I have been working here for two years, and to tell the truth, I don't know half of my office by name. Not that they ever noticed, since I hardly talk to them. But today, my deepest secret, that I hardly know them came out unintentionally. Let me explain.
At the end of the office, I needed to staple some papers, and went around asking people if they had some. One colleague, Samar, suggested that I ask 'Khaltoum'(hope I got the name right), a lady I have been saying hello to for nearly two years. And I blurted,'Who?':smacks head:
What followed was a formal introduction by Samar between the lady and I. Khaltoum was laughing aloud when she realised that I didn't know her name, and I felt like either kicking myself, or jumping out of the window.
Resolution: Must lay out of Khaltoum's sight for a few days.Can't bear to have a lady laugh in my face again.
On the other hand, do you know what 'Khaltoum' means? It means 'High Cheeks' and the lady has those. So I did manage to compliment her that she was aptly named. I wonder if she managed to hear me in between her laughs?
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Teri-yaki, Meri-yaki
Jaate the Japan, pahunch gaye Cheen, samajh gaye na? Well, this is what happened to me yesterday. After office, I decided to go on a tandoori chicken hunt. I search and searched and searched, but I could not find the King Kebab (or is it Kebab King?) restaurant that served those delicious tandoori chickens and the roomali rotis. So finally I make my way to the Landmark mall, and go on to the food court there, just to check it out. And there I found a Japanese fast food outlet. So I ended up having a Chicken Teriyaki instead!!
A word about Teriyaki. Its a lot like the bhaaji-pav of A'bad (preparation-wise). But it does not use oil in its cooking at all. Instead, water and soya sauce are used. And it all done on a large open plate, which makes it similar to bhaji-pav preparation. That is the Teriyaki style.
The food was good!! A little on the expensive side, though (one plate of noodles, veggies and chicken cost 20 bucks). The best part about it, was the hot sauce. Man, when I say hot, it was really HOT. In fact, I think I will go there again SOME DAY. Not too soon though, must not spoil a good thing.
A word about Teriyaki. Its a lot like the bhaaji-pav of A'bad (preparation-wise). But it does not use oil in its cooking at all. Instead, water and soya sauce are used. And it all done on a large open plate, which makes it similar to bhaji-pav preparation. That is the Teriyaki style.
The food was good!! A little on the expensive side, though (one plate of noodles, veggies and chicken cost 20 bucks). The best part about it, was the hot sauce. Man, when I say hot, it was really HOT. In fact, I think I will go there again SOME DAY. Not too soon though, must not spoil a good thing.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Butter Chicken
The latest issue of Outlook magazine seems interesting.....a lot of alternate histories and what ifs...and then there is the story about what if butter chicken had not been invented(?). This has got me in the mood for some nice tasty chicken, but unfortunately, the only place I know of where they serve a butter chicken, is Welcome restaurant. Don't want to go there really.
OTOH, I think I will go and eat a King Kebab. Remember those? Jiji used ot bring those a lot when We were in Khalifa Town. Its been such a long time (decades!!!) since I had those. Will try to find out where it is, and get it.
OTOH, I think I will go and eat a King Kebab. Remember those? Jiji used ot bring those a lot when We were in Khalifa Town. Its been such a long time (decades!!!) since I had those. Will try to find out where it is, and get it.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Uneven Strength
I just discovered that my left arm is stronger than my right arm. This I found out when my gym instructor shifted me from machines to weights. Suddenly, my right arm is getting tired before my left arm. My instructor will be making me do some special exercises for my right arm tomorrow. And speaking of weight, I don't think I enjoy them a lot. I mean, the dumbells are ok, but I simply HATE the bars.
And another thing - HELP!!! The radio, it seems, is hell bent on making me listen ot the song 'aaja ve mahi lets do balle balle', which I don't want to. But the this song seems to play on the radio everyday and on every show!! I am having to change channels a lot because of this. All this channel changing has led me to listen to the song 'Oh, what a babe!' a lot of times, and now I am begingin to like it. The shame.
And another thing - HELP!!! The radio, it seems, is hell bent on making me listen ot the song 'aaja ve mahi lets do balle balle', which I don't want to. But the this song seems to play on the radio everyday and on every show!! I am having to change channels a lot because of this. All this channel changing has led me to listen to the song 'Oh, what a babe!' a lot of times, and now I am begingin to like it. The shame.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
A VERY HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO EVERYONE!!!
A VERY HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO EVERYONE!!!
Though, as Bachi Karkaria asks in Lies, damned lies and stereotypes, what does freedom mean, are we really free? BTW, I love her writing. Shes got one hell of a command over the language.
The radio has been palying desh bhakti songs from morning. In fact, I got tired of listening to 'mere desh ki dharti' all morning!! But then, they played 'yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka', and I was instantly transported to my college days, when me and my friends used to really groove over the song. In fact, it was the numero uno desh bhakti song of our college.
But fear not, the nightmare is over. I passed out of college long ago (I don't count the years cos then I will realize that I am not GenX anymore).
Spiderman 2 has not been released till now. I asked the usher at the theater and he said that it will be, in a fortnight. I am waiting. In the meantime, Elf has been released, and I am in two minds whether to go and watch it or not. Will Farrel is funny, but a Christmas fare in the middle of a 45 degrees summer is not really tempting. Lets see....
Though, as Bachi Karkaria asks in Lies, damned lies and stereotypes, what does freedom mean, are we really free? BTW, I love her writing. Shes got one hell of a command over the language.
The radio has been palying desh bhakti songs from morning. In fact, I got tired of listening to 'mere desh ki dharti' all morning!! But then, they played 'yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka', and I was instantly transported to my college days, when me and my friends used to really groove over the song. In fact, it was the numero uno desh bhakti song of our college.
But fear not, the nightmare is over. I passed out of college long ago (I don't count the years cos then I will realize that I am not GenX anymore).
Spiderman 2 has not been released till now. I asked the usher at the theater and he said that it will be, in a fortnight. I am waiting. In the meantime, Elf has been released, and I am in two minds whether to go and watch it or not. Will Farrel is funny, but a Christmas fare in the middle of a 45 degrees summer is not really tempting. Lets see....
Saturday, August 14, 2004
The Indian Scene...
Rapist Dhananjoy dead, hanged in Alipore jail. Not commenting on the hanging, but rather than on the fact that this is the top story on the TOI website. Indian Express' lead story is about the crisis of the Tibet lake, and also in the Hindu. Now, I may not be a good journalist, but this much I know, Tibet is a more important story than Dhananjoy. But when the leader is guiding the reader(TM), what can one do....did anyone say dumbing down?
Also, there have not been many political news from teh ruling party. Makes me wonder, is there a ruling party in India? I am sure that the ousting of the BJP from power was not good for the newspapers. The congress is just not good at playing to the presses. They'd rather please Madam rather than the Third Estate. And only when Madam does something does it become newsworthy for them. Shame.
Also, there have not been many political news from teh ruling party. Makes me wonder, is there a ruling party in India? I am sure that the ousting of the BJP from power was not good for the newspapers. The congress is just not good at playing to the presses. They'd rather please Madam rather than the Third Estate. And only when Madam does something does it become newsworthy for them. Shame.
Trip
So now, I have another visitor on my blog....Jijaji!! Hmm, I never thought that my blog would be noticed in the first place!!
Yesterday, I cruised till late in the night, right after office. A meal of a Nepolitan Pizza and Pepsi, followed by nearly two hours of driving. I visited Al Khor. The road connecting Doha and Al Khor has been recently built, and it was a real pleasure!! I maintained a steady speed of 100 on the empty road. The radio played some fast dance music to help. Reached Al Khor at around 12:30, and just cruised around. The entire town was asleep, and I had trouble finding an open grocery store for a bottle of water!! In fact, the clean and empty streets of Al Khor gave me the impression that it was a ghost town. But then a mallu passed by, hitching up his mini lungi, and my faith in humanity was restored :)
Of this drive, I have to mention the wind. The desert wind. While Doha was sweltering even in the night, the highway wsa really cool, what with the open spaces and all. I didn't need to use my car AC at all.
I again visited Al Khor today morning, cruising at just 60. And I must say, this drive was more fun than burning rubber at 100. The air was hot as hell, and I had to turn on the car AC at full blast, but there was a certain smooth rhythm to the car. Plus, the radio was playing some nice slow tracks.
Ah, I proclaim again, I LOVE THE CAR RADIO!!!
Yesterday, I cruised till late in the night, right after office. A meal of a Nepolitan Pizza and Pepsi, followed by nearly two hours of driving. I visited Al Khor. The road connecting Doha and Al Khor has been recently built, and it was a real pleasure!! I maintained a steady speed of 100 on the empty road. The radio played some fast dance music to help. Reached Al Khor at around 12:30, and just cruised around. The entire town was asleep, and I had trouble finding an open grocery store for a bottle of water!! In fact, the clean and empty streets of Al Khor gave me the impression that it was a ghost town. But then a mallu passed by, hitching up his mini lungi, and my faith in humanity was restored :)
Of this drive, I have to mention the wind. The desert wind. While Doha was sweltering even in the night, the highway wsa really cool, what with the open spaces and all. I didn't need to use my car AC at all.
I again visited Al Khor today morning, cruising at just 60. And I must say, this drive was more fun than burning rubber at 100. The air was hot as hell, and I had to turn on the car AC at full blast, but there was a certain smooth rhythm to the car. Plus, the radio was playing some nice slow tracks.
Ah, I proclaim again, I LOVE THE CAR RADIO!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Laughs
A few trade spwcific jokes that I must share. Yenjoy:
-----------
A physicist, biologist and a chemist were going to the ocean for the first time.
The physicist saw the ocean and was fascinated by the waves. He said he wanted to do some research on the fluid dynamics of the waves and walked into the ocean. He drowned and never came back.
The biologist said he wanted to do research on the flora and fauna inside the ocean and walked inside the ocean. He drowned, too.
The chemist waited for a long time and afterwards, wrote the observation, "The physicist and the biologist are soluble in ocean water".
----------
A farmer has problems with his chickens - all of the sudden, they are all getting very sick. So he calls up a biologist, a chemist and a physicist
The biologist runs several experiments, but can't come up with the answer. The chemist also runs several experiments, but he can't come up with the answer, either.
So the physist trys. He stands there and looks at the chickens for a long time without touching them or anything. Then all of the sudden he starts scribbling away in a notebook. Finally, after several gruesome calculations, he exclaims, "I've got it! But it only works for spherical chickens in a vaccum."
----------
An engineer, a physicist and a mathematician are walkng past a burning building just as the fire truck arrives.
The fireman implores them, "Please help me!"
The engineer says "Give me the building blueprints." Within two minutes, he draws up a plan to fight the fire, which the firefighters use to save the building.
A week later, the physicist comes by the fire station. He tells the fire chief, "I've written a booklet on general principles for fighting fires". The chief thanks him, and says he will use the booklet in training his firefighters.
Six months later, the mathematician comes to the fire station and drops a huge box of papers on the fire chief's desk: "I've done it!"
"Done what?", asks the fire chief.
"I've proven fires exist!"
-------------
Ghani was a chemist,
Now Ghani is no more,
What Ghani thought was H2O
Was H2SO4.
-----------
If you didn't get the last one, leave me a note.
-----------
A physicist, biologist and a chemist were going to the ocean for the first time.
The physicist saw the ocean and was fascinated by the waves. He said he wanted to do some research on the fluid dynamics of the waves and walked into the ocean. He drowned and never came back.
The biologist said he wanted to do research on the flora and fauna inside the ocean and walked inside the ocean. He drowned, too.
The chemist waited for a long time and afterwards, wrote the observation, "The physicist and the biologist are soluble in ocean water".
----------
A farmer has problems with his chickens - all of the sudden, they are all getting very sick. So he calls up a biologist, a chemist and a physicist
The biologist runs several experiments, but can't come up with the answer. The chemist also runs several experiments, but he can't come up with the answer, either.
So the physist trys. He stands there and looks at the chickens for a long time without touching them or anything. Then all of the sudden he starts scribbling away in a notebook. Finally, after several gruesome calculations, he exclaims, "I've got it! But it only works for spherical chickens in a vaccum."
----------
An engineer, a physicist and a mathematician are walkng past a burning building just as the fire truck arrives.
The fireman implores them, "Please help me!"
The engineer says "Give me the building blueprints." Within two minutes, he draws up a plan to fight the fire, which the firefighters use to save the building.
A week later, the physicist comes by the fire station. He tells the fire chief, "I've written a booklet on general principles for fighting fires". The chief thanks him, and says he will use the booklet in training his firefighters.
Six months later, the mathematician comes to the fire station and drops a huge box of papers on the fire chief's desk: "I've done it!"
"Done what?", asks the fire chief.
"I've proven fires exist!"
-------------
Ghani was a chemist,
Now Ghani is no more,
What Ghani thought was H2O
Was H2SO4.
-----------
If you didn't get the last one, leave me a note.
Words of Wisdom
Copied shamelessly from Dong Resin's Joint:
Oh, and yes, my bosses have returned from their vacations.....Sukh bhare din beete re bhaiya, ab dukh aayo re, rang jeevan mein naya laayo re.
Everything is in your mind.
And yet, there is still room.
Oh, and yes, my bosses have returned from their vacations.....Sukh bhare din beete re bhaiya, ab dukh aayo re, rang jeevan mein naya laayo re.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
More 'Useless' Purchases
Quote:
This has got to be the funniest reason ever :)!!! Jiji, fat does not melt and flow to other parts of your body!! And for the record, I never had any fat on my arms to begin with! My tummy is because of me sitting for the better part of the day, whether in office or in my room, of lying down on my bed. And to get rid of it, I don't do push up, rather, I do sit ups. And I did do some today, and my tummy ached!! Its responding favorably, I say.
so three new exercises added to my routine today. All three deal with my arms and shoulders. Looks like the instructor thinks that since I am lean, I don't need to do any fat reducing exercise, and jump straight to body building. But by the time I got around to doing the three exercises, I could not even lift my arm. I barely managed to do those. In fact, I did less that I was asked to do. But that's ok, I will pick up eventually.
Moving on, yesterday, I made the mistake of going to Lulu Hypermarket, and you know what happens when one goes to such places. That's right, the wallet mysteriously opens up. And as a result, I now have four more items in my 'not really needed list'. They are four CDs that I purchased. Eric Clapton & the Yardbirds, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix. The catch, in all of these, was that they were 'budget CDs' (read those CDs that we are not able to sell, and just want to get rid of). The sore one in this is obviously Jimi Hendrix, since I have never heard any of his songs. I am only aware of his reputation as a guitarist. And since I have a guitar lying in my room, I thought that I may be inspired to take it up after listening to him. But there is a slight fault in my plan - I DON'T HAVE A CD PLAYER!!
That's right, I have an audio player, and have not bought a CD player. And another point that I must mention is, I only listen to my car radio. No music in my room.
so how's that for a total waste of money?
But I beg to differ. I may not be able to listen to them right now, But I am sure I will enjoy them once I travel to India. Or when I am again under the spell and open my wallet for a CD player. But rest assured that it is a remote possibility, since I rarely venture into any electronic shop. I am not THAT stupid.
On the interesting developments front, I think there is some sort of a sibling rivalry going on in the Srivastav household. Today morning, as I was leaving for the gym, I overheard uncle and aunty talking about their kids. Aunty said some thing about her daughters telling her that 'Bhibek is a little badmash'. So, from what I can gather, it concerns Bhibhek, Simiji, and probably Bhibhek's wife. Uncle and Aunty are just pushed into it for no fault of theirs. And as I was leaving via the main door, they immediately stopped discussing whatever they were discussing and were all smiles.
and let me just declare here, for all the enquiring minds concerned, that I will not probe into the matter further. And neither should Chickoo, via Bhibhek's wife.
"I know why your tummy has not decreased its because , the fat from your arms have melted down to your stomach "
This has got to be the funniest reason ever :)!!! Jiji, fat does not melt and flow to other parts of your body!! And for the record, I never had any fat on my arms to begin with! My tummy is because of me sitting for the better part of the day, whether in office or in my room, of lying down on my bed. And to get rid of it, I don't do push up, rather, I do sit ups. And I did do some today, and my tummy ached!! Its responding favorably, I say.
so three new exercises added to my routine today. All three deal with my arms and shoulders. Looks like the instructor thinks that since I am lean, I don't need to do any fat reducing exercise, and jump straight to body building. But by the time I got around to doing the three exercises, I could not even lift my arm. I barely managed to do those. In fact, I did less that I was asked to do. But that's ok, I will pick up eventually.
Moving on, yesterday, I made the mistake of going to Lulu Hypermarket, and you know what happens when one goes to such places. That's right, the wallet mysteriously opens up. And as a result, I now have four more items in my 'not really needed list'. They are four CDs that I purchased. Eric Clapton & the Yardbirds, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix. The catch, in all of these, was that they were 'budget CDs' (read those CDs that we are not able to sell, and just want to get rid of). The sore one in this is obviously Jimi Hendrix, since I have never heard any of his songs. I am only aware of his reputation as a guitarist. And since I have a guitar lying in my room, I thought that I may be inspired to take it up after listening to him. But there is a slight fault in my plan - I DON'T HAVE A CD PLAYER!!
That's right, I have an audio player, and have not bought a CD player. And another point that I must mention is, I only listen to my car radio. No music in my room.
so how's that for a total waste of money?
But I beg to differ. I may not be able to listen to them right now, But I am sure I will enjoy them once I travel to India. Or when I am again under the spell and open my wallet for a CD player. But rest assured that it is a remote possibility, since I rarely venture into any electronic shop. I am not THAT stupid.
On the interesting developments front, I think there is some sort of a sibling rivalry going on in the Srivastav household. Today morning, as I was leaving for the gym, I overheard uncle and aunty talking about their kids. Aunty said some thing about her daughters telling her that 'Bhibek is a little badmash'. So, from what I can gather, it concerns Bhibhek, Simiji, and probably Bhibhek's wife. Uncle and Aunty are just pushed into it for no fault of theirs. And as I was leaving via the main door, they immediately stopped discussing whatever they were discussing and were all smiles.
and let me just declare here, for all the enquiring minds concerned, that I will not probe into the matter further. And neither should Chickoo, via Bhibhek's wife.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Progressing...
My gym instructor told me that from tomorrow, I will be doing more weights. And also dumbells. Which is fine, except that I was looking forward to some more exercises for the stomach and back. My tummy has not decreased, though I can feel my arms and chest tightening.
And I found out that the sone 'Aaja ve mahi lets do balle balle' is from the film Fida. And It has music by Anu Malik. *smacking my head* Of course, how could I not be astounded by the song, and not imagine that Anu Malik was somewhere in the picture. I am betting the line was his own idea. Must be more observant in the future.
And I found out that the sone 'Aaja ve mahi lets do balle balle' is from the film Fida. And It has music by Anu Malik. *smacking my head* Of course, how could I not be astounded by the song, and not imagine that Anu Malik was somewhere in the picture. I am betting the line was his own idea. Must be more observant in the future.
Monday, August 09, 2004
Missed Gym
Today, laziness caught up with me-I didn't go to the gym today. Was feeling too lazy. But, to counterthat, I drove all morning!! Its been a long time since I cruised the city. In fact, I am begining to prefer Doha in the mornings that in the evenings. More life in the mornings. And add to that, there was some nice music playing on the radio. But today, I treated myself to something different. I got my Eric Clapton tape and had a blast, singing along with the kings :) In fact, my throat is a little sore now.
Surreal Moment Of The Day: While cruising through the city, I found myself in a new part of town, and the realization struck me....I'm lost!! In this tiniest of cities!! Things can't be more surreal than THAT!!
Surreal Moment Of The Day: While cruising through the city, I found myself in a new part of town, and the realization struck me....I'm lost!! In this tiniest of cities!! Things can't be more surreal than THAT!!
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Thanks For Your Concern
Thanks for your suggestions, Roopesh. I am quite ok today. I think it was because of the fact that I havent lifted anything heavy in the last few months, and suddenly lifting weights just pulled my muscles a little. And I am doing the bottom rung of the weights anyways. My instructor told me that it will go away in a few days.
And your suggestion about taking up swimming is really good, but there is a minor flaw - I will need money forthat, and money's what I am trying to save here.
Moving on, I really like the gif that you sent me, and I am posting it here:
YENJOY!!!
And your suggestion about taking up swimming is really good, but there is a minor flaw - I will need money forthat, and money's what I am trying to save here.
Moving on, I really like the gif that you sent me, and I am posting it here:
YENJOY!!!
Friday, August 06, 2004
Still It Pains
No gym today on account of it being Friday, but no relief for me. My muscles still feel crampy. In fact, I had a very disturbed sleep last night. And today, while in office, the pain got so unbearable, that I had to go out and buy something for muscle cramps. So, now, in addition to building my body, I am also on medication for my sore muscles. But I understand, 'cos the first days of exertion are always excrutiating. Give it a week, and it will pass.
Moving on, today, I went to the souq after a really long time to buy some shoe laces, and was reminded how wonderful a place it is. Especially on a Friday, when people come here to buy stuff. In fact, the kind of variety on display there is enough to boggle ones mind. Compare that to your regular mall, which display limited stuff, but really well. And by limited stuff, I mean the fact that they don't keep shoe laces! And also limited t-shirts. The prices are a murder, though. I am not good at the art of haggling, so there's every chance that I will be fleeced at these places.
Moving on, today, I went to the souq after a really long time to buy some shoe laces, and was reminded how wonderful a place it is. Especially on a Friday, when people come here to buy stuff. In fact, the kind of variety on display there is enough to boggle ones mind. Compare that to your regular mall, which display limited stuff, but really well. And by limited stuff, I mean the fact that they don't keep shoe laces! And also limited t-shirts. The prices are a murder, though. I am not good at the art of haggling, so there's every chance that I will be fleeced at these places.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Day Two
Day two of gymming, and I can't even lift my arm. I am that sore. Maybe I am not doing the routine correctly, but my instructor showed me how to do it, and I am doing exactly as he asked me to. But damn, my muscles ache!! Looks like I have been concnetrating on my back muscles, and because of that, I cannot band backwards. I am already losing some of my flexibility. Sob sob :'(
Moving on, I never really like Paki-pop. I can't stand 'purani jeans aur guitar', 'sar ki hai bahaar', 'Sayionee' or any other songs from the Pak scene (ok, I make an exception to 'hawa hawa' by Hasan Jehangir - remember him?? But I was too young to have a credible music taste then!!). I want especially single out 'Sayionee' by Junoon. Not only do I not like it (in fact, I hate it), but bring Neelkanth near a guitar, and you can bet your life that he will start singing that song. And just imagine Neelu's thin voice going 'Sayioneeeeeeeeeee'!!
But today, I eat a humble pie. The reason? 'Dhaani' by Strings. I have hread it online, and man, they are really good on this one. The entire album is amazing, the only exception being 'chaaye chaaye', which is just ok. But the album, as a whole, is worth buying. In fact, I think I will buy it when I visit India. Strings have shown maturity with this album, and the sound, the orchestrations are really well arranged. This is the direction in which Indipop should be headed. but what do we get? Remixes after remixes. The only Indian pop band that comes close to their level of music is Euphoria. I like them, but they have begun to sound a little repetitive. And then there's Lucky Ali. His last album was not good, but his latest album seems to be a return to form, from what I have heard so far. But Strings just leave both of them far behind with their latest album.
The Pakis have stolen the march on this one.
Moving on, I never really like Paki-pop. I can't stand 'purani jeans aur guitar', 'sar ki hai bahaar', 'Sayionee' or any other songs from the Pak scene (ok, I make an exception to 'hawa hawa' by Hasan Jehangir - remember him?? But I was too young to have a credible music taste then!!). I want especially single out 'Sayionee' by Junoon. Not only do I not like it (in fact, I hate it), but bring Neelkanth near a guitar, and you can bet your life that he will start singing that song. And just imagine Neelu's thin voice going 'Sayioneeeeeeeeeee'!!
But today, I eat a humble pie. The reason? 'Dhaani' by Strings. I have hread it online, and man, they are really good on this one. The entire album is amazing, the only exception being 'chaaye chaaye', which is just ok. But the album, as a whole, is worth buying. In fact, I think I will buy it when I visit India. Strings have shown maturity with this album, and the sound, the orchestrations are really well arranged. This is the direction in which Indipop should be headed. but what do we get? Remixes after remixes. The only Indian pop band that comes close to their level of music is Euphoria. I like them, but they have begun to sound a little repetitive. And then there's Lucky Ali. His last album was not good, but his latest album seems to be a return to form, from what I have heard so far. But Strings just leave both of them far behind with their latest album.
The Pakis have stolen the march on this one.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
First Day At the Gym
My first day in gym, and I cant lift my arms!! But its my fault, really. The instructor showed me some arm exercises, and told me to do 30 and left. I didn't get what he said, and ended up doing 100!! Ouch! That hurts.
My time in the gym has reaffirmed my belief that running is a better exercise than gymming. Sure, gymming gives you good muscles, but that's not what good health is all about. The machines and weights in a gym are too focused on a particular part of the body, while ignoring the rest. In contrast, activities like running and swimming tend to involved the entire body, so that the entire body benefits. Also, in these activities, its you against your own body, while in gymming, its you against the weights. I fear that later, I will become too dependent on them, and will ignore the overall body as a whole. I am now vaguely aware how the idea of dumbness of body builders came about. Lets say, I wear a nice new shirt. I look at myself in the mirror, and think its too loose at the sleeves. 'Must start doing more dumbbells,' I think to myself. And also, I start thinking more in terms of, my abs are too loose, my wrists are not in proportion to my biceps, my legs need more exercise. You don't hear a runner or a swimmer thinking in that fashion. Its just 'I run/swim, and it feels nice'. I like it that way. Will try to wake up early to include running in my routine as well.
Moving on, I have learn't how to make a really good coffee. My colleague too a sip from my coffee, and he loved it. In fact, he has switched from drinking black coffee to the one with milk because of that!!
Later: I forgotto mention the comments that Bunny left on my blog. Thanks for the reassurance, Bunny. And don't tell me you don't know who Mary-Kate and Ashley Oslen are!!
My time in the gym has reaffirmed my belief that running is a better exercise than gymming. Sure, gymming gives you good muscles, but that's not what good health is all about. The machines and weights in a gym are too focused on a particular part of the body, while ignoring the rest. In contrast, activities like running and swimming tend to involved the entire body, so that the entire body benefits. Also, in these activities, its you against your own body, while in gymming, its you against the weights. I fear that later, I will become too dependent on them, and will ignore the overall body as a whole. I am now vaguely aware how the idea of dumbness of body builders came about. Lets say, I wear a nice new shirt. I look at myself in the mirror, and think its too loose at the sleeves. 'Must start doing more dumbbells,' I think to myself. And also, I start thinking more in terms of, my abs are too loose, my wrists are not in proportion to my biceps, my legs need more exercise. You don't hear a runner or a swimmer thinking in that fashion. Its just 'I run/swim, and it feels nice'. I like it that way. Will try to wake up early to include running in my routine as well.
Moving on, I have learn't how to make a really good coffee. My colleague too a sip from my coffee, and he loved it. In fact, he has switched from drinking black coffee to the one with milk because of that!!
Later: I forgotto mention the comments that Bunny left on my blog. Thanks for the reassurance, Bunny. And don't tell me you don't know who Mary-Kate and Ashley Oslen are!!
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
I Have Matured
Today, I made a concession to my long held beliefs - I joined a gym. You see, I firmly believe that gyms don't do you as much good as simple running for half an hour and a couple of push ups and sit up will do. But I am unble ot get up early in the mornings for my jog, and today, my back was aching due to the lack of exercise and bad sitting posture. 'Time to do something about it,' I told myself. And off I went, searching for a place where I can learn tennis. But sadly, there is no place that offers tennis coachings in the mornings, and evenings are not an option for me. So I had to settle for the second option, namely, join a gym.
So there, one more of my idealisms falls by the wayside. Is that what growing and maturity is all about, making concessions to all your beliefs, just to get on with your life? Whats more important, the means or the end?
So there, one more of my idealisms falls by the wayside. Is that what growing and maturity is all about, making concessions to all your beliefs, just to get on with your life? Whats more important, the means or the end?
Two Movies, Two Trashes
The last two day, I saw two hindi movies, Gayab on video, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi i the theater. Why? Quite frankly, I didn't know of better ways to waste my time. Really. Both the movies are that bad.
Fist up, Gayab. the director, I seems, was in two minds whether to make is a feel good-comedy, a thriller. So, he started out to make it a feel good comedy, But then changed his mind and went into the thriller mode. But when this didn't seem to work out either, he reverted back to the feel good stream. I hould point out that the thriller part is 'inspired' by the film Hollow Man. The only good part about the movie was that I didn't have to pay for it, since Srivastav aunty had got the cassette.
On to MSK. Sadly, I did have to pay for it. As for the movie, I counld smell theoncoming joke a mile away, but I still did manage to force a smile when it came. Salman Khan looks completely bored and Akshay Kumar is ok. The only good point in the movie was Satish Shah.
Some new developemtns in the office. We will be doing away with our access card ,and replacing that with fingerprint access. Wow!! Biometrics comes to Qatar. The rationale being given is that may people used other people's card to go in and out of offices, so this has been introduced. It will go operational in a few months. I am all for it. No more forgetting cards at home!!
Fist up, Gayab. the director, I seems, was in two minds whether to make is a feel good-comedy, a thriller. So, he started out to make it a feel good comedy, But then changed his mind and went into the thriller mode. But when this didn't seem to work out either, he reverted back to the feel good stream. I hould point out that the thriller part is 'inspired' by the film Hollow Man. The only good part about the movie was that I didn't have to pay for it, since Srivastav aunty had got the cassette.
On to MSK. Sadly, I did have to pay for it. As for the movie, I counld smell theoncoming joke a mile away, but I still did manage to force a smile when it came. Salman Khan looks completely bored and Akshay Kumar is ok. The only good point in the movie was Satish Shah.
Some new developemtns in the office. We will be doing away with our access card ,and replacing that with fingerprint access. Wow!! Biometrics comes to Qatar. The rationale being given is that may people used other people's card to go in and out of offices, so this has been introduced. It will go operational in a few months. I am all for it. No more forgetting cards at home!!
Sunday, August 01, 2004
A Thought...
Nothing new today. No news to tell. Thats what heppens when you live in this part of the world
By the way, I was thinking - traditionally, you should not tell about your good luck to otehr people, otherwise it will pass. So, does it follow that I should not tell people about my bad luck either, cos that will pass too?
By the way, I was thinking - traditionally, you should not tell about your good luck to otehr people, otherwise it will pass. So, does it follow that I should not tell people about my bad luck either, cos that will pass too?
Am I Being Shadowed?
Am I being shadowed? No, I certainly am not, but I was just entertaining the idea of what would it look like if I was shadowed. The report submitted on me wouldread like, "He just gets in the car and roams around randomly, listening to loud music. Usually drives as 80, but on an empty road, can reach a speed of 100. I fail to see why he should be followed at all. The only utility that I can think for him is that he could single-handedly affect the world gas prices, given the amount of driving that he does. Maybe we could suggest to his employer to raise his salary by ten times." I like the last sentence.
Moving on, last night, the Srivastavs went to an ice ballet show, and were totally floored by it. The moment I returned fro moffice, aunty started suggesting that I go to watch it. And in the morning, I could hear her yak about the ballet on the phone all the time. So, as I went the ballet, I learnt that yesterday was the last day of hte ballet, and I had missed it. So had the other Indian families that had come there. I suspect, they were all sent the aunty, who has already informed half of the Indian community here.
Moving on, last night, the Srivastavs went to an ice ballet show, and were totally floored by it. The moment I returned fro moffice, aunty started suggesting that I go to watch it. And in the morning, I could hear her yak about the ballet on the phone all the time. So, as I went the ballet, I learnt that yesterday was the last day of hte ballet, and I had missed it. So had the other Indian families that had come there. I suspect, they were all sent the aunty, who has already informed half of the Indian community here.
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