tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63007612024-03-07T18:38:37.690-05:00BAKER'S DOZENI work, I eat, I travel, I rant, I get nostalgic...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger950125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-63714413002171426372016-07-18T05:38:00.001-04:002016-07-18T05:38:05.824-04:00Madame Socialite-Frootcake Prachi Madam has coffee with her power girl gang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>Madame Socialite-Frootcake Prachi Madam, member of CCFC, Tolly, Bengal Club, Inner Circle, LSD (Ladies Study Desk) and soon to be member of THE one and only Wine Club has coffee with her power girl gang</strong><br />
<br />
I reached Cafe Mezzuna and spied Neena immediately. Air kissed my very dear friend and she started telling me about her long, boring tummy issues. These senior ladies are somewhat boring. Thankfully, Parna, Renu and Minu came and rescued me just in time.<br />
<br />
I had to tell everyone about my Prague, Krakow, Budapest and Vienna trip and how we watched the deep, soulful opera in Vienna. OMG! What a touching experience. Minu asked me who the tenors were, but I had to change the topic quickly. WTF remembers such details anyway? I had flooded FB with the selfies to prove everything anyway. Neena also was in Prague, so I had to quiz her about the shopping she did. Obviously, like always she had to say she didnt shop much. If my husband was cheating on me openly, bhai, even I would lose all interest in shopping. I guess the purse strings must have tightened. I also took care to mention to Parna that I checked out that twee patisserie she asked me to go and have afternoon tea at. WHO has afternoon tea in Prague. Only Parna, I guess.<br />
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Neena and I started discussing our LSD book club and I asked her how far she was through Jorasanko. Renu, the clueless chick that she is, asked if she could join the book club and Neena had to put her in her place. These service class people! Uff! Ye professional ladies badi pushy hoti hain. <br />
<br />
I asked Parna how her business was doing. So much fun. You see, Bhawna had told me it was floundering and they had shut shop. Parna brushed it off by saying she was getting a call. When she returned, Parna had to quiz Neena about her marital woes. This is becoming a pattern. How boring. We all know everything there is to know about it. Waise bhi ye to ghar ghar ki kahani hai.<br />
<br />
Finally we started planning our next ladies day out to Renu's bagan bari. Nothing like getting some fresh, country air. Yes, its only 5 kms from Howrah. So? She's promised us some do with some artists. Maybe I can score some cheap art that I can tell my friends in Bombay, I paid triple for. They'll still think it is dirt cheap.<br />
<br />
I asked everyone if they were attending the German consulate black tie dinner and everyone was. So, we'll catch up in a week's time again. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-422709615913598142016-03-09T12:34:00.002-05:002016-03-09T12:34:25.908-05:00Revolver Rani<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I knew a Revolver Rani in real life. My Nani (maternal grandmother). I used to find the revolver hidden under her saris (she always carried a Smith & Wesson, until few months before her death)pretty much useless. My grandparents lived in rural UP (like the wild, wild west times 100) and now that I have grown up, I realize why she carried it always. That's the only way she could live fearlessly and do whatever she wished, when she wished, in her environment. She was shit scared that one of her grandchildren would fire it by mistake, so when she was at home, it remained locked in her room, which was forbidden zone for everyone. Of all my grandparents, I miss my Nani the most. She was the only grandparent of ours, whose pride in her grandchildren pored from every pore and her love smothered us. We did not appreciate it while she was alive, but I truly wish every girl in India had a grandmother like my Nani. <br />
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I don't really believe in afterlife, but a small part of me wishes Nani is somewhere flashing pistols, terrorizing bad guys and being a bad ass, and having a whale of a time. <br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-58900307118321132752016-03-09T12:17:00.003-05:002016-03-09T12:17:38.593-05:00Someone Marry My 35 Year Old Brother - Appropriate Ladies Please Apply but Only After Reading This Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My aunt (Father's Sister) called up my mother, very unaccustomedly few days ago. She told my mother she had a rishta (matrimonial proposal) for my brother. Now, my aunt, despite everything, is from old-school traditional UP. My mother asked her if the girl (a doctor) in question:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Drank</li>
<li>Smoked</li>
<li>Could dance (my brother is a very enthusiastic salsa dancer)</li>
<li>Ate and could cook mutton.</li>
<li>Ate beef, pork, seafood and fish.</li>
<li>Would be comfortable in western wear/ bikinis/ skirts/ frocks.</li>
<li>Was an atheist and never went to temples or her family never ever consulted any religious guru.</li>
</ol>
If the answer to any of the above was negative, sorry, would not do. <br />
<br />
My aunt was somewhat offended. Then, to add insult to injury, my mother told my aunt, "Forget my son, your brother has started annoying me a lot these days, since you are in the matchmaking business apparently, why don't you find me a good match? I think it is time I moved on."<br />
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I don't think my aunt will be approaching my mother for any more matrimonial proposals soon. <br />
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Jokes apart, if you are a well-educated, independent, single lady in the appropriate age range, and fit the bill, do drop me a mail. <br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-91186782527591709282016-01-31T11:08:00.001-05:002016-01-31T11:08:03.251-05:00Bullying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Living in Maharashtra teaches people one thing well, probably from Shiv Sainiks - How to bully others when they don't like and agree with what they are saying and beat them with a stick to make it go away. <br />
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That's what happened today to me and in disgust, I deleted my Facebook account. I don't like bullies even if they are related to me and no amount of bullying will make it any different. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-57498132045293491892015-12-06T08:45:00.003-05:002015-12-06T08:45:56.457-05:00Diary of a Socialite-Frootcake Prachi Madam, member of CCFC, Tolly, Bengal Club, Inner Circle, LSG and soon to be member of THE one and only Wine Club<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1. Get up at the unearthly hour of 7:30 am to kiss kids goodbye, who are off to school. Ask Ayah if she has made those grilled cheese sandwiches for Karan baba and chicken nuggets for Priah. Life is so hard.<br /> 2. Go back to sleep at 7:40 am.<br /> 3. Get up at 8:30 am, drink honey-lime water, do potty-shotty, pull on lulu lemons brought in US/ Kaenneda, head to Gym. Need to consult google calendar to see if it is pilates or yoga. Sigh! Time just flies!<br /> 4. Return home at 10:30 am, call Aanchal to confirm venue of lunch. Head into the bathroom for a much-needed soak. God! My firang instructor Gavin, is SUCH a task master. Meri toh jaan hi nikal gayi. You know, they say Gavin was a US marine. <br /> 5. Drink a restorative green tea. Hamare bagan ki. <br /> 6. Finish shampooing and bath at 11:40 am. Can't decide. Should I wear the Anamika Khanna or the Pucci sheath for lunch. Hmmmm.... That annoying Priyam, fresh from her Hawaii break is coming too, so Pucci, it is. Uske saath, ye South Sea Pearls will be on fleek (I'm so clued-in) and my Choos. And of course, my Hermes gold Birkin. Let them top that!<br /> 7. Head out to Smoke House Deli at 12:30 pm. Ghar ke bagal me hi to hai. Check hair. Take duckface selfie. Update on IG and FB, as "A casual lunch with mah girlz. Girlpower!!!". Snapchat it to hubby. Get no response. Call him. He says, "For God sakes Prachi, I'm in a meeting." What an insensitive man. Must complain to Mom, and ask her to tell Mummyji. Fat lot of good that will do. Still.<br /> 8. Reach Smokehouse, head to our regular table. Wo centre wali, because being the goddesses we are, everyone MUST know we are there. Order the Watermelon-Feta-Arugula salad, sparkling water and the spinach-ricotta ravioli. Check out everyone's outfits. That showoff Priyam is in Victoria Beckham. BUT, it is last season. Snerk. I tell her, "Tu toh maar hi dalegi aaj Priyam Bhabhi. Oof kya lag rahi ho!" Moan about how the kids are taking tennis lessons also, as well as French, Violin & Piano and am pestering Poresh to teach Priah to paint. Poresh, you know, Poresh Maity, the artist. My very dear friend. Avani is late. God, she is glowing. Is she pregnant? Kis ke saath gulchchare uda rahi hai? Must find out. My salad has some black spots. Called the waiter loudly. He's saying it is crushed pepper. Am going to totally call Abhilasha and complain. I mean, standards toh rahe hi nahin. <br /> 9. I and Nidhi air-kiss everyone and leave early. We have inner-circle, you know. I'm on the invitations committee. For this quarter's play. Naseer, Ratna and Heeba are doing their third play in Calcutta. All good friends. Bade hi sweet log hain. Naseer bhai ke to kya kehne. <br /> 10. By the time I reach home at 5 pm, I am bushed and the kids are home. Say Hi to them. Give instructions to chef to rustle up pasta and an omelette for Priah and ask what Karan will do for dinner. Then, I just crash on the bed for a nap. So tired.<br /> 11. Get up at 6:30 pm. Hubby is back. We have our nespressos. My hair-wali is here. Head into my powder room. She does my makeup and hair. We have this dinner at Tolly for Jenny and Martin, the UK Consul-general, very dear friends and lovely human beings above all, who are leaving for Austria. What fun. We will catch up with them in Vienna next year. Anyhow, I'm in the Cavalli and Nirav Modi danglers. Even, hubby notices and compliments. Chalo, 16 years are not in vain. Who says marriages are not made in heaven. I forgive him for today morning. <br /> 12. Hubby wants to take the Rolls, but I think thoda zyaada hai. So we decide to take the Audi. You see, I am always right about these things. We head out at 7:50 pm. God! The Traffic. Kya fayda hua flyover banwane ka? Khair... Momota Di is such a sweetie. Kuch keh bhi nahi sakte hain. Anyhow, we reach Tolly, and head to the Antiquity hall. All our set is there. Must say hello to everybody. Have to catch up and exchange the latest, not to mention check out everyone's dos. There's no place like Calcutta, right? <br />
Shall update tomorrow. Badi hi achchi party thi. I have to go talk with Jenny now.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-59864734142434348472015-07-24T07:37:00.000-04:002015-07-24T07:37:01.951-04:00I will happily support your business, but spare me the CSR angle and your charity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
These days, I find myself increasingly being asked to attend events. This makes me happy because I like meeting people, doing fun stuff, being entertained, maybe eating an hors d'oeuvres or two and generally being sociable and spending my money in the vague direction of "Art" and "Culture". <br />
<br />
However, off late, every event, every business venture seems to have a charity hanging on its coat-tails. This annoys me a lot. Why it annoys me is because, I know most people use it like a scam and to hoodwink their friends, family, social acquaintances, rather shamelessly, guilting them into opening up their purses. This is wrong and unethical on very many levels. If you want people to spend, make your business/ product/ service attractive and competitive, to make people want it and aspire for it. Making people do so, under the guise of "doing good" will probably not make them repeat the action, and sooner or later people will realise that they are being hoodwinked. There is no shame in being a business owner or capitalist. In fact, in my eyes I will rate you higher than, if you tell me you are associated with a NGO/ charity. <br />
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I am also amazed, when people I hardly know or have not met and spoken with for ages, suddenly pop in from the blue and ask me to support some charitable venture. Why would I? I am happy being a charmless, friendless asshole rather than a sitting duck. I am happy to support a business or enterprise, because I feel it makes more sense and in a way is being more useful and contributive to society, than a silly little support group to inflate egos of bored housewives.<br />
<br />
If you do need funds for charity or any social endeavor, just be upfront about it, rather than making people buy your stupid doodads. I will be serious about your charity, if I know it is just that and not a way to make me buy shit. I do support many groups doing useful work, but the moment they ask me to attend an art and cocktail event, I will bid them a fond farewell! I am happy attending such an event ONLY for art, but I really dislike this idiotic trend of 5-star charity and doing-good. Even a famous activist used up funds for booze and beauty parlors, so before getting sucked in to any such activity, do stop and think!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-86851620993442710102015-07-06T06:56:00.003-04:002015-07-06T06:56:53.367-04:00How to be a Houseguest from hell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1. Insist on visiting, citing concern, when host has met with an accident.<br />2. After being categorically told that your visit will be very inconvenient, visit anyway.<br />3. When your host is being rolled into the Operation theatre, call and demand a car be sent to pick you up from the airport. Then specify, which car and which driver.<br />4. On reaching, visit the hospital at 10 pm, and demand to see the host, who is lying unconscious after being wheeled out of the OT an hour ago.<br />5. The next day, land up at the hospital at 7 am, before your host is sponged, ready or has breakfast and his medicines.<br />6. Sit in your host's cabin for the next 14 hours. When his wife asks you to leave during the afternoon, so he can relax, ignore and say you will paste your butt in the cabin itself.<br />7. Lie on the couch, while your host's wife who has slept only for 3 hours the night before sits on a chair the entire time.<br />8. Talk loudly, gossip, be a general annoyance all through the 14 hours. Keep playing candycrush loudly, when other people are trying to sleep.<br />9. Order host's staff and wife every few hours for tea, coffee. Interfere in meal plans. Give your unsolicited opinions.<br />10. Leave at night, only when asked by the host and then say, you are being insulted.<br />11. Insist your host speaks on facetime with your obnoxious and rude daughters, nevermind that your host is UNWELL and has just been operated.<br />12. Order host's staff around the next day, until you leave finally.<br />
<br />
And then, after all this, expect royal, entitled treatment all through, for life. <br />
<br />
Dear ladies, please note, if any of your male acquaintance gets married, behaving like this will ensure, you will be banned from the couple's life, forever.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-62526546817252484882015-06-16T11:12:00.000-04:002015-06-16T11:12:25.607-04:00QUICK POINTERS ON HOW TO DECIDE WHAT ART TO BUY AND HOW TO BUY IT: FOR HOMES/ PERSONAL SPACE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1. Look at the painting/ artwork and see if it makes you think or happy.<br />2. If it makes you happy and you are happy with the price, buy it. Obviously, this should be avoided if you are high or drunk (yes, it happens).<br />3. If you share your home space with a family, take a general consensus. Art leads to many future disputes, because people are different and opposites attract. So what you like, may not be appreciated by your partner/ kids. Be democratic. Remember, after they kick the bucket/ set up their own homes, you are free to do what you want, until then, maintain peace.<br />4. If the artwork makes you think, does it give you positive thoughts? There are very many artworks that are provocative or just depressing. <br />5. If the artwork gives you non-negative thoughts and you think it will not revolt you in the future, buy it.<br />6. Do not buy Art for investment. It is stupid. The only people who benefit from Art sales are Art dealers and grand-children/ great-grand-children. <br />7. If you have lots of money to burn, cool. Let's be friends! If you have a limited budget, buy younger artists, keeping the above in mind. <br />8. If you have a limited budget, do not be embarassed to ask the dealer for a discount. A 10-20% discount is easily achieved from most dealers. Do remember, this is true in ALL countries. I have bought Art from over 15 countries and have achieved this everywhere. However, be respectful of the Dealer and the Artist, while requesting discounts. Niceness goes a long, long way.<br />9. Always request the Dealer for an Authenticity Certificate. If the Artwork is not new, ask for a trail of ownership.<br />10. Get invoices and avoid all-cash deals. This I recommend for 3 reasons: Firstly, if the Artwork increases in value, and you want to sell it at a later date, it will be easy to account for this sale. Secondly, you can place a value on what you are leaving, after you. Thirdly, if a dealer is willing to go through a shady deal, maybe the artwork is not the value that is being ascribed to it. <br />
11. Never be afraid to enquire about prices of Art. A lot of good Art is cheaper than jewellery/ eating out and will give you far more pleasure!<br />
<br />
Happy collecting!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-87413132945076624382015-05-12T10:10:00.001-04:002015-05-12T10:10:05.198-04:002 Dollars And 99 Cents<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had a very interesting conversation with my nephew today. He told me of his friend's mother who was an artist. Since I am always interested in discovering new artists, I looked her up. As I had suspected (and voiced to my nephew), her talent was housewife-mediocre and consisted of rajasthani ladies, flowers, etc. I was at my snarky best, but my nephew was strangely silent. <br />
<br />
I asked my nephew whether he agreed with me or not. He said quietly, "Mausi, you do realize (1) she is doing what she likes and monetizing it, however pedestrian it may be and she has found a way; (2) I am also planning to work with music - I don't know how, but I do, and I may come across many snooty people like you, who will look down on me, because I am not good enough. I know how it feels, so I would like to be kind."<br />
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This was humbling coming from a fifteen year old, and I have been thinking about it long and hard. <br />
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One needs to be kind and people need to make a living, however, being a critic too is important. I would not like people not to make a living, but I think it is also important for people to be good at whatever they do. Mediocrity probably allows people to pull along and perhaps be happy, but excellence gives satisfaction and a feeling of achievement like nothing else. <br />
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Being the queen of mediocrity at a number of things I have done to make a living, I know that it pays the bills, sometimes really well, but also creates dissatisfaction and a feeling of general unhappiness. I hope all my nieces and nephews, try to excel at one thing at least. It needn't be their livelihood, but I think it could be the secret of a happy life.<br />
<br />
I would love everyone's comments on this! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-35788510332099004052015-02-18T03:41:00.000-05:002015-02-18T03:48:40.547-05:00Pointers to all married couples on how to treat your friends who are living together, single, widowed or divorced <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Pointers to all married couples on how to treat your friends who are living together:</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">TREAT THE COUPLE AS YOU WOULD ANY OTHER MARRIED COUPLE. Its as simple as that. Don't try to match make, or exclude one of the partners from events or invites (you wouldn't dream of doing it to a wife or husband, would you?). Most importantly, stop questioning on when and if they are getting married. Don't bitch about the partner, even if you can't stand him/ her.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<span style="color: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pointers to all married coup</span></strong><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>les on how to treat your friends who are divorced/ widowed/ bereft of significant other:</strong>Include in all events, as you did before. Don't remind of times gone by, to rub things in. Make them laugh, if possible.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<strong><span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pointers to all married couples on how to treat single friends:</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Include in all events, as you did before. Try and introduce to other singles, if not to match make, at least to socialise. Do not treat as social lepers or say stupid stuff.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 6px 0px;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Most importantly, remember that your friends who are living together, single, widowed or divorced are people too. Being sensitive and not stupid goes a long way.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 6px 0px;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">The above post begged to be written because after a certain age, one normally socializes with married people, and some married folks just</span> do NOT GET THE MEMO on being nice to people who aren't in traditional relationships.</span> </div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-61567280203480649742014-10-12T12:40:00.000-04:002014-10-12T12:40:01.733-04:00On Annoyance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I used to get annoyed with a whole lot of things that no longer annoy me, such as housewives, pet owners, bikers and grapefruit. The thing about annoyance is that one can live with it and perhaps grow out of it, mostly on realising that there are worse things and/ or becoming or owning the annoyance. <br />
<br />
I now have a fresh set of annoyances which I am compelled to list.<br />
<br />
1. Jealous, bored housewives<br />2. People who feed my pets behind my back<br />3. Sattu - actually this should have been at the top of my list<br />4. People who insist on walking on tracks and do not make way for runners<br />5. Assholes who do not give way to me when I am biking<br />6. People who cannot hold their drink<br />7. Overly thin people like Amal Amaluddin who people like George Clooney marry. Why George, WHY?<br />8. Overly thin people who don't put on weight<br />9. Stick insect women who wear skin tight jeggingy things and short teeshirts <br />10. My sister and mother in a cold war situation<br />11. People who feed stray dogs (if you love them so much, adopt them and take them off the streets ASSHOLES!)<br />12. The SO's non-shaving days - sweetie, its not a sexy stubble, it makes you look like an out of work struggling starving actor<br />13. Dirty cutlery<br />14. Bad wine<br />15. Half empty restaurants where the hosts ask you if you have a reservation<br />16. Fit people talking about chia seeds and the like<br />17. Name-dropping<br />18. Parents moaning about kids, education, precocity at dinner parties<br />19. The annoying anti-smoking ads in movie theatres<br />20. The supremely annoying manyawar ad which is only shown in movie theatres<br />
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So, what annoys you?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-16807430099169091722014-10-11T02:02:00.000-04:002014-10-11T02:02:00.979-04:00Summer Days - Brahmi Sherbet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Grandfather had an Ayurvedic medicines manufacturing business. Apart from medicines, he also made restorative products like Chyawanprash, different kinds of digestive aids, gripe waters, syrups and a unique Sherbet concentrate, called Brahmi Sherbet*. Brahmi Sherbet was made from a mixture of herbs and aromatics, and the main ingredient was Brahmi herb.</div>
<br />
<em>On googling, I found that Brahmi is used for Alzheimer's disease, improving memory, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a general tonic to fight stress. People also take brahmi to treat backache, hoarseness, mental illness, epilepsy, joint pain, and sexual performance problems in both men and women. It is also sometimes used as a “water pill.”</em><br />
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Whenever we visited my grandparents, which was basically during every summer vacation (until I left for college), Brahmi Sherbet was offered to every visitor and guest during the summer months, the moment they would step into my grandparents' home. Brahmi Sherbet was a bright jewel emerald green in colour and had a sweet, herbally, vetiverish flavour. After dilution with water, it would become a bright jade green. The only reason why I liked playing around with it, was because it had a kaleidoscopish effect on the glass, and bright colours always fascinated me. At my grandparents', the Sherbet would be diluted with water from the drinking water hand pump, after pumping the handpump vigorously for ten minutes, to ensure really cool water. After mixing it with water, the Sherbet would be poured into tall, brass glasses. During the height of summers in Uttar Pradesh, the Sherbet would be so cool that there would be water condesation on the brass glasses, despite the water coming from a handpump and not the refridgerator! <br />
<br />I used to dislike it then, perhaps because the flavour was too complex for a child's palate. I would find inventive ways to avoid it and when nothing worked, I would pour it into the many plant beds that lined my grandparents' inner courtyard. I would also often do a disappearing act right at the moment Sherbet was poured for everyone and then slide in softly and clutch an empty glass at the correct moment and pretend I knew nothing of the one filled glass that was always left. <br />
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Apart from water, Brahmi Sherbet could also be mixed with cold milk. It would turn the milk into a light milky minty colour and I liked it better than mixing with water.<br />
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Last summer was brutal and we were off colas and other soft drinks. One wished for never-ending glasses of cool liquids. On one such soul-sapping day, my boyfriend demanded Roohafza. After being more than a little dismissive and a tad snooty, I finally took a doubtful sip of my boyfriend's Roohafza drink. The first sip of the sweet, herbally, floral drink suddenly reminded me of huge, cool, brass tumblers filled to the brim with Brahmi Sherbet. Funny, how the tiniest of things can bring back repressed memories. Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time and relive my life, and perhaps do things differently (read: drink the Sherbet rather than pouring in flower beds). Drinking Roohafza now, I can sometimes hear my grandmother's gravelly yet mellifluous voice ordering us to drink up the Sherbet.<br />
<br /><em>* I thought Brahmi Sherbet was unique, until I googled it and saw Baba ramdev's Patanjali also manufacturing it now. No surprises there, I suppose?</em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-16051181129840528112014-09-08T01:28:00.000-04:002014-09-08T01:30:54.767-04:00Death Is Not The End<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We attended a prayer meeting held for the dearly departed father of one of SO's friends in Delhi recently. It was at a Arya Samaj Mandir and I was generally appreciative of the no rites and a sober remembrance thing. <br />
<br />
The Pandit (preacher) started off well by chanting Gayatri Mantra and other funereal mantras and shlokas and then, suddenly burst into a very Bollywood, "Chal ud Ja Re Panchi", which startled everyone off their wits and in my opinion woke everyone up and generally made everyone struggle hard not to burst out laughing. <br />
<br />
Who needs entertainment, when friends and family offer themselves so readily. Right?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-55602356079341213292014-05-12T12:48:00.002-04:002014-05-12T12:49:19.648-04:00Kathal (Jackfruit) Pulao<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOc4krPyl4Ax_q_7CqknYZ7XeYRqvGC0tT4r67EjgamjqNSaUJUSzFJlEbK0z_aYdddXkSjSA42_ygr73MlxCU64eaJ9hL9V5CJUbNQaNSe22PWXWQ2AXIxZhNl1-cjm_oAewOw/s1600/kathal-pulao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOc4krPyl4Ax_q_7CqknYZ7XeYRqvGC0tT4r67EjgamjqNSaUJUSzFJlEbK0z_aYdddXkSjSA42_ygr73MlxCU64eaJ9hL9V5CJUbNQaNSe22PWXWQ2AXIxZhNl1-cjm_oAewOw/s1600/kathal-pulao.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have recently got a property that has coconut trees, a jackfruit tree, guava trees, lemon trees, lime trees and 2 water bodies. While a lot of work has been planned in the upkeep of the garden, we have already started enjoying the fruits/ veggies. <br />
<br />
The last time we visited, we got a medium sized jackfruit (Kathal) from the Jackfruit tree. Today, I wanted to eat something nice for dinner, but didn't want to cook a spread, since it was only me, essentially. So, decided on a Kathal Pulao, which I have recently learnt. This actually, will take your mind off meat, as it hits the meat craving and satisfies the biryani kick and craving.<br />
<br />
The recipe follows and since it is not really my recipe and I am not able anyway to stick to the exact measures in recipes (EVER), will mention only approximations. <br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients (Main):</strong><br />
Kathal (Jackfruit) - about quarter kg<br />
Rice - 1 measure (cup or whatever measure you feel like - enough for 2-3 people)<br />
Water - double measure of the rice<br />
Ginger paste - 1 tbsp.<br />
Onion - diced - 1<br />
Cinnamon - 1 stick<br />
Shahi Jeera - 1/2 tsp<br />
Cloves - 2/3<br />
Black cardamom - 1<br />
Bay leaf - 1<br />
Salt - to taste<br />
Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp (I prefer Kashmiri chilli powder)<br />
White Pepper Powder - 1 tsp<br />
Oil <br />
<strong>Ingredients (For the 2nd flavouring):</strong><br />
Ginger - Julienned (1 tsp.)<br />
Coriander leaves - chopped up<br />
Juice of 1 lime<br />
Onion - 1 - julienned and fried golden brown<br />
Mace (Javitri) Powder - 1/2 tsp<br />
Cream - about 2 tbsps.<br />
Green Chillies - split - 2-6 according to your preference<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
Wash and soak the rice for about 30 minutes. Chop the jackfruit into bite sized pieces. Fry the jackfruit until it is golden brown. Take a pressure cooker, put about 1 tbsp. of the oil the jackfruit was fried in. Heat it up. Add the Cinnamon, Shahi Jeera, Cloves, Black cardamom, Bay leaf until they crackle, add the chopped onions and ginger paste, and cook until the onion is cooked (translucent to light brown). Add the jackfruit, salt, chilli powder and white pepper powder. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Add the rice and the water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat. Then add all ingredients for the 2nd flavouring, mix well, close the lid and cook until a single whistle. Turn off the flame/ heat. After the pressure reduces, open, give it a good mix and serve. <br />
<br />
There, simple, isn't it?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-22752249205616369862014-05-12T12:10:00.001-04:002014-05-12T12:10:15.463-04:00Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I met the mob. It was very strange, but nice. My family is so small and individualistic, it is very, very strange for me to be in a family environment where there are 500 odd people all looking alike and being clannish. The good thing is that SO perceived my panic attacks and was a rock.<br />
<br />
A very long time ago (more than a decade and a quarter) when we had only just met, fallen in love and become friends, we resolved to never let go of our minds and to follow our own minds and not our parents, elders or anyone else's, because both of us felt we were responsible, mostly did right and followed rules and the laws. We've stuck to our resolve, but now looking back, it seems we were rebelling. Aided of course, by each other. I'm afraid both of us enabled each other's rebellion by supporting it. Still, apart from the one thing, no regrets. <br />
<br />
And so, our lives have become pretty much one. In our minds, it happened long ago, its only now we are letting other people in. By other people I mean, our families, extended families and friends. This has so far been a happy experience. Ignoring negativity helps in keeping it happy. <br />
<br />
So this is it....</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-74231315862914348352014-05-12T10:08:00.001-04:002014-05-12T10:30:53.264-04:00C'est La Vie <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've started to paint and this is what the first tiny canvas looks like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9b95GyrnLoOgBX68JFGDMLz83MKTVtCDCaZS9ps8H_2ylCgGIWqwbrS8ssCFSmC1Ckmr5pInbH5nXu3kqw5L8QHkNIIArcEbPrkIdB1owJGu9_1f_aYD2jNkRKEZDM4EAU9k8A/s1600/cestlavie14-tw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9b95GyrnLoOgBX68JFGDMLz83MKTVtCDCaZS9ps8H_2ylCgGIWqwbrS8ssCFSmC1Ckmr5pInbH5nXu3kqw5L8QHkNIIArcEbPrkIdB1owJGu9_1f_aYD2jNkRKEZDM4EAU9k8A/s1600/cestlavie14-tw.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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This is my life now. Exercise, work, cook. Wet, lather, rinse, repeat. </div>
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</div>
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I love it. </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-77798377281129744182014-05-12T10:04:00.004-04:002014-05-12T10:04:47.155-04:00Colander<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's hard to write anything when your brain is one giant colander.<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-89071108218790149662014-03-23T12:51:00.002-04:002014-03-23T12:51:48.984-04:00On Happiness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes happiness is just a plane ride away and it takes you years to buy that ticket.<br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-67696802217716581722014-03-23T12:26:00.000-04:002014-03-23T12:26:46.624-04:00Woe Is Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The baker got a PHUNKY haircut, and it makes him look like a cross between a macaw and a lunatic, when the aim was a jap hipster. So much fail!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-37175888818737257812014-01-28T12:04:00.000-05:002014-01-28T12:20:01.931-05:00I'm Gonna Get a Haircut Even If I Have to Cut It Myself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The baker has a barber who comes to give him a champi (Head massage with oil), a haircut and an occasional shave. Tradition dictates that barbers are all gossips at heart and talk non-stop. The baker's barber too is a chatterbox and delivers random gossip while he is getting his haircut/ champi/ shave. <br />
<br />
Few days back, the baker got to know that the barber had a "saloon" (barbershop) called "Red World". Red World because everything in it was red coloured. The barber's chair, the mirror frame, the aprons, even his scissors were red. Apparently, the saloon faced stiff competition from an older barber. However, the jazziness of "Red World" attracts all the young rakes in his locality and the barber was an expert at "modern" hairstyles downloaded from "compooter".<br />
<br />
The baker's hair has just started growing back, and so, he asked his barber if he could recommend a "modern" hairstyle and what was currently a popular style these days. The barber told him with a deep sigh, "Aajkal to PHUNKY chal raha hai. (Funky - phunky hairstyles are in vogue now)" On further probing, it was revealed that PHUNKY hairstyles have random spikes and layers and it all makes no sense whatsoever. Moreover, the baker would have to wait for another 6 months atleast, in order to get a phunky hairstyle.<br />
<br />
So, all you readers of my blog, anytime you are in the mood for a PHUNKY hairstyle, while travelling in the interiors of eastern India, you can always head to "Red World" saloon. Mention the baker, and you will get a discount too. Doing my bit for local businesses, since 2003. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-12587125994174284812013-11-27T15:45:00.002-05:002013-11-27T15:45:50.679-05:00Time is a Jet Plane<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
So, 2013 has whooshed past. I've learnt nothing. Zilch and I'm also one year older. Woe is ME!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-51176253690927613332013-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:002013-11-13T09:00:12.043-05:00Meeting My Namesake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It took a long drive, but I finally held two loaves of Bakers Dozen in my hands. I normally never am at a loss for words, but I was then.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlsIssYXl3Qyx7Esxm9XMEGQeIr-cfiYjKpNKZJVmF9-2v2pa2QHFpGc0AP2avlhqDO5i5y0RkQbeiGSoe8BlULnwjXcGYZLBit-j60l9qm0HovhUAWp3Dp3W4LsaBYGjt-7p-A/s1600/BakerzDozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlsIssYXl3Qyx7Esxm9XMEGQeIr-cfiYjKpNKZJVmF9-2v2pa2QHFpGc0AP2avlhqDO5i5y0RkQbeiGSoe8BlULnwjXcGYZLBit-j60l9qm0HovhUAWp3Dp3W4LsaBYGjt-7p-A/s1600/BakerzDozen.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />There is apparently something better than this sliced bread - holding it in my hands!<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Unknown location.11.178401873711785 74.53125-67.014348626288211 -90.703125 89.3711523737118 -120.234375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-59202372104591047132013-08-10T15:39:00.002-04:002013-08-10T15:39:44.474-04:00The Shrine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My sister calls my collection of nephewy things, "The Shrine".<br />
<br />
The Shrine finally drowned my doubts, and made me cry.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-39374015202617944272013-07-27T13:58:00.000-04:002013-08-06T03:02:58.496-04:00Books/ Magazines Giveaway 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome to my annual/ bi-annual giveaways.<br />
<br />
This could very well be my last Books Giveaway because I have started reading books on the kindle, which I got only because books started over-taking my house, like weeds. I now buy only those books which I cant find on kindle or have over-expensive kindle editions. That said, people, the kindle rocks. I thought I wouldn't enjoy it but it has preserved my sanity while travelling, where I can escape into a book, rather than getting annoyed by a mewling infant or annoying loud voices. I digress.<br />
<br />
The books and magazines are all in excellent condition, and not very old, so rest assured you will get books/ magazines in very good condition.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
RULES</h2>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>The Books/ Magazines Giveaway is not restricted by geography, though preference WILL be given to my friends and family. Since, I am giving these away absolutely free, feel this is only fair. <br /> </li>
<li>Friends and family anywhere in the world can ask for books/ magazines. I will send them by normal airmail, so if you are not in India, be patient.<br /> </li>
<li><u>The Books/ Magazines Giveaway is restricted to India ONLY for people I don't know</u>, since I will not ship books outside India if I don't know you. </li>
<li>To make a request, either leave a comment OR send me an email on plumpernickel at gmail dot com OR send me a SMS (for people who know me, obviously). <br /> </li>
<li><u><b>I will require the following to mail books to you: Your Name, Proper Postal Address including House Number, Street Name/ Number, City, Pin/ ZIP Code, State, Country. For people not in India, I will require a telephone number.</b></u><br /> </li>
<li>Friends, family, real-life acquaintances can request as many books/ magazines as they wish, but these will be given purely on a first-come-first basis. So, if you do not get what you ask for, please do not get mad. People I don't know, can only request 2 books and/ or 4 magazines per person.</li>
<li>I will be crossing out books, according to requests made, so please do not request books that have been promised to someone else.<br /> </li>
<li><u><b>Finally, please do NOT ask me why I am giving away stuff for free.</b></u> If you live in a small house/ flat/ apartment, surely you too identify with the pain of stuff accumulating in leaps and bounds. I periodically create breathing space by giving stuff away. I would rather give away stuff to people I know, who will like what they get (hopefully), than sell it on OLX/ Ebay etc. Also, for friends and family, whose birthdays etc. I am wont to forget, consider it a very belated half peace-offering. </li>
<li>Last but not the least, once you get the books, please drop me a line or message. Last year I sent over 8 books to an unknown, who never bothered to let me know if she got the books or not and to this date have no clue.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's the list now....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
LIST OF BOOKS/ MAGAZINES</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li> Multiple City - Aditi De</li>
<li>New market Tales - Jayant Kripalani</li>
<li><s>Heavenly Date and Other Flirtations - Alexander Mccall Smith (I know I don't give away A Mc Smiths, but I found I bought 2 copies by mistake)</s></li>
<li><s>Under a Monsoon Cloud - H. R. F. Keating</s></li>
<li><s>Inspector Ghote Trusts the Heart - H. R. F. Keating</s></li>
<li><s>The Perfect Murder - H. R. F. Keating</s></li>
<li><s>Inspector Ghote Breaks an Egg - H. R. F. Keating</s></li>
<li>Inspector Singh Investigates: A Deadly Cambodian Crime Spree - Shamini Flint</li>
<li><s>Beatrice and Virgil - Yann Martel (Hard Copy)</s></li>
<li>The Help - Kathryn Stockett</li>
<li><s>Winners Never Cheat - Jon M. Huntsman (yeah laugh, there is nothing I wont read if I feel it gives me insight into clients)</s></li>
<li>Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin</li>
<li><s>Cooking on the Run - Boria Majumdar</s></li>
<li>All Aunt Hagar's Children - Edward P. Jones</li>
<li><s>The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen</s></li>
<li><s>Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage - Alice Munro</s></li>
<li><s>Little People - Tom Holt</s></li>
<li><s>The Portable Door - Tom Holt</s></li>
<li><s>Depths - Henning Mankell</s></li>
<li><s>The King's Speech - Mark Logue and Peter Conrad</s></li>
<li>The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year - Sue Townsend</li>
<li><s>The Year of Yes - Maria Headley</s></li>
<li><s>My Latest Grievance - Elinor Lipman</s></li>
<li><s>Shopaholic & Baby - Sophie Kinsella</s></li>
<li><s>Can You Keep a Secret - Sophie Kinsella </s></li>
<li><s>Shopaholic takes Manhattan - Sophie Kinsella </s> </li>
<li><s>Whale Done - Ken Blanchard</s></li>
<li>Sex and the City - Candace Bushnell</li>
<li>Everyone worth Knowing - Candace Bushnell</li>
<li>Everything Happens for a Reason - Kavita Daswani</li>
<li><s>Five Quarters of the Orange - Joanne Harris</s></li>
<li><s>Jigs and Reels - Joanne Harris</s></li>
<li>Lark Rise - Flora Thompson</li>
<li>What Men Want - Deborah Blumenthal </li>
<li><s> My Sainted Aunts - Bulbul Sharma</s></li>
<li><s>Rude Food - Vir Sanghvi</s></li>
<li>The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger</li>
<li><s>The Teahouse Fire - Ellis Avery</s></li>
<li>A Prison Diary - Jeffrey Archer</li>
<li>Sons of Fortune - Jeffrey Archer</li>
<li>Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert</li>
<li><s>The Diary of a Social Butterfly - Moni Mohsin</s></li>
<s><li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Jul 2010 </li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Dec 2010 </li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Feb 2011</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - May 2011 </li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Aug 2011</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Dec 2011 </li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Dec 2011</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Feb 2012</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Feb 2012 </li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (US Edition) - Feb 2013</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (UK Edition) - Feb 2012</li>
<li>Vogue Magazine (Indian Edition) - Jun 2013</li>
<li>Marie Claire (US Edition) - Mar 2009 </li>
<li>Marie Claire (US Edition) - Jul 2011</li>
<li>Marie Claire (US Edition) - Aug 2011 </li>
<li>Marie Claire (US Edition) - Aug 2012</li>
<li>Elle (US Edition) - Feb 2011 </li>
<li>Esquire (US Edition) - Dec 2010</li>
<li>GQ (US Edition) - Dec 2010</li>
<li>Good Homes (Indian Edition) - Nov 2008</li>
<li>Good Homes (Indian Edition) - Jul 2010 </li>
<li>Good Homes (Indian Edition) - Sep 2011</li>
<li>Good Homes (Indian Edition) - Dec 2011</li>
<li>Good Food (Indian Edition) - Oct 2012</li>
<li>Scientific American (Indian Edition) - Apr 2009</li>
<li>Scientific American (Indian Edition) - Aug 2010 </li>
<li>Scientific American (Indian Edition) - Nov 2010</li>
<li> Scientific American (Indian Edition) - Dec 2010 </li>
<li>Rolling Stone (US Edition) - Jan 2009</li>
<li>Robb Report (Indian Edition) - Feb 2012</li>
<li>Robb Report (Indian Edition) - Mar 2012</li>
<li>Robb Report (Indian Edition) - Sep 2012</li>
<li>Fortune (US Edition) - 1 Dec, 2008</li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 7 Sep, 2009 </li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 24 Oct, 2011</li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 14 Feb, 2011</li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 18 Apr, 2011 </li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 30 Jul, 2012</li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 20 Aug, 2012</li>
<li>Fortune (Asia-Pac Edition) - 18 Mar, 2013 (2 Copies)</li></s>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300761.post-53205212724729036622013-07-27T11:43:00.001-04:002013-07-27T14:10:12.399-04:00DVD Giveaways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome to my annual/ bi-annual giveaways. <br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
RULES </h2>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>The DVD giveaway is restricted to family, friends, real-life acquaintances and after that folks in Kolkata only. Since, I am giving these away absolutely free, feel this is only fair.<br /> </li>
<li>To make a request, either leave a comment OR send me an email on plumpernickel at gmail dot com OR send me a SMS (for people who know me, obviously).<br /> </li>
<li>Friends, family, real-life acquaintances can request as many DVDs as they wish, but these will be given purely on a first-come-first basis. So, if you do not get what you ask for, please do not get mad. People I don't know but from Kolkata, can only request 2 DVDs per person.<br /> </li>
<li>If there is a remote chance the DVD does not work or is in an incompatible region or is not the movie you thought it would be, (a) download VLC (b) grin and bear it, it only came free!<br /> </li>
<li>Friends, family, real-life acquaintances - need to be in India. <br /> </li>
<li>If you do not like the movie, see 4. (b).<br /> </li>
<li> Finally, please do <u><b>NOT</b></u> ask me why I am giving away stuff for free. If you live in a small house/ flat/ apartment, surely you too identify with the pain of stuff accumulating in leaps and bounds. I periodically create breathing space by giving stuff away. I would rather give away stuff to people I know, who will like what they get (hopefully), than sell it on OLX/ Ebay etc. Also, for friends and family, whose birthdays etc. I am wont to forget, consider it a very belated half peace-offering. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Here's the list now....<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>LIST OF DVDs </b></h2>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><s>The Romantics</s></li>
<li><s>The Rebound</s></li>
<li><s>The Adjustment Bureau</s></li>
<li><s>Novocaine</s></li>
<li><s>Serendipity</s></li>
<li><s>I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With</s></li>
<li><s>The Debt</s></li>
<li><h4>
One Day</h4>
</li>
<li><s>Modigliani</s></li>
<li><s>The Bachelor</s></li>
<li><s>The Royal Tenenbaums</s></li>
<li><s>Relative Strangers</s></li>
<li><s>Henry's Crime</s></li>
<li><s>Shortcut to Happiness</s></li>
<li><s>The A-Team</s></li>
<li><h4>
After The Sunset</h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
The Bucket List</h4>
</li>
<li><s>Crash</s></li>
<li><s>Wag the Dog</s></li>
<li><s>A River Runs Through It</s></li>
</ol>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2