Postcards From J

Here's wishing you all a joyous Christmas and a smashing 2006... ~j~

... At Abdul Rahman Street Near Crawford Market, Bombay © ~j~ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev'rywhere you go; Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in ev'ry store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be On your own front door. A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots Is the wish of Barney and Ben; Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk Is the hope of Janice and Jen; And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Ev'rywhere you go; There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well, The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; Soon the bells will start, And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing Right within your heart. Found this really cute website where you can sing...

To wonder is not just the domain of a wide-eyed child, right? Here are some questions that I've been contemplating upon: * Why is Tanisha dressed like a slut in that candyfloss of a movie ? And why is she still being referred to as Kajol's kid sister? * Were the semi-finals of Nach Baliye rigged? How can Varun forget his steps? Why did they have the judges voting ONLY today? * Why is Abhishek Bachchan getting hotter by the day? [Get THE video here .] * When is the Big B going to be back on his feet? And will he still endorse Chyawanprash and Hajmola? * Is Anjalli Gupta guilty or will she be another victim of the system? * What the hell is going on in the Indian Parliament, BCCI and in Saurav Ganguly's brain? * Will India beat Sri Lanka in the upcoming second Test? Aur Sehwag ka kya hoga?

Since I've been bereft of ideas for a post on Mangalore, my native place, I've decided to put up this poem (if that's what you wanna call it!) I wrote on the trip for my office newsletter. Plus, I really want to get back to proper blogging and that I can do ONLY after I've put down something about the entire trip. One problem though - I need a title for this, so all you creative minds out there, please put your thinking caps on and HELP ME! 4004 destinations galore But I chose Bangalore and Mangalore. Packed my bags and away I went, Ten days of fun and time well spent. Welcomed by a wet Garden City, I was hoping the rain would have some pity And let me have a chance to explore The myriad facets of Bangalore. From architectural splendours of Tipu's Palace To rickshaw-wallahs who seem so callous; Then gorging on biryani at The Biryani Merchant And Death By Chocolate at the Corner House tent. An encounter with a 'live' dinosaur on hydraulics Was just perfect f...

Just back from a much needed break (only to wish for another one again - sigh!). Its funny how vacations can get taxing too! Bangalore was my first stop, so here are some sights and scenes of the Garden City... At Tipu Sultan's Palace An interesting monument, though no longer as large as the original structure, Tipu's Palace has lovely woodwork and design in some places. I particularly liked the painted floral motifs on some walls, ceilings and corners. Meeting Ranju in Bangalore was definitely on my agenda. She made sure I visited her two favourite places - The Biryani Merchant , a cozy biryani stop and Corner House , the ruling dessert spot. DBC @ Corner House For reasons beyond me, she wanted me killed, and suggested the Death By Chocolate (which I did tuck into... quick review: didn't like the peanuts they so generously sprinkled on the chocolate cake - vanilla ice-cream combo). But Ranju obviously had no idea about my monstrous appetite ;) Since we (my frien...

Found this on Naukri 's HR news: HR Headlines (Oct 15 '05 - Oct 21 '05) Does Your Company Give You A Dating Allowance? The latest trend in the corporate world is issuing dating allowance to employees. This is done to encourage inter-personal relationships and even nuptials within the organisation. According to Mr Sanjeev Kataria, group executive VP, NIIT, "The philosophy behind the initiative is to show that the company wants to participate in the lives of its employees. We take on the role of the family and help the employee move to the next phase of his or her life, which is marriage." There is also a practical reason behind the initiative. As per adman Mr Prahlad Kakkar, "With high-pressure jobs, employees spend a lot of time together. They are thus attracted to each other, so this does make sense." Source: 18 Oct' 05 The Times of India New Delhi Edition When I read this, I fell off my chair laughing! I mean, if my employer were to give me a datin...

Warning: The images you are about to view in this postcard are not recommended for hardcore vegetarians or those serious on shedding some extra kilos. Friday 14th October 2005 - Mayura, Iden, Madhu and I decided to descend on Mohammad Ali Road after work to check out the delicacies laid out during the evenings in the holy month of Ramzan. The Muslim community break their fast by sundown and the array of food served in this locality is mind-boggling. From meaty portions of kababs , kaleji , bheja and other assorted fare to absolutely incredible desserts like phirnee , malpua and aflatoon , it is a food route worth your time and money. Feast For The Senses What was more praiseworthy is that, even among the milling crowds, we never once felt out of place or uncared for or despised at. In true review style, here are my ratings: Chicken Something Ummmm... Food - 9/10 Non-Vegetarians, this is ONLY for you. I liked the seekh kabab and baida roti. The phirnee in clay bowls was yummy; I p...