Chai Garam...Chai Garam...

"Chai Garam, Chai Garam....!! I had heard these words several times during my recent travel in one of the long distance trains. If you are a tea person, that call would surely tempt you to respond with a "Oye bhaiya, Ek chai", but those words got me thinking about the national drink of our country (unofficially, of course)

Tea as a drink has now become almost synonym to the small 'tapri' (roadside stalls) in Mumbai. A small stall with the least investment, It's a very common sight to see vendors, workers, middle-class men, and nowadays call center crowd flocking around these tea stalls during their free time.They seem to be around every corner. From outside multinational company complex to railway and bus stations, from new construction sites to industrial areas, these stalls are making their mark everywhere.

Tapri chai is a fix most office-goers can't do without. This is a place where friends gather during the day in true convivial spirit to partake of this hearty brew and catch up on the local gossip. It’s usually served in small tea glasses, but you haven’t really enjoyed it until you pour it on an empty saucer and simply slurp.Tapri also gives solace to a lot of college going kids who find the tapri the most affordable place to pass time between classes (...or during class, hehe). The easiest way to recognize tapri is firstly by seeing a group of people around it, or by their kerosene operated stoves.

 The Mumbai tapri chai is also a relief to many of the mumbaikars who go on foot till Siddhivinayak (A famous temple in Mumbai) on Tuesday mornings. Tuesday mornings, this tea is the energy drink that drives these religious ones to their destination. Many generous stalls provide free cups of tea to these regular walkers at various stops on the way.

 Also, one of the oldest restaurants in Mumbai known for its tea is the 'Tea Centre' at Churchgate, Mumbai. Its not only known for its variety of tea, but more for its ambience. Even though its very different than the standard tapris in mumbai, the experience there, can transfer you from today to yester-years look, with small silver bells on the table to call out to the waiter, beautiful surroundings and old-style furniture. The Tea Centre was initially opened by the Tea Board of India to promote the drink.

I, however have never been able to come to terms with the ability of certain people to spend more than 10/- for a cup of tea. So to find out what is the thrill all about, I decided to once find out how it felt and went to one of the coffee shops and ordered Masala Chai. Eventually I ended up spending Rs. 40/- for boiled water in a stylish cup, milk, sugar and tea bags given separately. But that of course is a different story. At the end of this little social experience, I had to go to the nearest tapri to enjoy the feeling of having a true masala chai.

Mumbai is known as the city of dreams, but the tapri's of mumbai are the alarm clocks that help people wake up to achieve those dreams.

Its just difficult to imagine a city without few of them around the neighbourhood. This article sure has given me a craving for a chai, Anyone care to join?

Cakes that help you lose weight...

I am on a weight loss programme lately and looking for every possible exercises/diet programme/method/equipment to help me achieve that. I was just surfing through google.com and this is what I came up with. I am not sure about loss of weight, but I am sure one will deifinitely lose appetite to eat cakes forever....Haha...Enjoy..
So Here goes....

Anyone for a 'Spidey-cake'???

'Wanna-be-dead-? Cake'

Reminds me of the creature from "The Legend" of Will Smith.

Need company for a bath in chocolate???'

New toppings available in the market...!!!

I really can't figure this one out..!!!

Brains anyone???

Hannibal Cake!!

Eat it or It'll eat you!!! hahahaa....

Rodent Cake..!!!

Enter-at-your-own-risk CAKE

It-looks-the-same-from-every-angle CAKE

Aarrgggh!!!

I always had a fascination for Blue eyes...!!!

Anyone for a handful???

Such a lively set of neighbours!!!

Ask your MUMMY for the cake....!!!

and finally.....

My personal Favourite...

Can anyone suggest a caption for this cake?...C'mon people...get your minds churning....!!!

Adios...See u later...

Dos & Donts of Dating

These days, thanks to the age of technology everything is one phone call or one click away ...from tickets, books, movies, groceries, even baby sitters. While I was still getting used to the advances in this world of web, I came across a site where you could find 'LOVE'.

I wasn't surprised, because I have heard of people getting married on Internet, and I could digest the fact that people could find life partners online., But Love? I wasn't sure. Whats the difference u ask me? Well, Finding partners for life doesn't HAVE to include love, but that's a different topic, isn't it?

Anyways, I have had many friends find their "dates" online and gone on Blind dates with a richboy999 or sweetgal25 and even though the thought of going on a DATE is exciting, online dating opens a whole new door for unexpected surprises and questions.

Luck matters a lot when you are looking for friends/dates. So how does it all get started?? There is a reason why sites like orkut/facebook/twitter, etc are called social networking sites. Being a girl, I receive at least 2-3 invites on orkut and facebook every week from strangers wanting to be friends and I am sure many females face the same issue. But for guys it probably becomes a different issue altogether. Many people wrongly assume that using an online dating service is the equivalent of throwing in the towel and screaming, "All right already, I'll do it -- I'm desperate!" Actually, online dating is not for the desperate (alone). It actually could become a very successful way to find 'compatible' people.

So when our mail box shows the magical mail of "Speeddate recommends you rahul007 " the first obvious thing we do is scan their profile. Maybe that is one reason why many online dating services are even hiring psychologists to help with their personality profiles. They want to make sure that they have scientific studies to back their "matching" programs.

Recently, I had one friend of mine come to me with wanting tips for her first experience at online dating. Here's what I told her...

1. Catch Phrase: "Its not personal, its business". These are the kind of lines that suit as a dialogue of a 'godfather' movie, but just imagine the impression it would create on a personal profile. You would'nt want your online dating dream to be a business now, would you?? My personal approach to finding the best Catch phrase is --> close your eyes, and take your name. Whats the first thought that comes to your mind? Adjective, quote, or even a cheesy 'about me' line whatever it is, is what defines you.

2. Sorry you are not my type: Don't take these responses from others personally. You may find that you send a lot of "hello" messages, with no replies. The truth is that some people date online more for entertainment and to find out where they stand, than to meet their soul mate. Also, feel free to say "no" to anyone online. And if you don't want your profile tortured by students or desparados, make sure you make a clear mention of the same.

3. Be what you are: Last week, one friend shared with me his frustration that the women he met in person did not match their profiles. Some people aren't honest and don't post recent photos. But be advised, you need to be truthful when describing yourself. Outright lying just won't work -- it'll blow up in your face when your date learns you are not an MBAite, or a professional dancer.

4. Take your time: Studies show that relationships develop faster onlineI would recommend to wait at least two weeks before you meet face-to-face. And, before you meet in person, move the conversation from online to phone. During a phone chat you'll get a better sense of whether your personalities click. (time frame mentioned might differ from person to person..go by your instinct)

5. Oh my gawd, he looks just like Brad Pitt: Avoid choosing your dates based on photos. It’s all too easy to scroll through Internet profiles, selecting the Brad Pitt look-alikes and bypassing the rest. Remember, real men lose their hair and grow love handles , yet if you met them in person, you just might find them charming. Besides, if you’re anything like us, you probably don’t look that much like Angelina. DO brush up on your math if he sounds too good to be true: Subtract 3 inches from his height, Double his weight, half his income, and add a decade to his age.

6. Roop mahal, prem gali, kholi number 420: Avoid disclose where you live or for that matter, personal information that could lead to your address, such as your home phone number, last name, or an email address that includes your last name. While most men on the Internet are just as normal as you are, you don’t want a K..K..Kiran type psycho ringing your doorbell, even if he’s carrying a box of Toblerone chocolates.

7. Beep a.k.a SMS: Avoid asking for a first date via smses. I hate that. It makes the other person seem like you don’t have the balls to call. It’s a regressive approach. Most people want to feel special when they’re asked out on a first date. Why cheapen it by using an electronic medium for that?

8. "Seat belts please" a.k.a Safety rules:
1) When you give someone your phone number online, use your cell, rather than your home or work phone. If things don't work out, cell phone numbers are much easier to block.
2) If you do meet in person, always pick a neutral busy spot like a coffee shop or a mall. Don't have your date pick you up or drive you home.
3) Tell a friend where you are going to meet this person, what time and your date's name.
4) Don't drink too much on the first meeting. People seem much more attractive and interesting after a few glasses of wine and it's easier to say or do something you didn't plan on doing.

9. Follow-up: Always send an sms after the first date. "Had a great time, looking forward to meeting you again" or "Thanks for meeting up. Talk to you soon" would never hurt anyone.

10. Post first-date hangovers: Scenario 1: If you like the guy and don't hear from him within a few days, it's fine to shoot off a quick email: "Thanks for the drink and the fun company. I really enjoyed meeting you." He'll either contact you for a date or not. If it's "or not," cut your losses and move on. Refer to the first tip AGAIN. Scenario 2: You don't like the guy and he keeps bugging you for a return engagement. Just send a quick note: "While I truly enjoyed meeting you, I just didn't feel we were compatible enough to pursue a relationship. But I wish you all the best."

I am still to hear how her dating scene is coming along...but I am sure all of us have had one or few disaster dates...I would love to hear some more experiences.

Till next time..
Adios

Why should boys have all the fun??

After my latest blog on "Women's Dictionary" I was now tempted to target the men too, who had had a lot of laughs at the cost of my post. I even had a word document sent to me giving some one liners and jokes on women. Certainly, some men who read the post were smart enough to admit that women are complicated, but for others who think they 'know' women well, I suggest you think harder. Also, This post is for that particular gentleman, who thinks 'women will pay $20 for an item she doesn't need' and for all others who agree with him. You know who you are...Haha...

In the mean time...Enjoy few jokes/one liners for all the guys across the world...

Q: What is the thinnest book in the world?

Ans: "What Men Know About Women"

Q: What do men and beer bottles have in common?

Ans: They're both empty from the neck up.

Q: What's a man's idea of helping with the housework?

Ans: Lifting his leg so you can vacuum.

Q: What does a man consider a seven course meal?

Ans: A hot dog and a six pack of beer.

Q: What do you call a man with half a brain?

Ans: Gifted !

Q: What do you call an intelligent man in your country?

Ans: A tourist.

Q: How do men sort their laundry?

Ans: "Filthy" and "Filthy and wearable"

Q: Why is it good that there are female astronauts?

Ans: When the crew gets lost, at least she will ask for directions.

Q: How does a man show that he is planning for the future?

Ans: He buys two cases of beer.

Q: Why are blonde jokes so short?

Ans: So men can remember them.

Q: Why is it difficult to find men who are sensitive, caring and good looking?

Ans: They all already have boyfriends.

Q: How do you get a man to do sit-ups?

Ans: Put the remote control between his toes.

Q: Why does it take 1 million sperm to fertilize one egg?

Ans: They won’t stop to ask directions!

Q: What do you instantly know about a well-dressed man?

Ans: His wife is good at picking out clothes.

Q: What is the difference between a single 40-year-old woman and a single 40-year-old man?

Ans: The 40-year-old woman thinks often of having children and the man thinks often about dating them

Q: Why do women live longer than men?

Ans: Someone has to stick around and clean up the mess after them.

Three dreams of a man

1. 
   
   To be as handsome as his mother thinks


2. 
   
   To be as rich as his child believes


3. 
   
   To have as many women as his wife suspects...

Message to Guys: no offence to you...'Our kind' still loves you all...

Message to Girls: Trust me girls...there are many more where that came from...So do comment if you want Part II of this post...lol.

Women's Dictionary - Part I

If the topic itself has made you click on it and got you here, then trust me you would not be disappointed. I had got this email long time back and thanks to the art of Forwarding emails, it has probably reached your inbox sometime or another. For those who are lucky enough not to get forwarded mails, here it is....

I would recommend that women don't read further. I don't want to be criticised of being AGAINST my own kind. :P

Ok...So here goes....

They say women never say what they want..As a matter of fact, they always tell you EXACTLY what they want. Its just the matter of decoding it...So here you go...Some of the basic codes, specially decoded for you.

1. You want...You want : We need OR I want.


2. It's your decision: The correct decision should be obvious by now.


3. Do what you want: You'll pay for this later.


4. We need to talk: I need to complain.


5. Sure . . . go ahead: This is a dare, not permission.. Don't Do It!


6. I'm not upset: Of course I'm upset, you moron.


7. You're . . . so manly: You need a shave and you sweat a lot.


8. Be romantic, turn out the lights: I have flabby thighs.


9. This kitchen is so inconvenient: I want a new house:


10. I want new curtains: ..and carpeting, furniture and wallpaper


11. Hang the picture there: No, I mean hang it there!


12. I heard a noise: I noticed you were almost asleep.


13. Do you love me?: I'm going to ask for something expensive.
    
14. How much do you love me?: I did something today you're not going to like.


15. I'll be ready in a minute: Kick off your shoes and find a good game on TV.


16. Am I fat?: Tell me I'm beautiful.


17. You have to learn to communicate: Just agree with me.


18. Are you listening to me?: Too late, you're dead.


19. Yes: No.


20. No: No.


21. Maybe: No.


22. I'm sorry: You'll be sorry.


23. Do you like this recipe?: It's easy to fix, so you'd better get used to it.


24. I'm not yelling!: Yes I am yelling because I think this is important.
25. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a womencan make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hardbefore deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake

IN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION: WHAT'S WRONG?

26. The same old thing: Nothing.

27. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something,and you should be on your toes.

28. Everything: My PMS is acting up.

29. Nothing, really: It's just that you are such a jerk.

30. I don't want to talk about it: Go away I'm still building up evidence against you.

So now you understand, Why women can get so complicated to understand??

You might want to try it and let me know if I was of any help... till then adios and good luck

To read this blog..Press # 1.

Don't you just hate it when 30% of your phone bills are for calls made to customer service for credit cards, phone service, trouble shooting, etc? Well this is what ticked me off today....







I have been studying for my exams since almost 3 months now, and it was about time I got a break. I called up Justdial.com and was relieved to find no automated machine (trust me, the last thing I wanted was thousands buttons to press to just find out the movie schedule. Thankfully, I was directly connected to the operator, who even knew who I was (I am a regular caller to justdial for various reasons). I was given the number to the nearest location Adlabs cinemas... 39894040...Don't bother to call them..Its much easier online.




Anyways....I spent 35 minutes to know that no new movies had released this week and all other movies were either Marathi or English movies. First:

• press the language option...
• then which day you wanna see movie...
• which theatre...
• which movie...etc etc etc.

After selecting the movie, since the show timings were not suitable for me, I tried to go one step back to the previous menu...and to my horror, after selecting the theatre..I was asked to select the day and the movie I wanted to see.

Confused??? Well...I was too. Believe me, I love watching movies, but this experience has scarred me for at least a week of not even attempting to find out about the movie schedule.

I was SO horrified with this experience, that I ended up searching for "weird automated answering machine messages" on net...Just for fun.

Amongst the many hilarious messages, I found an article..and i knew I HAD to share it with everyone.

School Phone Menu .....
"Hello! You have reached the automated answering service of your school. In order to assist you in connecting to the right staff member, please listen to all the options before making a selection:

• To lie about why your child is absent - Press 1


• To make excuses for why your child did not do his work - Press 2


• To complain about what we do - Press 3


• To swear at staff members - Press 4


• To ask why you didn't get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you - Press 5


• If you want us to raise your child - Press 6


• If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone - Press 7


• To request another teacher, for the third time this year - Press 8


• To complain about bus transportation - Press 9


• To complain about school lunches - Press 0


• If you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his/her own behavior, class work, homework and that it's not all the teachers' fault for your child's lack of effort: Hang up and have a nice day!
  

I leave it up to you to decide if this is a funny article or a sarcastic one for parents who are totally dependable upon the educational institutions for raising their child...Think About it...WHICH OPTION WOULD YOU SELECT???

No time to stand and stare..

I have been doing a lot of literary reading recently and came across a beautiful poem that touched my heart. There are times when you are thinking something and you end up reading something which expresses exactly what YOU wanted to say.

What is this Life if full of care,

we have no time to stand and stare,

No time to stand beneath the boughs,

and stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time when the woods we pass,

where squirrels hide their nut in grass,

No time to see, in broad daylights,

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

and watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can,

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this is, full of care...

We have no time to stand and stare...

By W.H.Davies

I have never been able to write my blogs during my day's routine...so recently I started my morning walks again, in hope to find an inspiration to write something. Having read this poem a day before, I took out time to sit on a small bench by the road. The road was very pleasant and tapping with sounds of footsteps of morning walkers like me..when suddenly....

I notice a small squirrel on the tree next to the bench i was sitting on. I have never seen a squirrel so close..so really didn't want to move from my place in fear of scaring it away.

It sat their on the branch, leisurely having her morning breakfast of what seemed like a nut to me. I looked into its eyes almost striking a conversation with that cute ball of fur...

To my surprise, I see another squirrel joining her and trying to ...what we would call...WOO her...Loll. It was a beautiful sight, and by the time I could understand their mating ritual...a truck passed by, scaring both of them away.

I was disappointed since I would have loved to sit and observe that beautiful sight..

I am glad to have read the poem, because otherwise I would have never sat down to notice and stare anything around me and would have missed this unspoken conversation with my new acquaintance...

Ever wondered how many times have we actually taken time to sit down and observe the beauty around us?...Kind of reminds me of the small paragraph from Lage Raho MunnaBhai, Sheher ki is daud mein daud kar karna kya hai...Agar yahi jeena hai dosto...to fir marna kya hai??

(Click on the image to see the video)

If you have any beautiful incidents, do feel free to share...I am all ears.. :)