Coffee origin in India :: Legend has it that 16th century Sufi savant Baba Budan had introduced coffee to India. He acquired a taste for coffee in the seaport of Mocha in Yemen on pilgrimage to Mecca and decided to share it with his countrymen. On way back to India, he wrapped 7 coffee beans around his belly and got them out of Arabia. On his return home, he planted the beans in the hills of Chikkamagaluru, which are now named Baba Budan Hills in his honour. During the years that followed, it had became something of cultural icon in South India.
Country Origin:: Ehiopia
Coffee Cupping:: Coffee tasting (also called coffee cupping) is done to determine the characteristics of a particular coffee blend.
Varieties of Coffee:: South Indian filter coffee to Irish Coffee, perfect blend of coffee, whiskey and cream.
Types of coffee beans:: Broadly arabica and robusta
Caffeine stimulates the senses::Caffeine is known for its mild stimulating properties on the body and mind. The body absorbs it rapidly and its effects – metabolism stimulation and support for mental alertness and concentration – may last for 2-5 hours.
CCD :: . A lot can happen over a coffee. Reflecting changing lifestyles and spreading Coffee culture beyond South. The linkage between small growers in remote areas and sophisticated coffee-chains in urban India clearly demonstrate that geographical and socio-economic barriers can be transcended in market.
1. To be happy is ordinary and natural; to be miserable is extraordinary and unnatural
Nothing is special in being happy- trees are happy, birds are happy and children are happy. It is just usual thing in existence. Existence is made of thing called happiness. Happiness has nothing special in it. Happiness is very ordinary thing.
2. Misery makes you more egoistic but a happy person has no ego so he is not miserable
To be blissful is to be absolutely ordinary. The self, the ego, does not allow that. That’s why people talk too much about their miseries. They become special just by talking about this and that. This is something stupid but has to be understood. Misery makes you special. A miserable man can have a more concentrated ego.
3. Happiness is like love. When you are happy or you are in love, you do not exist; you are not
In happiness there is dissolution. You are not dragged down by ego. You have found happiness in just being; you don’t need constant attention.
Have you ever seen any happy moment??? Watched it?? In happiness you are NOT. To be is to be miserable.
To be happy is not to be.That’s why Buddha says ” there is no self “.
Mood : contemplate.
[This does not mean myself(ego) do not exist and therefore i am miserable. I am obsessed with my hypochondriacs(evident from I, me & myself usage), which makes me special. Need is to be absolutely ordinary.]
Music: Ajeeb dastan hain yeh, kahan suru kahan khatam
Book next to me: The heart of India by Mark Tully.
The chapter in this book on Happiness, where he gives tenets for happiness. The best one.
Have good health,
have decent amount of money,
live in your own home,
have a compatible companion,
have no envy for those ahead of you,
do not waste time,
have a hobby or two,
manage your anger and
learn to enjoy your solitude.
Simple and yet so profound..timely wake up call, very much needed in present consumerist world. Even knowing so we tend to be seduced now and then.
There is nothing new about it, we all have read it at least hundred times, but when it comes from someone who has lived so long, experienced, lived by it and consequently articulated the same in best possible manner. We tend to take it more seriously.
But, how sustainable it is all to be seen. Putting it here to inspire us again n again. Consciously accepting it, would gradually internalize into our subconscious and then it becomes part of us. I guess then, question of sustainability wont be there and it will be just habit and way of our life. A sign of maturity, spirituality and contentment.
mood : filled with gratitude
background music : har taraf husn hain jawani hian, mohabbat bade kaam ki cheej hian/bekaara bedaam ki cheej hain
looking fwd: for marriage @HOME yet detached to so much fuss on all social obligation…so called the big fat Indian wedding. (See Consumerism ethos all around. Can i deny it?? yes i can)
May the festival of lights light & bright up your life and bring lot of happiness and prosperity to you. Hope the crackers crack & destroy evil in you. (Do u ever wonder how many of that ll be needed for each one in you?)
All this makes mangal akritis ( SMS wishes that’s all i could do) markers of a well-organized and fulfilling life that is rich and full in every way, and which touches not only the individual but embraces the family, community and village.
Question is why only these particular days of fair n festivities to remind us to have fun n joy in life? Isn’t EVERYDAY A CELEBRATION? Why should u feel happy only on certain days of the year fixed for celebration? Life is not jail or punishment; life is to be lived in such a way that smiling comes naturally.
From social angle,It does add to solidarity in society & a sense of integration among individuals, boost up family ties and brings social order. Another aspect could be, society is compensating you for when it feels that repression may explode into a dangerous situation if not compensated. But true celebration should come from and in your life; it can not be according to the calender. Strange, the whole year misery suddenly disappears with Deepavali. Either the misery was false or the date assigned for celebration is false; both can not be true.
From economic angle, spreads consumerism, increases demand – evident of malls revenues boosting up, and thereby adding to RBI’s woes of inflation control. Today, in RBI’s Policy review, it is bound to raise REPO & REVERSE REPO despite concerns of slowing growth rate. ( 13 times since 2010)
From religious & Spiritual angle, Even the concept of Laksmi as Mangalmayi, an embodiment of everything that is auspicious, must be understood within the confines of dharma or the tradition of a moral and social order. The concept of mangal & dharma are inseparable.
A mangalmaya life is one that is lived not just for individual success and prosperity but equally for the welfare of everyone. At internal & spiritual level, Life should be a never ending celebration, a festival of lights the whole year round. Only then you can blossom. Transform small things into celebration. Life is not a punishment, nor is it a sin. It is your RIGHT TO ENJOY( in series of so many rights offered by our dear govt, right to food, right to education, right to live u/a 21 of our constitution. New being added every alternate day as a policy measure covertly with ulterior motive of vote bank populist politics or @ international level, in unipolar world, USA pushed R2P- innovative MANGAL AKRITI – Right to Protect doctrine to intervene militarily any where in the world of course through UN supported as a moral obligation/justification.)
Let Deepavali remind us – it will be a sin, if you don’t enjoy. Happy Deepavali. Enjoy and stay blessed!!!
The BLUES i believe in. The blues that believe in me. Some blue facts:
as said by true blue junkie. Meaning for True Blue= Staunchly loyal, unswervingly conservative(Typical Capri trait, mentioned here you know why? A big Grin(Green;))Junkie==ardent, addicted, freak.
Avatar Junkies: obsessed beyond belief in their blue fandom.
Blue Planet: our dear Earth.
Blue sky.
Blue jeans- casual dressing is empty without it.
Out of Blue = in a way that is not expected. Also a rare phenomenon of a lightning bolt that seems to come from a clear blue sky.
Nike cricket marketing campaign during 2011 Indian world cup = Bleed blue for India sports. Reminds me of Blue Pepsi during previous WC campaigns
Blue ink( be it waterman or parker)…i m simply all blue for it.
Blue print: Technical drawing, document of architecture or engineering or broadly Detailed Document.
Blue Valentine: 2010 movie of romantic couple. With Ryan Gosling completely irresistible.
Hue & Shades of Blue: reminds me of “Devil wears Prada” movie scene which depicts nicely its subtle shades and its technical nuances.
Of course, Blue film & Bollywood film….BLUE:)
Basic rules: Blue belongs to primary color grid: Red, Blue & Green.
Though it is known that the Universe is expanding, it is the discovery that expansion is accelerating is astounding. It is one long held logical assumption that the Universe after the Big Bang would eventually slow its expansion and start to contract under the force of its gravity. It was proved wrong by scientists – won this year’s Noble Prize for Physics. => Universe will end in ICE if expansion continues to accelerate.
By analyzing particular type of Supernovae(exploding starts) & using Red Shift technique.If the Universe expansion slowing, than the light from a this type of Supernovae would have been far stronger than then they were to be. The findings are important for not only flipping the existing assumptions, but also for raising more questions than answers.
Finding calls for MYSTERIOUS forces @work in the Universe that can’t be detected by any means except by their effect they are perceived to have. In simple terms, Dark Energy which estimated to constitute 75% of the Universe are something overcoming the force of gravity of the Universe.
How little we know about the Universe & put the recent CERN finding of speed of tiny invisible subatomic particles, neutrinos > c (speed of light, which is universal speed according to Einstein and basis of his theory of relativity) much more in the context.
CERN findings if proved to be true, would question the following important inferences of theory of relativity ::
1. E = mc² , explains how the tiny amount of matter can create huge amount of energy or how the Sun & other Starts produce energy or how nuclear power is generated).
2. ‘c’, speed of light is used in calculations of Size & Age of the Universe, radius of Black Holes or Power generated by nuclear reactor.
3. Causality of cause & effect relation in limbo. If one can travel faster than the speed to light, one may go back in time….entire time & space concept?
-
Mood: Pensive mode
Music running in background: Ajeeb dastan hian yeh, kahan suru kahan khama, yeh manjeele hian kaunsi….
Marking the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi, the victory of good over evil ! Man se raavan jo nikale raam uske man main hian …
&
To triumph at all odds, To unconquerable spirits, To stare challenges in the face, To look at destiny and say ‘here I am, and I will shape you’….To Steve Jobs..Rest your soul!! you will be remembered long for undefying human spirit and creativity.
Coming of Africa..its spirit. Only known for LDC’s and all the other wrong reasons….Low in almost all HDI, highest IMR & MMR, AIDS number proliferation, Narcotics & human trafficking, racism, Apartheid, inter tribal contentions and what not. Recent being pre-colonial times Piracy, Darfur famine, Genocide, authoritarian regimes & Blood diamonds.
@ the same time its richness in energy resources & biodiversity makes it enviable platform for competitive rivalry among Western nations and recently added to the list – India China energy race in the region. In fact, Fossils study points out that even 1st modern human to be found some where in Northern Africa.( its scientific name is LISA). Also, known for Nelson Mandela & his anti apartheid regime & successful staging of FIFA WC, 2010 adding to Africa’s Soft power.
Also, to mark today,non violence day, on the occasion of Oct 2, Gandhi’s 142nd birth anniversary, even he started his Satyagraha Journey in South Africa. The ultimate visionary, No other man can say, My life is my message !
Here is a unifying song about the ultimate symbol of our differences. It will take u flying high…..fucking high!!
Waving flag by K’naan : FIFA WC Official Anthem 2010
Ooooooh Wooooooh, Ooooooh Wooooooh
Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher
See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud
In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition,
Celebration, it surround us, every nations, all around us
Singing forever young, singing songs underneath that sun
Lets rejoice in the beautiful game,
And together at the end of the day.
We all say
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag
Oooohhh, Oooooooooh wooooohh, Oooooooooh wooooohh
Give you freedom, give you fire, give you reason, take you higher
See the champions, take the field now, unify us, make us feel proud
In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition,
Celebration, it’s around us, every nations, all around us
Singing forever young, singing songs underneath that sun
Lets rejoice in the beautiful game,
And together at the end of the day.
We all say
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag
Now wave your flag (4x)
Oohhoooohh Woooh Ohohooooh Wooohoooh
We all say
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
When I get older I will be stronger
They’ll call me freedom, just like a wavin’ flag
So wave your flag, now wave your flag, now wave your flag
Now wave your flag (4x)
Oooooh woowoo ooh Wooo ooohh ooohoh
And everybody will be singing it
Oooooh woowoo ooh Wooo ooohh ooohoh
And we all will be singing it
Watch the other music video
Note: The Dusty Foot Philosopher and Troubadour man, @iamknaan, is the singer behind the official anthem,Waving Flag, probably K’Naan’s most popular song to date, is undoubtedly an African song and calls on to “release African rhythm all over the world”. The Somalian rapper, K’Naan Warsame, is based in Toronto, Canada and Los Angeles, USA.
I loved the Questionnaire concept & its origin. Also, Mr. Kher’s response is commendable..So, the blog. My only contribution is just highlighting what i liked most. Read, what i want to say is ‘It says it all’. He is Class apart & superb actor- Be it Wednesday’s Police Commissioner or Father in Wake up Sid.
(Courtesy: Hindu’s ‘ The Proust Questionnaire,which is a fortnightly feature which derives its name from the French writer Marcel Proust, whose personality-revealing responses to these questions went on to popularize this form of celebrity confession.)
From his breakthrough in Mahesh Bhatt’s “Saaransh”, Anupam Kher has played a great number of tragic figures, comic roles and villains. He was chairman of the Censor Board and Chairman of the National School of Drama. He has acted in a number of international productions such as “Bend It Like Beckham”, “Bride and Prejudice” and “Lust, Caution”. His latest release is the Malayalam film “Pranayam”.
What is your idea of happiness?
The definition of happiness changes with age. At this stage the idea is to make people happy. I am a teacher [at his acting school, Actor Prepares]. A good class makes me happy. I have made a decision to keep myself happy. A child’s smile makes one happy.
What is your greatest fear?
I produced a film on Alzheimer’s – Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara. I fear losing memory, dementia.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I am very influenced by Gandhi’s teachings. He is my idol. If I can capture even one per cent of what he stood for, I would feel satisfied. Nobody can say ‘my life is my message’ except for Gandhi.What is the trait you deplore most in yourself?
I don’t have any major issues. I like myself and that’s not based on my success. Deplore is too strong a word to live with.
Which living person do you most admire?I admire people’s acts now. I admire courageous people, people triumphing against adversities. In the present political scenario there are not many people whom one can admire. These days, common people are more admirable than any living legend.What is your greatest extravagance?I am by nature a middle-class man. At every stage I have a sense of wonder, so when you have this you are technically very careful about extravagance. When you have seen a certain kind of lifestyle you stick to it.Who is your favorite painter?
van Gogh. I like the book on his life and times. It is one of my favorite inspirational books.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I didn’t get this one. A virtue is a virtue.
On what occasion do you lie?
If I have to save somebody’s skin, or not hurt somebody. As I am growing up I am reducing the need to lie. It is also a sign of learning life. We lie when we are not comfortable with ourselves.What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing. I am comfortable with my appearance. For me personally it is being comfortable with who you are.Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t have such feelings. Nobody is that important to evoke such emotions in me.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Optimism. ‘Jeena kya jeevan se haar ke‘ – there’s no point in living after losing to life. (Unable to appreciate it…may be i do not have the insight)What is your greatest regret?
I don’t regret things. I just carry on. I don’t look back much in terms of negativity. There is so much to do than waste energy in terms of regrets.(I need to learn this)What or who is the greatest love of your life?
I am very passionate about working, about doing things. It is only by the mid-forties that you discover yourself and realise there is so much to do. Everything excites me, including an interview. It is important in an interview to convey who you are and not necessarily give the right answers.(Bang, Bulls eye !!)When and where were you happiest?
I think the same answer as the first one applies.
What is your present state of mind?Happy and restless, both. It is important to be restless, optimistically.How would you like to die?
I don’t think of all those things, and not because of fear of death. This is an unnecessary thought.
What is your favorite journey?
Life. There is nothing more exciting, entertaining, and offering greater learning than going through the ups and downs in this journey of life.
What is your favorite motto?If you try, you risk failure; if you don’t you ensure it.
Book: Nothing, reading Newspaper. Blog itself is from Hindu’s MetroPlus.
Music: Serene & Tranquil.
Mood: Agitated, Irritated. Why? Moreover frustrated….
Events: infact Series of them(not in order), Lost Office ID, forgot spects somewhere,Phone discharges @ critical moment, internet was not working. Long laundry list of cribs..just ignore:D
Past few attempts @ random movies & revisiting all time fav’. Its compelling me to be movie buff again.
Watch it, if you have not seen following movies….Highly recommended.
The Reader: Its beautiful peace of work. The battle of legal vs moral.
No strings attached: Rom-com, if u ve nothing else to do. Kutcher & Portman chemistry is conspicuous & contagious.
Shor in the city: Karma is bitch !!! Courtesy: Shakuntalam’ cheap tkts. Marking the occasion to today dt: Ganesh visharjan shor links the various aspects of consciousness. The ritual of Ganesh Visharjan is to put sense in us. This is Mrityulok, where everyone has time limit, so why should one get attached to things, people & situations?
Shaitan: shades of grey. (Mr. Khandelwal is too sexy to resist. Not to forget that TV actors acted well.)
Delhi belly: You dont pick whom you love, when u fall in love. Mess happens. How u come out and deal with the situation is the key. Cynicism rocks.
Shawshank redemption: revisiting it again n again. Hope is best thing, perhaps best of all.
Hazaaron khwaishen aisi : Superb music n execution. Revisiting once again.
Black swan: absolute artistic piece of psycho thriller.
Udaan: debut director brings masterpiece…sensible movie. Small town, middle class artistic portray. Some poems from movies are
Har baal ki khaal ki yeh chhaal bhi kha jaaye Iske haath padh jaaye toh mahine saal bhi kha jaaye Kisi behaal ka bacha jo haal bhi haal kha jaaye Bemaut marte mann ka yeh malaal kha jaaye Lalu ka laal kha jaaye Naxalbaari ki naal kha jaaye Bachpan ka dhamaal kha jaaye Budhape ki shaal kha jaye Haya toh chodo behaya ki chaal bhi kha jaaye aur agar parosa ja sake toh khayal bhi kha jaaye Another one:
Jo lehron se aage nazar dekh paati toh tum jaan lete main kya sochta hoon,
Wo aawaz tumko bhi jo bhed jaati toh tum jaan lete main kya sochta hoon.
Zid ka tumhare jo parda sarakta toh khidkiyon se aage bhi tum dekh paate,
Aankhon se aadaton ki jo palken hatate toh tum jaan lete main kya sochta hoon.
Meri tarah khud par hota zara bharosa toh kuchh door tum bhi saath-saath aate,
Rang meri aankhon ka baant-te zara sa toh kuchh door tum bhi saath-saath aate,
Nasha aasmaan ka jo choomta tumhe bhi, hasraten tumhari naya janm paatin,
Khud doosre janam mein meri udaan chhoone kuchh door tum bhi saath-saath aate.
Another two:
Chhoti-chhoti chhitrayi yaadein
Bichhi hui hain lamhon ki lawn par.
Nange pair unpar chalte-chalte
Itni door chale aaye
Ki ab bhool gaye hain –
Joote kahan utaare the.
Aedi komal thi, jab aaye the.
Thodi si naazuk hai abhi bhi.
Aur nazuk hi rahegi
In khatti-meethi yaadon ki shararat
Jab tak inhe gudgudati rahe.
Sach, bhool gaye hain
Ki joote kahan utaare the.
Par lagta hai,
Ab unki zaroorat nahin."
