It's a Small World!

It's a small world....yes indeed it is. I was interacting with a reader online this morning....and discovered that we were connected at different levels.....it was a pleasant surprise.
Agra, city of Taj Mahal.....where I finished my schooling.....and where she is residing now after her marriage.....
Air Force....she had relatives, including an Uncle.....
Miranda House College.....my alma mater...and her daughter is presently studying there.

Memories of School Days....Air Force Station....College days tumbled.....

One of her distant relatives from her husband's side and I went to school together....studied in the same class....and went for cycling together in the evenings. (Air Force Brats, we were!) Then I was in college together with a niece again from her husband's side.....same class...same subject....and same hostel! A niece with whom I share my birthday....a niece with whom I share the similar juxtaposition of our name & surname that it was hard for people to decide which religion we belonged to.....a niece who like me is still single.....and is somewhere like me in the Middle East! Now her daughter is studying in the very same college that I went to and is also a Hostelite!

It's a small world....and modern technology has brought it so much closer. A stranger she was but now....no longer a stranger!

Coffee? Starbucks?

I seriously fail to understand the endless brouhaha over Starbucks Coffee. I am more inclined to believe that patronizing Starbucks is more of a Fashion and being with the "in" crowd rather than for their coffee. Their fancy can't pronounce it proper long winding names...."Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte" or "Toffee Nut Latte" or "White Mocha Frappuccino".....is nothing but flavored coffee and it is so over priced!

I am not much of a coffee drinker though I do relish a cup once in a while. A good cup of strong coffee is what I would welcome after a fitful night or when I have to listen to the drone of my Boss or a colleague.....just to keep me from yawning.

Growing up, I would dilute my morning glass of milk with a teaspoon of coffee when Mom wasn't looking....it removed that peculiar smell....as I hate milk!

During College.....in Hostel....my friends and I would hold endless discussions on various topics...ranging from current world affairs, campus news, latest movies, religion, boys...over cups of steaming hot coffee.....which usually occurred after dinner. I am giving away the secret recipe here on this Post!

Seven steps away from a nice cup of coffee! My way.

1. Get Nescafe Instant Coffee or any other Brand you are familiar with.
2. Take a cup and add teaspoonfuls of the coffee. Number of teaspoons depends on the number of Coffee Drinkers.
3. To the above, add equal amount of sugar but this could vary....a teaspoon less or a teaspoon more depending on whether you like it less sweet or more.
4. Then add a little bit of water to the mixture till its all wet and beat it till it turns nice and tanned.
5. Meanwhile get the milk boiling hot. Nothing but full cream milk for me....but I guess you could get the low fat or low cal variety, whatever....suit yourself.... sufficient quantity of milk for the number of cups.
6. After you can beat the coffee no more and everyone is waiting to have the coffee and the milk is boiling hot....divide the "stuff" into the waiting cups.
7. Pour the boiling hot milk into it....stir it with a spoon...and watch the coffee become frothy or foaming.

Voila! Your coffee is ready! Enjoy!

PS:- I cannot understand how some can guzzle coffee without adding milk or sugar to it!

Stand United Against Ragging

Mirandian, my Second Blog that I write.....when nostalgia drives me to re-live some of the best days of my life....the College Days....actually more of my College Hostel Days.....as a Resident of "Miranda House College". The initiation......ragging as we all know was one period where as "Freshers" we all hated it. As a Senior, I never indulged in it.........nor supported it.

Kushal found my Blog........his relentless effort in the eradication of Ragging from College is indeed very commendable. I hope I am able to contribute even if it is a wee bit....by showing this (colorful!) email that I got today from him. Tomorrow is World Human Rights Day....let us stand united against Abuse of Human Rights.

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From: Dr. Kushal Banerjee
Date: Dec 9, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: World Human Rights Day

Dec 10 is the

WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY .

On this occasion, let's stand united against Abuse of Human Rights in the name of RAGGING in educational institutions.

RAGGING !

At least 31 Ragging-deaths have been reported from India, only between 2000-2007.

In the current session, at least 7 deaths have been reported, even after the historic May 2007 orders by the Hon'ble Supreme Court came into force.

The number of the injured & the disabled is much higher.

The number of those who have been forced to undergo prolonged physical & sexual abuses are virtually countless.

Experts have proved the lameness of the excuses that Ragging makes relationship better and that it is necessary.

It's time to realize that for a healthy society, we must get rid of RAGGING completely & welcome Healthy modes of interactions between seniors and juniors.

On the occasion of the WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, let's join hands to stand united against Ragging.

Thank you very much for taking your time to read this mail.

Hope you would kindly forward this email to your friends and contacts in support of the cause.

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Issued in the interest of the students and of the society by -

No Ragging Foundation ( www.no2ragging.org ),

A Non-Profit Organization Devoted to the Eradication of Ragging.

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