tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81176905754690394082024-03-05T13:48:04.976+05:30Life On SimmerNow Cooking....Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-40090715602764310592011-04-05T17:55:00.001+05:302011-04-05T17:56:26.925+05:30Sweet Sakura Tea: Brewing a Prayer for Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfWFvxoJHGZ1IDJFVhExXSDmjIKy33yVrGOPAjKj68cuRH3nR3vmHjWgu3xQ0sJJTteuIV6GYvHg5ydzWoEpi89nrI-xNhbgDpfNKXwbIm2-utLPrqkELxgbAaV8AWCAPPeueXXJLPr4/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfWFvxoJHGZ1IDJFVhExXSDmjIKy33yVrGOPAjKj68cuRH3nR3vmHjWgu3xQ0sJJTteuIV6GYvHg5ydzWoEpi89nrI-xNhbgDpfNKXwbIm2-utLPrqkELxgbAaV8AWCAPPeueXXJLPr4/s400/IMG_1309.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sakura is Japanese for Cherry Blossom. This is one tea which is well-traveled, literally, as Sakura is the only tea that been to space (in 2005 with astronaut Mamoru Mouri.) </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's around this time of the year, Japan celebrates Cherry Blossom Flower Viewing. Japanese turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines, and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties. However, given the recent catastrophic events in Japan, I am told this year, the mood is subdued and there are official requests to refrain from hosting Flower Viewing parties in Tokyo. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was not long ago a colleague from Japan brought me this tea.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> With my cup of Sakura, I grabbed a cushion, settled down with a book and a few French Palmiers; but it's so difficult to concentrate on the reading. With every sip I'm transported to the thoughts of my friends in Japan and the wonderful memories we've shared together. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I blankly stare in to my tea cup in daydreaming, I acknowledge that a lot of who I am today in my professional work comes from values I imbibed from my Japanese colleagues.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Come to think of it, my love for tea also stems from learning how tea is practiced in Japan and their high regard for it in Japanese culture and traditions. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I think it's always nice to be grateful for your learnings and</span><span style="font-size: small;"> it's only apt that I dedicate this post to all my Japanese friends from past, present and future.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiq9pG-bvQSGx-euUjRKpTlL_ZgwqzjUtPjVMVymt5W1_6rjDX-iLJcZHryfJvPZ4JZIOTC1He5bfeuyOoYrW1dnPYeNZvisjS7AYdfeCW8NMECbf8pWsqc4k1BvMzrxR7d6uV8_moiE/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiq9pG-bvQSGx-euUjRKpTlL_ZgwqzjUtPjVMVymt5W1_6rjDX-iLJcZHryfJvPZ4JZIOTC1He5bfeuyOoYrW1dnPYeNZvisjS7AYdfeCW8NMECbf8pWsqc4k1BvMzrxR7d6uV8_moiE/s400/IMG_1319.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">On this summer afternoon in Mumbai, Sakura tea has got me in a reflective mood with its mild flavour. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Just like all floral teas, it has health benefits related to skin. It is also a ritual to eat the cherry blossoms just before you finish the last few sips. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a <a href="http://www.sweetsakuratea.com/english/sakura-english.htm">step-by-step guide</a> on how it's brewed traditionally in Japan. Sakura Tea spells celebration! Salt-pickled cherry blossoms in hot water is called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakurayu">Sakurayu</a>, and drunk at festive events like weddings in place of Green Tea. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sakura tea is reserved for special occasion but I believe any day with a new tea and old memories is special enough. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Itadakimasu! </b> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-11344624567425066442011-03-12T17:14:00.000+05:302011-03-12T17:14:26.266+05:30Three Cheers For Carrots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">When Maa came over with 5kgs of seasonal red carrots urging me to make Gajjar ka Halwa, I knew I had to come up with an innovative escape route. I am not too fond of sweets and thoughts of carrot pickle and carrot chutneys filled my head when I saw big piles of carrots come out of her bag. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember eating carrot chutney with moong dosas long ago and so I immediately started looking up for a recipe on that (which was fairly easy to find). No matter how flavorful this <a href="http://recipes.malayali.me/menu/easy-recipes/carrot-chutney">South Indian chutney</a> turned out, I was still looking at a pile of remaining carrots on the counter. So I went back looking for something with a tangy twist on the carrots when I found my <a href="http://www.indianfoodforever.com/chutney/spicy-carrot-chutney.html">second recipe</a>. Reminiscent of the ever-awesome “aam ka murraba”, this chutney had wonderful aromas going in my kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR4_5DjkwKVk0Lh0DiXVahncWx9FSXQjCnjjqj6QhOx1qk62maRAFw_8UbaCZazQeMZ0-RA0AZCLsVebrxjJ-gENOa4-I0mpJJx_6-hvT_3R40RmefmmkgJfFVn9rkQTnMK3FeEPauTE/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR4_5DjkwKVk0Lh0DiXVahncWx9FSXQjCnjjqj6QhOx1qk62maRAFw_8UbaCZazQeMZ0-RA0AZCLsVebrxjJ-gENOa4-I0mpJJx_6-hvT_3R40RmefmmkgJfFVn9rkQTnMK3FeEPauTE/s400/IMG_0510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjnLN6C85__74SzYZHc3iwQ0ZNluTBw8wMxh75mM_iZ-pNs7GYWEJkR5D8WeIHHlLHeRU47cOSeOIa8admaZhUurOm0sp86eiByMrKRLJtth9nC1i-BBXKIPYfm3IAzHpwZJZv4qabo0/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjnLN6C85__74SzYZHc3iwQ0ZNluTBw8wMxh75mM_iZ-pNs7GYWEJkR5D8WeIHHlLHeRU47cOSeOIa8admaZhUurOm0sp86eiByMrKRLJtth9nC1i-BBXKIPYfm3IAzHpwZJZv4qabo0/s400/IMG_0519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Very happy with my two creations, I started clearing up, but on one end were two big beautiful red/orange bowls of chutney and on the other end was yet another, smaller pile of carrots. Typically when I run out of ideas, I always try bringing in some capsicums. And yet again, it worked as I whirred up the remaining carrots in an impromptu recipe. Here’s what I used:</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 large capsicum</div><div class="MsoNormal">6 medium sized carrots</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 onion</div><div class="MsoNormal">4 cloves of garlic</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 inch of ginger</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon Habanero Chilli Sauce</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saute all ingredients except the chilli sauce on a high flame. Remove from flame just when the onions start turning transparent. Give a good run in the mixer to make a thick paste. Remove in a bowl and add the Habanero Chilli Sauce. There, it’s done! </div><div class="MsoNormal">I relished it with steamed rice and it also went well with the vegetable burgers I made. Next day Mr. B came home to tell me we’re leaving for Goa that same evening. In all the rush to pack up I completely missed to take pictures of this last container I stuck in the freezer. For now, sitting by the poolside, next to a bright red hibiscus plant, I can only relive those flavors in my memory until it’s time to raid the freezers again. </div></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-52656694628183695792011-03-02T20:11:00.003+05:302011-03-02T20:25:21.605+05:30Blushing in My Tea Cup is Some Rose Bud Tea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now I know why they say the best camera is the one in your hand at the right place and right time. A careless tripping of some rose bud tea over a book I was reading resulted in this visual poetry...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit60Qo8WWnHMLqDqsqEBHKgNECStoVHvL42bvlGyVedKyQeiOnsEH8A3oNYQvlNnYOz0HYz_VGI2XrkDuFXN-KfPe8K6eQXQ4uRGoTqG6Ath6jwtI8wuKZrzwOHorqW-w4yA7Oq5VgTz4/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit60Qo8WWnHMLqDqsqEBHKgNECStoVHvL42bvlGyVedKyQeiOnsEH8A3oNYQvlNnYOz0HYz_VGI2XrkDuFXN-KfPe8K6eQXQ4uRGoTqG6Ath6jwtI8wuKZrzwOHorqW-w4yA7Oq5VgTz4/s640/IMG_0150.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I must confess I've been biased to this beautiful blush, so much so that I've reserved it for special occasions only. What I've captured here is the last batch of my rose bud tea. It saw me through many a tough days and kept me company through days when I wasn't in the pink of health. Rose Bud Tea is said to add sparkle to your skin and ease complaints of bloatedness.<br />
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Flower teas are some of the most popular Chinese herbal tea (Tisane), especially Chrysanthemum and Rose Bud Tea which are noted as Woman's herbs. Tisane is not tea at all, it is a caffeine-free herbal infusion which you can savor any time of the day, any number of times a day. Do give it a try. If you're in Mumbai, it's available at Chado, Phoenix Mills.<br />
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P.S: Book Cover is <a href="http://www.anitanair.net/novels/Goodnight_and_God_Bless/index.htm">Good Night God Bless</a> by Anita Nair and the Rose Bud Tea was bought from a 50-year old Tea House called <a href="http://www.tea-chapter.com.sg/">Tea Chapter</a> in Singapore.</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-10524121316737290332011-02-23T00:10:00.005+05:302011-03-02T20:27:29.606+05:30Roobois Tea: Storm in my Tea Cupboard<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/AVvXsEi3Etq7aIBv533HPc0EAJ-6t1RjFhJEBNgmovHzDEdKyp7HCP-xJzHaSFdEwHMgLcZL1H6Su5J0_x3e72nRyQb5v0WeNQR76y9wYW8QyP7eguN-lVSxb-fKJWtCGyYxF2zthjmglJpQnfY/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Etq7aIBv533HPc0EAJ-6t1RjFhJEBNgmovHzDEdKyp7HCP-xJzHaSFdEwHMgLcZL1H6Su5J0_x3e72nRyQb5v0WeNQR76y9wYW8QyP7eguN-lVSxb-fKJWtCGyYxF2zthjmglJpQnfY/s400/IMG_0147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Imagine the storm in my tea cupboard when the new Roobois tea arrived from Sweden. If my teas could come alive at midnight, they would have surely given Mr. Roobios a tough time for grabbing all my attention.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEi_en98SpgoX6I8miHBt2m2B1vp_CY3VnaCoRKKVcn54SoFa2vgZttZ6v-S42xsUh9d4cp6XB5knpiWXClHz3-KxekyfKuf7bVRVKRJn4-TYe31EYvqiEslVXENGQIAA5lxyF2L2ABfOUE/s1600/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_en98SpgoX6I8miHBt2m2B1vp_CY3VnaCoRKKVcn54SoFa2vgZttZ6v-S42xsUh9d4cp6XB5knpiWXClHz3-KxekyfKuf7bVRVKRJn4-TYe31EYvqiEslVXENGQIAA5lxyF2L2ABfOUE/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roobois literally means "Red Bush"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ62fz0p62n6VoIM1nuJQlgET30mRsYwviVY5V-p_MBjWMDIvxnaFdGTckmssjGYgdi1Tl_TYcVWxDcnCmwz9uMaa2EADZ1jxU-TtQf_dcrf-WFO7VwoKLTJPoBAZAvz4EHUmvkBquZA/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZ62fz0p62n6VoIM1nuJQlgET30mRsYwviVY5V-p_MBjWMDIvxnaFdGTckmssjGYgdi1Tl_TYcVWxDcnCmwz9uMaa2EADZ1jxU-TtQf_dcrf-WFO7VwoKLTJPoBAZAvz4EHUmvkBquZA/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roobois infused with orange, cactus and those big chunks are liquorice root<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmziPz3vX8tNjyou5gQ4Z3rqigw2mNQYzHeAEO1V5qu2VHmo8ZXSp_7lwEzYtAXOTMeWmPhX_CLrcue7smGe0_YMPX7wckRzic_HTpG43E-oiKGxysHvkxudJhGrqPqLnYcJIoM5swrts/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmziPz3vX8tNjyou5gQ4Z3rqigw2mNQYzHeAEO1V5qu2VHmo8ZXSp_7lwEzYtAXOTMeWmPhX_CLrcue7smGe0_YMPX7wckRzic_HTpG43E-oiKGxysHvkxudJhGrqPqLnYcJIoM5swrts/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Thank you Lova for sending me tea love. Native to South Africa, roobois is used as traditional medicine to cure digestive and dermatological ailments. I learn it's popular among the health-conscious tea lovers for its rich in antioxidants and flavanols. This particular roobois that I received was infused with orange, cactus and liquorice making it a truly unique brew. Yes, cactus. It was a refreshing change for my tea palette. While I love my classic teas, it's these exotic twists that add spice to my everyday tea time experience.<br />
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</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-32149209213557808402011-02-22T22:11:00.002+05:302011-02-22T22:59:41.898+05:30Storytelling in Social Media at Kalaghoda Arts Festival 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If we look closer, each life event has a story to tell, a lesson to learn. On my way back home from the "Storytelling in Social Media" workshop I conducted at Kalaghoda this year, I couldn’t help thinking about the wonderful stories each participant carried within themselves, oblivious to the potential of these living stories.<br />
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Through my series of workshop on Storytelling I aspire not only to teach businesses about power of narratives; but also train the common eye to catch a shooting story.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPEHAu88f2Vx4E6rShNZTitGGjKt7gk1uX80qVMZtoI5TZNLUmO9yb8kzdyIXMwXzL1bCfEHKa_c7TvLIrqX-cDmj52Zq1mcKJTWVB5Aig0xvcfhf4Jmm-1bD0OGceHS5wlU2ujMBC_E/s1600/_DSC9459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPEHAu88f2Vx4E6rShNZTitGGjKt7gk1uX80qVMZtoI5TZNLUmO9yb8kzdyIXMwXzL1bCfEHKa_c7TvLIrqX-cDmj52Zq1mcKJTWVB5Aig0xvcfhf4Jmm-1bD0OGceHS5wlU2ujMBC_E/s320/_DSC9459.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCECjTSepaotg5dMRBqTtpfb_uAd1NF3L_Tt4vxRpBSG23tmkBIGnt4u080nFlXI9Wn2wEOxGDzev3FFuI-k79lFtYDdQMP1b_jMzkj0UIN9iTMYXoifFhC-40QEe8tk-qQGllaqwrZU/s1600/_DSC9428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCECjTSepaotg5dMRBqTtpfb_uAd1NF3L_Tt4vxRpBSG23tmkBIGnt4u080nFlXI9Wn2wEOxGDzev3FFuI-k79lFtYDdQMP1b_jMzkj0UIN9iTMYXoifFhC-40QEe8tk-qQGllaqwrZU/s320/_DSC9428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://actionink.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/dsc9437.jpg?w=460" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://actionink.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/dsc9437.jpg?w=460" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://actionink.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/storytelling-in-social-media-at-kalaghoda-arts-festival-2011/">Read my notes from the Kalaghoda workshop</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=286855&id=764804139&l=d1e7b9804c">View Picture Story of the Kalaghoda workshop </a><br />
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<i>In case you missed the workshop, but are keen on learning more about “Storytelling in Social Media”, I’d be happy to share some of my notes from the session. Please connect with me via <a href="http://www.about.me/snigdha">www.about.me/snigdha</a></i><br />
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[Cross-posted from my blog <a href="http://actionink.wordpress.com/">http://actionink.wordpress.com/</a><a href="http://actionink.wordpress.com/">http://actionink.wordpress.com/</a>]</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-42234607287568238232011-01-04T22:31:00.000+05:302011-01-04T22:31:23.961+05:30Tea Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.184754697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.184754697.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">After eggs and bacon it says, "Work!" After beefsteak and porter, it says, "Sleep!" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, "Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">~Jerome K. Jerome, <i>Three Men in a Boat</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><i>Image: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheJoyofColor?ref=top_trail">The Joy of Color </a></i><i> </i></span>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-58574634038995467422010-12-13T23:43:00.000+05:302010-12-13T23:43:53.220+05:30Folk Tales and Garlic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.designmom.com/wp-content/uploads/from_blogger/cj4.garlic1-742620.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.designmom.com/wp-content/uploads/from_blogger/cj4.garlic1-742620.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Much as I love Folk Tales I love Garlic. The sound and smell of frying garlic is my favorite memory from my mother's kitchen. Every region has it own version of how the Garlic came into being and how it was used throughout history. </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">During the reign of King Tut, fifteen pounds of garlic could buy you a healthy slave. Even when King Tut's tomb was excavated, there were bulbs of garlic found scattered throughout the rooms. </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">The Koreans, ate pickled garlic before passing through a mountain path, believing that tigers disliked it. </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Roman soldiers ate garlic to inspire them and give them courage. They planted fields of garlic in the countries they conquered, believing that courage was transferred to the battlefield.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">The following Philippine Folk Tale narrates how garlic came into being. </div><h2 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The First Garlic</span></h2><span style="font-family: Arial,Helv; font-size: small;">There once lived a beautiful maiden whose mother arranged to be married to the son of one of the richest datus in the land. She was so lovely that a rival suitor murdered her fiance. That rival was, in turn, killed by the dead fiance's loyal slave. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">As news of the double-deaths spread, the young maiden runs up a sacred mountain and implores Bathala (their God) to take her away so that her beautiful face will no longer cause any future killings. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">She gets zapped by lightning. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Her mother buries her and grieves, watering her grave with tears. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">One day, the mother sees some grass-like plants sprouting on top of her dead daughter's graves. Thinking it was some useless weed, she pulls it out and sees seeds that look like her dead daughter's teeth. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">She hears a supernatural voice boom: "Those are your daughter's teeth." </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">She gives thanks, knowing this is Bathala's way of giving her something that will remind her of her daughter. She plants the seeds all over her land to spread the memory of her daughter, and that's how the garlic plant began.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">References:</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://folktales.webmanila.com/folktales/plants/?garlic </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/10/garlic_superstitions_folklore.html</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Image Courtesy: http://www.designmom.com/</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-85049380895420285102010-11-25T17:24:00.002+05:302010-11-25T17:30:20.880+05:30Mumbai Food Bloggers Meet @Indian Harvest<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">In a nation obsessed with food and in a city obsessed with success, finding the right balance between the two is not easy. Food has always been “social”. Like the British have the weather, Indians have food to talk about as an icebreaker. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Irrespective of the season or reason for the gathering, food often becomes a centerpoint of conversations. So it’s only natural how well Social Media complements the essence of food. Add to this, the burgeoning bloggers community in the city and you have an active reminder of how social sharing is impacting the business of food today. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I was the 2<sup>nd</sup> Mumbai Food Bloggers Meet. In my hands was the menu exclusively designed for us (see photo) and in my mind was the thought “This is happening! We are here today because someone acknowledges the role of online communities in their Marketing Mix.” This excitement was greeted with an amuse bouche which has sparked off a new love for Indian Fusion cooking for me. It was a Butter chakli topped with paneer bhurji and a light seasoning of spices, which will remain to be the highlight of the evening for me. </div><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6cCfweUDI/AAAAAAAABZk/ZyC26y7rOiE/s1600/indian+harvest+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6cCfweUDI/AAAAAAAABZk/ZyC26y7rOiE/s400/indian+harvest+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exclusive Menu designed for 2nd Mumbai Food Bloggers Meet</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6W0uRiBtI/AAAAAAAABY0/9LvSSahUvhI/s1600/indian+harvest+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6W0uRiBtI/AAAAAAAABY0/9LvSSahUvhI/s320/indian+harvest+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We were hosted by Meher & Satyen Dasondi of Indian harvest, who had started off this Indian Contemporary Dining experience by serving plated food. Sadly, it wasn’t well received by their local audience and they had to offer the conventional portions as well. For the bloggers, they served a tasting menu in the plated format and I promise you I could munch on that methi churan bhendi on my plate all day long. Palak Shorba spiked with Feni was a refreshing treat and indeed perfect for some soup shots! The Tomata Rasam came with miniature vade in them and some strong pungent flavors I adore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6N0TfgHdI/AAAAAAAABVs/_Cwm3-gT1mk/s320/indian+harvest+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6N0TfgHdI/AAAAAAAABVs/_Cwm3-gT1mk/s320/indian+harvest+044.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Parda Murg served next could well be a meal by itself and the most awaited Bhatkali Biryani came in last and completely lived up to our expectations. In between we drooled over Aalo Makhana Chettinad flavored with dagadphool, Black daal, a delicate paneer with pineapple and saffron cream, Ghost do pyaaza naarangi, but none of this could prepare us for the finale'...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6KQtkw7kI/AAAAAAAABUU/WKW53aCN9tQ/s320/indian+harvest+057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6KQtkw7kI/AAAAAAAABUU/WKW53aCN9tQ/s320/indian+harvest+057.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6KQLYCT_I/AAAAAAAABUM/w3pz6D_NHcs/s320/indian+harvest+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Plaxbbugv2U/TM6KQLYCT_I/AAAAAAAABUM/w3pz6D_NHcs/s320/indian+harvest+058.jpg" /></a>A dessert they created in honor of the bloggers meet and dedicated it to <a href="http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/">Rushina</a>, the sole strength behind organizing Mumbai Food Bloggers Meet. It was a rendition of honey noodles with ice cream, but in an unimaginable form of orange ginger honey coated thepla crisps served with a mouthful of phirni and a motichur laddu. It was an instant hit! None of what I describe here can possibly recreate the magic of those unique flavors. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The evening ended with all of us picking up an Ice cream bon-bon from the ice bucket with dry ice and some (like me) went back home with a paradigm shift about Indian Fusion food. Here’s what some of my friends wrote about this dinner on their blogs:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://thesassyfork.blogspot.com/2010/11/indian-harvestcontemporary-indian.html">The Sassy Fork</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nonchalantgourmand.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html">The Nonchalant Gourmand </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://fondoffood.blogspot.com/">Fond Of Food</a><br />
<br />
<b>Notes:</b> Mumbai Food Bloggers Meet is put together by <a href="http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/">Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal</a> and hosted by different restaurants across the city every month. Our 1<sup>st</sup> meet was held at 55 East, Grand Hyatt.</div><ul><li>If you are a food blogger from Mumbai and interested in being a part of this community, please join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142371439146896&index=1#%21/home.php?sk=group_112693102126774">Facebook group</a> (Thanks <a href="http://tumyumtreats.blogspot.com/">Sunshinemom</a> for creating this!)</li>
<li>If you are a restaurant and excited by the idea of hosting food bloggers, please connect with <a href="http://a%2Eperfect%2Ebite@gmail.com%20/">Rushina</a>. </li>
</ul>To make your reservation @Indian Harvest<br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Gate no.1,Acres Club,Hemu Kalani Marg.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Chembur</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mumbai</span></span> <br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">telephone:<span style="font-size: xx-small;">0</span></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;">22-65169339; 022-65169338</span></span></div><br />
<ul></ul>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-81342881709271936792010-11-08T23:45:00.001+05:302010-11-09T01:03:59.112+05:30Rose Garden Green Tea<span id="goog_1122745894"></span><span id="goog_1122745895"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5gnJUARcR34-WmYkDLUqmyBUDpweL2t5tepvj9MGaK5uG4MKtVpCqq42sR2fbWeWO0jgqAKX1PpFb-a7HZ67pCGgrarbqQcj3mxffmJL6rwt0Iuw4ZR4hX8kus0zR5sn7mVtDBHxMgc/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5gnJUARcR34-WmYkDLUqmyBUDpweL2t5tepvj9MGaK5uG4MKtVpCqq42sR2fbWeWO0jgqAKX1PpFb-a7HZ67pCGgrarbqQcj3mxffmJL6rwt0Iuw4ZR4hX8kus0zR5sn7mVtDBHxMgc/s400/IMG_5637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I completely believe in the <a href="http://www.slowfood.com/">Slow Food Movement</a> because you've no idea hows slow I will be in finishing this treasured bottle of tea! Big thanks to Rushina (<a href="http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/">A Perfect Bite</a>) who gifted me "Giardino Rose" from <a href="http://a-perfect-bite.blogspot.com/2010/11/terra-madre-awakening.html">Terra Madre Conference</a> she attended recently in Turin.Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-49197168631374826492010-10-30T19:57:00.000+05:302010-10-30T19:57:49.853+05:30Crunchy Pista SquaresI'm a snack monster, so come Diwali and I'm faced with the difficult task of deciding which sweet it's going to be this year. When I made the crunchy pista squares last year, I didn't realize it was also vegan. While my pick for this year still hangs, I'm sharing this simple recipe I tried last year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG70z7UpRLCc_SmP1VEgvtz_4yK2Nkqi0Pj5wQgylTHGESpTKduT9WOMOKCsp_FMX7gLLBtJZqUb0Ea63Xodo2_5Iw-Z5TnCL5T_9MGEuFA3MdDFdjZ0zWs4BMIw9mBfufkZAslWF1H8/s1600/jul-aug04pg36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG70z7UpRLCc_SmP1VEgvtz_4yK2Nkqi0Pj5wQgylTHGESpTKduT9WOMOKCsp_FMX7gLLBtJZqUb0Ea63Xodo2_5Iw-Z5TnCL5T_9MGEuFA3MdDFdjZ0zWs4BMIw9mBfufkZAslWF1H8/s320/jul-aug04pg36.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>In a nutshell, this is your regular samosa strip filled with pista mix, deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup.Please don't get intimidated by the elaborate recipe. It takes only 15 minutes to put together a plateful. Cheer on...give it a try!<br />
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32 thin samosa strips cut into smaller squares <br />
(4 squares from 1 strip)<br />
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For the filling<br />
1.Peel and dry the pistachios on a tea towel.<br />
2.Grind the sugar and pistachios in a blender coarsely.<br />
3.Place this mixture in a saucepan, sprinkle a few drops of water and heat over a gentle flame till the mixture is cooked and leaves the sides of the pan. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.<br />
4.Cool and divide the mixture into equal parts.<br />
<br />
For the sugar syrup<br />
1.Dissolve sugar with half a cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes till the syrup is of 1-string consistency.<br />
2.Add the saffron and lemon juice and mix. Remove from the fire and keep warm.<br />
<br />
How to proceed<br />
1.Place a portion of the pistachio filling in the centre of one samosa strip.<br />
2.Apply the flour paste on the samosa strip around the filling, taking care to leave the edges dry, so that the layers separate while the square is being fried.<br />
3 Place another samosa strip on top and press gently around the filling in order to stick the two strip together. Apply a little flour paste in the centre of the stuffed square and stick another samosa strip. <br />
4.Deep fry in hot oil until golden in colour. Drain on absorbent paper.<br />
5.Transfer the squares into the warm sugar syrup. Allow the excess syrup to drain before removing.<br />
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Image and Recipe: <a href="http://tarladalal.blogspot.com/2007/11/kuch-mitha-ho-jaaye.html">Kuch Mitha Ho Jaye </a>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-56470022167005761352010-10-29T00:23:00.005+05:302010-10-29T03:10:59.559+05:30Cu-tea Calendar 2011There's still time for 2011 to peep in, but nothing keeps me away from Tea indulgence any time of the year. <a href="http://www.karelcapek.co.jp/">Karel Capek</a>, a Japanese tea company and their cu-tea calendar:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfWRxc8YUzHBJ8cdfOBfndhGKMCiZxQRZfYSd-aeyB4RKsALn_3idLQCSH5qONVpJK0hHn0yFxgqNBanc_01i-tlEb4zdZ5pSV8LSfW571jxUshllK6LJIqbV4sasuWLmSyQZhQygKvC4/s1600/TEA5467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfWRxc8YUzHBJ8cdfOBfndhGKMCiZxQRZfYSd-aeyB4RKsALn_3idLQCSH5qONVpJK0hHn0yFxgqNBanc_01i-tlEb4zdZ5pSV8LSfW571jxUshllK6LJIqbV4sasuWLmSyQZhQygKvC4/s320/TEA5467.jpg" width="276" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYq-5GzdeGWNuQtWJ2SVTRROkzQncCI2cP6O1OYP8EF8vl7_4-AC5Xca8dWP0NhNT1rG9aXlyg0SZN2v4Ghvm3yOcPKaDlFKZkoAK9-baornQ8P3BCcHTZTF8uHzEC-1zYRKv00Mhw-qk/s1600/TEA5471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYq-5GzdeGWNuQtWJ2SVTRROkzQncCI2cP6O1OYP8EF8vl7_4-AC5Xca8dWP0NhNT1rG9aXlyg0SZN2v4Ghvm3yOcPKaDlFKZkoAK9-baornQ8P3BCcHTZTF8uHzEC-1zYRKv00Mhw-qk/s320/TEA5471.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JeDGZe-R7qiNX1UeKgh5tpOYXq7XfS2Ik-JntJKilWSb0Ltx_INsDVnSRj8lG1zwmJM3BqtoOV0MyKMG9As-dDYPJDlGsPkk3gGJLZMwY-IZyWqinrtDSqXh_8bs2w1iZKK_TNZIv9gP/s1600/TEA5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JeDGZe-R7qiNX1UeKgh5tpOYXq7XfS2Ik-JntJKilWSb0Ltx_INsDVnSRj8lG1zwmJM3BqtoOV0MyKMG9As-dDYPJDlGsPkk3gGJLZMwY-IZyWqinrtDSqXh_8bs2w1iZKK_TNZIv9gP/s320/TEA5475.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JeDGZe-R7qiNX1UeKgh5tpOYXq7XfS2Ik-JntJKilWSb0Ltx_INsDVnSRj8lG1zwmJM3BqtoOV0MyKMG9As-dDYPJDlGsPkk3gGJLZMwY-IZyWqinrtDSqXh_8bs2w1iZKK_TNZIv9gP/s1600/TEA5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JeDGZe-R7qiNX1UeKgh5tpOYXq7XfS2Ik-JntJKilWSb0Ltx_INsDVnSRj8lG1zwmJM3BqtoOV0MyKMG9As-dDYPJDlGsPkk3gGJLZMwY-IZyWqinrtDSqXh_8bs2w1iZKK_TNZIv9gP/s1600/TEA5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Images: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://omiyageblogs.blogspot.com/2010/10/2011-happy-teatime-calendar.html">Omiyage-simply charming things from Japan</a></span></div><br />
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</script>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-12445169568709013772010-10-28T23:49:00.006+05:302010-10-29T03:10:04.926+05:30Adrak Tulsi Ice CreamThe moment I read it on the menu, I imagined a little kid with a runny nose pleading his mom to let him have the "Adrak Tulsi" ice cream. Actually, the kid was me- most of my growing years I avoided eating ice cream due to my on and off affair with sinus. I truly wished they had this flavor back then. Would've made the perfect excuse for me :)<br />
<br />
Zero degrees, the third ice cream parlour which opened up in my locality (after Kwality Swirls and Gokul Ice Cream) carries this flavor. The store proudly announces that you're in for an ice cream treat from Rajkot.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj_bWh29Et4ODLFLK7nA2ox2Z9LITjXKWFO2a6sjRM4guup4IyUdS4Y7cmmC5LygXG1PkhuYmE6JGoz812-372zM-Uc0t_i6wYtau0kCEv6Rb1eX-0qmVt1F7PZf11FkaB0IIhV48tHfAY/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bWh29Et4ODLFLK7nA2ox2Z9LITjXKWFO2a6sjRM4guup4IyUdS4Y7cmmC5LygXG1PkhuYmE6JGoz812-372zM-Uc0t_i6wYtau0kCEv6Rb1eX-0qmVt1F7PZf11FkaB0IIhV48tHfAY/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Second scoop we brought back home: Adrak Tulsi and Rose Petals Ice-Cream</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The guy at the counter first let us taste a few flavors, when the cashier announced in his strong regional Gujju accent that this will be our last tasting. The counter guy meekly points out to the handwritten note which says "Tasting not allowed." By then, we had tasted Adrak-Tulsi, Rose Petals, Gems and Jelly, Butterscotch, Black Currant, Litchi, Paan and Choco Blast (pretty much in the same order). I totally avoid chocolate when there is so much more choice. So I went on to try the Adrak-Tulsi, while Mr. B picked on Rose petals with cashews. Slowly and gradually as my ice cream melted and I relished every bit of the Tulsi leaves and Adrak slivers, the cashier's babbling in the background became fainter and distant. He stopped only when we handed out the monies to him. In any other case I would've cribbed about the poor service, but today I just didn't care. After the ice cream, I could've forgiven Satan in his place as well!<br />
<br />
<b>Roundup:</b> Adrak-Tulsi and Rose Petal- must try. If you're a Tutti-Fruitti fan, go for Gems and Jelly. Pay the guy first for a carefree ice-cream eating experience. No regrets guaranteed!<br />
<br />
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</script>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-88568208563279672432010-08-24T12:22:00.000+05:302010-08-24T12:22:52.067+05:30Baked Vada Pav!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTMJdDzewgsM0y3F26rkpTbPANMSvZ2ykcNC9EeKthX5AJbIES0dK6nfbIBhTPJONVqH4kZazNEirqY-Vn4w_f4aeqP9lxhqqjTYzT9gZ9o7wfj1vGyMCEGlb1xde3Ozj7nyE_f5FoA0/s1600/P1040424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTMJdDzewgsM0y3F26rkpTbPANMSvZ2ykcNC9EeKthX5AJbIES0dK6nfbIBhTPJONVqH4kZazNEirqY-Vn4w_f4aeqP9lxhqqjTYzT9gZ9o7wfj1vGyMCEGlb1xde3Ozj7nyE_f5FoA0/s400/P1040424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Now that we have a Baked Vada Pav, imagine how upset the MNS will be! This little wonder is actually the potato mix of batata vada enveloped in a bun. Sounds simple; but the experience of biting into one is far from ordinary. <o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">You hold a nicely rounded bun which only reveals the magic after the first bite. The entire time you keep comparing the experience to a Kachori or to the yummy mix in a masala dosa. A must try for both baking enthusiasts and local flavor lovers!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">I was so glad to have discovered this on a long journey back home from Chembur. I just didn't want to stop at a Barista or CCD and kept my eyes glued for locals cafe's when I found Ambrosia at Diamond Garden, Chembur. They have some other interesting breads and bakes too which I hopefully get to explore next time I'm around.</span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-61195121859452967282010-08-22T18:23:00.002+05:302010-08-22T18:28:30.070+05:30In the Kitchen with Banana Yoshimoto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjEvOlvdXz7nnL7tbojeiiGqzR04m0WO5S5GM0CQNsKeyTx_LO9oNkyFBOTVxJsiL9mZEVwnDTa2msij43d8KAOsaRVfCpPlXutIm1WpaeWFafgtuwSiPIjiDNQGffBhnPIMyiinao2g/s1600/P1040456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjEvOlvdXz7nnL7tbojeiiGqzR04m0WO5S5GM0CQNsKeyTx_LO9oNkyFBOTVxJsiL9mZEVwnDTa2msij43d8KAOsaRVfCpPlXutIm1WpaeWFafgtuwSiPIjiDNQGffBhnPIMyiinao2g/s400/P1040456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I have to agree that I might be biased in reviewing a book which mentions a boiling kettle and tea every third page. I can’t help but notice how much this imitates my life. Come to think of it, my day is planned around my four cups of tea (one black, three green). I will read the newspaper, finish breakfast and chat up with B between the first and the second cup. Work gets intensive after that time and I finish off all phone calls and email replies before my third cup. The fourth and final cup is a declaration to myself that the day is over and it’s time to slow down. On days when I’m sipping my fifth cup (strictly a herbal infusion) it’s mostly because I’m treating myself for staying up late to finish work or waiting for B to be back.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">‘Kitchen’ by Banana Yoshimoto is a book I honestly picked up only because I was drawn to the cover design, idea of flavors from Japan and the author name. I was a bit ashamed to acknowledge this when the book revealed it’s true story to me. Mikage the central character of the novella is an orphan raised by her grandmother and finds a Kitchen to be the most comfortable place in the world. So much so, that after her grandmother expires, she could only sleep next to the refrigerator in the kitchen where the constant hum would comfort her. Her imagination is descriptive when talking about her dream kitchen. Another amusing characteristic you’ll notice is that she would often be found scrubbing the kitchen sink or floor as this would have a calming effect on her and help her deal with her loss. Cooking and cleaning can be meditative and the same thread is carried throughout the story. It gives her strength to carry on with her life despite being caged in steely loneliness. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Yuichi the male protagonist leads a strange life too. After his mother dies, his father turns into a woman because he can’t bear loving another woman in his life. After he/she dies, Yuichi is left to deal with his own solitary life. All of this changes over a full meal Miyage cooks for both of them. I promise you that by the end of it you’ll be craving for some soupy rice or ramen. How beautiful that their story is destined to culminate over a meal of Katsudon (pork-rice)! Yuichi find himself in a monk-town where restaurants serve only Tofu dishes while Miyage is far away on a food tour with her sensei. (She quits school to work with a celebrity gastronome.) The sudden urge to share her Katsudon with Yuichi is when she gives in to her feelings and travels through the night to scale the walls of his hotel to bring it to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Although I make it sound very Bollywood, but the writing is far from it. It's bursting with true Japanese flavors and the simplicity of it steals the show. For example- A sentence asking for take-away at a restaurant reads as “Can this be made to go?” It’s also dotted with powerful notes such as “People aren’t overcome by situations or outside forces, defeat invades from within.” Yoshimoto-san has generously garnished her book with sashimi, prawns, tempura, soba noodles for that perfect one-pot read for hungry eyes. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did and do keep the ramen handy!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-88290086981201026422010-08-20T20:29:00.005+05:302010-08-20T20:45:49.740+05:30Curtain Raiser<div class="MsoNormal">From where he comes, space is basic not luxury, privacy is effortless and sanctity is still safeguarded. Knowing this, I understand his unsettling feeling of being a lab specimen in your own house; but I’ve rarely ever experienced it.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
Growing up in apartments of a crowded city like Mumbai does that to you- You stop counting the number of windows that have clear vision of your apartment when the tube comes on. This, however, hasn’t grown on B even after being here for over a decade. Every evening B will track me down with the curtains carelessly drawn. Without a word, he’ll make a calculated move and the curtains will behave like the hopelessly punished mischievous kid from school.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Lonavala tonight, we’ve stayed at this solitary bungalow before but it’s the first time that the sense of space fills me up. A funny feeling creeps in. One part of the grand window is blurred with steam from the Dimbula tea I’m sipping on. Even then, I am sure that nearest lit room is far away. A song plays in my head and I turn to see B on his desk, deep in thought, doing what he does for a living- weaving stories. He senses my eyes on him and looks up. I promptly turn and with my free hand begin to draw on the steamy window- a house.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A smiling B gets up from his desk, with eyes pointing to my tilted teacup and the small puddle on the floor! In his characteristic way he fetches the cup from my hands and dabs some tissues on the floor. He’s the perfect antidote to my clumsiness! He pours me some more tea from the white teapot, beaming this entire time. As the cup exchanges hands, he unassumingly opens the window to a sea of dark. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
As we both stand there, my mind wanders off to the fields of turnip and raddish we can see from B’s family house in Doon. They have different set of curtains for summer and winter. While recalling the patterns of each, I make a wish...I hope that curtains always remain as furnishing for me.</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-26946700261045509222010-08-03T19:10:00.000+05:302010-08-03T19:10:50.324+05:30Ode to a Lemon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Found myself at Dadar a few days ago. At 7am even before the markets open, there's a lot you can buy here. I look around, surrounded by heaps of veggies and fruits, I make a mental list of things to buy when I'm distracted by a huge pile of lemons. They are not far. I suddenly mark the distance in a visual alley of sorts and bowl myself over to fetch the yellow ten-pins. I'm amused with my imagination, amused with the power a 'diminutive fire of a planet". </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Señor Neruda here echoes my Ode to a Lemon...</span></span></span><br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJtdo-V5uHf9PGRH56BQniGa0uKaKd65dDKnjhKdYh6BlHHeYlr8LrB3JI9hi8pAwqoH-ny3vyNswfWHIWz0XBfVIYyWfRKFoVFRkT4pkm1lnNZjywLIF_PsO1peVjfpaTuQE7KNO7Ic/s1600/lemon-tree-final-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJtdo-V5uHf9PGRH56BQniGa0uKaKd65dDKnjhKdYh6BlHHeYlr8LrB3JI9hi8pAwqoH-ny3vyNswfWHIWz0XBfVIYyWfRKFoVFRkT4pkm1lnNZjywLIF_PsO1peVjfpaTuQE7KNO7Ic/s320/lemon-tree-final-web.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><div>Out of lemon flowers<br />
loosed<br />
on the moonlight, love's<br />
lashed and insatiable<br />
essences,<br />
sodden with fragrance,<br />
the lemon tree's yellow<br />
emerges,<br />
the lemons<br />
move down<br />
from the tree's planetarium<br />
<br />
Delicate merchandise!<br />
The harbors are big with it-<br />
bazaars<br />
for the light and the<br />
barbarous gold.<br />
We open<br />
the halves<br />
of a miracle,<br />
and a clotting of acids<br />
brims<br />
into the starry<br />
divisions:<br />
creation's<br />
original juices,<br />
irreducible, changeless,<br />
alive:<br />
so the freshness lives on<br />
in a lemon,<br />
in the sweet-smelling house of the rind,<br />
the proportions, arcane and acerb.<br />
<br />
Cutting the lemon<br />
the knife<br />
leaves a little cathedral:<br />
alcoves unguessed by the eye<br />
that open acidulous glass<br />
to the light; topazes<br />
riding the droplets,<br />
altars,<br />
aromatic facades.<br />
<br />
So, while the hand<br />
holds the cut of the lemon,<br />
half a world<br />
on a trencher,<br />
the gold of the universe<br />
wells<br />
to your touch:<br />
a cup yellow<br />
with miracles,<br />
a breast and a nipple<br />
perfuming the earth;<br />
a flashing made fruitage,<br />
the diminutive fire of a planet.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><i>-Pablo Neruda</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Photo Courtesy: Thanks <a href="http://ameliajordanspaintings.blogspot.com/2007/07/lemon-tree-very-pretty.html">Amelia</a> for this lovely watercolor </div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-71983960278120676082010-05-28T23:46:00.010+05:302010-06-30T00:06:54.616+05:30Dinner For Two<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFOgPbscZwyOasYHWH_W3WIbepLsqKcLGdajlub53cP9J-dHbzoUHx6SC8MY64SRGDS4zBs5ayZ8vRiJ2FqSuGBrpIA3aG5R1vwXCUGIKs2aVFG6vqw8hkcdvihdWCJ9eUBruiGdfNYU/s1600/Dinnerfor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFOgPbscZwyOasYHWH_W3WIbepLsqKcLGdajlub53cP9J-dHbzoUHx6SC8MY64SRGDS4zBs5ayZ8vRiJ2FqSuGBrpIA3aG5R1vwXCUGIKs2aVFG6vqw8hkcdvihdWCJ9eUBruiGdfNYU/s400/Dinnerfor2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the glowing candlelight I smell your shampoo</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">You know how much I love dinner for two...</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(click on the pic to see an enlarged view) </span></span></span></div></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-11321117730715753552010-04-09T10:29:00.001+05:302010-04-09T10:43:49.492+05:30Reflexology by Visually Impaired Therapists @Metta Foot Spa<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">“Fifth lamp post when you take the right” Fifth lamp post? I was confused. I have never heard any directions like that in Mumbai. Enter Pali Village and I see five posts of time- each with its own unique character from a different era. I should've guessed they aren't going to be the usual lamp posts. For anyone who knows Pali Hill, Pali Naka and so on...Pali Village is a revelation; but little did I know more surprises awaited us at <a href="http://mettafootspa.com/">Metta Foot Spa</a>. First step in and I see a group of bubbly visually impaired friends greet us, urging us to go up to the reception. We climb up a fleet of stairs and reach the reception greeted by John (who had 10% visibility- highest among the others. Hence, he was assigned to the reception. It was impossible to guess that John too was visually impaired until Joanita told us about it when we were leaving. )</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It is said that when you lose one sense, your other senses become stronger. After experiencing it first hand, I no longer take this as a saying alone. My therapist, Pallavi who travels 2 hrs from Mankhurd to get here every day is well versed with all the nuances of reflexology and traditions of a regular spa. Her expertise reflected in her simple touch. After cleansing my feet with a hot towel she wraps one up in a traditional Thai manner while she kneads the other. At one point I yelp and she announces that this the sinus point which is hurting you. After 5 days of cold and cough, I couldn’t agree more. She remains focused on my sinus points while maintaining that it will offer me relief. Over the next one hour she plays different tunes on my legs, back, shoulders, hands and head. All this with some soothing music in the background.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>What started out as a reaction to a tweet I read, went on to become the best spa experience I've ever had. “Pampering yourself is good but doing it for a noble cause only makes it better.” This is one indulgence which offers no guilt at all. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I called in to make an appointment for three of us- the usual suspects- me, Amrita and Gargi and the number went up to five when we managed to rope in Nikhil and Saurin as well. During our sessions- Nikhil went on a spiritual trip, Amrita-the tickly one- went berserk laughing. I joined in too until Joanita sent her to another room to manage the situation. (She remarked that she has never heard so much laughter during a session and the other therapists were wondering what was going on upstairs!) Gargi and Saurin clasped their hands tightly containing the surge of energy from the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pressure points. Their therapist asked them to bear the pain so that it helps in blood circulation. They looked like two little school children trying very hard to maintain silence in the class.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After the sessions ended Joanita shared the story of her journey to Metta Foot Spa. I'm not giving it away. Hear it all from the horse’s mouth- please visit Metta Foot Spa and do spread the word around. Also Joanita is looking for a place in the suburbs. If you have some place in mind, please do discuss with her. In the past one year of their existence the spa has commissioned no publicity/promotions. The least we thought we could do is help her set up a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Metta-Foot-Spa/116071868405269?ref=ts&v=wall">Facebook Fan Page</a>. More postings coming up here soon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Experience Metta (Loving compassion):</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Services Offered- <a href="http://mettafootspa.com/services.htm">http://mettafootspa.com/services.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://mettafootspa.com/services.htm"></a>To make an appointment, call <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>9870719923</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">For more details- <a href="http://mettafootspa.com/Contact.htm">http://mettafootspa.com/Contact.htm</a> </span></b></span></span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-38204000445885548882010-04-06T19:54:00.009+05:302010-04-06T22:53:12.878+05:30Thorns in my Throat- A Poem in Progress<div style="text-align: left;">Digging up old treasures is a certain high. Another dive and I come up with a half crumpled note dated 2007. I clearly remember the crazy day at work when I wrote this, exasperated. You'll know why I celebrate the thrill of of my own randomness today. I'm tempted to add more to it each time I read it. This one surely is a poem in progress!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.135443737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.135443737.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I got thorns in my throat.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Nomad syrup? I spot promote.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Try to exercise but my mind.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's working on its own design.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Someday this drum will stop to roll.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pick me up- like ramen from a bowl.<br />
I can fix this. There's no doubt.<br />
A teapot with a broken spout.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Swim through this day in misery.<br />
With a blue jar of green tea.<br />
I want it to rain. Clear all, lest my panes re-frame.<br />
Drizzle now now. Soothe my thorny throat again.</span></span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">© Snigdha Manchanda Binjola</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Image: Big thanks to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luminousphotographer">http://www.etsy.com/shop/luminousphotographer</a></span></span></span></div><br />
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</span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-28505832648727842902010-03-06T12:47:00.000+05:302010-03-06T12:47:57.260+05:30Five point Something: Club Mix<div class="MsoNormal">"Hey! Did you read the novel by Chetan Kumar? It's rocking!"</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Oh yeah? Which mix?"</div><div class="MsoNormal">What hit the music industry a decade ago, will hit the publishing industry as well? Remixing to make different versions maybe an author's nightmare but do you think we are far from it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Mi%C3%A9ville">China Mie Ville</a> noted the above point at a recent group discussion at <a href="http://www.landmarkonthenet.com/">Landmark</a>. Although the subject was "The Detective and Criminal Mind" the two crime writers were missing as they were still 10,000 feet above us in the aircraft. So the discussion veered to future of readership. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A gaming enthusiast from the audience asked if authors would consider having multiple endings to their stories and would even let the readers decide the end in some sort of a collaborative project. He was confident it would work citing the example of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_rain">Heavy Rain</a> (recently launched game which depending on the user actions allows him to choose the ending. There are 3-4 different endings.) He even urged the writers to check out the game so that they can be convinced of this possibility. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Billingham">Billingham </a>who was the only other writer present clarified that “Gaming is active while reading is passive. When you are playing, your actions provoke certain reactions and this may differ from time to time. However, while reading, you are being told a story which remains constant every time you read it.” I buy his point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every author injects his personality in his writing. The voice of the writer is unmistakable in it. Would a piece of work be equally revered if the artist behind it changed? Will a Picasso still be a Picasso or will it just be a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernica_(painting)">Guernica</a>. I love the books not just for their narrative but also because I admire the human form which could conceive such engaging stories.<br />
<br />
I love Ruskin Bond not because of how he makes heroes out of simple people but because he still refuses to come down the hills of Mussorie and settle elsewhere. I love paintings by Amrita Shergill not just because her work is marked as 'national treasure' but because she had a revolutionary streak which I admire. People who create need to be revered more than what they have created. As a rookie gamer, I’m going to check our Heavy Rain; but as a serious reader I’m going to ban the remix.</div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-1807982044682712142010-02-22T11:08:00.002+05:302010-02-22T11:41:40.452+05:30A Dinosaur House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsJ3_1VUbxQNmsoMRBIbLMYc9Re6BlyC7BXF5yoXJXKX9RblwtTV6RU-G979Lq4CEl05Ny8y0THKDqX_sx9E3ICeSgzybb2rFGvzYQsPRftukc0e8f7Run4fYIMtLrVrRKsCZB9nupOI/s1600-h/DSC00204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsJ3_1VUbxQNmsoMRBIbLMYc9Re6BlyC7BXF5yoXJXKX9RblwtTV6RU-G979Lq4CEl05Ny8y0THKDqX_sx9E3ICeSgzybb2rFGvzYQsPRftukc0e8f7Run4fYIMtLrVrRKsCZB9nupOI/s400/DSC00204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You and I probably didn’t go to the same school but the first ‘house’ we drew has to be identical. Wasn’t it a triangle roof, with one door and two windows? It had a big tree behind the house and a flower garden upfront? Yes yes, it’s all the same. I’m born and brought up in suburban </span></span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bombay</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. It wasn’t until my eighth birthday that I actually saw a 'house' like that. Pity me? That’s fine; but please help me understand what kind of house should a four year old be drawing. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a student of Class I-A, I once drew a ‘house’ which was the aerial view of our 2 BHK apartment. My teacher wasn’t amused but sitting on the third bench in center row, I couldn’t possibly fathom what was wrong with my drawing. After many years of drawing the “ideal house”, I realized that those art lessons were instead a lesson in Geometry. Angles were more important than aesthetics. Lines were more important than landscapes. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It bewilders me why kids are taught to draw this “ideal” house even today. I wish they are explained that they aren’t drawing dinosaurs and such houses do exist. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Curious to know more I grabbed my neighbours’ three year old daughter and ask her what the drawing (above image) was. She promptly replied “House”. The mother shifted in her place to look proud while I felt both sad and relived at the same time. In </span></span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bombay</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, anybody who stays on the ground level (in a setting like that) is either a multi millionaire with a huge ‘bungalow’ or a daily wage labourer in a makeshift ‘hut’. Having seen more huts in suburban </span></span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bombay</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> than bungalows, I am going to teach the little girl to call this a ‘hut’. Add a gate to the same thing with a security guard outside and I’ll show her a ‘bungalow’. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ting Tong! That’s my door bell. In ten paces from here I will reach the door of my 7</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> floor 2BHK apartment. I hope it’s the kid next door because I also want to show her what sunrise behind brown-crayoned triangular mountain actually looks like.</span></span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-85137087139993914942010-02-14T16:37:00.001+05:302010-02-14T16:39:52.373+05:30Happy Weekend!<table style="text-align: center; width: auto;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUlCqWO7j7-TWSLYhMd63vASbXgPpqm3QDiYTWFb_KyKg8ZiUWm8vIjIxAfDoFvtiUf0Lu77qUW0Pke3YdeMEao3SCLm3uDT5DVG1Hc3856IqqnnfRWvkoHi7-y0X31kdH34kta9Nue8/s1600/DSC00189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUlCqWO7j7-TWSLYhMd63vASbXgPpqm3QDiYTWFb_KyKg8ZiUWm8vIjIxAfDoFvtiUf0Lu77qUW0Pke3YdeMEao3SCLm3uDT5DVG1Hc3856IqqnnfRWvkoHi7-y0X31kdH34kta9Nue8/s400/DSC00189.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUlCqWO7j7-TWSLYhMd63vASbXgPpqm3QDiYTWFb_KyKg8ZiUWm8vIjIxAfDoFvtiUf0Lu77qUW0Pke3YdeMEao3SCLm3uDT5DVG1Hc3856IqqnnfRWvkoHi7-y0X31kdH34kta9Nue8/s1600/DSC00189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Coming to the last few hours of an eventful weekend I think about the beauty of simple things around me. Take for instance this lovely flowering plant (as above) which is the latest entry in our window garden. Simplicity is a value I treasure the most. At my previous workplace where I was involved in defining the company values, I was strongly vouching to include "Aesthetics" along with the regulars such as 'Integrity'. A long discussion ensued around aesthetics. We weren't a design company. We wanted to keep the spirit of aesthetics but not use the word as such. Soon enough we all agreed on altering it to "Simplicity"! It worked for us. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When in chaos, pause, simplify the situation around you. Be graceful in your thoughts and solutions will come. Success of a solution lies in the simplicity of the solution. Think about it. Hope you had a relaxing weekend just like me. See you on Monday with a fresh new week!</span></span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-9632148912517550682010-02-13T14:57:00.001+05:302010-02-13T15:39:13.713+05:30Reaching OutThis morning had me organizing my inbox when I found this poem I had written in October 2006. This happens very often when I look through my old stuff- look for something and you find something else. Fortunately this one had me feeling like a trophy winner!<br />
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I don't remember the exact mood or moment when I must have written this...but it does reflect some shades of fear. Fear of something afar, fear of something slipping away. Today I smile, and as everything surrounding this poem continues to evade me, I wonder if I made the journey to what, at that time, seemed- so far away.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Reaching Out</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I can see my rainbow even in the dark</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But today I fear i might not reach that far</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Its far..so far away</span></span><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm trying to be the face in the mirror</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Who knew this part would be the toughest to play</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I dig myself to pour me out</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To cast myself in the earthly ways</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But today i fear i might not reach that far</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Its far...so far away</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Two paths, too near, to wash out my fear,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To take me away from a cage of peers,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bring in some tears to fill in my heart</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reach out to those who will now part</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But today I fear I might not reach that far</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Its far...so far away</span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">© Snigdha Manchanda Binjola</span></div></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-19682162280427368932010-02-12T16:08:00.001+05:302010-02-12T16:12:24.484+05:30The Quiet World<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Do you remember what were the first one hundred and sixty-seven words you spoke today?</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The Quiet World – Jeffrey McDaniel</strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In an effort to get people to look</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">into each other’s eyes more,</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and also to appease the mutes,</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">the government has decided</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">to allot each person exactly one hundred</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and sixty-seven words, per day.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When the phone rings, I put it to my ear</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">without saying hello. In the restaurant</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I point at chicken noodle soup.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I am adjusting well to the new way.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Late at night, I call my long distance lover,</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">proudly say I only used fifty-nine today.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I saved the rest for you.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When she doesn’t respond,</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I know she’s used up all her words,</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">so I slowly whisper I love you</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">thirty-two and a third times.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">After that, we just sit on the line</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and listen to each other breathe.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>Even I don't remember but I do wish I could recollect....and you?</i></span></span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117690575469039408.post-14866147354732013832010-02-09T19:24:00.001+05:302010-02-09T19:28:23.734+05:30Midnight Snack and Surfing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although well ignored by the live-healthy fraternity, a midnight snack is an important part of the day (err...night) for me. It's the time to indulge yourself...reward yourself for all the hard work which you're upto. This spread below saved me on a long night of research work last week.</span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uwW3jmH4fyjDJDJLwMYkhOsT8f_OtJaI8b4FcG0YpdEKtjynqRBKR2lRQKjh6MOZIdSzA6lsXK4rbrScY-FDGCmL4LIm6eKZDKFFYStv44DvwaN-DzJJPaHI9SUstQPZKTKvgqyXqec/s1600-h/DSC00171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uwW3jmH4fyjDJDJLwMYkhOsT8f_OtJaI8b4FcG0YpdEKtjynqRBKR2lRQKjh6MOZIdSzA6lsXK4rbrScY-FDGCmL4LIm6eKZDKFFYStv44DvwaN-DzJJPaHI9SUstQPZKTKvgqyXqec/s400/DSC00171.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Spread for Midnight Workers Club:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A cup of milk</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh figs</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fruit bun with orange marmalade</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat well. Work hard.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Image: Snigdha Manchanda Binjola]</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Snigdha Manchandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14769339443254786231noreply@blogger.com6