A thought for food: foodiebay.com

Not so long ago, there were a few maverick boys. They were quite an intelligent bunch and had learnt the lessons of hard work very early in life. There were things in common among them, they wanted to make it big, had the zeal of the entrepreneurs and they were all Foodies!! That is why the universe conspired and brought them all to the study at the kingdom’s premier education Institute.

As they burnt the midnight oil and fuel in the day, they ended up with extreme hunger pangs. The food at the mess was not what they would settle for. Food wasn’t what these quality seekers would compromise with, they were Foodies after all.

There was once a time when they had a huge collection of menus in their drawers. The idea to file them together wasn’t quite fruitful either. Now since they were a perfectionists by nature, they came up with the most efficient deal. And this was when Foodiebay.com was born! A unique and a promising website with a database of over 1500 restaurants and food joints from all over the Delhi and NCR region. From actual scanned menu card to directional maps, from reviews to detail ratings, one can find everything here. The site also offers discounts on few selected outlets and for it you don't even have to become their member.

The foodieboys have been a blessing to people working in the service industry in all metros are increasingly becoming net savvy and look up to the internet to provide them with information concerning all their foody needs. The efforts of these Foodieboys have kicked off back-end operations in Mumbai and Pune. Hyderabad and Bangalore are on their hit list as well.

Foodiebay.com’s focusing on one city at a time and trying to achieve penetration within that zone rather than being spread too thinly in too many cities. This gives its customers a choice of restaurants which no other portal can currently provide. It also provide quantitative ratings to all restaurants which are listed on foodiebay.

The biggest USP is that they have menus for each restaurant that is listed on the site. Each listing under the feature tab also includes, whether the restaurant does home delivery, what the average cost for a meal for two would be, whether credit cards are accepted or not, whether liquor is served or not etc. A user can write reviews, rate restaurants & restaurant owners can even upload their menus sitting at home.

The database of foodiebay.com is updated frequently, adding up nearly 20 new restaurants per day and checking up already added restaurants once in every four months. The student team of foodiebay.com does all the execution on the technology and the content front while the mentor team helps establish relationships with investors, restaurants and also pitches in with marketing.

The product which we see online today is a result of a very extensive study and intelligence on what will potentially work in the Indian market. The revenue model is mostly advertising based. Foodiebay.com being a niche website with a targeted set of ‘hungry’ customers is a perfect platform for restaurants to promote their offerings. Our boys have proved themselves that they aren’t just any other foodies, they are the ones who fulfill both the, ‘eat to live’ and ‘live to eat’ school of thoughts.

Pikachu

My little niece introduced me to Pikachu, we apparently found his Mom.

DevD: A Perfect Film

It is not very judicious to defend yourself when you find yourself ion a minority of 9:1. I committed that sin yesterday and suffered the consequences of being called the odd man out. I felt like Henry Fonda in the classic ‘12 Angry Men’. I still hold on to my opinion with utmost conviction that DEVD is the most wonderful film I have come across in life. Although I missed the version of Bimal Roy and Saigal but then it is certainly steps ahead of what Bhansali had created out of Sharat Chandra’s Devdaas. I might have an edge over others for having read the book in the mothertongue but that does not in anyway make the movie look alien to someone who’s been virgin on the subject of Devdas.


I would argue with my contradictors as to what makes a movie good or bad? Story? The story remains an eternal saga of an anti-hero. The book itself has been translated to numerous languages and remains immortal even after 100 years. Its Screenplay? Well, we commend the screenplay of movies like, Requiem for a Dream, Love and Loathing in Vegas, Dazed and Confused, even Ghajini for that matter. Was DEVD too difficult to understand? ‘No’, said my opponent. Does the background music make a movie good? Yes and doesn’t the movie have a great music. My adversaries will have to buy this point for it is they themselves who have been singing the songs of the movie. In fact the music score was never forced on to us, it spoke the soul of the movie. That is one point which made me love the film. I found a soul in it which I miss in many a movies. Any piece of art is a creation and giving it a soul is a very tough task. The legendary directors of the likes of Ray, Guru Dutt, V. Shantaram, Rakesh Om Prakash, have always laid emphasis on this. Anurag Kashyap comes out as a director who has had his lessons learnt really well.


My friends would agree that the Actors make a movie great. Abhay Deol did not take it long to establish Dev. Scene 1 was sumptuous. He does not make an extra effort to ascertain his character. I saw the rawness in him which is Devdas. Even after being in London, he remains the natural, impetuous, impulsive and reckless being. It was very much correct when Shahrukh Khan had said during his time that ‘everyone of us has a little bit of Devdas in us’. The phenomena is that the viewer does not sympathise with Dev but empathises with him. We reveal the same ego which Devdas has in situations alike. Devdas finds Paro beautiful however she’s not so physically. What makes him love her so much is the sensuousness and affection he has fathomed while growing up. The fresh Mahie Gill says all of this without any difficulty. A wonderful actor; I wouldn’t be wrong to say that I saw Smita Patil in her.


The special effects which showed the psychedelic Dev in intoxication and drunkenness are something new to the Indian Film Industry. The colours have remained dominant throughout the movie and it looks so dazzling and intense because of it.


Rarely did I find in Indian movies characters showing the sensitiveness, subtly projecting the feelings and expressing themselves without the dialogues. They have done it here. The scene where Paro standing on the door after washing his clothes says to Dev, “Tumhari aukaat yad dila rahi hun”, is too natural. It comes out with such an ease. Paro’s eyes and expressions say more than these words. Paro has taken her revenge. There is malice and contempt in the heart of both these people and equal is the love that they have, but the ego takes over them that moment. The scene so innocently drives on to becoming so strong and powerful.


It’s the beautiful mind of a very intelligent director which has given birth to a miraculous film. The consequences? Devdas still remains a rage in Indian cinema, but this time round He is DevD the Dude!

You'll be a man my son.

IF

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

-R. Kipling

Lines from Kipling's 'If' appear over the player's entrance to Wimbledon's Centre Court. reflection of the poem's timeless and inspiring quality. I was introduced to it by my brother. It 's his favourite. It is now mine as well. The poem was inspired by Dr Leander Starr Jameson, who in 1895 led a raid by British forces against the Boers in South Africa, subsequently called the Jameson Raid. This defeat increased the tensions that ultimately led to the Second Boer War. The British press, however, portrayed Jameson as a hero in the middle of the disaster, and the actual defeat as a British victory.

Throughout the poem, situations are described that all relate to the theme of self-belief and perseverance. The first line of the first stanza reads, “If you can keep your head when all about you/Are losing theirs and blaming it on you.” This line fundamentally sums up the entire message of the poem. Believe in yourself and never surrender to those around you. Second, the message also is not just standing firm and never budging, but doing so while all odds are against you and all circumstances point to stoppage and letdown, as well as having self-confidence and belief in one’s abilities. The first two lines of the second stanza read, “If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; /If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,” imply a nimbleness in one’s resolve and fortitude; that is to say, standing firm whilst keeping a goal in mind, and not allowing one’s self to get distracted.

The first four lines of the third stanza read, “If you can make one heap of all your winnings/And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss/And lose, and start again at your beginnings/And never breath a word about your loss,” suggesting that willpower and determination are a stipulation even after fiasco or a loss. Even when all is lost, never cede, but build back up with what you have. Lastly, the first two lines of the final stanza read, “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue/Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,” stating that one can keep their origins in mind and never get too big. They keep integrity and never put themselves above others.

“IF” acts as a panacea for me. I have always driven inspiration from this poem. I read it each time I sin, I lose, quit or withdraw or feel low. It gives me the thrust, the courage to stand alone against all odds. And each time I do rise like the phoenix full of spirit, zeal, confidence and determination.

the destined day...

It was written too... Since morning things didn't at all work well for me. When I counted I saw I’d received 51 calls that day, I guess it’s a record in itself. The day gradually shaped into an unforgettable one, the irony being that I cease to remember what all I went through. Only the ones who are close to me would empathise with me. I’m indebted to them. They would identify themselves when they read this and grin, I’m sure.

Of that day, my only achievement was when the teacher saw me staring at her (her unusual chin precisely) and smiling. The teacher and I didn't get along well that day. This is what I learnt attending the lecture in a jam packed class.

I admire the free bird,

and i'm not one among the herd.

Great I am not, to forever concentrate,

Pray don’t pick me then, as a bait.

It’s not my condition,

To be forced education.

Knowledge; I consider it to be,

From barriers it gets me free.

It’s not my nature to mug not learn,

Not many a packets it would burn.

It’s a damned way to be told,

How answers in tests are sold.

Rather, if there are riddles we find,

Have a chance to develop our mind.

For how long would we seek excuses,

To defend opportunities one loses.

Wouldn’t you allow a voice raised,

Couldn’t we be a little more spaced,

Just a little more spaced.

Jai Ho!

Rehman with wife Saira.

My brother (Abhishek Joshi) who's always ahead of times (a blogging Delphi), advised me not to post too often but once a week, so as to give enough time to all the readers, near and far. The irony is that 20 days down the line, i haven't been able to come across a topic substantial enough to be written about.

My mind is scanning whatever notable it had observed. i had completed a book called Disgrace by J M Coetzee. It was my second booker winner in the past 1 month. It was a good read and that's it. Having read The White Tiger and the book above, i think i know what the booker prize jury looks for. While Disgrace brings the dark scenario of South Africa into light; Adiga's Bangalorian protaganist happens to be from the Darkness too. An apt and delicate mix of facts and fiction is what gets you the booker. That would be using the medium of literature to raise and show issues where many others (the television mainly) have failed. That would be i guess the purpose why books/ literature were written in the first place. To inform and awake.

Someting similar is done by Slumdog Millionaire. In fact it was time a film came out with the Bombay Slums as its theme. Despite the picture of India which it has shown to the world, everybody is rejoicing and applauding. I rejoice too. However, I wonder why did they criticise at Ray the time of Pather Panchali. Are the parameters of sentiments any different now?

I have a gloomy mood today,
The humor's nagging from far away.
My writing reflects my seriousness,
Jai ho! the winners, May God Bless.

I’ll be there for u……………

We laughed on the worst of jokes. Jokes which were not even the slightest bit funny. We fought fake fights. We abused and swore obscenities on each other only to let the hilarity go on. We saw each other act cute half asleep at 5.30 in the chilly mornings.

We were seven people in Tent No. 15, who got used to each other’s system, reactions, behaviour and habits. There was never a bias in the heart while we pulled each other's leg inducing racism in our humor (of the small towns and the NCR, North and South India, Bihar and UP). In all this, Varun Anand aka Tau was our serendipity. He is of the league of the legendary Jaspal Bhatti, maybe better for his spontaneity.

It was the best time to know our friends. Small gestures spoke, while we tried to keep the little boy’s ego alive and never accepted our affection. Ashish Bhardwaj returned from half a kilometer to show me a very cute child. He knew I love kids.

Ashwini kept us motivated and remained awake all the time while we prepared for the debate. Six different treatments were offered when Chilraj hurt his wrist. We cracked few more sick jokes just to make sure he forgets his pain.

“Dude u rock!”, was what Ashwini was told by everyone, when he danced non-stop for almost 2 hours (and a dance it was!). We made an effort to share all our experiences together. All of us together opened the prize we’d won in the debate. Help was never asked for, it came on its own. I was stunned when Amit Thakur washed Chilraj’s plate after dinner.

Our being together had some side effects as well. I who boast of a sophisticated taste of music, for the first time in my life was made to listen, sing and actually enjoy the worst filmi songs. (Tainu ghodi kinne chadaya bhootni ke, tera tera suroor, jumma chumma, choli ke piche, gutar gutar, kukdoo koo…).

As a passive listener I had no option but to learn all the abuses I could fathom and fired them at any opportunity I could. Vineet Neoliya (of the ‘Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Vineet Neoliya naam rahega’ fame) was shocked when I threw a Bhain@#%$ at him. Being a rookie I, at times muddled up a few of them, in fact mixed them pretty badly. What was supposed to be of the sister became mother’s and vice versa. At times I invented my own. Chetan was usually my guru while an analysis was followed there after. The research was lead by our dearest Ashwini. He surprised a lot many with his extreme transmission.

All of us were perfect for our Tent No. 15. We wouldn’t have, had we not had it to share it with the ace shooter Varun Seth. We have shared the rarest experience of our lives together it might not just be a mere co-incidence but a fortune surely.

At this moment I remember these lines:

“I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.
I'll be there for you, like I've been there before.
I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too.”

Dos and Don'ts at the MTC:

Dos
1. Drink a lot of water to avoid acidity.
2. Take an antacid/ Eno along to avoid the piss.
3. Take fewer clothes (you won’t take the uniform off)
4. Take blankets instead. (The nights are freezing)
5. Contribute as much as you can.
6. Make as many friends as possible.
7. Start building stamina (to complete the Cross Country Race)
8. Eat less (you can easily loose there)
9. Apply a lot of sunscreen.
10. Change socks.
11. Share your quilts (to get the extra warmth).
12. Take a moisturizer (we used boroline and himalaya lipguard)
13. Use tissue papers. (They are easier)
14. Remain down to earth. (to extract the best out of everyone)
15. Take part in the debate. (call me if you need help winning it)
16. Drink less water after the sunsets. (The bath rooms are far)
17. Give 100% with a smile during all tasks.
18. Learn some great jokes/ stories. (else the tent mates would harass you asking the most personal questions)
19. Build a stamina to laugh. (It would naturally prop up when least expected)
20. Cut nails. (it is hygienic)
21. Learn good songs along with lyrics.
22. Take deodorants (It works as a tent refreshner)
Don’ts
1. Don’t eat chewing gums and talk rough. (It looks very cheap)
2. Don’t carry your earphones. (You’ll create your own music)
3. Don’t carry any food from home. (You’d bring it back)
4. Don’t disrespect nature.
5. Don’t escape from doing any task.
6. Don’t eat radish/ mooli. (you know why)
7. Don’t carry playing cards etc. (talk instead)
8. Don’t act selfish. (It comes back to you)
9. Don’t be careless and casual (It saves time)
10. Don’t sleep a lot (Hold conversations under the quilts instead)
11. Don’t act too pricey. (You’d badly need your friends)

Musings from the class-room!

I dedicate this post to my classmates at the B-School; this is not a tribute to them nor is this an effort for eulogizing them and what they mean to me. These six months I spent with my classmates have been very fruitful. I so much wanted to have friends with different league of people who I’ve found here. This could be a way of my saying thanks to those who have been there for me and have heard me. It is also an attempt to say hello to those I am yet to become acquainted with.

To put in a flavor of creativity I have written a few lines for each person whom you have to identify. You could answer these riddles at the COMMENTS box.

1. She’s cutest, sweetest and very fair,
I’ve never seen her in despair.
My friend called her the account’s queen,
Wearing a smile she’s always seen.

2. Shedding some weight would turn him so handsome,
He in no time solves any problem,
Need I add a line?
He was this class’ first friend of mine…….

3. A few elitists the class adorns,
Found in groups they are never alone.
They failed the extroverts and the friendly type,
Guess, the grapes would never ripe.
{That's a group guys.}

4. Tici-tac, tici-tac, such is her gait,
For her it is hard work and not fate.
Always punctual she’s never late,
In ITBA her score was great!

5. His humility could be deceptive,
Modesty quite seductive,
A lobbyist he could very well become,
Guys you would never find him glum.

6. Na jeen kisinu dendi hai, Na maran kisinu dendi …
Wo bas tap tap tap tap khoon pindi hai :-)
She’s the first girl I made my friend,
She’ll surely remain till the end!

7. Inki aawaz inki pehchan hai,
Ghar mein bhi lagte mehmaan hain.
Alternative rock n trance ke fan hain,
Could you guess yeh kaun hain?

8. She loves to eat momos and ride bikes,
She’s too fast behind the mikes.
Gets hurt when glass strikes,
Likes the music the blogger likes.

9. Leaves a “permanent” mark wherever he goes,
At times some tantrums this guy throws.
Innocent and naïve, but a lot he knows,
On his face a moustache he grows.

10. A child prodigy!

11. She’s too beautiful to be an Engineer,
Bright shines her nail paints like the DeBeers
A silver bracelet she often wears,
Has a sense of dressing which no one shares.

12. They call him the Bahubali,
Its not at all silly,
He’s quite a warm hearted,
Seldom would you find him parted.

13. All the way from Haryana to UP,
Seems lost? I say, “May be”.
His swearing have the best conviction,
Has a low profile but high ambition.

14. Shan-e- Section B, Shan-e-Punjab!
His dress sense gives him the deserved rubab!
Behind his beard he is the fairest of all,
He answers to everyone’s calls.

15. It’s a moment when she breaks into a smile,
It only happens once in a while,
What fascinates me is the blink of her eye,
She ain’t at all though she seem reserved n shy.

16. What I like about him is his conviction,
What I hate is his dedication,
He’s ditched by poor luck,
Luck , luck , what the F@#$%

17. This smart chap’s got many aims,
But his loyalty to them keeps dwindling.
Has seen the world he claims,
His duties keep his phone buzzing!

18. An engineer, a friend,
An ally on whom I can depend.
Hails from my favourite, the cyber city,
When not occupied he turns very witty.

19. My first best friend in the class,
He’s innocent and has a smile beautiful.
He is quiet cos he’s not one among the mass,
Whenever I’m run down, he’s there to pull.

20. She’s helped me since the very 1st time,
She seemed to have answers for all my queries.
I feel guilty to call her at the hour very prime,
Yet she’s been to everyone as are the fairies.

21. I learn a lot from him, be it T.A or the laws of life.
We’ve held many a discussions on his bike,
While I prefer a rainbow, He,
Sees the world not in grey but largely black n white.

22. She’s blessed with a very pure heart,
Has been the nicest to me from the start.
Has a phobia of all that one can fear,
She would always listen if you confess into her.

23. This guy has got a bit of a violent streak.
However, i would contradict myself,
When i say he'l be the greatest friend you'll seek.

It amazes me when he's in-sync with himself.

24. Ranbeer kpoor would look like him,
If only he ever goes to the gym.
I keep cribbing," dude y don't u shave!"

Like soulmates we guys behave.

25. This is a guy a lot I admire,

To him not many influences inspire.

Is a lot mature than most of us,

Has content and style which does loads impress.

26. He is the big n extremely friendly,
Has a great sense n timing of wittiness.
His fame among women leads to my jealousy,
From this day on he'll wear an UNCLE'S dress.

27. She says words with a lot of energy,
Her appreciation has loads of generosity.
Is quite bright it so seems, cos she comes,
from where we'd find, The Cambridge of India.

28. I.T. interests him extremely,
He at times alone took the group's responsiblity.
His hair covers his forehead an eyes,
He doesn't show but he's quite wise.

The answers so far:
1-Rayna 2-Imran 3- The D.U Girls 4-ankita 5- Mohit mittal 6-Sayani Som 7-rahul nair 8-richa mittal 9-kumar suarabh 10-apporva 11-ritika 12-Ashish Bhardwaj 13-varun 14-manvit 15- Padmini 16-vineet 17- amit taneja 18-Chilraj 19-Amit Thakur 20-prachi arora 21-ashish bhandari 22- Anchita 23- Chetan 24-vishal 25- Kunal 26-rahul singhi 27-Komal Kesarwani 28-ritesh

Saddii Dilli!

I was watching an interview of Barkha Dutt and Sheila Dikshit on the Delhi elections. I have never paid heed to Politics ever. every time there were elections i considered it futile to vote for the vulgar goons. But the interview presented a different picture this time. i was quite impressed by Sheila Dikshit, the way she answered the questions raised in the most apt language. She was a very cognizant as well as a confident woman. I was mighty impressed of her intellect and elegant humor. the thought occured that i would be like to be lead like such a Politician, as i would with my cherished professors. There was a sense of security felt if she becomes the Chief Minister.

The BJP candidate on the other hand was found cribbing and leaving no stone unturned to demean Congress to which Sheila replied in the most decent, humble and satisfying manner.

i have after the interview decided to vote and also my candidate. for i don't want whatever good that has happened in Delhi to stop. I love Delhi and Delhi deserves the best!

WE DON'T LET OUR PARENTS DECIDE FOR US, WHY LET OUR POLITICIANS?

We do really care about you!

Dearest MJ,

I write to u as an ardent fan who admires your music. we have grown up listening to you. Even though we are a far far away country your songs reached us despite no globalisation a decade back. Beat it, Black or white, They don't really care about us... they still get me goosebumps.

My purpose of writing to you is out of concern. MJ why aren't you happy the way God has made you, being what you are? You weren't happy with your blessed colour. There were reports of your dissatisfaction being a man. i pray they were rumors. Later you thought you would be much happier with kids. i yet again pray that it was out of passion for compassion and not otherwise. Being the richest Pop-Star in the world made you uncomfortable that you went down to the extent of bankruptcy.

Now when we were expecting you to do something exceptionally great in music and make a comeback you aren't suddenly happy with your faith! and neither were you happy with the way you spelt your name. Mikaeeel!!! how on earth do you think the little children would learn and pronounce when i myself find it so hard. They would learn about you in their GK books as we had done, unless you have been scrapped off the syllabus.

MJ all you need is to find happiness. that would bring peace to your fluctuating wanderings.
Come to India i would say and i'll take you through a guided tour of the sources of joy. we have them here a plenty.

We do realy care about you, MJ. And we are waiting for you to sing for us again.
Your admirer,
UJ

PS: They have accepted Obama they would accept you too. Comeback!

my inheritance, a liability...

I'm getting bald. it's a bit early for the age but its an inheritance which has become my liability. all men of our family have recieved it.

i was listening to Madonna's version of Don't cry for Me Argentina. The song is a composition of the legendary Andrew Lyod Webber, no wonder it's so melodious. It was then when i saw another version of the song by Sinnead O Connor. (She actually has sung it better than the Material Girl.)

i was curious which is not unusual for the recently developed youtubers and the wikipediacs. my inquisitiveness drove me to knowing the woman better. The following is what i got to know:

• She's beautiful.
• She is a Grammy Award winning Irish singer and songwriter.
• Her song "Fire on Babylon" is about the effects of her own child abuse.
• Her shoplifting and truancy led to her to a reform school at 15.
• She recorded her first song "Take My Hand" at 15.
• She called Pope evil on NBC's Saturday Night Live.
• O'Connor didn't let the American national anthem being played before her concert. She said, "I will not go on stage after the national anthem of a country which imposes censorship on artists. It's hypocritical and racist."

The last thing of note is that she's shed her head hair. She's bald by choice!