Sunday, December 20, 2009

I like my college.

I've not written a blog for ages, so my mind is completely blank. I have no clue about what I should write. So, here I am, an aspiring engineer, who has just completed her first semester of B.Tech., trying to figure out what to write on her blog. I guess I'll just write about my views on SMIT, my college!

At first, I liked the place, and the reason being, all my close pals choosing to study in it, too. Then a few left and I fought with the rest one or two and I hated the place. Then I still hated the place though I made up with the 'rest one or two' as this place seemed like a jungle to me. Often there is no mobile network and you can't contact anyone for hours, even days. The television was taken away by the L.R. and our sections were changed so we had a hard time coping up.

But now I 'kinda' like this place cuz:
1) I'm doing quite well in academics.
2) I have good friends, if not great friends which was evident on my birthday!
3)There are two TVs in the hostel now...hehe
4)I have a laptop.
5)Our section always gets the best teachers...well, not always, but mostly!
6)I am just two steps away from home.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Home

I felt like singing this song three weeks back. I feel like singing it over and over again!

HOME - By Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.

Well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.

The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.

So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,

Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.

Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.


But alas, all I can sing now is :

All my bags are packed
Im ready to go
Im standin here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin
Its early morn
The driver's waitin
Hes blowin his horn
Already I'm so lonesome
I could die

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leavin on a jet plane
Dont know when Ill be back again
Oh mom, I hate to go.....

Trust me leaving home after a long holiday to be welcomed into college with exams is the hardest thing!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

A day in Paris

Paris is my favorite city. Paris, the capital of France, is the most popular tourist destination with 45million tourists every year, out of which, most are foreigners. It carries an amalgamation of cultural significance, scenic beauty and is also the world's fashion capital. The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, The Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River and the good-looking French men and women all add up to make Paris the most beautiful city in the world.

We spent a day in Paris last summer. It was wonderful. In the morning we were taken on the tour bus to the Arc de Triomphe, which stands in the centre of the "Place Charles de Gaulle and is a monument built in memory of France's most fearless leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. The design of this triumphal arch was given by Jean Chalgrin.


Then we went to see the Eiffel Tower and we were given tickets to get into the tower's lift which took us to the first floor of the tower. (Riding on the lift was a funny feeling as the lift took us up diagonally). The view was nice so we went higher up to the second floor through the stairs. The view was "magnifique" from there with the green lawns and fountains on one side (see picture) and the Seine river flowing by on the other, with thousands of people having come to a romantic retreat on one side and hundreds of architectural monuments on the other.

It seems, theEiffel tower is the most paid visited monument in the world, with millions ascending it every year and the tallest building in Paris with a height of 324 meters and engineered and designed by Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel, by night (which is not before 12:00PM in summers), is the most spectacular sight on earth.

Well, then we wanted to see the Louvre Museum. It was a beauty, both from inside and from outside. The was a huge glass and metal pyramid on the outside and the main building was itself beautifully carved. There are 20,000 pieces of art in the museum, most reknowned of them being the Mona Lisa- the most popular painting in the world, an artwork by Leornardo da Vinci and several other more good looking paintings and rock carvings. We spent almost three hours in it, exclaiming that even one whole day was not enough to explore the whole museum.

Sight-seeing is incomplete without shopping and that too, in Paris, which is the headquarters of some of the biggest brands in perfumes, accessories and clothes (eg. Chanel, Vercace, L'Oreal, Louis Vitton, Dior, etc.). So my mom bought a bottle of perfume which was the cheapest among the lot and yet cost her 3000bucks from a perfumery. But she hasn't used the perfume till now.
After a long day we went back to our hotel after savouring on French ice-cream, chicken salad and tarts. They were delicious.

(Did you know?
Paris is the most pet-populated city, about 95% of the families owning at least one dog. By the way, the pets are very cute and so are their owners.)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Time and patience

Blogging takes time and patience and these are what I don't have. Engineering is inversely proportional to entertainment. I haven't updated my facebook status for weeks, haven't watched the idiot box for as long as I know, haven't watched a movie for months, haven't commented on people's updates and haven't blogged for a very long time. Today I have a quiz, and the half-an-hour time for internet per person is on the verge of ending. But I promise I'll write a better blog when I have time and patience.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Solar Eclipse, July 22, 2009

The solar eclipse will take place in early hours (IST 5:00 am to 8:00 am) of July 22, 2009 i.e. tomorrow in India and is unique in the aspect that it'll b a total solar eclipse after 15 years and the next total solar eclipse will be observed after 78 years (i.e. in 2087). The other countries to observe the eclipse will be Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Maldives, China and a few Islands namely Marshall Islands, Ryukyu Islands and Kiribati. The eclipse will be totally visible in India in many big cities namely Surat, Vadodara, Bhopal, Varanasi, Patna and Dinajpur. Maximum visiblility will be in Taregana, Bihar where people are busy buying protective glasses. Among the metropolitan cities, Mumbai will experience 95% visibility and Delhi, 80%.

It will be the longest total eclipse in the 21st century, lasting for 6 minutes and 39 seconds and is part of Series 136 of the Saros Circle. The exceptional duration is due to the moon nearing perigee, with the diameter of the moon 8% larger than the sun, perigee being the point of closest approach between the moon and the earth. Hence, there is probability for mild changes in ocean tides during the eclipse due to the Moon's gravitational pull. These tides should not be mistaken as a tsunami.

Friday, July 17, 2009

100 reasons to live (not my original idea)

1) Somebody, somewhere, loves you. Whether you believe it or not.
2) Sleeping in on Sundays
3) Being able to go barefoot
4) The present won't last forever
5) I'm sure someone is about to release a new cd or book or movie that you probably need to see or hear or read.
6) Pizza!
7) sunrises (for morning people)
8) sunsets (for night people)
9) snow
10) amazing and comfortable clothing
11) spring rain
12) have you actually visited all 7 wonders of the world yet?
13) fall leaves
14) hot chocolate!
15) anything chocolate!
16) amazing music
17) Saturday morning cartoons
18) instant messenger
19) staying home alone
20) parents
21) there's got to be a cause you can fight for
22) puppies
23) kittens
24) laughter
25) goofy pictures
26) good hair days
27) it's almost Christmas, or Valentine's Day, or some very special holiday, or someone's birthday
28) popcorn
29) ice cream
30) flip-flops
31) libraries
32) shapes in the clouds
33) running water
34) puzzles
35) hikes in the woods
36) facebook/orkut
37) hugs
38) warm blankets
39) sleep
40) cute earrings
41) quiet mornings
42) the stars
43) the moon
44) television
45) comfy chairs and couches
46) the smell of dryer sheets and just-washed clothes
47) coloring books
48) sports
49) rabbits
50) new shoes
51) new haircuts
52) computer games
53) comfy pj's
54) hot baths
55) clocks ticking
56) candy
57) red roses
58) the ability to see
59) the perfect pair of jeans
60) strange mutant stuffed animals
61) getting out of the house
62) all that hard work should come to something
63) soul mates
64) awkward moments
65) the mall
66) movies that make you cry
67) cute babies/pets
68) you learn something new every day
69) art
70) concerts
71) roommates
72) people of the opposite gender
73) talking
74) listening
75) God is good
76) green grass
77) moments of confusion
78) poetry
79) meat
80) random odd things in nature
81) fashion!
82) scrapbooks
83) graduation
84) siblings
85) the world needs you
86) romance
87) adventure
88) owning a vehicle
89) to make a great and incredible discovery
90) board games
91) card games
92) get-to-know-you games
93) for the joy of overcoming the challenges of life
94) all creation
95) staying in bed
96) sick days
97) oversleeping
98) the possibility of a challenge
99) lifelong friends
100) the good times

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Rickshaw ride in Melacca




Our half an hour rickshaw ride started from the base of the steps leading to Fort A Famosa. We rode and reached the Stadhuys Square where there is a fountain, a clock tower and several handicraft shops as found in every nook and corner of Malacca.

The rickshaw puller (a Tamil fellow with marvelous English) then took us to a street which he proudly declared "a street with three different religious buildings". True! There was a Hindu temple, a small church and a Chinese monastery on one side of the street, but I think he exaggerated a bit too much about the buildings, forced us to get down and peek into the monastery and convinced us to have a few pictures taken with the monastery as the background.

We wished to go to Jonker Street which is popular among tourists for its buzzing night market which displays attractive-looking foodstuff, handicraft goods, lighting and other decorations. We went there in the daytime, so it was comparitively empty. We bought a mask from a Chinese shop ( the Chinese community largely resides in Jonker Street). We were again forced by the rickshaw-puller to take pictures of a shop which sold bound shoes (the kind the Chinese women wore in ancient times). We did.

As we were about to conclude the ride by asking the Tamil guy to drop us near the clock tower, we got the aroma of freshly baked biscuits. My mother, overwhelmed by the smell, immediately told the rickshaw-puller to stop and rushed to the shop. Before I knew she was out, carrying a packet of pineapple cookies (which turned out to be delicious when I tasted them later) and we made our way back to Stadhuys Square.

Though it cost us 270bucks for the ride, it was worth experiencing!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Creamy Paneer



Ingredients

Paneer (cottage cheese) -200 gm
Green peas (boiled) - 50 gm
Onions - 2(medium)

Cream - 4 tbsp

Milk - 300 ml

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 3 tbsp
Salt, pepper and sugar to taste

Method
Cut the paneer into small cubes. Heat oil in a vessel. Add the finely chopped onions and fry till golden brown. Add the chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder and boiled green peas. Cook for a while. Pour the cream and milk and mix well. Add salt, sugar, pepper and cook. At last, put in the paneer cubes and cook for 2 minutes. Serve hot with chapati or steamed rice.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Werewolf

Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes are mythological or folkloric humans with the ability to shift shapes into wolves or wolf-like creatures, either purposely, by being bitten or scratched by another werewolf, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon. 'Wer' simply means 'man' in old English. Thus 'werewolf' means man-wolf.

The appearance of a werewolf in its animal form as being indistinguishable from ordinary wolves save for the fact that they have no tail and that they retain human eyes and voice. After returning to their human forms, werewolves are usually believed to become weak and undergoing painful nervous depression. Werewolves are often depicted as immune to damage caused by ordinary weapons, being vulnerable only to silver objects, such as a silver-tipped cane, bullet or blade. Many believe that lycanthropy either a hereditary condition or being transmitted like an infectious disease by the bite of another werewolf.

In Italy, France and Germany, it was said that a man could turn into a werewolf if he, on a certain Wednesday or Friday, slept outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on his face. To drink rainwater out of the footprint of the animal in question or to drink from certain enchanted streams were also considered effectual modes of accomplishing metamorphosis. In some cultures, individuals born during a new moon and suffering from epilepsy were considered likely to be werewolves.Werewolves are fatal creatures with abnormal aggressiveness and speed and can be brutal for they often crave human flesh and dig up graves to devour corpses.

However, A notable exception to the association of Lycanthropy and the Devil, comes from a man named Thiess. Thiess testified under oath that he and other werewolves were the Hounds of God. He claimed they were warriors who went down into hell to do battle with witches and demons. So, are werewolves real? And, if they are, are they good or are they bad?

Thursday, June 25, 2009

My favorite city in the whole world has turned quite the opposite!

Kolkata or Calcutta (as the British named it) was the best city in the whole wide world for me (now it's Paris). Now it's the worst. The population tests your degree of irascibility, the pollution annoys you and the heat drives you crazy.

When I went there this time to see my ailing and bedridden grandmother; the temperature, the humidity, the brightness of sun transformed me into "Smoked Shreya". The traffic seemed to be not too much this time (Wonder why?), so, that was something positive. Two other good things were the shopping and the Biryani(which was too much for a small girl like me).

Next time you go there make sure to take at least:
1)A pair of shades
2)A dozen handkerchiefs
3) An umbrella
4) and barrels of water for the purpose of drinking AND bathing ( 'cause you never know about the water situation in Kolkata and bathing thrice a day is a minimal requirement)

Friday, June 19, 2009

If today was your last day - nickelback


My best friend gave me the best advice
She said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce of memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

FooD 4 THouGHt




Maybe I always seem hungry. Maybe you'll call me a glutton when you come across me. Maybe you think I'm addicted to food-related shows on television. But can't just my interest lie in food?

Everyone has their own line on interest. Some are inclined in enlightening themselves about flowers, some birds and some insects. Some are shopaholic, some workaholic, some alcoholic and, well, some "me-o-holic"(narcissist in proper English).

I simply love food, no, adore it. Well, there are things I hate which normal people like e.g. "Dheki Shaak", "Baingan ka bharta", toast and jam, Chhurpi, etc. Also, there are things that I like and other people don't e.g. Shukto, tofu, chillies, etc. But, well, who doesn't like chowmeins and biryanis and ice-creams and kebabs and tandooris and the list goes on?

The last Sunday itself I spent one hour watching a cookery show in the morning, then I watched a programme called "In high spirits" where they teach you how to prepare mocktails and cocktails and the like. Then I sat down and wrote two recipies from the newspaper for my mother. Then I browsed through three cookbooks and asked my mom to make 50 dishes despite the fact that I myself am idol 24X7, old enough to cook (and to vote though my folks don't get me a voter's id) and in dire needs of a job in case I don't get into any college. In the evening, again, I watched Planet Food in Discovery Travel & Living for an hour. They were showing Malaysian cuisine n saying "hmmm, it's delicious" after tasting every item. Trust me, Malaysian food is nowhere near "Hmmm, it's delicious." At a point of time, the hostess of the show was so nauseated by a dessert containing ice-cream and kidney beans and 21 other things; that she threw it away in the first chance she got.

Well, I can't write anymore. I have to go and watch this cookery show called "Rasm-e-rasoi"!! *high-pitched goofy laughter*

Friday, June 12, 2009

Carelessness has a limit!

Am I born careless? Or is it unadulterated clumsiness?Or is it just my luck? You can't imagine the number of things I've lost, broken, forgotten about or not payed heed to in the past few months.

Let's start with the day when the most important examinations of my life began.

On the day of my 1st CBSE exam, I arrive fully prepared with five gel pens and then, someone suddenly says, "Hey, didn't you know? Gel pens aren't allowed. It's strictly necessary to write with dot pens." So, the quest for dot pens begins. Luckily, Dr. Sasmal has 10 and hands me one. So, thankfully I'm out of the soup.

A month later, I go to Hong Kong Market (the most popular "flea market" in Siliguri) and with zest and zeal, I buy a reasonably good-looking watch worth 70 bucks only and bring it home, excited. I try to wear it, the band breaks!!

A day later, our maid says after returning from the bazaar. "Ninni, cycle khoi? Chhaina ta tala!! Taalaa maatra jhoondi raheko cha! (Ninni, where's your cycle? It's not down stairs. Only the lock is dangling.)" What else? Someone's stolen it.

Few days later, I'm in Malaysia. I'm sweeping my bed with a broom, the handle comes off!
I buy my first proper pair of shades from Metrojaya. The next day, I put them on, pose and have a few pictures taken. We have a journey ahead the same day. We're travelling in the hired car at a speed of 120 kmph. The car stops after a while for we need to take a "pee-break". I get back to the car, sit on the seat not realizing that I'm sitting on my shades. There's a "crack" noise and my prized possession breaks (*sob*).

A week later we go for a holiday in the Taman Negara forests. We reach home after a tiresome weekend of tarantulas and glowing mushrooms and canopy walks. As I'm about to take off my Rs. 3000/- worth Swatch watch from Switzerland, the string holding the beads of the watch breaks. There goes my favorite watch.

5 days pass without any significant mishap from my side. We visit Penang on Friday. We stop to visit the Botanical Gardens which is a pretty pretty-looking place. We take loads of photographs and return back to the car. As I open the door, there's a "cling" sound and I think that I've broken a part of the vehicle. But it actually happens to be a knob of the camera which has come off in my attempt to open the door of the car with great force. I stick out my tongue and get shouted at.

Well, this is me. Some call me clumsy, some careless! But I guess, it's just my luck.