKcY_G2KvDAwbdLRjzz-pLHBuKLeqbXnjZJh_M703d_z5htwIZ9ueDf9g7Kzzmbq9QFEbUbPppugt4AcWl6V9HJFNbJPfZpQtRzeHx5szbDRSpDNqglXBqlW9j8I3xe4g/s320/IMG_8067.jpg" width="320" /></a>At 60RMB (approx $10) the entrance tickets are rather
affordable. We choose to just walk around the park, rather than take the trams
provided. Armed with the panda park map, available the ticket center, we set
out gaping and looking at these near extinct animals. A true bamboo lover,
these panda’s do actually survive on the nutrient deficient bamboo alone, with
a capacity to gain up to 350 pounds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
These Panda’s are not really “wild” per say.. but I cannot
imagine them being very quick in wilderness either.. the calmness which
surrounds them and the zest with which they eat those bamboo sticks can be
defined in one single word : “ZEN”… truly asian.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8jvDpTml6KavsJpNlixeRvNN6-T51U9gDSEj3xRanyNZ4DtYZcdVr-uWuPMBLDoG1WuoC1ZZn7LVPj8q0DnbcVG120I5bZA33cwVq-rfTxL7e5UHqY8nnjtpMChfEDsjwLeK7w/s1600/IMG_8069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8jvDpTml6KavsJpNlixeRvNN6-T51U9gDSEj3xRanyNZ4DtYZcdVr-uWuPMBLDoG1WuoC1ZZn7LVPj8q0DnbcVG120I5bZA33cwVq-rfTxL7e5UHqY8nnjtpMChfEDsjwLeK7w/s320/IMG_8069.jpg" width="320" /></a>Apparently, all the white Panda’s worldwide are Chinese
property.. I like to call them “Chinese Citizens” (Ahem!!) , sounds much more
dignified don’t ya think?. …and boy! Are these citizens treated well.. 200 acres
devoted to their preservation effort, huge open enclosures, devoted cleaners,
unlimited bamboo supply.. these Panda’s seem to be doing well. Yes, definitely much
better than that in zoo! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Whilst I forget, you can actually hold the Panda’s, but
of course, as is with everything, it comes with a nice sizable price tag
attached to it. At about 1000RMB, holding the Panda is not exactly cheap and I decided
to savor the cuteness from afar with no regrets. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Towards the end of our visit, we bought a few “gifts” from
the official store at the entrance of the park and as we walked outside saw a
whole bunch of stalls with “panda” items selling for much cheaper prices right
outside.. well, since China
does not really have a “return goods” policy, we had to make do with what we
bought… but perhaps next time I will be smarter.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGAbnHFOf5MKFPx1adEwMORUJjG0mWzz3zY7IZDAo5sQz7AsSc22jkJuqFyqevNZj-nopmteBZaxG3JNF-p1ZhGMZtiG78ywlP-IuBskJvD5U9R87bGrEw-85OV85Hbcm2sFZA/s1600/IMG_8092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGAbnHFOf5MKFPx1adEwMORUJjG0mWzz3zY7IZDAo5sQz7AsSc22jkJuqFyqevNZj-nopmteBZaxG3JNF-p1ZhGMZtiG78ywlP-IuBskJvD5U9R87bGrEw-85OV85Hbcm2sFZA/s320/IMG_8092.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the end of it all, I have to admit the white ones are the
ones who evoked a lot of “ohh !! ahhhs” from. me. The red, while cute in their own
rights, nevertheless paled in the “cuteness meter” next to the white Panda’s.
Well, who can deny “Po” is much more adorable
than “Shifu” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Ku Fu Panda.. now I know
why!! </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-47485900143986672092012-06-01T12:43:00.002-07:002012-06-01T12:43:54.278-07:00Being You: The everchanging defination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A relationship is a funny thing.. in some ways it defines
the very meaning of being you and in some it changes so many things that there
is essentially a new you. Whether you like the new persona that you now are is
a question you strive you answer.. sometimes the changes is like wave .. it
just happens naturally and sometimes it is like a bend around the road, which
you have to take… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend….all very
important relationships and all influencing the very core of being you… . An
introspection at those rare silent moments makes you startle at this person you
have become along the way.. so many things new which were not there earlier..
some good and some bad… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bad are the ones which make you wonder how you got there
and what made you make those decisions… some regrets ? yes, perhaps, but you
move on.. you shrug away those .. decide to make a change (whether you do or
not is another question) and force your thoughts away from this haunting
new/disturbing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>piece of you… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it is then, you think to yourself.. “perhaps, just
perhaps, there are still pieces of me, which are truly me.. good pieces of me..
totally undiluted, un-influence able, and still fillled with hope/lust/love ” </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-3744305038326519562012-05-25T07:54:00.000-07:002012-07-02T13:09:34.884-07:00Kindle : A travel Companion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style><![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I get to catch up on my reading while traveling and it is one of the few pleasures of a business travel I have come to enjoy. By far, kindle is my favorite electronic gadget and I find myself immersed in the world of words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ipad lovers would beg to differ and of course their claims that Ipad can do so much more is so true.. however, the beauty of Kindle is simply that.. you can read without distractions !!! Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of words… build your own world, where letters rule and make your own kingdom, let the words take hold of your imagination and let the magic work. …. Kindle is a definite hand baggage must have for me! </div></div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-70451620288001183072012-05-25T07:48:00.003-07:002012-05-25T07:48:49.952-07:00The Bookseller's Sonnets: A Book Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I started reading the book, I did not remember anything
from the cover.. I had no idea what the book was about or what to expect. I
just assumed from the title that it was something to do with middle east..
perhaps hoping for an Iranian flavor somewhere .. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boy was I wrong!! As I read through the pages, it became
evident, it was anything but middle eastern.. the completely fictional story
takes place in post sept 11 timeframe.. exploring the complex world of a jewesh
curator of Holocaust Museum in Manhattan.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you get through the first chapter,
you think you know the theme .. ah! A love story about a jewish woman with
orthodox background in love with a non Jewish American.. and then! the plot
manages to surprise you.. in comes that mystery book, from an aynamous person….
And a story within a story begins to unravel. It weaves a complex yet fine
thread of pain, joy, love and suffering. The forbidden love between the
catholic and a jew in Tudor times and the pain and suffering of holocaust….
just keeps you tied in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Predictable? Yes perhaps, but the story is told in a rather
engaging manner… when a new born had to be killed to protect the family from
Nazi’s I found my eyes fill up , just imagining the horror of killing ur own
child made my heart ache.. the inner agony of the main character, the Jewish
curator to come clean about her relationship with her family… had your
understanding… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be warned, the ending of the book, is along the expected
lines, however, there is something to be said of the expected.. sometimes the
expected can give you as much pleasure as the expected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A definite one on my list. </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-71955176606600627642012-05-25T07:47:00.001-07:002012-05-25T07:47:30.282-07:00Kindle: A love Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes! I admit it.. I am a kindle lover!!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this was no easy
transition… A vivid reader, I have always felt the need to hold, smell and turn
those pages.. Initially I could not wrap my brain around having a electronic
format of book .. it seemed just too weird not to turn the page .. or to be
able to jump ahead, read a few lines and jump back to recall something.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then Kindle happened!! A gift from my husband, I
threaded cautiously.. I felt the weight of the reader, I downloaded a few books
from Amazon and I just gave it a try… And much to my surprise, I actually found
myself liking whole experience!! I could easily hold the reader with one hand,
slip it into my purse/laptop bag without adding extra weight, could read
without my eyes getting tired….. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself reading all the time.. while
feeding the baby, in restroom .. while sitting in passenger end of the car,
while flyin.. oh yeah I was hooked….. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh yeah Kindle is my current fav. Electronic gadget (yeah even after having it for nearly 2 years now) …. And my
dearest travel companion!! Love Love Love Kindle! </div>
</div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-82161935465739192992012-04-16T07:04:00.002-07:002012-04-16T07:05:43.843-07:00A first tryst with Gardening<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Back at home, while we were growing up, we lived in a pseudo farm house, where my mom was deeply involved with Gardening and all things associated. We got most of our veggies from the garden and our lawn – Oh! it was so lush, green, filled with flowering plants... an paradise onto itself. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, looking back, I realize that though I savored in the benefits of having a mom with green thumb rather readily, I myself never took to playing around in the mud, planting or growing those every so amazing flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nahh! A typical teen, I just enjoyed myself without a thought at the hard work behind it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, looking at the sorry state of our new digs, we decided to do something about it. So off, we went to HOME DEPOT, our current favorite store and had a discussion with one of the lawn experts there. The net result: Acknowledgement that our lawn probably needs a lotta TLC this year without receiving the benefits of the basking in green. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are now proud owners of a spreader, pruning scissors, garden rake and a bag of deweeder plus fertilizer. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Armed <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>with these, we decided to physically dig out some of the Dandelions, chickweeds, before we use the de-weeder and fertilizer.. so off we went digging, me with my hat, S with his cap… and <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>R (our 1 year old) walking/falling/ohhing/ahhing along our side. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And then came the turn of pruning, my mom (who is here with us for a few days) showed us how to prune.. so click click click went our pruning scissors <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>. and by 4 pm in evening, we had just finished pruning the plants at one end of the house.. the other 3 sides still remained. But gosh, the side where we worked, did look much better than when we started on it… worth the effort we spend there. Makes me actually look forward to next weekend, when we finally put in de-weeder on the lawn and prune rest of the plants around the house. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So herez to the first step in many more to come : our first day at Gardening, 4/15/2012 </p>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-67206139789507584402012-04-12T06:59:00.002-07:002012-04-16T06:21:33.950-07:00Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Vs IPad 2<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I am in the process of buying my mom a tablet. And her requirements are rather simple: Ability to browse, download pictures from emails and camera, do simple picture manipulations, skype, Google video chat, watch videos, WiFi. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Given the price tag of $499 for the new IPAD (ipad 3?), and that the key difference between the two versions being the retina display, I think that IPAD 2 at $399 may actually be a good option for her. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, the fact that you still can't remove the battery, there's no HDMI out port, and no expanding the storage with an SD card, makes Galaxy Tab 10.1 very tempting. The built in stereo system, in build GPS, most importantly the easy transfer of data between SD card and windows PC makes Galaxy very attractive for the given needs</p> <p>I will be the first to admit, I am not tab junkie, I have very little knowledge when it comes to tab. I use Kindle (and AHEM! Love it! .. ) and for mail etc, use my laptop or my phone (an Android based one).. so perhaps my confusion stems from the fact that I hardly have used IPAD/IPhone the way it ought to be .. real extensively.. my limited experience with these devices have been for listening to music, browsing.. which I think I can do as effectively else where<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in android based application. </p> <p>And of course the price parity does nothing— the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and iPad 2 each cost $400 (as of March 2012) — and hence the additional dilemma. </p> <p>But again, the fact that half the world and one very good friend of mine, Kanishk, is such a HUGE fan of IPAD leads me to lean a bit towards the IPAD.</p> <p> </p> <p>Well, the conflict is on.. at this point the scores are as follows: </p> <p>Galaxy tab : 1 / Ipad 2: 1.25<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>UPDATE: Based on further analysis and a strong recommendation from my friend <a href="http://qualityandprocess.blogspot.com/">Kanishk </a>just ordered the IPAD.. . now waiting to see my mom's reaction to it<br /></p>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-75038627658876754912012-04-11T11:30:00.000-07:002012-04-11T11:31:51.988-07:00Blog revival<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking on and off about reviving this blog, it has been dead for a while with a post or two in between. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I struggled with this internally, and had to battle with the thought of no one reading the blog ! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I found myself constantly pining to pen down those thoughts and struggled with possibility that I would find no one interested in it to read these thoughts, comment…. . form a comradeship based on these random ramblings. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally I looked real deep and went back to the roots of my reason for blogging .. and poof! It struck me hard that this was supposed to “MY Medium” for sorting/thinking/writing down things which matter.. my introspection, my view point.. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And just like that, I had made the decision… to move forward, to let my doubts lie and start again on this journey, let the words flow and let them talk … </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">So with a bang, here I am declaring to world “YES, THIS BLOG IS ALIVE” .. KICKING and ready to go… here I am writing again! Yay!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Herez to a new start! Cheers!!!!<br /></p>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-8099791580774106852010-06-27T09:40:00.000-07:002010-06-27T09:58:29.759-07:00Genghis: Birth of an EmpireJust finished reading this book and I have to admit though not transfixing... it was certainly entertaining...<div><br /></div><div>Being a total history buff, I tend more towards reading historically based novels.... it feeds my travel hungry soul! </div><div><br /></div><div>The book gives an excellent description of the Mongolian landscape and the hardships places by the wandering tribes... I could almost imagine myself in the place. Though some of the historical facts have been tweaked a bit to make the novel interesting, it seems to stick to the essence of the "dreaded Khan"... I think the novel manages to be illuminating while being entertaining...</div><div><br /></div><div>You find your heart going out and rooting for young Temujin (the future Genghis Khan) when he and his family are left to fend for themselves in the harsh Mongolian plains.. you cannot help but admire the feistiness of the mother, Houlen who manages to keep the young kids alive through the winter at sub zero temperatures with no roof on the head... </div><div><br /></div><div>I, for one will definitely read the next in the series, Bones of the hills.... </div><h1 class="parseasinTitle" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; "><br /></h1>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-29882974343692103952010-04-16T14:03:00.000-07:002010-04-16T14:06:59.054-07:00The characteristics of an ideal, perfect Tava Roti (Indian Bread)Yes, I can make one… from a scratch. Well, being an Indian, it is nothing really to boast about and frankly, it is probably a very easy task. However, making a simple Roti is probably easy, but making a perfect one is a totally different story!<br /><br /><strong>So to begin with the question is how do you make the Roti??</strong><br /><br />The recipe is as simple as it gets. All you need is (a) 2 cups of atta (wheat flour) (b) ¾ cup of water (c) a pinch of salt. Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl and knead it to make smooth dough.<br /><br />You then form small lemon sized dough rounds and flatten each one to around 8 inch diameter using a rolling pin. Finally you cook this evenly on both sides on a skillet (or as Indian’s would say “Tava”). Your roti is now ready to eat !<br /><br />Sounds easy enough eh? But to get an “perfect” roti, is an art in itself.<span style="color:#cc0000;"> <em>A “perfect” roti has to be “perfectly round” and soft enough to melt while you eat with that “Hot curry</em>”.<br /></span><br />Alas. Therein lies the issue… first you need to mix the dough just right, if you over knead it you end up with “ultra hard cracker-style” rotis… if you mix it too loose.. it’s a pain to roll. After many attempts and a few dirty looks from my hubby about having to eat my creations, I think I have finally got the initial art of mixing the dough just right.<br /><br />But my attempts at making those perfectly round “circular, even radii” roti’s has been a total disaster. I can proudly state that I can make all the shapes and sizes of the roti… will all, except for the round shape. of the various countries (of course, that is not by any design), but try as I may there is no way I can get a round one.<br /><br />Trust me I have tried and tried… very diligently too! But after trying all I can, the art of making those perfect “coveted” round rotis totally escapes me.<br /><br />So, I have a solution for when I make roti’s for some one else other than hubby and me… I call it “<span style="color:#993399;">the knife carving method of making rotis</span>”. Roll your dough out, don’t worry about the shape and then take a round lid , place it on top of the rolled dough and use knife to cut the extras. VOILA… you now have a perfectly round roti’s…<br /><br />Some may call it cheating.. but I call it the art of knife carving roti.... works for me (Totally!)Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-45259363587179037682010-04-14T14:20:00.000-07:002010-04-15T08:26:59.273-07:00Why I love Spring: Top 10 reasons<ol><li>It comes right after the dreaded “winter” </li><li>It brings a "spring" to my step. </li><li>No more snow to shovel (Totally love the fact !! )</li><li>The chirping of birds outside my window (I wanna chrip too) . </li><li>The feel the sun on the face (right in sync with my Indian sensibilities) </li><li>The cool wind on my face while biking (Feel like singing aloud sometimes) </li><li>Walking amidst the greenery makes heart pump stronger (or so I suppose).</li><li>Longer days (Ah! the charm of illusion of more time.... ) </li><li>I get to wear finally wear dresses, skirts and sleeveless tops. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span>! ) </li><li>Most importantly, <strong>It makes me Smile </strong>(pointlessly). </li></ol>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-78746997399080195352010-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:002010-04-13T08:38:08.238-07:00Expansion of the off-shore oil drilling... where are we headed...?I have to admit I am a little disappointed with the new approach Obama <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">administration</span> is taking towards the offshore oil drilling. The fact that now the previously restricted portions of Atlantic and gulf of Mexico will soon be a oil and gas drilling field, makes me think of the numerous fauna and flora which will cease to exist.<br /><br /><br />Yes, I agree that with the new technological advances the oil spills, once rampant, are a vague (very vague) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">possibility</span>. But, at the same time, it is essential for us to focus very heavily on developing other oil-substituting resources. Personally, I feel, that an increase in off shore oil drilling, will just encourage the folks to extend the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">timeline</span> for maturity of the other natural resources.<br /><br /><br />It is a pity, that when Saudi Arabia and other rich oil producing countries are focusing on developing solar and other renewable energy sources, Kudos is being given to the new expansion plans for offshore drilling. I am not saying that solar is the way to go, but I am surely saying that there are other resources out there (perhaps natural gas, wind energy etc) which need belief and a need of urgency to actually meet its true potential.<br /><br /><br />It has oft been told "Necessity is the mother of all inventions"... so if we don't make the need essential and an necessity, the inventions will happen.. but eventually......and slowly.. ... perhaps too slowly !!<br /><br /><br />Think about that!Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-21140452465474512472009-10-05T20:01:00.000-07:002009-10-05T20:10:48.880-07:009/5: A note , VeniceI had some of my best Italian food today in Venice.. Ah! That Pizza with fresh tomatoes and onions was something truly to experience.<br /><br />With my "extra retarded" knife and fork skills, I had my gallant husband come to my rescue. With that custom cut Pizza I could finally savor each bite.<br /><br />The pesto Spaghetti dinner with a ultra YUM Tiramisu gelato.... makes me want some more...<br /><br />I think I am going to like Italy.......Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-48522407017865230562009-10-05T19:48:00.000-07:002009-10-05T19:56:26.432-07:00Glimpses of Venices<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5nFReyQ11BqgXOYCc3n_3CtRIj8CHbkVwZ3opzDUejcdgDiksM-ZXv9FPqhCiS6cb_MgdqXC7Uxw5QrbBEjRIUKLCLveYcL79rf2peCXm0BYMegGhKadVXca7kauWG9oo_h9A/s1600-h/italy-c2+144.ORF.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389314884611593330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 326px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT5nFReyQ11BqgXOYCc3n_3CtRIj8CHbkVwZ3opzDUejcdgDiksM-ZXv9FPqhCiS6cb_MgdqXC7Uxw5QrbBEjRIUKLCLveYcL79rf2peCXm0BYMegGhKadVXca7kauWG9oo_h9A/s400/italy-c2+144.ORF.jpg" border="0" /></a> The famous Rialto Bridge <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwfrzvJiULNkWU28Xv3hlybSoE6HVfBfxPwn1qeWconrC6wwpKS4qe-gNG4qIQjVbUeCGCDe0tn3lbpPNLsLo_ISunLo-p0_qFE3yhAWUpcHNIs1RBpWCJh6q7_T3UHc-69s6WA/s1600-h/dolly_italy_+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389314871521231202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwfrzvJiULNkWU28Xv3hlybSoE6HVfBfxPwn1qeWconrC6wwpKS4qe-gNG4qIQjVbUeCGCDe0tn3lbpPNLsLo_ISunLo-p0_qFE3yhAWUpcHNIs1RBpWCJh6q7_T3UHc-69s6WA/s400/dolly_italy_+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div> The First view of Venice from the Rialto Bridge.. SIGH SIGH <div></div></div></div></div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-78724508273064686222009-10-05T18:58:00.000-07:002009-10-05T20:00:47.890-07:009/5: Our First Day in Italy: Venice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAcmwv9L1DimzlKtTNZpvSOaKO8Bd4rniiTKMYw60T2cVakP4SMFo37YPV0-MgNdfMfJ9MWAaG8c8IpssarI10q2w9Y8PdMTijz9Y7yWMG1ojc2WYvHxWZ3oZsHf5ElEXZARBuw/s1600-h/dolly_italy_+008.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipySAJARVTLro8H3g29i0JCScTEoC-VGJKsj4LSDw3yQX0pdivobzf7oVhwVCT2JxJVAxLuPdP3dMN1AJq0XpbWwRZzXGKsdgqxEJImGj17rozJ-CtiG1SkAXl6r-oBZZMseLWUA/s1600-h/italy-c2+144.ORF.jpg"></a><div><div>Being seated in the center seat in the airplane has some disadvantages, the chief amongst them being unable to get a clear glimpse of Italy from air. However, being an Indian, a race with a reputation of making things work, I was able to, by craning my neck a lil' get my first glimpse of Italian mountains (Dolomite perhaps?), which I have to admit did not awe me! Blame it on the Peruvian Andes which I saw last year. However, given the fact that my view was not really the best, I decided to let the first impressions rest.. atleast a lil' while longer!! </div><div><br />Armed with a bus and water taxi tickets, we were all set to begin our Italian adventure in the fabled “lovers paradise: Venice” </div><div><br />And lo! Venice, with wide canals (which BTW were much larger than I had imagined), throngs of people, water taxis jutting by, this place had certainly earned itz reputation of being unique. Sitting on the front row in the water taxi, I could not complain about the view. I was all set to fall for Venice, even a much colder Venice than I exp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgbd9st7C2B6CApyZ4AG2yykz3GuxZCcpc1fCChQ-QDTf1s3KLYGjBVFTWjhlr3hniRbuFRD0XcK9RJxqwxUzcMqp72wwHN7gtRSd3Vo1BqayODC2-YkMjYjj0510-O8GoXEdBQ/s1600-h/dolly_italy_+008.JPG"></a>ected! </div><div><br />After depositing out bags in Hotel Bernadi we wandered, hand in hand, onto the narrow streets and up to the Rialto Bridge. From atop the Bridge, you get what some may call “A picture Perfect Venice”. The blue gondola's sailing along makes you sigh and as you seek that comfortable shoulder next to you.. you just know that you will love Italy.... </div></div></div>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-19401277391351037562009-08-27T20:19:00.000-07:002009-08-27T20:24:05.961-07:00Gobi Manchurian<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS9-rBrCDuhBX9Iq4VlTeY4HHHPG3huwxQTDqSeja6m-GIA7nCNxpbf423UONs_KdAtu0jtMSCRMLr8nGEfq8EMJL-1rKIIoFi7e3zWMfKh-BdQF30yVBsHOOpcaDdNllC8VLPA/s1600-h/257.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLS9-rBrCDuhBX9Iq4VlTeY4HHHPG3huwxQTDqSeja6m-GIA7nCNxpbf423UONs_KdAtu0jtMSCRMLr8nGEfq8EMJL-1rKIIoFi7e3zWMfKh-BdQF30yVBsHOOpcaDdNllC8VLPA/s320/257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374849195542570450" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite dishes : The Gobi Manchurian </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The picture is from a while back, but hey these are one of those rare few times when I can actually boast that I cooked something that looked this good… </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just could not resist putting this picture in… some ego is always a good thing.. right??? <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">J</span></span> </p>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-52588701325258379062009-08-27T19:40:00.000-07:002009-08-27T19:55:34.576-07:00Karkady: the Hibiscus tea from Land of Pharaoh<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As I sat in my office sipping the hot Tazo “Passion” tea, my mind kept wandering to the deep red colors of the Hibiscus tea. We were first introduced to this tea (also called Karkady) </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">in Egypt. Offered everywhere, in restaurants, hotels, café and stores, this was the drink of my choice during our tour there. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The tangy tasting liquid may not suit many taste buds (including my hubby, who did not care much for it), but being one of those few Indians who does not like Chai (YES!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I do not care for Indian Chai), the Karkady suited my taste buds just fine! I am a total sucker for drinks like this....</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Made from the dried, dark red petals of the Hibiscus flower, the color of this drink is down right fascinating. You swirl it and as the light falls on it, you can actually see different hues of red and there are some reds which I swear I have hardly ever seen. Amidst the smoke swirling off the Shisha ( the Egyptian Hookah), sipping this tea is an experience hard to forget…….ahh those memories …all that remains is but those memories..................</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height:115%;Times New Roman","serif"font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, on the bright side I did get some dried Hibiscus petals from Egypt (surprisingly cheap), but could not brew a good cup of tea . Today however, I was determined, so here I was back from work, exhausted yet looking through the internet ... googling away to get a recipe which sounded like it would work. Now at last, I can claim that the sucess is mine (oh that sweet lady) and I (being the generous person I am) have decided to share this recipe (which you can find online) and increase the followers of the "Hibiscus tea fan Club"... try it, see if you like it ...may be (just may be) you would.........</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:2.8pt;line-height:normal;mso-outline-level: 2"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#2A2A2A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in; line-height:21.6pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#555555;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 cup (1 1/2 oz.) dried hibiscus blossoms</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in; line-height:21.6pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#555555;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 cinnamon stick (about 1 in.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in; line-height:21.6pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#555555;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ice cubes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:21.6pt; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-family:Symbol;color:#555555;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">About 1/3 cup sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:2.8pt;line-height:normal;mso-outline-level: 2"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#2A2A2A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Preparation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;line-height:16.8pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman";font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. In a 4- to 5-quart pan on high heat, bring 3 quarts water to boiling. Add hibiscus blossoms and cinnamon stick. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Let cool about 1 hour.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.8pt"><span style=" font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-Times New Roman"; font-family:";color:#555555;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. Pour tea through a strainer, lined with a double thickness of cheesecloth, into a pitcher. Discard residue in strainer. Pour tea, hot or cold, into ice-filled glasses. Add sugar to taste.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-49356368205129341062009-08-22T20:03:00.000-07:002009-08-22T20:39:34.595-07:00I need to know more about Fractal theory...There are times like this, when I feel good about working where I do...<br /><br />Today while we were seeing a TV series about "Fractal theory" (fascinating stuff) I realized that the theory in its current state was first coined by Benoît Mandelbrot – an Ex-IBM T J Watson researcher. May be working there, someday some of the genius which surrounds me will rub off ??<br /><br />Anyway, the fractal theory by itself amazing in its simplicity. The fact that it can give a mathematical structure to the randomness in nature, is rather spellbinding. Have to read more about this subject… better understand the explaination of the seemingly disordered world with such geometrical simplicity.<br /><br />This is definately on my list of things to read about .................................Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-12429407635204005752009-08-16T19:01:00.001-07:002009-08-16T19:05:04.740-07:00hmmm...Ever wondered why endings are as important as the beginnings…..Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16336755.post-50047112566809627332009-08-14T19:48:00.001-07:002009-08-14T19:58:20.949-07:00The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society : A ReviewWhat a delight !!!!! I just got up after reading this book and I have to say that it was a one of those which leaves a smile lingering on your face long afterward.<br /><br />Placed around World War II this book brings to life the horrors of the war time and the bravery of the people who lived through it. Set as a series of letter, between the narrator and the other characters, this book manages to be funny while tantalizing those "tear glands" <br /><br />At the end of the book, I swear I feel like I personally know all the characters and the place "Guernsey Island". And the best part - I have that "rare" feeling of satisfaction at the "end", which is so rare with a book.<br /><br />Often great books fall short of being really "great" due to the ending, but this one ... Nay! not this one.<br /><br />On a day of leisure, where you want to curl up and pick a "feel good" book, choose this one... with a mug of coffee next to you, sipping away, drown yourself into these pages......... you will find yourself sighing, sniffling and smiling....Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620223125382956930noreply@blogger.com0