*****
There is nothing wrong if you like following the herd.
*****
Update : I now remember, I also tried reading The monk who sold his ferrari. In the end, better (my) sense prevailed.
This makes for a funny read. Picturing the stupefied critic cracks me up. Having enjoyed the read, I still wouldn't condone what the restaurateur did. It was downright nasty.
However, it would be nice to do this with some of our food critics. Specially, who write for tabloids and provide no value add, either to the restaurant or to the reader.
Of late, the quality of food reviews that have appeared in Mid-Day, Time Out, Mumbai Mirror and Bombay Times make more damage than provide an honest feedback.
Ideally, you are supposed to offer valid reasons for why your restaurant visit fell flat. It goes without saying that you must have some idea about the cuisine you are about to critique. You can't claim to love Thai food and then whine about it using coconut.
Eating out and writing about restaurants you love is fine. Food Critiquing is something else altogether.
*****
Okay, now time for a restaurant review from yours truly. Ahem.
Just kidding.
I am not qualified to review The Indian Harvest at Acres Club. However, I can vouch for the terrific time you will have if you decide to visit the place.
They are champs at fusion food and I loved the fresh ideas they brought to the table.
I tried the restaurant after Rushina recommended it here.
*****
If you are into Food photography, do read Andrew Scrivani. Helpful tips.
I am happy for having been able to predict two of the three finalists - Jayavardhan and Pankaj. Radhicka is quite a welcome surprise.
Sometimes, our search for perfection squeezes out the charm we find in our hobbies.
Also, just so you know, there is no seat sharing/tie up here. Each political party fights it out alone.
Last I checked, shy girls at college still ruled the roost. Or was that in the 19th century (when I went to college)?
On a related note : This is funny. Behenjis you rock !
Will we ever see more of such brilliant coverage in English media?
I know. Stupid question.
Btw, did I tell you that one of my many dreams has always been to become political journalist?
*****
On Gujarat : I absolutely love the infrastructure in the state. And we are not talking only about cities.
Small towns have been given equal importance and there is much to envy (especially for a Bombayite).
Btw, did I ever tell you that another of my many dreams has always been to work for the Urban Planning Commission?
And just a small bit of information to everybody, Government security agencies tap each and every phone call and text message you make in India. Thats right, each and every call. So next time you talk to your pimp/drug dealer/gun runner please know that Big Brother (Sister?) is listening to your every word. OK, so only if you use certain key words does the system get alerted, but everyday in those bunch of buildings behind Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium every call is recorded and stored for over a month. Detective Agency my ass!
No 'secret' government document has been declassified since 1947. Well, that's not technically true. The Ministry of External Affairs did declassify more than 120 files dating from the 1950s and 1960s, but these are stored in the foreign office's records management section - not in the National Archives of India - and out of bounds for the aam janta, journalists included.
So whether it's the Henderson-Brooks Committee report on the performance of the Indian Army in the 1962 India-China war, or the LP Singh Committee report on the misuse of intelligence agencies and the CBI by Indira Gandhi in 1975-1977 during the Emergency, it's a strict no-go area, all in the name of that jelly bean called 'national security'.
And here's the clincher: the rules that deal with India's policy for declassification itself are classified.
Let many more taps and leaks and creaks and groans lead to official and unofficial secrets tumbling out of the dingy attic. Because they're certainly not going to come out on their own.
Often, I came across Haruki Murakami on many an author's must read list. This is how the Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman came to adorn my book shelf.
The book, a collection of short stories, all of which are set in Japan, is a treat for lovers of surrealism.
Most of Murakami's heroes are every day Joes who experience uncommon situations. Each plot is as implausible as it gets and every character has queer mannerisms. However, common themes of loss, loneliness, deceit and fear are woven beautifully into all stories.
So good is Murakami with his art that by the end of each chapter you will have met with fear and loneliness, in person.
What also makes the book an absolute page turner, is Murakami's lucid story telling. Even though most stories deal with dark themes and depressing milieu, there is always a tinge of thrill to the climax. Also, with time, you will realise that Murakami gives much space to his characters. There is no hurry to unveil their circumstances or idiosyncrasies. As a reader, you will have to be patient and let the stories unfold at their own pace.
Having been so kind to the book, I must add that reading Murakami can be difficult for his first time readers. Unless, they are open to lack of closure.
If you can handle unpredictability, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman will definitely win your approval.
It's a little late in the day to be sharing this
However, Mahima writes beautifully and I couldn't agree more on the subject.
*****
A lot has been said about Facebook and how it may have revolutionised how we view ourselves and the world.
My opinion : Whatever.
Quite a hilarious read this one!
It's for tidbits like this, that history has been a favourite.
Link via Prasad
This was a delightful read.
I know that AIR has in-house librarians, but how valued they are, is anybody's guess. I mean, do you know of any college professors and/or historians who thank the AIR for making their subjects easier and interesting?
On the other hand, a lot of friends who are studying in the US or have been staying there for many years now, are always full of praise for the value NPR brings to the table.
From what I know about private radio stations (through a colleague who is now an RJ), librarians are not a cherished resource. Infact, some companies don't have any knowledge house. Most of the conversation is crowd sourced and repetitive.
No wonder then, about the quality of our programs and RJs.
*****
The online presence of most of our radio stations is akin to Page 3 coverage. About AIR, they deserve every bit of praise for killing creativity.
Do browse through NPR's website. Though they belong to a different zone, there is some very good conversation happening there.
This is a deplorable situation.
While I don't have any suggestions to work out the problem, one only wishes the elderly are treated with more honour.
Link via Arvind.
2010 has been quite eventful so far.
Before leaving for the Vipassana trip (earlier this year), I had promised myself that the day I got back to Mumbai - I would bring an end to my career in investment banking.
My job had presented me with many opportunities and accolades. However, I just didn't think it was anywhere close to a 'calling' for me.
Ofcourse, this crazy plan was well guarded from most people. Not everyone takes a deviation from routine as normal.
So, for the first time in 4 years after graduation, I had truckloads of time on hand.
I slept, read, watched movies and cooked.
I visited my school and went out with old friends.
I shortlisted nine sectors worth doing business in, made business plans and sought feedback from experts.
Yet, most of the time, seemingly engaged in interesting activities, my mind worked overtime.
I had NO idea where I was headed.
It was extremely difficult not to have any answers. For someone who prided herself on always knowing what she wanted from life and working towards achieving it, these months of uncertainty were quite daunting.
Thankfully, the year has progressed well and my experience of 'doing nothing' has been quite revealing and worthwhile.
Though some questions still irk me, most concerns have been ironed out.
Having spoken about the year, I now want to specify why I write this post.
I don't think I could have fared as well as I did, had it not been for my friends.
Ofcourse, my family was the most supportive. But then, they are blood relations and will have to wait for a vote of thanks.
Today, is just for friends.
People who have stood by me, supported me, corrected me, humored me, mentored me and just plain, heard me out.
People who showed me kindness and faith.
Most important, people who made me feel good about myself.
Once a friend told me that my future didn't bother him much. 'You are a Sindhi after all! Your innate resourcefulness will see you through!'
Ofcourse, that didn't solve my problems. Still, coming from a friend, it was the most comforting balm! (And, yeah, he earned brownie points for the Sindhi's ego massage ;-) )
The point I am trying to make is - Old friends are valuable and good for your health. Like wine, they get better with each passing year.
Often, people don't value their friendships. Different colleges, separate career pathways, boy/girlfriends, marriage, children are quoted as reasons of 'letting go'.
Agreed not all friendships are worth the hassle. Still, the few that are, must be treasured.
So, on this Diwali, while I thank God for my wonderful set of friends, I hope you reach out to people who have made your life worthwhile.
Here's wishing you and your loved ones a Sparkling Diwali and a fun filled new year!
