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30 Mar 2010

The Beatles Moment (from Paulo Coelho's blog)

Found this on Paulo Coelho's blog. Click on the title to go to his website. It has a video of the Beatles' song and another one. This one, I loved and had to copy (sorry, PC)


To lead a better life,
I need my love to be here.
Here, making each day of the year
Changing my life with a wave of her hand
Nobody can deny that there’s something there.
There, running my hands through her hair
Both of us thinking how good it can be
Someone is speaking but she doesn’t know he’s there.
I want her everywhere
and if she’s beside me I know I need never care.
But to love her is to need her
Everywhere, knowing that love is to share
each one believing that love never dies
watching her eyes and hoping I’m always there.
I want her everywhere
and if she’s beside me I know I need never care.
But to love her is to need her.
Everywhere, knowing that love is to share
each one believing that love never dies
watching her eyes and hoping I’m always there.
I will be there, and everywhere.
Here, there and everywhere.

The French Quarter Bistro

The French Quarter Bistro is located on the 100 feet road, after the signal at the junction with CMH Road, next door to Cake Walk. I'd seen reviews for bistro in the papers and on websites like Burrp, so it was on my list of places to try out some day. The reviews seemed to indicate that it was a good place for breakfast. Given as there aren't too many breakfast places in Bangalore (that I know of), it sounded exciting. 

On the morning of my birthday, my husband decided to take me to TFB for breakfast. We reached there at 10AM, only to find the place closed and fret that we were too late! The watchman told us that the place only opens at noon. I am still confused as to how I thought it was a breakfast place, from the reviews.


The place looks open and airy, thanks to the high ceiling and glass walls on two sides. There is nothing fancy about the decor but the arrangement of tables looks neat. A couple of paintings and a big black board with the day's special adorn the wall. The glass entrance had paintings of fishes in colours. While it was not in bad taste, it made me curious as to the idea behind it. 


It was our first go at French cuisine and we were was pretty clueless as to what to pick. We were discussing the options on the wine menu and uttered "white wine", at which point, the friendly waiter, who was filling our glasses with water, gently intervened in the conversation. He pointed to the black display board and said he would recommend the excellent white wine with cheese platter, on offer, at Rs. 399. Given that a bottle of wine was not only expensive but the husband had to ride a mo-bike back home and I am not a regular wine-drinker, it sounded like a good option to us. We ordered an extra glass of the same wine for the husband at Rs. 300. The small complimentary basket of bread was not the best part of dinner. The crust was too hard and we struggled to break it off (I had to use both my hands).


The cheese platter had a few slices of 2 kinds of cheese, some crackers, some pieces of fruit and greens. It worked out just fine, between the two of us, for the husband and I took a liking to different kinds of cheese while hating the other kind. As for the rest, I enjoyed the fruit, he preferred the leaves.


For the main course, I ordered a rice and fish dish, which was yummy! It's as tasty as it looks in the picture. And more! In fact, I was forced to share it with the husband because he fell in love with the dish too. I wish I could remember the name but it has been over a week now and that is too long for me to remember what I ate!


The husband ordered a dish of tuna and potatoes. It came with a few cubes of cheese and more greenery. He did not enjoy the fish so much, so I had most of it. It was good. Not as out-of-this-world as my rice and fish dish above, but pretty good. I love fish and this one did not disappoint me. The potatoes were small and round, fried with the skin. The inside was soft and tasty but my palate did not agree with the feel of the hard, dry skin of the potatoes. I refused to eat it and he was happy to have the entire lot to himself.


The French Quarter Bistro is definitely worth visiting. Ambience. Alright. Music. Too soft. Food. Very good. In our case, the husband and I liked different portions of the dishes, which served us very well for we enjoyed the food without having to pull our plates away from each other. Price. Slightly expensive. It cost us a couple of thousands for our dinner, with no repeats on the wine. 

Next on my list of restaurant to visit is Medici - French & Italian cuisine. I've tried both by now but I'm keen to try the same at another place.

22 Mar 2010

The Weblog


The weblog a.k.a blog concept has been around for a while. It has not taken off like the social networking sites viz Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Orkut, etc but has held it's own against all of them. From real writers like Paulo Coelho & Chetan Bhagat, celebrities like Gul Panag to aspiring writers, lesser known or unknown/wannabes, there are bloggers everywhere, thanks to the abundance of blogger space available.

A blog I read this morning suggested that one must participate in various networking sites, as part of being up-to-date with technology, to improve one's career prospects. I found the thought fascinating because I've met many people who, even though they are on these websites, condemn the existence of these and proudly declare that they are "not so much into it", as if that increases their status in the community. One of the reviewers of my resume once told me that blogging (listed under 'interests') might be looked at in poor light. I guess I am better off without my prospective employer knowing what my crazy life looked like (ability to fix sewing machine treadle belts, my love for chocolates, the books I read or restaurants I frequent or movies I like). 

My blog site is over a year old now but I have learnt more about the blogging culture in the last couple of months than ever. Blogger meet-ups, following blogs, blogger etiquettes, guest bloggers, use of pictures, size of blogs, are concepts I have grasped through reading a number of random bloggers and encouraging readers to visit my blog. 

Today, I learnt the idea behind adding links to words in a blog-post. I used to think those links were added automatically by some of the blog sites but later warmed up to the fact that they were added by the bloggers themselves. I only understood why, when one of the bloggers I was reading this morning explained. If you are merely a reader or a novice blogger like me and do not already know, I'll let you find out for yourself. 

I've also found that there are different categories to a blog. Technical blogs, advertisement blogs (the kind companies use to promote their products or update their consumers), information blogs, help-yourself blogs (something like the self-help books), review blogs (book/restaurant/product etc reviews), random blogs (this is where I belong) and so on. Of course, the blogs are not really called such. These are nomenclature I have attached to the categories.

Random blogs are generally rants of the blogger. From serving as an outlet for thoughts to being a platform to harness one's creativity or love for writing to acting as a forum to voice one's opinions, these blogs cover all aspects of life. There is variety in such blogs as also a risk of it being boring log of the life of an unknown face.  I am a random blogger. It adds no value to my resume but it sure helps me clear my mind of clutter.

498 words

Black and White

He walks into the class, wearing a new shirt. He beams at everyone. He is happy. He thinks of all the attention he will get this day - friends will wish him "Happy Birthday", maybe the entire class will sing for him. He is even prepared for the infamous 'birthday bumps'. 

The days is nearing the end, almost time to go home. Nothing so far. He sits on the stairs of the college entrance and tells his group of friends, "Today is my happy birthday, wish me!" An embarrassed crowd of fellow-students grab his hands, shake it vigorously and wish him. It didn't feel like he thought it would! 

"Poor Sod! He doesn't have any friends who care enough. To remember. To do something special for him".

She tells him what cake she would like and reminds him a couple of days in advance. There is no good time to cut it, for everyone is busy. Finally, she brings it out in the evening and calls everyone. She arranges the candles around the cake and brings out the camera. She takes a few pictures, lights the candles and waits. She is torn between singing 'Happy Birthday To Me' or asking them to sing for her. She decides to let both pass. Candle blown, cake cut. She feeds him a piece of cake and he walks away with his share. 

"Poor bitch! Her family are playing along and no sign of friends. Nobody to make her feel special".

On the other hand...

He wakes up, excited about wearing new clothes and growing a year older. He walks into class to the welcome sound of classmates cheering and greeting him. He feels like a king. A birthday song, a few bumps later, he takes them out for a 'treat' - consisting of a dosa or naan or samosa. By the end of the day, his cheeks hurt from all the grinning and laughing.

"I am so lucky, I love my friends, I love college, I love life!"

She wakes up to a warm hug and the card her husband left for her to find on the pillow. The bell rings and the rest of the family pours in with hugs and squeals. Just when she begins to feel special, the doorbell rings. Flowers from her friend. She is on cloud 9. The rest of the day passes by in a flurry of opening gifts, laughter, making a sweet and cooking lunch, phone calls from the special people in her life. Her favourite cake is brought home in the evening, everyone gathers to sing 'Happy Birthday', cameras click and a fancy dinner later, she is ready to retire. As she hugs herself to sleep, there is a smile on her face.

"I am so blessed. I have the best family and friends. I love my life!"

Why are other people so important, for us to be happy? Why do we look to approval from our beloved ones to be able to enjoy what life offers us? Why do we reach out to someone, when we think we need a good moment to brighten our dull day?

Shortest Stories - Susheel Sandeep (Translated to English by suholla)

I learnt first-hand that it is not easy to translate text across languages and retain the flavour from the original. It gets even tougher when you do not have mastery over either languages. I have made a weak attempt at translating one of my guest blogs, from Kannada into English.

While I am not entirely pleased with the results, I am not totally embarrassed by it either. Susheel's attempts at 'shortest stories' and my attempts at translation...

೧. "ಮೇನಕೆಯ ಶುಭ್ರಶ್ವೇತ ವಸ್ತ್ರಗಳು ಇನ್ನೂ ಮರದಬುಡದಲ್ಲೇ ಬಿದ್ದಿತ್ತು"
Menaka's spotless white clothes. Still lying at the bottom of the tree

೨. ಒಣಗಿದ ಜಮೀನಿನ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲ್ಲಿಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ದ ಮುದುಕ ಮುದ್ದೇಗೌಡನ ಶವ ಆಗಸದೆಡೆಗೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಆಸೆಯ ನೋಟ ಬೀರುತ್ತಲೇ ಇತ್ತು.
Old Mudde Gowda's corpse lies in the middle of a barren farm-land. There is still desire in the eyes.

೩. ವಿಪರ್ಯಾಸ : ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಮ್ಯಾರಾಥಾನ್‍ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಪದಕ ಗಳಿಸಿದ್ದವನಿಂದು ಉಪ್ಪಾರಪೇಟೆ ಪೋಲೀಸ್ ಸ್ಟೇಷನ್ನಿನ ಕ್ರೈಂ ಬ್ರಾಂಚಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಡ್ ಕಾನ್ಸ್ಟೇಬಲ್ ಆಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ.
Co-Incidence: The gold medal winner of the state level marathon is now a head constable in  the Upparpet Police Station

೪. ಕೇಡುಗಾಲ : ಅವರೆಲ್ಲರೂ ಸಹಬಾಳ್ವೆ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಾ ಸುಖವಾಗಿರುವಾಗಲೇ, ಗೂಗಲ್ ಆರ್ಕುಟ್ಟನ್ನು ಮಾರಿಬಿಡುವ ಹೊಂಚು ಹಾಕಿತು.
Bad Times: Just when everyone starts living in harmony, Google conspires to sell Orkut.

೫. ಸುನಾಮಿ : ದಿನಾವೂ ಶಾಂತವಾಗಿ ಸಂಜೆ ಸೂರ್ಯನನ್ನು ನುಂಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಕಡಲು ಇಂದೇಕೋ ರಚ್ಚೆ ಹಿಡಿದ ಮಗುವಿನಂತೆ ವಾಕರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ!
Tsunami: The calm sea that swallows the sun every evening, behaving like a kid throwing tantrums

೬. ಮೊದಲೇ ಲೇಟಾಗಿದೆ, ಅವಸರವಸರವಾಗಿ ಹಲ್ಲುಜ್ಜಿಕೊಂಡು ಸೊರ್ರನೆ ಕಾಫಿ ಹೀರಿದೆ;
ಬೇಗ ಶೇವ್ ಮಾಡಿಬಿಡೋಣಾಂತ ಕೆನ್ನೆಗೆ ಬ್ರಶ್ ತಗುಲಿಸಿದಾಗ ಯಾಕೋ ಏನೋ ಕ್ಲೋಸಪ್ ವಾಸನೆ ಬರ್ತಿದೆ!
Already late, brushed in a hurry and gulped down my coffee;
Am about to shave, touched the brush to my cheeks, and I smell Close-Up!

೭. ಪದ-ಪದಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ನಾಮಪದಗಳ ತುರುಕಿ ಕ್ರಿಯಾಪದಗಳ ಸೇರಿಸಿ ಆಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಅವರಿಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ಆ ಪದಗಳು ಕೇವಲ 'ಪದ'ಗಳಾಗಿ ಉಳಿಯದೆ 'ಪದ್ಯ'ವಾಗಿದ್ದರ ಅರಿವೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ!
A proper noun was shoved among a couple of nouns and when an adjective joined them in play, the nouns stopped being words and became a poem, even before they realized it!

೮. ನೆನಪಿಗೂ ಮರೆವಿಗೂ ಮದುವೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಅವನು ಮರೆತುಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ. ಅವಳು ನೆನಪಿಸುತ್ತಲೇ ಇದ್ದಳು!
Remember and Forget got married. He forgot. She kept reminding him.

೯. ಬಾಂಬು ಬಾಂಬೆಂದು ಬೊಬ್ಬೆ ಹೊಡೀತಿದ್ದ ಜನರ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಲೈವ್ ಕವರೇಜ್ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಿದ್ದ ಟಿವಿ9 ವರದಿಗಾರ್ತಿಯೊಬ್ಬಳಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಷಣಕ್ಕೆ ಮ್ಯಾಚಿಂಗ್ ಬ್ಲೌಸ್ ಸಿಗದಾಯಿತು!!!
The TV9 journalist who had to do a live coverage of the mob screaming 'Bomb! Bomb!' couldn't find a matching blouse for her saree!!!

೧೦. "ಹಲೋ...ಹುಷಾರಾಗಿ ಊರು ತಲುಪಿಕೊಂಡ್ಯಾ?ನಾಯಂಡಹಳ್ಳಿ ಹತ್ರ ಮೈಸೂರ್ ರೋಡ್ ಬ್ಲಾಕ್ ಅಂತಿದ್ರು, ನಿಂಗೇನೂ ತೊಂದ್ರೆ ಆಗ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ ತಾನೆ?ಅಮ್ಮ ಹುಷಾರಾಗಿ ಬಂದ್ರ?"; "ಸ್ಸಾರಿ....ರಾಂಗ್ ನಂಬರ್"
"Hello… Did you reach safely? I heard Mysore Road was blocked, near Nayandahalli. Did you manage without any problems? Did mom reach there safe?"; "Sorry… wrong number"

೧೧. ಕರಿಮಲೆಯ ಕಗ್ಗತ್ತಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಂಯ್‍ಗುಡುವ ಕುಳಿರ್ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲೇ, ಉಳಿದಿದ್ದ ಆ ಕಡೇ ಬೆಂಕಿಕಡ್ಡಿಯನ್ನು ಆಕೆ ಗೀರಿಯೇಬಿಟ್ಟಳು...
A dark mountain, pitch dark, a cool breeze, and she struck the last match...

೧೨. ಬಕ್ರೀದಿಗಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದೊಂಟೆಯೊಂದು ಬಿಸ್ಲೇರಿಯಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಬಾಯಾರಿ ಬಳಲಿ ಬೆಂಡಾಗಿ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಬೆನ್ನ ಮೇಲಿನ ಡುಬ್ಬದ ನೀರು ಕುಡಿದು ಸುಮ್ಮನಾಯಿತು!!!
A camel that came visiting Bengaluru, for Bakrid, was compelled to drink his 'storage water', for want of Bisleri!!!

೧೩. ಮೈತುಂಬ ಸಾಲ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದವನಿಗೆ ಬಂಪರ್ ಲಾಟರಿ ಹೊಡೆದು ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರಿ ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿಯಾಗಿಬಿಟ್ಟ.
A man who was swamped in loans won a Bumper Lottery and became a millionaire overnight.

೧೪. ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆ: ಹುಡುಕಿಕೊಟ್ಟವರಿಗೆ ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೈದು ಸಾವಿರ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ನಗದು ಬಹುಮಾನ.
Announcement: Finders will be rewarded Rs. 25000.

೧೫. ಮೌನ ಮಾತಾದಾಗ :
...
... ...
... ... ...
'ಆಫೀಸಿಗೆ ಹೊತ್ತಾಯ್ತು ಬೇಗೆದ್ದು ಹೊರಡ್ಬೇಕಂತೆ ಅನ್ನು ನಿಮ್ಮಪ್ಪಂಗೆ'

When silence speaks:
...
... ...
... ... ...
"It's getting late. Ask your dad to wake up and go to work"

೧೬. 'ಹಾಲುಂಡ ತವರು' ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನೋಡಿದವಳು ಕಣ್ಣೊರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾ ತನ್ನ ಗಂಡನಿಗೆ ಫೋನಾಯಿಸಿ "ಈ ವೀಕೆಂಡ್ ನಿಮ್ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ನಿಮ್ಮಪ್ಪಾಮ್ಮನ್ನ ಮಾತಾಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರೋಣಾ ಕಣ್ರೀ" ಅಂದ್ಲು.
The woman, after watching the movie 'Haalunda Thavaru', wipes her tears and calls her husband "Let's go visit your parents this weekend"
(Not sure I get this. Might have to watch the movie first. Inheritance?)

೧೭. "ರೀಟೇಲ್ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಹೋಲ್‍ಸೇಲ್ ಮಾರಾಟ" ಅಂತ ಅವನೆಷ್ಟು ಕೂಗಿದರೂ ಒಬ್ಬ ಗಿರಾಕಿಯೂ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ!
He kept yelling, "Wholesale goods at retail prices" but nobody would even go near him!

೧೮. ಚಿಂದಿ ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ.ಕಡ್ಲೆಕಾಯಿ ಒಗ್ಗರಣೆ.ಉಪ್ಪು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮುಂದಾಯ್ತು
Awesome lemon rice. Peanuts fried. A little too much salt.

೧೯. ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ತಂದ ಎಮರ್ಜೆಂಸಿ ಲ್ಯಾಂಪನ್ನು ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸುವುದು ಹೇಗೆಂದು ಕೈಪಿಡಿಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಿಸಿ ಓದುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗಲೇ ಕರೆಂಟ್ ಹೋಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಗತ್ತಲಾವರಿಸಿತು.
Just as he opened the manual to find out how to use the new emergency lamp, the power went out.

೨೦. ಅವನಂದುಕೊಂಡಂತೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸಾಂಗವಾಗಿಯೇ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಅವಳ ಕೊನೆಯವರೆಗೂ...
It all worked as per his wishes. Until her death...

೨೧. ಆಕೆಯಿಂದ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಮುತ್ತುಗಳನ್ನು ಜತನವಾಗಿ ಕಾಪಾಡಿ ಈಕೆಯನ್ನು ತೊರೆಯುವ ದಿನ ಇವಳಿಗೊಂದು ಸುಂದರ ಮುತ್ತಿನಹಾರವಾಗಿಸಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟ
He diligently saved every pearl she (A) gave him and gave it to the other one (B) on the day she (B) left him

೨೨. ಯಾವುದೋ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದವಳು ಧಿಗ್ಗನೆದ್ದು ದೇವರ ಮುಂದೊಂದು ತುಪ್ಪದ ದೀಪ ಹಚ್ಚಿಟ್ಟು, 'ದೇವ್ರೆ, ನಾನ್ ಪ್ರೆಗ್ನೆಂಟ್ ಆಗಿಲ್ದೇ ಇದ್ದಂಗ್ ನೋಡ್ಕೊಳಪ್ಪಾ' ಅಂದು ಬಚ್ಚಲುಮನೆ ಕಡೆ ನಡೆದಳು.
She suddenly got up from her reverie and lit a lamp before the Lord, said, "Dear God, I hope I am not pregnant" and she walked towards the bathroom.

೨೩. ಆಸೆ : ತಿಳಿಗೊಳದಲೆಯಲಿಹ ತರಗೆಲೆಯಡಿ ತರಂಗವಾಗಬೇಕು ತಾನ್
Desire: I want to be the little waves that form in clear water, under a floating leaf

೨೪. ಮಳೆ ನಿಂತು ಮೋಡಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಸರಿದು 'ಸೂರ್ಯ' ಇನ್ನೇನು ಹೊರಗೆ ಇಣುಕಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗಾಗಲೇ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು.
By the time the rains had stopped, the clouds made way and the 'Sun' peeped out, it was nightfall.

೨೫. 'ಸಾಲಗೆ ದೊರವುದಿಲ್ಲ; ವರದರಾಜ ಬಾಣಾವರ; ಕನ್ನಡ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ'
No credit; Varadaraj Banawar; Do not understand Kannada'

21 Mar 2010

Rumi” Whispers of the Beloved “ - Paulo Coelho


Sometimes I hate to admit it, sometimes I'm proud to say it... 2 of my favourite books are by Paulo Coelho and Richard Bach. I want to dedicate today's post to Coelho, for various reasons...

I cannot sleep in your prescence.
In your absence, tears prevent me.
You watch me My Beloved
On each sleepless night and
Only You see the difference
Looking at my life
I see that only Love
Has been my soul’s companion
From deep inside
My soul cries out:
Do not wait, surrender
For the sake of Love.
If you can’t smell the fragrance
Don’t come into the garden of Love.
If you’re unwilling to undress
Don’t enter into the stream of Truth.
Stay where you are.
Don’t come our way.
All year round the lover is mad,
Unkempt, lovesick and in disgrace.
Without love there is nothing but grief.
In love… what else matters?
Love is our Mother and
The way of our Prophet.
Yet it is in our nature
To fight with Love.
We can’t see you, mother,
Hidden behind dark veils
Woven by ourselves.
Do you want to enter paradise?
To walk the path of Truth
You need the grace of God.
We all face death in the end.
But on the way, be careful
Never to hurt a human heart!
Do you know what the music is saying?
“Come follow me and you will find the way.
Your mistakes can also lead you to the Truth.
When you ask, the answer will be given.”
The Master who’s full of sweetness
Is so drunk with love, he’s oblivious.
“Will you give me
some of your sweetness?”
“I have none,” he says,
unaware of his richness.
You know what love is?
It is all kindness, generosity.
Disharmony prevails when
You confuse lust with love, while
The distance between the two
Is endless.
This Love is a King
But his banner is hidden.
The Koran speaks the Truth
But its miracle is concealed.
Love has pierced with its arrow
The heart of every lover.
Blood flows but the wound is invisible.


Taken from PC's blog at http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/03/09/rumi-whispers-of-the-beloved/

Claytopia Bistro

For the last week or so, I've been wanting to try out French cuisine. For an even longer time, I've been wanting to visit The French Bistro for breakfast. At 10.30AM on the morning of one weekend, we landed at their door, only to find it closed. They open only at 12.30PM. So much for French breakfast!

I googled for 'Breakfast places in Bangalore' and we decided upon Claytopia Bistro as that was the closest. A friend of mine had mentioned it last week and said it was a good place. She had explained that it was a combination of Claytopia (who sell artefacts made of clay) and Bistro (the restaurant/coffee-shop). We reached there a little past 11 and it was still open for breakfast. 


The weather was mildly pleasant and it helped that the cafe was open-air. We sat down and ordered a rather heavy breakfast of Pancakes with Maple/Honey Syrup and Bistro Omelette (chicken, bacon, tomato and cheese omellete) for me, French Toast and Masala Omelette for the husband. 

The French Toast was not bad but the husband insisted that he liked the ones I make better. Ahoy! 


The Masala Omelette was succulent and the Bistro Omelette is a must eat, if you are ever there. 


The Pancakes were yummy even without the maple syrup but add the syrup and you will be licking the plate in the end (no, I did not do that). 


I also ordered a cold Hazelnut Frappe (Espresso with cream and chocolate). 


The husband went for a hot Cafe Latte.


The ambience was neither too fancy nor too tacky. There were displays from Claytopia on the walls, posters on a notice board at the entrance and neatly arranged wooden tables with chairs. Everything seemed to blend quietly in the background while we enjoyed the outdoors. 


The table we chose had a white concrete bench against the wall and the table was large enough that we could both sit next to each other on the marble bench. This way, we could share food (one of the pleasant changes I have noticed in the husband off late, he shares his food) and enjoy reading Lucky's guest post together, on my mobile. 


The order arrived in good time and the food was of the right temperature. The waiter was very efficient and cordial, without being obnoxious. When I got up to peep indoors at their display of clay pots, he showed me where the entrance was and informed me that we could eat there if we wished. We chose to eat outside and check the indoors later.

While I took a call from a friend, the husband polished the French Toast and Omelette off his plate and proceeded to hog my Pancakes too. If I hadn't hung up when I did, I may have just made it in time to watch the last pieces of my yummy breakfast and my cold coffee disappear. I wish I could eat like him and never put on weight. Sigh!

Once done, we paid the bill (Rs. 450, including tips), thanked the friendly waiter and went in. The amicable lady at the reception asked if it was our first time there and explained the concept of the place to us. She pointed to an array of white clay pots (I say pots but it includes mugs, bowls, plates, trays, magnets, face-masks, etc made of clay) and said we could pick any of those for the price quoted on the shelves and paint them. 


They would provide us paint, water, brushes and stencils. She explained to us how to obtain dark and light shades of the colours. I couldn't help noticing that the mug holding the brushes and the water bowls were all clay-pots painted and glazed by them. Advertising and cost-cutting in a happy marriage?


We had to paint our article of choice right there and return it to them for heating and glazing. We could pick it up 10 days later. The ingredients used to make the items, including paint and heating instruments were all non-toxic, so we could use them in our daily lives (e.g mugs could be used to drink and were not just show pieces). We decided to give it a shot and picked up a tray for our house. The husband did some quick research on his mobile and proceeded to draw lines as he would like to paint them on the front of the tray. Soon after, he picked up the brush.


When he finished, it was a beautiful looking tray, simply done in pastel shades with a red star on the left bottom corner. Each pointed end of the star had one letter of my name, in blue, with a heart in the centre. I got a better deal in this marriage, I admit. We went crazy with the bottom of the tray where, thanks to yours truly's moment of madness and brilliance, we decided to have a splash and partied with all the colours in a wild frenzy. 


We both haven't painted in years and thoroughly enjoyed the hour we spent unleashing our creativity. Of course, when we later looked at the design book, our products felt like children's work. No kidding! It doesn't matter. I am glad we didn't find the picture book earlier. It was more fun going bonkers with the colours on the white canvas. Everytime I use the tray to serve someone, I'll remember and cherish the afternoon hour we spent together. The end result looked like this (pre-heating and glazing).


The clay articles are highly over-priced, no doubt, but we felt that the time we spent painting like kids was priceless. We paid Rs. 500 for the tray. The price included the glazing too but it was still very expensive. Totally worth it, though. We would never be able to spare an hour to do something like that, at home. 

They also have parties for kids, the cheapest package being Rs. 350 per kid. The place is fairly small and can accomodate about 9 to a maximum of 15 kids (and that is when you push the limit). The package includes painting an article of choice (small ones like the tortoise/fish magnets), the glazing & all that it involves, a burger and probably a drink too. There are more expensive packages with tweaks to suit your needs. The place seemed quite popular, with quite a few young parents painting for and with their little girls. I did not notice any little boys there, so I'm guessing that if I have a son later, I cannot take him there. Wouldn't interest him, would it? 

Apart from the young families, there was one other couple like us. The girl was extremely loud and kept complaining that her boyfriend was too loud. During the little time she painted a bowl and he watched, she grumbled about another girl (possibly the boy's ex) who was playing games and messing with their "relationship", knowing fully well that there was "a connection" between them. Don't judge me, she was begging to be heard, we simply couldn't tune her out.

I'd love to go there again but considering that it's a little high on the budget, maybe I'll wait for another special occasion. Price forgotten, definitely a place to visit. It's easy to find, bang on the main road, with the huge boards. It's to the right side when coming from Indiranagar towards Thippasandra on the 6th Main Road (where the Renaissance Church is, on the left). 


20 Mar 2010

Still A Twenty Something: Good Morning

Quiet, peaceful, a mug of coffee in one hand and the newspaper in the other. That is my kind of a morning. Noise causes short-circuits in my wiring.

Loud voices of Mother and Brother in my room woke me up this morning. On any other day, this would make me edgy. Today, I welcomed the noise in a heavily groggy state. Struggling to open my eyes, I sensed a couple of handshakes before somebody thrust something into my hands. By the time my senses were awakened and I realized what was happening, all I could see was a pair of gluteus maxima heading out the door. I went back to sleep, clutching the envelope.

Minutes later, I woke up and opened it.

"It wasn't originally meant for you but you can get your headphones with it. Tell me if it doesn't cover the cost", Brother had said.

The words registered only then. It was a Landmark gift voucher for a couple of thousand rupees. I was beside myself with joy. I could finally get those Bluetooth headphones! If not, I still love bookstore vouchers. Lov-e-ly!

When I subsequently woke up, Husband and Dog came to hug me, with a mug of warm tea. Mother and Sister-In-Law came looking for me. Sister-In-Law handed me a beautiful red box, with a lovely greenish candle tied with an olive green ribbon. Candles and ribbons are a weakness, I could not wait to open the box. All the womenfolk moved towards the living room, where I carefully tore off the delicate wrapper, ripping the sello-tape with the concentration of a chemist in a lab. The box had the most beautiful lantern I have ever owned. Rustic-looking, made of glass with a super-thin latch, it stole my heart from the word go! I need to find a place to hang it in my living room or bedroom.

I responded to a couple of texts. I like messages on mornings like these. Phone calls eat into my time and space. I am grateful for that. I wondered about the other Sister-In-Law, who was yet to call.

Husband wants to do a lot of things, he just does not know what they are. I wanted a long ride, so did he. The late morning forced me to skip mine, in order to make way for more pressing matters. He went ahead. I have got some 'me' time, I really need it. I can’t say why, just know that I am grateful for the hour by myself. I did some reading and writing. I also mucked about the social networking sites for a bit. Habits are hard to break. Like Mark Twain says, they need to be coaxed down the stairs, one step at a time. There is also a lot of correspondence to catch up on but that's for later.

The morning has turned out well so far. Eventful, in a quiet manner. Just the way I like it. Husband has promised to take me to The French Bistro for breakfast. I can’t wait, I hope the place won't disappoint me. I need to hit the temple on the way to breakfast. Ayyappa Swamy temple, one of my favourites! 

Lucky hasn't said anything to me as yet. She does not know. She will, once we bring the cake out. She loves cake. It speaks a language to her that none of us can. Chocolate cake sends her drooling like an overflowing reservoir. Husband has bought me the Royal Velvet, from Bliss. I don't remember the ingredients but when I'd read it on the menu at Bliss, the last time we were there, I had liked the sound of it. It's a tiny cake, expensive but I think it will be yummy. Small helps me stick to my diet too. Brilliant!

The cake ceremony has been moved to the evening, when Brother and Sister-In-Law are all home. I would like to bring home the in-laws but I do not see any hope for that. I might try asking, anyway, what have I to lose in inviting them? There is a 10% chance they might come and that gives me enough reason to make the call.

Expecting a phone call around noon. As per current plan, I should be free to take the call. A few more delightful moments in the charming day this promises to be. 

Mother has bought me a long kurta last evening. She always wants me to wear simple, traditional girl stuff. Now that I've turned into a rotund structure of excessive lipids, I oblige her. She is happy. So I am. We also bought a couple of embroidered dress materials and left it at the tailor's with measurements. I should get it before my nakshatra (star) day. She is pleased. So I am.

'Me' time is over now. I have to shower and be ready before my man gets home. He only needs 10 minutes to get ready. It will make my mom happy if we work to that plan. She wanted the same too. I seem to want all the same things that everyone else wants. Barring Lucky, maybe. She wants to play. Actually, I want to play with her too. Maybe I will drive her to a playground, with the husband later today. After breakfast, I have promised to help mum with the cooking. I will cut fruits for the fruit salad and custard that she has planned. She will make me vegetable pulao. I love fish and meat but today I am happy with vegetable pulao.

By the time, the plan is acted upon, the morning will slip into afternoon. Lunch is the only plan right now. Late afternoon might involve us visiting parents of a friend of Husband. He has a gift to pick up, long overdue. I intend to do a ride later in the day. That is about the plans, as I know right now. Will see how the day goes.

9.13AM

Guest Post #7: It's A Dog's Life

"If she can have a Facebook account, why can't she write a blog?" I don't have an answer to that question. If she wants to write a blog, she writes. What can I say? Don't answer, it's rhetorical. 

Ullas says I should write a guest post for Sangy. She was nice to me today, secretly gave me snacks when Ullas was delaying my dinner, so I agreed. I did not tell him that, so let us all pretend that I am a well-behaved dog (as you can see from my profile picture on Facebook).

I wanted to play ball today. I always want to play ball but today I did not want to walk. I only wanted to play ball. We went downstairs but there were too many cars. Also, too many bikes. If people do not want to take their cars or bikes out, then why do they buy them? Another one of those eccentricities of people that I never quite understood. Garages are meant for dogs to play, when there are no playgrounds. It's simple enough, why don't they get it?

Sangy chased me for a while but she is a little boring (don't tell her, she'll feel bad. I never do, I always humour her). Ullas joined later. He also brought the puss-puss thing that lets out air on my tail, so I ran and he chased me. He is fun. Sangy says he is also lazy. I like him anyway. Then Sangy told me that I had to walk. She made me leave the ball behind. She hid it behind the wheel of the car. I liked that. I like it when she takes care of my things. I don't want Taapi to take it, it is my ball. My favourite yellow ball. I love yellow colour. It also says Australia. Sangy has a lot of friends in Australia.

I was smelling the flowers during the walk. Ullas said to me not to 'stop everywhere to smell the roses'. Sangy said they were not roses and I could smell it, so I did. I got confused and suddenly sat down to do my business (Sangy calls it 'business', don't ask me why). They both got confused too, so they dragged me away. I learnt later that it was because I was in front of somebody's gate. I finished my business (it sounds funny) and then we walked a lot. 

Once, I think Sangy and Ullas were quarreling. I tried to hide between their legs. I hate it. Ullas was telling Sangy yesterday that I am like Sheldon. I don't think so. Sheldon is the big black fish in the water-tank. He is boring, he never plays ball. I am not like him. I love to play ball. I like the same food as him, though. Sangy never lets me eat his food, she says I am greedy. Coming back to my walk... Sangy told me that they were not quarreling but Ullas laughed. I think they were. They stopped because I told them to, by walking between their legs. I am a well-behaved dog. Unusual for this family, I know, but that is how I am.

When we came back, Sangy reminded me to take my ball. I wanted to play some more. Ullas went away for some time. Sangy was just talking to me. When Ullas came, Sangy went. I didn't mind. I like to spend time with Ullas. I was tired, so we did not play. Taapi was sitting on the road. I barked at him a lot. He never says anything to me, I don't know why. Maybe he is scared of me. That is good. I like Ullas and Sangy to think I am the brave one. I had fun. Ullas was looking at his mobile. He never takes photos like Sangy. I like his mobile better, I think it does not have a camera. Sangy is always taking photos. Sometimes I let her so that she won't feel bad. 

It's bedtime for me now. They will wake me up very early, when the cleaning lady comes home. We have a new lady. She does not talk with me. I don't like her but I cannot bark at her. Sangy tells me she is also our cleaning lady. I like the old lady better. We old ones are a better lot. We chat. I can't go to mummy's house in the mornings because she gets up late sometimes. I only go there to eat Sam's sandwich, after my tea and morning walk.

I am going to sleep now. It was nice talking to you all. Woof woof! Boww wwowww wroof!

It's always all about her. What she likes, what she does, what people say to her, what people think of her, etc. Fair enough. I was let down by a friend who had a deadline for today. My baby comes to the rescue! That's why I love her. Always there when I need her... 

19 Mar 2010

Guest Post #6: Getting Into My Pants

A fellow-blogger and colleague, Jeena was one of the few people I initially approached for a guest post on my blog. I won't accuse her of making any promises this time. In fact, this time there was no promise but it was delivered. 

I love the variety that the Guest Blogger Week has brought to my blog. After crazy men nagging about women nagging them and LBs, Kannada stories and Math equations, it's now time for some chick lit... 

Bumblebee has accused me of not carrying through with some promises. When she asked me to write for her, I agreed so that she wouldn't typecast me once again.

My brains have been working overtime thinking up a subject to write on her behalf. And finally, after discarding various topics, I am gonna launch on my pet peeve.

Haven't most of us at one time or the other had clothes in our wardrobes that we aspire to get into at one time or the other? The first on the list would be jeans or trousers, then those tops that don't show the bulging paunch and last would be those salwar tops which get stuck somewhere over your neck or shoulder and will tear if you try to jerk it down.

I started becoming conscious of my paunch only after I started college. But then, I used to be 57 and the only worry I had was the tiny paunch. Four years later I was still 57 but I was unable to get into those 100 bucks tops. I promised myself to start exercising but soon forgot my resolve when my eyes alighted on some sweets.

My only pair of jeans started pinching when I started working, so I got myself another pair. Two pairs of jeans later, I still have the first in my wardrobe, waiting for the day I will shed 10 kgs and manage to get into the first pair.

Why I started on this topic? That's because I watched this mallu movie "Bodyguard" starring the fave South Indian Actor Nayan Tara. And she's super-sexy-thin and shows off her curves in well selected wardrobe.

During the interval, looking at the mirror, I saw a reflection of a leaner me. I asked my husband if I looked any different and he was kind enough to disillusion me. Apparently it was the effect of one and a half hours of Nayan Tara. After another hour and a half, I resolved to make an effort to shed some fat to look fleeting like her. I am sure that only a minority looked at the hero in the movie. Both men and women alike wouldn't have been able to stop checking her out!

Yeah yeah, I pick my girlfriends carefully. No place for slim, sexy babes in my life - can't afford to have them pick on my eating habits and drive me crazy with their calorie calculations. Not to mention them taking away the attention of all the cute guys around (there's acute shortage, as it is).

18 Mar 2010

Guest Post #5: Discovery Of A Mathematician Wannabe

I am excited. This is my first geek-blog (for want of a better term, my apologies). I have always wanted to write something technical but try as I may, words elude me when I sit down to it. Unwillingly, I have had to acknowledge the tag given to me by the men in my family (sigh): technically-challenged.

It is not very hard for me to live up to the tag. So, when Ramana sent me his post this morning, I had been looking forward to it, albeit a bit anxious. I only had to open it to jump up in excitement. Mathematics! I almost clapped my hands with glee. It used to be my favourite subject in school, along with Literature.

The guest posts just keep getting better and better...

A few minor problems from number theory keep me awake in the nights from time to time. Roughly a month ago, for the price of a good night sleep, one of those nights of mental fecundity granted me an insight into the closed form equation for Fibonacci numbers. When Sangeetha asked me to write for her blog, I enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity since I meant to write about my insight for a while and I did not do so.

Fibonacci numbers, since I can grasp them even with my undernourished mathematical faculties, fascinate me days on end. In fact, I wrote a post on Fibonacci numbers more than one year ago at http://ramana.posterous.com/generalized-fibonacci-sequence. For any problem, depending on the dimension, there can be several generalizations! This time, my attention is the closed form expression for Fibonacci numbers also known as Binet's Fibonacci number formula. Of course, I did not know who Binet was until yesterday. In any event, in order to find out Nth term of Fibonacci sequence, we have the following formula:

F(N) = ((1+sqrt(5))^N - (1-sqrt(5))^N)/(2^Nsqrt(5))

The above formula amazed me for many years since I did not know much about "Linear Recurrence Equation" (http://mathworld.wolfram.com/LinearRecurrenceEquation.html). Yes, I would love to become a mathematician and that too in number theory without knowing Linear Recurrence Equation and Binet's work.

Let us get back to the above equation and the night of pure ecstasy. I expanded the above formula for a few values of N. I recalled the following fact about binomial expansion:

(a+b)^N - (a-b)^N = 2(N c 1)a^(N-1)b + 2(N c 3)a^(N-3)b^3 + ...

As you could see in the above, the powers of b are odd numbers. In our closed formula for Fibonacci, a equals 1 and b equals sqrt(5). Since the powers of b (sqrt(5)) are odd, we can get rid of one of sqrt(5) with the one in the denominator. Even powers of sqrt(5) result in nice integers. I was extremely delighted to note this. Of course, simple minds and simple pleasures. Then, it occurred to me why we cannot change the value of b in the closed formula. That is what I did next. I substituted sqrt(7) for sqrt(5). I ended up getting the following sequence:

1, 1, 2.5, 4, 7.75, 13.75, ...

If you examine the above for a few seconds, it will reveal its recurrence relation:

g(N) = g(N-1) + 1.5g(N-2)

From the above result, as you can easily surmise, I was totally ecstatic. Then, I tried sqrt(9) equal to 3. I got:

1, 1, 3, 5, 11, 21, 43, 85, 171, ...

The relation is:

h(N) = h(n-1) + 2h(n-2)

Now, it is time to mess with the value of a. Until now, it has been 1. I increased it 2 and I still kept b at 3. I got:

1, 2, 5.25, 13, 32.5625, ...

The relation is:

j(N) = 2j(N-1) + 1.25j(N-2)

The above results are the ones that I wanted to post in this entry. Since it is Sangeetha's blog, I decided to check a couple of web sites before posting. Unfortunately, I discovered this page http://mathworld.wolfram.com/FibonacciNumber.html. The cases that I was discussing above are straight from the following equation:

X^2 - aX - b = 0

The moral of the story comes in a twin-pack:
1. You cannot aspire to be a mathematician and accomplish "original" discoveries without studying even the basics.
2. At the same time, there is no shame in exploring mathematical world even with limited knowledge. As long as you do not expect and ask for huge rewards for your investigations, you can have a lot of fun. In addition to that, the discoveries that you make are undoubtedly original for you if not for the rest of the world.

Literature stayed with me in the form of the books I read, this blog, emails I write everyday, more recently Twitter, et al. Somewhere along the road, I had left Math behind. I can't wait to start clicking on those links!

Guest Post #4: ಅತಿ ಸಣ್ಣ ಕಥೆಗಳು (Shortest Stories)

ಅತಿಥಿ ವಾರಧ ನನ್ನ ಮೊದಲ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್, ಗೆಳೆಯನೊಬ್ಬನು ಬರೆದಿರುವನು. ಅದನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಪಡಿಸಲು ನನಗೆ ಬಹಳ ಸಂತೋಷವಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು ಸುಶೀಲ್!

For the benefit of my English readers: This is my first guest blog in a local language (Kannada). I'm pleased to present it. Thanks Susheel!

Ernest Hemingway ಹೀಗೊಂದು ಕತೆ ಬರೀತಾರೆ. ಅದು ಕೇವಲ ಆರೇ ಪದಗಳಲ್ಲಿ! ಇದು ತನ್ನ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಕೃತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅಂತಾರೆ ಕೂಡಾ. 

"For sale: baby shoes, never worn."
"ಕುಲಾವಿಯೊಂದು ಮಾರಾಟಕ್ಕಿದೆ. ಎಂದೂ ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸಿಯೇ ಇಲ್ಲ!"

ಹಾಗೇ Augusto Monterroso  ತಮ್ಮ "El Dinosaurio" ("The Dinosaur") ಅನ್ನೋ ಅತಿಸಣ್ಣ ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ (fiction) ಕತೆಯೊಂದನ್ನ ಬರೀತಾರೆ. 
ಇಡೀ ಕತೆ ಕೇವಲ ಎಂಟು ಪದಗಳನ್ನೊಳಗೊಂಡಿದ್ರೂ ಓದಿದ ಬಳಿಕ ಓದುಗನನ್ನ ಯೋಚನೆಗೆ ಹಚ್ಚೋದ್ರಲ್ಲಿ ಸೋಲುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.
Cuando despertó, el dinosaurio todavía estaba allí. 
("When [s]he awoke, the dinosaur was still there.") 
"ಅವನಿ(ಳಿ)ಗೆ ಎಚ್ಚರವಾದಾಗ, ಡೈನೋಸಾರ್ ಇನ್ನೂ ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಇತ್ತು."

ಇದೇ ತೆರನಾಗಿ Wired.comStory Bytes ಅನ್ನೋ ಕೆಲವು ವೆಬ್ಸೈಟುಗಳೂ ವಿವಿಧ ಲೇಖಕರಿಂದ ಅತಿಸಣ್ಣ ಕತೆ ಬರೆಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡಿ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಅದೇ ರೀತಿ ಆರ್ಕುಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕವಿತೆ, ಕಥೆ - ವಿಭಾಗ ಅನ್ನೋ ಕಮ್ಯುನಿಟಿಯ ಸದಸ್ಯರೆಲ್ಲ ಸೇರಿ ಮಾಡಿದ ವಿಶೇಷ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳು ಕೂಡಾ ಒಂದು. ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ 2008ರಿಂದ ಈಚೆಗೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನ ಕೆಲವು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳನ್ನ ಕ್ರೋಢೀಕರಿಸಿ ಒಂದು ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡುವ ಇರಾದೆ ತುಂಬಾ ದಿನಗಳಿಂದಲೇ ಇತ್ತಾದ್ರೂ ಸದಾ ಕಾಡುವ/ಕೊಡುವ 'ಕೆಲಸದೊತ್ತಡ','ಟೈಮಿಲ್ಲ','ಬರ್ಯೋಕ್ ಸಾವ್ರ ಐಡಿಯಾಗಳಿವೆ ಆದ್ರೆ ಬರ್ಯಕ್ಕಾಗ್ತಿಲ್ಲ' ಅನ್ನೋ ಸುಳ್ಳು-ನೆಪಗಳಲ್ಲೇ ಮುಳುಗಿಹೋಗಿದ್ದೆ. ಆಗಿದ್ದಾಗ್ಲಿ ಅಂತ ಕೂತು ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ಹೆಕ್ಕಿ ತಂದು ಒಂದುಮಾಡಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿರಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

೧. "ಮೇನಕೆಯ ಶುಭ್ರಶ್ವೇತ ವಸ್ತ್ರಗಳು ಇನ್ನೂ ಮರದಬುಡದಲ್ಲೇ ಬಿದ್ದಿತ್ತು" 

೨. ಒಣಗಿದ ಜಮೀನಿನ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲ್ಲಿಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ದ ಮುದುಕ ಮುದ್ದೇಗೌಡನ ಶವ ಆಗಸದೆಡೆಗೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಆಸೆಯ ನೋಟ ಬೀರುತ್ತಲೇ ಇತ್ತು. 

೩. ವಿಪರ್ಯಾಸ : ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮಟ್ಟದ ಮ್ಯಾರಾಥಾನ್‍ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿನ್ನದ ಪದಕ ಗಳಿಸಿದ್ದವನಿಂದು ಉಪ್ಪಾರಪೇಟೆ ಪೋಲೀಸ್ ಸ್ಟೇಷನ್ನಿನ ಕ್ರೈಂ ಬ್ರಾಂಚಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಡ್ ಕಾನ್ಸ್ಟೇಬಲ್ ಆಗಿದ್ದಾನೆ. 

೪. ಕೇಡುಗಾಲ : ಅವರೆಲ್ಲರೂ ಸಹಬಾಳ್ವೆ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಾ ಸುಖವಾಗಿರುವಾಗಲೇ, ಗೂಗಲ್ ಆರ್ಕುಟ್ಟನ್ನು ಮಾರಿಬಿಡುವ ಹೊಂಚು ಹಾಕಿತು. 

೫. ಸುನಾಮಿ : ದಿನಾವೂ ಶಾಂತವಾಗಿ ಸಂಜೆ ಸೂರ್ಯನನ್ನು ನುಂಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಕಡಲು ಇಂದೇಕೋ ರಚ್ಚೆ ಹಿಡಿದ ಮಗುವಿನಂತೆ ವಾಕರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ! 

೬. ಮೊದಲೇ ಲೇಟಾಗಿದೆ, ಅವಸರವಸರವಾಗಿ ಹಲ್ಲುಜ್ಜಿಕೊಂಡು ಸೊರ್ರನೆ ಕಾಫಿ ಹೀರಿದೆ; 
ಬೇಗ ಶೇವ್ ಮಾಡಿಬಿಡೋಣಾಂತ ಕೆನ್ನೆಗೆ ಬ್ರಶ್ ತಗುಲಿಸಿದಾಗ ಯಾಕೋ ಏನೋ ಕ್ಲೋಸಪ್ ವಾಸನೆ ಬರ್ತಿದೆ! 

೭. ಪದ-ಪದಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ನಾಮಪದಗಳ ತುರುಕಿ ಕ್ರಿಯಾಪದಗಳ ಸೇರಿಸಿ ಆಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಅವರಿಬ್ಬರಿಗೂ ಆ ಪದಗಳು ಕೇವಲ 'ಪದ'ಗಳಾಗಿ ಉಳಿಯದೆ 'ಪದ್ಯ'ವಾಗಿದ್ದರ ಅರಿವೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ! 

೮. ನೆನಪಿಗೂ ಮರೆವಿಗೂ ಮದುವೆಯಾಗಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಅವನು ಮರೆತುಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ. ಅವಳು ನೆನಪಿಸುತ್ತಲೇ ಇದ್ದಳು! 

೯. ಬಾಂಬು ಬಾಂಬೆಂದು ಬೊಬ್ಬೆ ಹೊಡೀತಿದ್ದ ಜನರ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಲೈವ್ ಕವರೇಜ್ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಿದ್ದ ಟಿವಿ9 ವರದಿಗಾರ್ತಿಯೊಬ್ಬಳಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಷಣಕ್ಕೆ ಮ್ಯಾಚಿಂಗ್ ಬ್ಲೌಸ್ ಸಿಗದಾಯಿತು!!! 

೧೦. "ಹಲೋ...ಹುಷಾರಾಗಿ ಊರು ತಲುಪಿಕೊಂಡ್ಯಾ?ನಾಯಂಡಹಳ್ಳಿ ಹತ್ರ ಮೈಸೂರ್ ರೋಡ್ ಬ್ಲಾಕ್ ಅಂತಿದ್ರು, ನಿಂಗೇನೂ ತೊಂದ್ರೆ ಆಗ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ ತಾನೆ?ಅಮ್ಮ ಹುಷಾರಾಗಿ ಬಂದ್ರ?"; "ಸ್ಸಾರಿ....ರಾಂಗ್ ನಂಬರ್" 

೧೧. ಕರಿಮಲೆಯ ಕಗ್ಗತ್ತಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಂಯ್‍ಗುಡುವ ಕುಳಿರ್ಗಾಳಿಯಲ್ಲೇ, ಉಳಿದಿದ್ದ ಆ ಕಡೇ ಬೆಂಕಿಕಡ್ಡಿಯನ್ನು ಆಕೆ ಗೀರಿಯೇಬಿಟ್ಟಳು... 

೧೨. ಬಕ್ರೀದಿಗಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದೊಂಟೆಯೊಂದು ಬಿಸ್ಲೇರಿಯಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಬಾಯಾರಿ ಬಳಲಿ ಬೆಂಡಾಗಿ ಕಡೆಗೆ ಬೆನ್ನ ಮೇಲಿನ ಡುಬ್ಬದ ನೀರು ಕುಡಿದು ಸುಮ್ಮನಾಯಿತು!!!

೧೩. ಮೈತುಂಬ ಸಾಲ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದವನಿಗೆ ಬಂಪರ್ ಲಾಟರಿ ಹೊಡೆದು ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರಿ ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿಯಾಗಿಬಿಟ್ಟ.

೧೪. ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆ: ಹುಡುಕಿಕೊಟ್ಟವರಿಗೆ ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತೈದು ಸಾವಿರ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ನಗದು ಬಹುಮಾನ. 

೧೫. ಮೌನ ಮಾತಾದಾಗ : 
...
... ...
... ... ...
'ಆಫೀಸಿಗೆ ಹೊತ್ತಾಯ್ತು ಬೇಗೆದ್ದು ಹೊರಡ್ಬೇಕಂತೆ ಅನ್ನು ನಿಮ್ಮಪ್ಪಂಗೆ' 

೧೬. 'ಹಾಲುಂಡ ತವರು' ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನೋಡಿದವಳು ಕಣ್ಣೊರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾ ತನ್ನ ಗಂಡನಿಗೆ ಫೋನಾಯಿಸಿ "ಈ ವೀಕೆಂಡ್ ನಿಮ್ಮನೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ನಿಮ್ಮಪ್ಪಾಮ್ಮನ್ನ ಮಾತಾಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರೋಣಾ ಕಣ್ರೀ" ಅಂದ್ಲು. 

೧೭. "ರೀಟೇಲ್ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಹೋಲ್‍ಸೇಲ್ ಮಾರಾಟ" ಅಂತ ಅವನೆಷ್ಟು ಕೂಗಿದರೂ ಒಬ್ಬ ಗಿರಾಕಿಯೂ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಬರಲಿಲ್ಲ! 

೧೮. ಚಿಂದಿ ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ.ಕಡ್ಲೆಕಾಯಿ ಒಗ್ಗರಣೆ.ಉಪ್ಪು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮುಂದಾಯ್ತು 

೧೯. ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ತಂದ ಎಮರ್ಜೆಂಸಿ ಲ್ಯಾಂಪನ್ನು ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸುವುದು ಹೇಗೆಂದು ಕೈಪಿಡಿಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಿಸಿ ಓದುತ್ತಿರುವಾಗಲೇ ಕರೆಂಟ್ ಹೋಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಗತ್ತಲಾವರಿಸಿತು. 

೨೦. ಅವನಂದುಕೊಂಡಂತೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸಾಂಗವಾಗಿಯೇ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಅವಳ ಕೊನೆಯವರೆಗೂ... 

೨೧. ಆಕೆಯಿಂದ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಮುತ್ತುಗಳನ್ನು ಜತನವಾಗಿ ಕಾಪಾಡಿ ಈಕೆಯನ್ನು ತೊರೆಯುವ ದಿನ ಇವಳಿಗೊಂದು ಸುಂದರ ಮುತ್ತಿನಹಾರವಾಗಿಸಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟ 

೨೨. ಯಾವುದೋ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದವಳು ಧಿಗ್ಗನೆದ್ದು ದೇವರ ಮುಂದೊಂದು ತುಪ್ಪದ ದೀಪ ಹಚ್ಚಿಟ್ಟು, 'ದೇವ್ರೆ, ನಾನ್ ಪ್ರೆಗ್ನೆಂಟ್ ಆಗಿಲ್ದೇ ಇದ್ದಂಗ್ ನೋಡ್ಕೊಳಪ್ಪಾ' ಅಂದು ಬಚ್ಚಲುಮನೆ ಕಡೆ ನಡೆದಳು.

೨೩. ಆಸೆ : ತಿಳಿಗೊಳದಲೆಯಲಿಹ ತರಗೆಲೆಯಡಿ ತರಂಗವಾಗಬೇಕು ತಾನ್

೨೪. ಮಳೆ ನಿಂತು ಮೋಡಗಳೆಲ್ಲ ಸರಿದು 'ಸೂರ್ಯ' ಇನ್ನೇನು ಹೊರಗೆ ಇಣುಕಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗಾಗಲೇ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು.

೨೫. 'ಸಾಲಗೆ ದೊರವುದಿಲ್ಲ; ವರದರಾಜ ಬಾಣಾವರ; ಕನ್ನಡ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ'


ಸುಶೀಲ್ನ ಈ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಬಹುದು (This blog is also at): 


No copyright infringements. Check. Due credit given. Check. Credits right at the top. Check. Link to original. Check. Okay, now I can rest in peace. There will be court case, no media madness and aal eez well.