Was watching the movie 'Delhi Belly' last weekend. For those of you who have not seen it, Delhi Belly is Bollywood Comedy, but what makes it unique is that it is one of the first mainstream Bollywood Movies which has humor which is truly 'Adult'. The characters speak in profanity laden sentences, and the humor is generally crude, dirty, and often related to sex. This is unlike 99% of Bollywood Movies which are generally family friendly entertainers. The movie is definitely pathbreaking, but won't be getting laughs from everyone.
Having been previously warned about the content matter, I decided to watch this movie a bit later at night, after my parents had gone to sleep. Unfortunately, the movie had me in stitches, and I was laughing quite loudly. My mom woke up, and walked into the living room only to be greeted by a scene where one of the main characters was engaged in an act which left him in an 'interesting' position, to say the least.
Mom was a bit shocked, and asked me what the heck I was watching... I sheepishly told her that this was an 'Adult' movie and that she probably wouldn't enjoy it... she gave me a bemused look, and I kind of realised that she technically IS an adult, just somewhere along the line, I seem to have forgotten that!
Sometimes we forget, our parents are 'Adults' too! They are much more mature, understanding, and generally better able to compromise than us, but sometimes we forget this. I am still not going to be comfortable watching 'Delhi Belly' with my parents, but its not because they are not 'Adult' enough, just that there is a generation gap, and my sense of humor is actually probably not as 'Adult' as theirs...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sustainability and Society
Sustainability and the environment are not topics that I have seriously thought about up until the last few years. This has changed for two main reasons. Firstly, these two topics are always in the news these days, so they are impossible to avoid. Secondly (and more importantly for me), my PhD Thesis topic has to do with sustainability and infrastructure. Consequently, I have learnt alot about how infrastructure affects the environment, and in a vicious cycle, how the environment affects our infrastructure.
I was attending a Symposium last week which had to do with 'Sustainability in Engineering'. One of the keynote speakers was a gentleman named Mr. Peter Robinson who was with the David Suzuki Foundation, a group dedicated to Environmental Issues in Canada, and around the world. He was one of the better speakers of the day, and I enjoyed his talk very much.
One statement he made really made an impression on me. He said that he felt Environmental Sustainability could never be achieved without achieving Societal Sustainability first. The two go hand in hand. That is, unless Society develops in a sustainable and responsible manner, Environmental Sustainability will be a dream, and our Ecosystem will continue to degenerate.
I felt this was a very poignant remark. We can engineer as many solutions as we want to Global Climate Change and environmental issues, but as long as we, as a society, do not have the will to sacrifice and adapt ourselves to living a sustainable lifestyle, technological innovation will be pointless. We may claim we want to save the Rainforest, but how many of us check if our coffee beans are certified by the Rainforest Allaince? We may claim we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but how many of us would prefer to drive a hybrid vehicle over a high-powered BMW? We chide the 3rd world for developing in an unsustainable manner, and take pride when we cut our emissions by a few percent, but our frame of reference is so narrow that we forget that we are the ones whose excessive consumption has effectively caused the crisis we are in in the first place!
It is one thing to talk big, and to maybe develop a few potential solutions. It is another thing to act on our words and implement them. If we are serious about saving the planet, lets stop just talking about it, make some sacrifices, and actually do it.
I was attending a Symposium last week which had to do with 'Sustainability in Engineering'. One of the keynote speakers was a gentleman named Mr. Peter Robinson who was with the David Suzuki Foundation, a group dedicated to Environmental Issues in Canada, and around the world. He was one of the better speakers of the day, and I enjoyed his talk very much.
One statement he made really made an impression on me. He said that he felt Environmental Sustainability could never be achieved without achieving Societal Sustainability first. The two go hand in hand. That is, unless Society develops in a sustainable and responsible manner, Environmental Sustainability will be a dream, and our Ecosystem will continue to degenerate.
I felt this was a very poignant remark. We can engineer as many solutions as we want to Global Climate Change and environmental issues, but as long as we, as a society, do not have the will to sacrifice and adapt ourselves to living a sustainable lifestyle, technological innovation will be pointless. We may claim we want to save the Rainforest, but how many of us check if our coffee beans are certified by the Rainforest Allaince? We may claim we want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but how many of us would prefer to drive a hybrid vehicle over a high-powered BMW? We chide the 3rd world for developing in an unsustainable manner, and take pride when we cut our emissions by a few percent, but our frame of reference is so narrow that we forget that we are the ones whose excessive consumption has effectively caused the crisis we are in in the first place!
It is one thing to talk big, and to maybe develop a few potential solutions. It is another thing to act on our words and implement them. If we are serious about saving the planet, lets stop just talking about it, make some sacrifices, and actually do it.
Restaurant Review: Chilli House Thai Bistro
Chilli House Thai Bistro
1018 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, BC
My blog has been woefully unattended to the last few months, and I figured it was time to update with a restaurant review. Went out for a lovely evening last weekend for a friends birthday, part of which involved dinner at the Chilli House Bistro located at the edge of False Creek almost directly underneath the Burrard Street Bridge.
The Chilli House Bistro is kind of an upscale Thai Restaurant, located in a beautiful part of Vancouver. The surroundings and the atmosphere are really lovely, as you can enjoy your meal and get a great view of False Creek at the same time. Unfortunately, this comes at a premium as the prices for dishes here are $4-$5 than most other Thai Restaurants around town.
In terms of quality of food , it was quite standard. I ordered the Pad Bai Grapua (Stir Fried Chicken and Vegetables) with rice, and found the taste to be good, but nothing extraordinary. The portions were good to full the stomach, but not excessive.
Overall, a nice restaurant, but overpriced.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 3/5
A question of happiness...
A thought has been passing my mind a bit these past few days.
What is true happiness?
Yes, that is actually quite a deep, complicated question, but I would like to narrow it down a bit.
Specifically, should one be happy if they are content with what they are given, or should they be happy if they get what they desire? Does the former inspire lethargy, and the latter inspire greed? Maybe there is a happy medium in between?
Not really sure of the answer myself, but would like to hear some thoughts.
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Short Rant
Something is irritating me today... and it is actually quite silly. And it has to do with Social Networking.
1) Why are there people who insist on adding you to their 'friends' list, login regularly to check up on what everyone else is doing, and yet insist on keeping their own profile totally private? What is the point of social networking, if you refuse to be social yourself?
Guess what... all you are doing is being creepy, and are nothing better than a snooper.
2) Why are there people who login to regularly check up on what everyone else is doing, and yet take forever to respond to their own postings?
Guess what... we all know you are jobless enough to be logging into Facebook like the rest of us, so stop trying to act like you are too busy to be doing so.
That is all.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Restaurant Review: Desi Dosa Madras
Desi Dosa Madras
8859 120 St.
Delta, BC
Went out for South Indian food last weekend, and thought I would write a quick review. Desi Dosa Madras is a veg/non veg South Indian restaurant located on Scott Rd in Surrey/Delta. Unlike most South Indian Restaurants in Vancouver, the place has more of an upscale, refined feel, yet, the prices are kept very reasonable, and the cuisine offered is quite thorough. Everything from Biryani to Dosa to Uttapam to Idlis to Coffee is offered, and if you so desire, alcoholic drinks may also be ordered.
I must say, I was highly unimpressed with the service. Our order was not taken correctly, it took forever to get a seat, despite the fact the restaurant was half empty, and the waitress seemed to be a bit snooty. However, the lack of quality service is made up for by the plentiful food, the taste and the prices. I must say of all the South Indian restaurants I have been to in Vancouver, this place probably offers the best 'bang for your buck', as the food is tasty, and so plentiful that you can hardly finish it.
Be prepared to be frustrated by the service, but otherwise, definitely worth a check out.
Location: 3/5
Service/Ambiance: 1.5/5
Food: 4/5
Friday, March 4, 2011
Restaurant Review: Show Case Restaurant and Bar
Show Case Restaurant and Bar
1122 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
I think for the first time ever, I am going to be doing a review of a 'High-End' restaurant. I guess the reason I have not done one before is because I never can afford going to such pricey places.
Show Case Restaurant and Bar is located in the lobby of the Marriot Hotel in downtown Vancouver. As most of the clientele who stay at the Marriot are usually well-to-do, this restaurant has been created with them in mind.
Walking in, you get the feeling you are walking into a place which is quite opulent. The waitress is exceedingly polite, and for the first time ever, someone offered to take a coat for me in a restaurant. I was in fact feeling a bit underdressed in my shirt and jeans.
As with such restaurants, while the service and ambiance is excellent, and the food is usually of good quality, the proportions are quite small, and the cost is really very high. I ordered the 'Seared Black Cod', which came with a side salad, and found the dish to be adequate, but not spectacular. After appetizers, main course, and drinks, you should not be expecting to spend less than $35-$40 per person. In all honesty, it probably isn't worth it, but considering that I wasn't the one paying the bill, it was okay.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 2.5/5
1122 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
I think for the first time ever, I am going to be doing a review of a 'High-End' restaurant. I guess the reason I have not done one before is because I never can afford going to such pricey places.
Show Case Restaurant and Bar is located in the lobby of the Marriot Hotel in downtown Vancouver. As most of the clientele who stay at the Marriot are usually well-to-do, this restaurant has been created with them in mind.
Walking in, you get the feeling you are walking into a place which is quite opulent. The waitress is exceedingly polite, and for the first time ever, someone offered to take a coat for me in a restaurant. I was in fact feeling a bit underdressed in my shirt and jeans.
As with such restaurants, while the service and ambiance is excellent, and the food is usually of good quality, the proportions are quite small, and the cost is really very high. I ordered the 'Seared Black Cod', which came with a side salad, and found the dish to be adequate, but not spectacular. After appetizers, main course, and drinks, you should not be expecting to spend less than $35-$40 per person. In all honesty, it probably isn't worth it, but considering that I wasn't the one paying the bill, it was okay.
Location: 5/5
Service/Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 2.5/5
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Dancing!
Okay, blogging after a looooooooong time. Why you may ask? Well, believe it or not, Mr. 2-Left-Feet actually got on stage last weekend, and grooved to a Bollywood Beat:
Not too bad if I do say so myself...
Anyway, I must admit, that when I first was asked to do this, Ihad a very good laugh. I am infamous amongst my group of friends for being a notoriously shy and incompetent dancer. However, ultimately, I decided that since I have never done anything like this before, and probably never will again, it would be a good experience. And what do you know, I actually enjoyed myself! Despite the sore legs, and losing 5lbs over 2.5 weeks of practise, but its nice to make new friends, and more importantly, its good to push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while. You never know what you are capable of, and as long as you are not doing something dangerous, stupid, or immoral, there is no harm in trying out something new every once in a while.
It was a wonderful night, something I will always remember! Thanks to the gang for 'discovering' me and having a blast!
Not too bad if I do say so myself...
Anyway, I must admit, that when I first was asked to do this, Ihad a very good laugh. I am infamous amongst my group of friends for being a notoriously shy and incompetent dancer. However, ultimately, I decided that since I have never done anything like this before, and probably never will again, it would be a good experience. And what do you know, I actually enjoyed myself! Despite the sore legs, and losing 5lbs over 2.5 weeks of practise, but its nice to make new friends, and more importantly, its good to push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while. You never know what you are capable of, and as long as you are not doing something dangerous, stupid, or immoral, there is no harm in trying out something new every once in a while.
It was a wonderful night, something I will always remember! Thanks to the gang for 'discovering' me and having a blast!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Online Reunion
I published a blog in 2010 about the drawbacks of online social networking. Over the holidays though, I had a very nice experience of the positive aspects.
When I used to go to India for prolonged periods as a child, I had made a friend who was basically a young university student who lived in my cousins apartment complex. I was about 7-8 years old at the time, and while it may seem weird to people here, it wasn't that uncommon for boys/girls to befriend someone who is elder to them there as an adopted 'big brother/sister'.
After my return, we kept in touch via letters, and he sort of became my pen pal. However, as with most things, over 20 years, we slowly lost touch. I had heard that he got married and had moved to the US. I remember him occasionally, as I used to have alot of fun going to his place and irritating him especially over game after game of Carrom Board (strangely, he never complained though).
Last week, out of the blue, I got a Facebook Invitation from him. I was totally shocked and pleasantly surprised that he had managed to track me down. He is now well settled in the US, and ironically now has 2 kids, who are close to the same age I was when I used to visit him as a kid. It was really a joy to get back in touch with him, and see how his life and family had progressed. I would love to meet up with him in the future, now that we are back in touch. It was indeed a very nice online reunion. :-)
When I used to go to India for prolonged periods as a child, I had made a friend who was basically a young university student who lived in my cousins apartment complex. I was about 7-8 years old at the time, and while it may seem weird to people here, it wasn't that uncommon for boys/girls to befriend someone who is elder to them there as an adopted 'big brother/sister'.
After my return, we kept in touch via letters, and he sort of became my pen pal. However, as with most things, over 20 years, we slowly lost touch. I had heard that he got married and had moved to the US. I remember him occasionally, as I used to have alot of fun going to his place and irritating him especially over game after game of Carrom Board (strangely, he never complained though).
Last week, out of the blue, I got a Facebook Invitation from him. I was totally shocked and pleasantly surprised that he had managed to track me down. He is now well settled in the US, and ironically now has 2 kids, who are close to the same age I was when I used to visit him as a kid. It was really a joy to get back in touch with him, and see how his life and family had progressed. I would love to meet up with him in the future, now that we are back in touch. It was indeed a very nice online reunion. :-)
Restaurant Reviews...
Alright, well the holidays are almost over, and I have officially gone way off my diet, and indulged in 4 different restaurants over the past 2 weeks. Sacrificing my waistline so that you can read my all important (abbreviated) reviews of these four places. Here we go:
1) Tropika
2975 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC
To start off with, my officemates and myself went out for a Christmas lunch at this Malaysian/Thai restaurant. I had been there before, but wasn't impressed then. I definitely liked the place more this time, partially because we did a better job of ordering. We ordered pretty much every course, including appetizers, soup, lunch and coffee after, too many things to list in this review. I do however very much recommend the Eggplant Dish from the vegetarian menu. It is rated as one of the best prepared Eggplants in Vancouver, and I highly agree. We were all in good spirits and had a very pleasant lunch. This place is a bit expensive (especially for a lunch), with the cost coming to $22 /head. However, the food is very good, and the service is excellent.
Service: 4/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5
2) Vancouver Tibetan Kitchen
6591 Fraser St.
Vancouver BC
Vancouver opened up its first Tibetan restaurant 2 months ago. It is located on Fraser St and I noticed it when I went for a grocery trip a few days back. A few friends and I decided to sample what Tibetan food was like.
While the food itself was not bad, it was not what we expected. There were only two dishes which were 'Tibetan' the Momo (steamed dumplings) and Tibetan Soup. Everything else was just Indian style Chinese Food. I don't know if that is what Tibetan food is really supposed to be like, but in a way, it was disappointing.
Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5
3) Maurya Indian Cuisine
1643 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
Christmas lunch #2 (because 1 is never enough). Maurya is a higher end Indian restaurant in Vancouver. We have been here plenty of times before, as it is an office favorite. As usual, we went for the lunch buffet, which is priced at $13.99 per person, which is probably a bit expensive for a lunch buffet.
The food itself is completely North Indian, but the buffet is quite wide ranging and very decent tasting. All the standard North Indian Veg and Non Veg dishes are included (Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mattar Paneer, Choley, etc). There is also appetizers and desert included.
A bit pricey, but worth stopping in.
Service: 3.5/5
Location/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5
4) Bengali Fish and Curry
13030 76 Ave.
Surrey, BC
Phew, last one. My waistline must have expanded at least an inch. Went here for a family dinner out of curiosity, just to find out how authentically Bengali the place was. We got our answer. Not AT ALL.
It is a decent restaurant, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about it. There is one 'Bengali Fish Curry' dish on the menu, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about how it is prepared, and they don't use a common Bengali fish either (Cod, in place of something like Rahu or Hilsa).
The food itself is decent, although the restaurant service is lacking (one waiter for 25 odd people). The price is a bit high ($12-$20 per dish). The Chicken Methi Malai is really very good. However, they should definitely rename this place to Punjabi Fish and Curry.
Service: 2/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
1) Tropika
2975 Cambie St.
Vancouver, BC
To start off with, my officemates and myself went out for a Christmas lunch at this Malaysian/Thai restaurant. I had been there before, but wasn't impressed then. I definitely liked the place more this time, partially because we did a better job of ordering. We ordered pretty much every course, including appetizers, soup, lunch and coffee after, too many things to list in this review. I do however very much recommend the Eggplant Dish from the vegetarian menu. It is rated as one of the best prepared Eggplants in Vancouver, and I highly agree. We were all in good spirits and had a very pleasant lunch. This place is a bit expensive (especially for a lunch), with the cost coming to $22 /head. However, the food is very good, and the service is excellent.
Service: 4/5
Location/Ambiance: 3/5
Food: 4/5
2) Vancouver Tibetan Kitchen
6591 Fraser St.
Vancouver BC
Vancouver opened up its first Tibetan restaurant 2 months ago. It is located on Fraser St and I noticed it when I went for a grocery trip a few days back. A few friends and I decided to sample what Tibetan food was like.
While the food itself was not bad, it was not what we expected. There were only two dishes which were 'Tibetan' the Momo (steamed dumplings) and Tibetan Soup. Everything else was just Indian style Chinese Food. I don't know if that is what Tibetan food is really supposed to be like, but in a way, it was disappointing.
Service: 3/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3/5
3) Maurya Indian Cuisine
1643 W. Broadway
Vancouver, BC
Christmas lunch #2 (because 1 is never enough). Maurya is a higher end Indian restaurant in Vancouver. We have been here plenty of times before, as it is an office favorite. As usual, we went for the lunch buffet, which is priced at $13.99 per person, which is probably a bit expensive for a lunch buffet.
The food itself is completely North Indian, but the buffet is quite wide ranging and very decent tasting. All the standard North Indian Veg and Non Veg dishes are included (Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Mattar Paneer, Choley, etc). There is also appetizers and desert included.
A bit pricey, but worth stopping in.
Service: 3.5/5
Location/Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 3.5/5
4) Bengali Fish and Curry
13030 76 Ave.
Surrey, BC
Phew, last one. My waistline must have expanded at least an inch. Went here for a family dinner out of curiosity, just to find out how authentically Bengali the place was. We got our answer. Not AT ALL.
It is a decent restaurant, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about it. There is one 'Bengali Fish Curry' dish on the menu, but there is absolutely nothing Bengali about how it is prepared, and they don't use a common Bengali fish either (Cod, in place of something like Rahu or Hilsa).
The food itself is decent, although the restaurant service is lacking (one waiter for 25 odd people). The price is a bit high ($12-$20 per dish). The Chicken Methi Malai is really very good. However, they should definitely rename this place to Punjabi Fish and Curry.
Service: 2/5
Location/Ambiance: 2.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
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