New Year's Song

(Image Source: http://marinersmenu.org)

by the sun-lit shore

I listen to a thousand clams

humming new year's song

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Returning home: between the waves, a clam.

Mr. Fate

often have you judged

screamed and grudged

excuses were made

over dreams, nascent, dead

losses being wrapped

in reasons outrageous

cribbing all around

surely contagious

but have you ever thought

instead of being distraught

a search for the solution

that would solve all equations

there are answers all around

very eager to be found

be smart, patient, and wait

don't just blame Mr. Fate 

This Poem is shared with

• A Week For Writing - Fate,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

A Grain Of Sand

it was dusk

and a grain of sand

that brought us closer

when you touched my hand

your fingers carefully

wiping the sand off my eyes

I wished we were in love

it just felt so nice

our time was up, I'd to leave

adopting a lie I would forever believe

This Poem is shared with

• Imaginary Garden - In A Grain Of Sand ~ Micro Poetry,
• Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

Collapsing Chaos

(Image Source: Sulaiman Sait)

soaring high

rising in herd

collapsing chaos

willing to be heard

days and nights

a rush for the berth

no time for love

nor death and birth

wings do flutter

a few tear away

in noisy clutter

hope hides it ray

needs taken for granted

greed has its say

chasing nothing

we've lost our way

This Poem is shared with

• A Week For Writing - Picture Prompt,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

Sky And Waves

(Image Source: http://www.washingtoninst.org/)

pebbles on pebbles

and the sky leaning on waves

I learn to balance

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Balance.

Steam And Smoke

(Image Source: https://www.rt.com)

steam inside tea-pot

but the world is covered in smoke

fear, fear everywhere

fear, fear everywhere

can we ever laugh in peace

and smile, play and live

and smile, play and live

with no devils in our porch

we pray with our hearts

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Steam.

Palm’s Foster Home For Peculiar Stories - Review

Palm’s Foster Home for Peculiar Stories is a collection of short fiction written by C. G Salamander.

In this book you will find: English colonizes; Somalian pirates; Somalian pirates pretending to be English colonizers; a few spies; a zombie with an existential crisis; an evil bowl of soup; a ghost cow; a priest stuck in a chicken’s body; a few vamp-iyers; some backup dancers; a couple of orphaned brothers; God; some rowdy farm animals; a mad scientist; Death and all his friends; an incompetent angel; some deranged occultists; some not so deranged occultists. 

You will also find: an armadillo; a few porcupine; an effigy; a ghost named Prya; some advice on stalking; wasp creatures who start conversations; a T-Rex; and a very old man.

NIGEL THE LAST BRIT IN INDIA

There is chaos and pandemonium in the streets of Madras, and it is up to Nigel (an officer of the Imperial Police) to restore order to the city... only he hasn't quite learned about India's Independence. Yet.

GAYATRI AND THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY VEGETABLES

When the newest and most successful religion (Cabbagism) threatens to bring about the destruction of the world, it is up to a melancholic zombie and a collection of rowdy farm animals to save the earth.

ALIENS, DINOSAURS, PORCUPINES

A porcupine, after setting out on a journey away from home, falls in love with an armadillo.

About the Author

It was exactly fifteen years ago that C G Salamander realized he was different from all the other Chinese Giant Salamanders. As a child C G Salamander hated living in the muddy crevices along the river banks, and so he decided to leave the Yangtze river and set out on a quest to find himself.

He spent days travelling across the vast terrains of china and finally reached the foothills of the Himalayas. With nowhere to go, and equipped with a childlike sense of wonder for a compass, C G Salamander began scaling the Himalayas where he would later enroll himself in a monastery. During his time in the mountains, he was taught how to read and write by foreigners who’d come to partake in the mountain’s rich culture and cheap herbage.

He spent most of his time in meditation, and eventually learned how to move objects with his mind.After spending a decade in the Himalayas, C.G Salamander traveled south to the city of Chennai, and has remained there ever since. He now spends his time telekinetically moving pens and pencils across paper.

Palms Foster Home for Peculiar Stories is his first book.

One look at the cover and you know, this is not the usual fare, nothing like the ones you have read before. In fact, this is going to be different. Really different.

Don’t judge a book by its cover, but you can surely pick up one. Judging should be based on what lies enveloped between the front and back covers, and that’s exactly what I will be doing here. Right now!

I was fascinated by the front cover, big time. Turn it around and the back cover looks fascinating too, with the blurb encrypted in white. This is where it gets interesting. The blurb denotes that this book is going to take you on a fantasy ride, with dollops of imagination. Did it serve the right concoction?

Yes. It did.

'Palm’s Foster Home For Peculiar Stories' is divided into three parts, each comprising of stories weaved in interesting and unique backgrounds. In the first part, we get to read about Nigel, a British Police officer, who is ignorant of the fact that India has gained independence and has aspirations of meeting the Queen, only that the Queen in question is someone that he or the readers did not expect to be. The story then unfolds how Nigel meets his lady love, who keeps on coming to his rescue whenever he is in a fix, and the quirkiness of his brother in law, who doesn't like being told what to do. There is a lot of action going around in this story, and the humour is well encompassed in the lines, making you laugh like mad on numerous occasions.

Yes, madness defines this book perfectly.

But it’s the second part of the book where the author, C. G Salamander, has crossed all thresholds of eccentricity (God! How can someone have such a powerful sense of imagination!), and has roped in characters that make you sit up and take notice. There is a cow (that too a ghost), a number of zombies and their prophet ‘Murali’, and the Celestial Cabbage, who wants to rule the world with the new faith, Cabbagism. As you can guess, what follows is a crazy riot, with each chapter bringing forth the stories of the characters. Kudos to the author for being successful in binding the strings and not leaving any loose ends even though he was dealing with such a large number of plots and subplots.

After the craziness of the first two parts, the third part mellows down a bit, and one wouldn't mind that, ‘cause the stories in this section are equally endearing. My favourite is the beautiful love story between the porcupine and the armadillo. The author even has tips on how to stalk someone at the beach, and it comes with a warning. There is also a fascinating tale of Denver the dinosaur and how he saves his two human friends from the clutches of the telekinetic mole – people.

This is not a quick – read, by which I mean you may not be able to complete it at a stretch. With a multitude of eccentric plots and fresh from the imagination fantasy tales, this book should be relished at a leisurely pace, sip by sip, letting the magic sink in. Yes, magic it is, and like an accomplished wizard, the author manages to steal our attention to his unique style of storytelling. This is not just a book, but an experience, that blends dreams into fiction, making them sound real, and fascinating. C. G Salamander shines on debut, his finesse on wordplay amazing, and his characterizations lively. This is a brave attempt by the author to debut with an unconventional theme.

And he succeeds.

Title: Palm's Foster Home for Peculiar Stories 

Author:  C G Salamander

Publisher: Jellyfish Publications

Publication Year: 2015

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Short Stories

No. of Pages: 264

Price: Rs 250

My Rating: 4/5

Grab your copies from Amazon or Flipkart. You can also find the book in Goodreads.

Her Goodbyes

he was scared not of ghosts

nor monsters with iron nails

guns couldn't invade him

his courage seemed never to fail

and yet, he was brutally broken

when his heart succumbed to lies

she who was once his strength and love

he feared now her goodbyes

This Poem is shared with Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

Writer's Block

(Image Source: http://www.wastecycle.co.uk)

I scribble

and tremble

scared

I sit tight

is it true

is it right

I've lost my words

I can no longer write

blank my mind

numb are my fingers

the pen refuses to budge

fear still lingers

what could be the reason

am I way past my time

farewell is it

have I really forgot to rhyme

tears no longer sway

they stream down my heart

what seemed easy

was now the toughest part

the paper lay blank

against the chime of the clock

there would be no new stories

I succumb to writer's block

This Poem is shared with Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

The Faceless Saldirgan - Review

To read the full review, click HERE.


Title: The Faceless Saldirgan
Author: Sahil Loomba
Publisher: Alchemy Publishers
Publication Year: 2015
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Mystery, Detective
No. of Pages: 199
Price: Rs 175
My Rating: 4/5

Scribble It Black

(Image Source: No. 8, Black Flowing, Jackson Pollock)

scribble scribble scribble

and scribble it black

till the walls don't break

and the heart doesn't crack

noises in the corridor

piles dumped on the rack

I'm your nemesis

I shall surely come back

you've always feared

and worried by your fate

counting all the reasons

throwing wisdom out of the gate

and when finally you realize

it's already too late

you are your nemesis

responsible for this state

This Poem is shared with

• Magpie Tales,
• dVerse Poets - Open Link Night,
• Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

Bag The Fashion Title With Baggout App

We all love to look good in whatever we wear. Along with that, we want to feel comfortable too. Our fashion sense exhibits our outlook towards life. There are times when we are not sure what type of clothes, fabric, colour and texture would suit us well. What if there was an app that could be an answer to all our fashion queries?

Baggout, the popular and rapidly growing lifestyle venture, presents its Android app which takes a small space in your mobile phone but provides a large variety of options. A user needs to login to access the app. He can either create an account or login using his Facebook or email id. It’s after this that the wide fashion world opens up to him, detailed yet in a systematic manner. There are several filter options for the users that help in deciding what type of fashion would cater to his needs. For a person, who likes to wear traditional, the options presented would be different than those who prefer formals and casuals. Similarly, the app takes into consideration the body type of the individual (this is one feature that I have never seen anywhere before, and scores high brownie points). The user also has the option to mention the style that he follows. Whether he has a trendy outlook, or is sporty in nature, or is classic, the app has several options in place for everyone.

For example, one can browse through pyjamas, joggers, denims and a wide array of other products in the home screen, based on his preferences. Not only are there products for men and women, but the app lists several items in the kids and home décor section as well, which is another plus. It also lists out the deals that are currently trending, and one can use them to get a higher gain in his buy.

This app isn’t just for hardcore fashionistas, but is also a great buying guide for all of us. After all, we all want to feel good in what we wear, isn’t it? The best thing about this app is that you wouldn't need any other shopping app if you have this one. This is like a directory that has data from all.

Download the app from the link below and rule the world with your fashion style.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.baggout.android

Delay

you were the rain

my company in awakened nights

hours stood still

wrongs never seemed so right

like all good things

alas, this too had to end

though I never wanted to

but the road ahead did bend

promises you made

were those just for show

why this delay

when you could've easily said no

This Poem is shared with

• A Week For Writing - Delay,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

Merry-Go-Round

(Image Source: https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/)

For some strange reasons, merry-go-rounds made me laugh. Was it the sensation of hitting the wind, or the aroma of the candy stall that stayed overcrowded all the time (and mind you I had no money to buy a candy), I know not.

But hey, don't go by the brackets. I ain't poor enough to ride on the merry-go-round.

It was my fifth ride today. My pockets empty, my hunger crazy, and yet I was laughing.

And I laughed. The wires snapped, my cart flew, and I laughed, high above the planes, soaring, laughing, falling.

My world stopped. I laughed.


This 100-words Micro-fiction is shared with Friday Fictioneers.

Home Run

(Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/)

sweaty palms, tired feet

could victory be possible

batter sighs hopeless

all of a sudden

her smile among spectators

batter hits home run

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Baseball.

City Of Ice

(Image Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/)

a city of ice

painted in colours myriad

magic of nature

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

His Dreams Were Small

(Image Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/)

his dreams were small

he was scared of the fall

to be hurt so bad

by losing it all

his means were limited

the fields stagnated

year after year

his debts collaborated

he had mouths to feed

their hunger wasn't greed

burdened by fate

no ear to pay him heed

and then the sun rose

but his eyes were close

bidding a farewell

it was death that he chose

helpless and lonely when alive

in death, he was featured live

News channels and politics

this life was what he paid as bribe

the crops still weep blood

in famine, and in flood

but why do we care

we've learnt to ignore the failing bud

his dreams were small

he was scared of the fall

to be hurt so bad

by losing it all

This Poem is shared with

• A Week For Writing - Small,
• dVerse - Open Link Night.

Wrinkled Rose Petals

(Image Source: https://wallpaperscraft.com/)

between the pages

she found moments wrapped in time

winkled rose petals

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Between.

Me, She And Tata Sky Transfer

I didn’t know her. Neither did she. Fate intervened, and we met.

We talked, we laughed, and yes, we liked each other. The bond grew stronger, sharing our day to day activities, discussing our lives, our future.

We got engaged, and after a few months of wait that seemed endless once upon a time, we tied the knot.

Life was beautiful. Marriage made it gorgeous. With a constant company to share the thoughts and feelings, things were turning out bright. We were the best of friends, the ideal life partner to each other.

And then, fate intervened, yet again.

We bought a new TV. Large screen, LED, with an awesome sound quality and even more amazing picture quality. It adorned one of the walls in the drawing room, shining with its superior looks. It was one of our proud possessions, until the day when we took cable connection.

Our house soon turned out into a battlefield. While she wanted to watch songs, I preferred news channels. I was more into current affairs, while she loved watching updates on Bollywood affairs. “Why don’t you read the news paper?” she asked, changing the channels. “Why don’t you listen to songs on FM,” I retorted, the remote now in my custody.

Cricket matches were interrupted not only by commercials, but also by her daily soaps. She complained that I didn’t let her watch the episodes of Bigg Boss as my favourite News Hour debate was on at that time. And so it continued.

And then, fate intervened, a third time.

I came to know about Tata Sky+ Transfer from an online ad, and immediately showed it to my wife. The idea was brilliant, the execution novel. We realized that if we install Tata Sky+ Transfer in our house, we wouldn’t have to worry about conflicting interests in regards to TV programmes. While my wife can watch her reality shows and movies on TV, I can transfer my favourite News programmes and Sports on my mobile or tab via wi-fi and watch them in leisure. The best thing was that we can both watch our respective shows together. There will be no who-owns-the-remote challenges, nor any competition to sit in front of the TV first. Life would be so much easier. We immediately decided to go for it, and change our TV viewing into a splendid and rocking experience.

Mobile entertainment has an all new exhilarating definition thanks to Tata Sky+ Transfer. Handheld devices will broadcast our favourite shows and channels, whenever we are, wherever we are. I often have to travel almost an hour in bus to reach my office. I can easily watch my favourite shows on my mobile device that time, having recorded them earlier. Long journeys will no longer be boring.

Who doesn’t like to watch TV? After all, everyone has a particular choice of programmes, with our varied preferences of entertainment. As such, Tata Sky+ Transfer is a great initiative that will cater to everyone. It is Television viewing for the future – innovative, easy, and people friendly.

This is my official entry to '#TATASkyTransfer' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Tata Sky+ Transfer.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.tatasky.com/transfer/

Awww ...

This Poem is shared with 

• Poets United - Poetry Pantry,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

Walking By The Shore

(Image Source: http://nature.desktopnexus.com)

walking by the shore

I listen to the waves sing

a few birds fly home

This Haiku is shared with Haiku My Heart Forever.

Goodbye

(Image Source: http://www.babble.com)

goodbye, she scribbled

farewell verses on his palm

"till we meet again"

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Basho Encore #14 "falling willow leaves".

The Game Of Luck- Online Bingo

Online bingo games are extremely interactive, dynamic and have the potential to benefit us both emotionally and mentally. It gives you plenty of opportunity to play smart and win real money even if it is on form of bonuses. Bonuses are like freebies that you get either when you win a game or when you make a deposit. Each and every online bingo site organizes jackpot games where you stand an equal chance as all the other players to win real cash prizes and other prizes.

The times have completely changed from when bingo enthusiasts had to take a lot of effort to play a game of bingo. But with the rise of internet and the technology pertaining to it, all it takes is a click of a button and you have a selection of online bingo sites to play at. All you need is a portable device be it a tablet or a phone with connectivity and you can play bingo anywhere and at any time.

Among all the online bingo sites, GameVillage is highly indulging and full of adrenaline pumping entertainment. Each of the bingo, slot and casino games you play on this site is guaranteed to give you 100% entertainment and is just as rewarding.

The site organizes contests and promotions frequently, where all winners are offered free tickets, extra bonuses and free entries to various prize draws as well. So make sure you check out the sites promotions page and surely there will be something that might interest you.

Joining GameVillage is easy and all newbies are welcomed with a bonus of 400%. With your first 3 deposits, you become a homeowner, after which you can play free bingo games every day in their Chip Van bingo room and win prizes of up to £3,000 every month!

Snow, Love

(Image Source: http://www.clipartpanda.com)

"I love it when it snows," said she.

"I love it when you talk of snow," said he.

And they played, hit each other with snowballs, giggled, hugged, kissed.

"Will you return?" she asked.

He stayed silent. She closed her eyes. He was gone.

Nearby, the snowman stood still, smiling.


This 50-words Flash Fiction is shared with A Week For Writing - A Flash Of Winter.

His Doll House

(Image Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in)

he tried pulling out the drawers

but there were no damn keys

he ran towards the larder

where food was rotting for free

and there he hid

like a long lost kid

in streams of red

his heart would skip

as voices came closer

yet farther, still

he was scared of their laughter

breaking all his will

'cause he was a teen

who dressed like queen

and played with dolls

and danced in balls

trapped in dreams

and dust, and whim

the house that stood

on his table's rim

where he would sleep

once lights were dim

with a hope, and wish

his doll house, his bliss

he tried pulling out the drawers

but there were no damn keys

he ran towards the larder

where food was rotting for free

This Poem is shared with

• Magpie Tales,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

Embracing The Dark

(Image Soure: http://freehdw.com)

the right to heal

to brush aside the scars

destined by fate

I lost them too far

the window from where

the sun once rose

now shredded and tattered

is shut and close

deserted and maimed

the hurricane left me blinded

I embrace the dark

after goodness had me defeated

This Poem is shared with

• A Week For Writing - A Wordle Prompt,
• Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

Fenced Rows And Marshes

(Image Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in)

fenced rows

and marshes

the sunset grows

in lapses

the humming of the faraway chime

the winds here teach me

how to rhyme

nature paints a canvas new

in colour green, and reddish hue

the melody sleeps at the end of day

a new dawn awaits on this merry way

This Poem is shared with Magpie Tales.

As My Love Calls Out To You

(Image Source: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com)

those seas I shall cross

in sunset of golden hues

the boat will kiss the shore

as my love calls out to you

miles will be traversed

with birds that fly on cue

time shall now be our slave

as my love calls out to you

This Poem is shared with

• Mindlovemisery's Menagerie - Photo Challenge #77, Golden Hour,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

CollegeDunia.com - A Student's Guide To Higher Education

As soon as students enter high school, they are segregated into streams, based on their interests. They are offered a choice of particular subjects, and they opt for the ones that they feel favourable based on their aptitude.  Students are more ambitious today, and the high level of competition adds fuel to that energy. However, to fulfil their dreams, the students also require the right resources along with their efforts. This is where a systematised repository of information is required that will guide them through their desired career path. A student, and his guardians, often have doubts and queries regarding colleges where they seek admission. They deserve to have all the answers since it is a matter of their future. This is where CollegeDunia.com turns out to be a valuable companion.

First impression does play an important role. CollegeDunia.com impresses with its clutter-free homepage and layout. There is a banner stating that you can search from over 20000 colleges in India, with a search button below that. One can search anything ranging from colleges to streams and exams to results, the choices are endless. Moreover, the CollegeDunia.com team is constantly updating their database, and thus one wouldn't find any redundant or unnecessary data.

One major plus of CollegeDunia.com is that it encompasses a wide array of subjects and courses, ascending it to a step higher as compared to its competitors. The choice is not just limited to Engineering, Medical, Management, Science, Commerce or Arts. In fact, one can seek information about colleges and exams pertaining to diverse fields like Education, Agriculture, Paramedical, Design, Veterinary Sciences and Aviation. Vocational Courses too have been taken care of by the site.

CollegeDunia.com has a well researched grading system, that rates colleges on a scale of ten. For example, one can search for the top colleges in Delhi, and know about their courses, fee and faculty. The brochures are also available for download, giving a comprehensive insight into the institute. The search can be further narrowed to a specific stream, say Management colleges in Delhi, and the well documented list would appear right on the screen.

In this fast paced world, where everyone wants to study their desired subjects in the top colleges, CollegeDunia.com turns out to be a blessing. It is beneficial to students and guardians alike, and offers a plethora of information that helps the students on their career paths. CollegeDunia.com proves to be a much needed reference point in terms of college admissions and higher education, and with its well researched database, is moving towards the right way in guiding the young generation.

Imitating Past

his grey hair blackened

standing in front of mirror

he imitates past

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Past.

For The Foodie In You Now, TinyOwl Is Wow

“Honey, do you know what day it is today?” she asked me on a morning Friday.

I thought and thought, but the day being too hot, my mind grew numb, my memory needed a shot.

I stayed quiet, not knowing if I would speak right.

“Fine. Keep sleeping till nine. You don’t even remember the date, and that’s why you I hate.”

The kitchen banged, the utensils clanged, spoons danced in haze, knives and forks flew in rage.

Oops, it was her birthday, but before I could realize, I had already ruined her day. Her mood was spoilt and her anger boiled.

"On your birthday I shall bake a cake, with your name written on top, and decorations I will make. A lavish meal on the table, my sweetheart I promise, this birthday you will forever cherish," my words rushed back to my mind, the vows I had once made with all flavour and shine.

I made a mess, and thus I had to handle the case, with care and caution, I tried to find a right reason.

"My dear wifey, how can I miss your birthday cutie? I just wanted to give you a surprise, trust me 'cause I speak no lies."

She remained silent, at least that was better than being violent.

Actions speak louder than words, they say. I decided to find out a way. I rushed to the kitchen, and started the oven. Luckily, the ingredients were all in stock, and I had to race against the clock. Delays should no longer hold my path, the cake should make her smile and laugh.

I turned on the LPG cylinder knob and subsequently the stove, and what happened next marred my hope. The flame didn't ignite, something was not right, I lifted the cylinder and realized it was too light.

No gas in the cylinder, couldn't fate be any kinder?

But hey, there was the oven, the cake was baking even. I decided to prepare the meal in it, once the cake turns out beautiful and fit. Minutes passed in lazy hue, the morning threatened to embrace the noon, when finally the cake was ready, soft and mushy. I took it out, placed on the table, decorations were next, my heart now stable.

I inscribed her name in creamy white, the icing on chocolate made her eyes shine bright. She gave me a hug, a peck and a kiss, and I ran back to the kitchen for the rest of her wish.

The meal now left, and I turned on the oven. But hey, why this malice, why this treason? The fans turned off, the lights disappeared, the electricity in our house suddenly acted weird.

A power cut in our locality, and with neighbours discussing loud, I guessed what it was all about. Rain had started in full flow, without an indication of the torrents turning slow. There had been a major fault in one phase, and power supply wasn't expected for the rest of the day. What could I do now? My plan had gone astray, wow!

I was sulking over my failure, when I heard her sweet voice near, "It's ok hubby, don't be sady. You tried your best, do not turn your mood into waste. I shall cut the cake now, and share a slice. We shall sing and dance, and it will be all nice."

She cut the cake, and we did celebrate. And then by the window, we talked and waited.

Finally, after a couple of hours, the skies dried in our favour. We went out for lunch, albeit a bit late, but alas, that was in our fate.

Now, when I look back to that day, I realize things could have turned out in a better way. With TinyOwl app in our smartphones, we could have ordered dishes from the comforts of our home. Just a few minutes, and a click was all needed, and the desired menu would have been served in a plate. No need to wait for the rain to stop, or the sun to hop, we could let our taste buds have fun all round the clock.

The app is Tiny, and attentive as an Owl, and thus using it you would never cry foul. It's a blessing to your cell, and trust me, life would turn to be all well. You do not have to befriend hunger, food will be available just around the corner.

I use TinyOwl today, and will use it in future, 'cause ordering food have never been easier. You can choose the stores, and the menu on offer, there are no hidden costs, a reason for your laughter.

I recommend the app, whether Android or iOS, go download it now. The foodie in you will surely shout 'WOW!'

This is my official entry to 'Food Tales with TinyOwl' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with TinyOwl.

Check out the download links below:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flutterbee.tinyowl&referrer=af_tranid%3D3ST3WXX81YXXHWD6%26c%3DWebsite%26pid%3DWebsite-Android-1-

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/IN/app/id916154166?mt=8&pt=Website-iOS-Download&ct=NONE

I Breathe Out Fog

(Image Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in/)

I breathe out fog in wintry night

when clouds rob stars away from my sight

and lonely birds chirp and hoot

blindfolded I, point and shoot

I laugh, I cry, I miss my aim

sheared by fear, I'm forever maimed

here is a world where regrets grow

the crack in my heart goes with the flow

and I draw, and build, and rebuild the blocks

unaware of the storm raging my clock

This Poem is shared with

• Magpie Tales,
• Poetry Pantry.

Cactus In My Tea Cup

(Image Source: http://www.thedesignwork.com/weird-pictures/)

every breath I count

is a hill I surmount

famished in thirst

and kissing the drought

my lips are wrinkled

and parched and dry

they smell of ember

and crack and weep shy

but a drop of water

or a drizzle would do

my throat burns red

I feel pain anew

the rooster breaks the dawn

yet the sun doesn't rise

the cactus in my tea cup

bids a gentle goodbye

This Poem is shared with

• Picture It And Write,
• dVerse - Open Link Night,
• Imaginary Garden - The Tuesday Platform.

Grey - Review

To read the full review, click HERE.


Title: GREY: Fifty Shades Of Grey As Told By Christian
Author: E. L. James
Publisher: Random House
Publication Year: 2015
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Adult
No. of Pages: 576
Price: Rs 499
My Rating: 3/5

Airtel 4G - Quick And Reliable

‘Free 4G Upgrade’ – doesn’t that sound like a dream? Well, if you have a 4G enabled mobile with a 3G sim, you can apply for a free 4G sim, and it will be delivered right to your doorstop, absolutely free of cost.

What could be more frustrating than a slow internet connection? In this fast paced world, that’s booming with information technology all around, we need a proper source of internet to live, breathe and survive. It’s not wrong if we say that our lives are connected to the internet in ways more than we can imagine. We are always connected to social networking sites through our smartphones, communicate via chatting and messenger apps at all times of the day, watch videos on net and download movies and songs for entertainment. For those pursuing studies, the internet opens up a wide array of informative resources to be surfed as per convenience.

A slow internet speed, however, mars all the fun.

There have been occasions when my friends have shared some videos with me, and those took ages to buffer. While they ran smoothly for the first few seconds, I had to wait for the buffering process to finish to enjoy the complete videos. Too depressing I would concur. I am a big movie buff, and love the pay and watch movie services that several websites offer. Unfortunately, my slow internet connection always causes hindrance to all the fun. What’s the point of internet if you can’t use it to the fullest?

Thankfully, Airtel 4G – The Fastest Network Ever promises to revolutionize the internet scenario of India. Its high speed will no longer lead to impatient waits. I can enjoy the videos shared by my friends instantly, as buffering would be seamless and smooth. Downloading and viewing movies will not take hours anymore. In fact, it will only be a matter of a few minutes. Life will definitely change for the good.

My office work demands high speed network connectivity. Airtel 4G is thus the ideal solution to the purpose. Not only will it ensure that the connection never goes off, it will also let me complete the tasks quicker and more efficiently, thus leading to better performance on my front. I can make presentations at half the time, and use a wide range of online resources to prepare the contents.

Airtel 4G comes at the price of 3G, and wow, that’s a bonus. I do not have to spend a lot to get the facility. Instead, it’s being offered to me on a platter. I do intend to apply for a 4G sim card and also install a wifi connection for home. Airtel as a brand has been doing fabulous work over the past several years, and this 4G initiative goes on to show their commitment to the customers.

It’s time to upgrade our networks to 4G. The Fastest Network Ever is here.

Check out the official page of Airtel 4G below:

http://www.airtel.in/4g/

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

The Shaadi Brouhaha - Review

Launching a newbie into the Indian matrimonial scene is like introducing a new iPhone in an already saturated market has to be sleek, overflowing with catchy features and better than the already available versions. So when twenty-five-year-old Nitya Trivedi is forced into it by her ever so enthusiastic mother and pestering relatives, she hardly knows what she has bargained for. In her journey to find her soul-mate, she becomes Dollarkumar's Poundkumari, ends up fasting on party days to make peace with her horrorscope, attends hilarious 'arranged' meetings through various matchmaking portals and people - all under the nose of her extremely evil, but deliciously debonair boss Rudra Desai. With besties tying the knot and cousins 'stealing' prospective groom, wonder how Nitya's mother will find the perfect match for her only daughter. But as always, love will find a way in the midst of The Shaadi Brouhaha..

About the Author

Born in UAE and brought up in India, Anjlee Shah has completed her MBA from Cardiff University. Currently she works and lives in England with her husband. Intrigued by arranged marriage in Indian culture, she decided to write her debut novel. In her spare time she loves to read, write and travel.

A primary reason to pick up ‘The Shaadi Brouhaha’ is that it is relatable. A second reason, well, the humour is delectable. Ask for third, and I would say, the plot is damn believable.

Nitya Trivedi, ‘CA pass without fail and currently working with Axis Bank’, realizes she is no better than an iPhone in a saturated market when she is pushed into the matrimonial hullabaloo. All well and good, and though initially she feels doubtful, she confidently goes ahead with it guided by Monali bhabhi, who makes sure she handles questions like age and weight carefully in her matrimonial profile.

Nitya wishes for a partner who will understand her, giver her her own space, and be compatible to her needs. Over the course of time, she meets several prospective candidates, whether it be the US – return Dollarkumar, who admitted being gay, or the ‘blackberry in one hand and an iPhone on his right ear’ Jigla, whose father proudly declares ‘our family members are very impotent to us’. Unfortunately, she fails to find a life partner in most of them.

Until she finds her man, or so she thinks.

‘The Shaadi Brouhaha’ is a tale that focuses on the nuances of an arranged marriage, the serious issues surrounding it, albeit in a light hearted manner. Through Nitya’s story, we come face to face with the pros and cons that surround this style of matrimony. Getting acquainted with a stranger, knowing what clicks and what not, and then trying to decipher the chemistry is a task that many undertake in the country. Often, we start liking someone, only to realise that the relation doesn’t have a definite conclusion, leading to heartbreak, tears and lots of tears. Nithya experiences the same emotions, the same pain, of a rejection that is totally unexpected, leaving her shattered.

However, as they say, everything happens for good. Love blooms, and blossoms gradually, and as expected, the tale swims through a happy conclusion, but not before it experiences a few twists and turns on the way, which in a way is good, as it engrosses the readers’ attention throughout the journey.

Nitya Trivedi is a character we all know and can identify with. She is real, her confusions reflecting our own stream of thoughts. Her reactions to the prospective grooms, and her conversations with them is often the best part of this book. Not only are they funny, but they also reflect the truth of our society. Nitya meets a number of suitors, but nowhere does the narrative bogs down due to large number of characters, as the author Anjlee Shah has taken proper care to provide unique individual characteristic traits to all of them, thus each meeting brings forward a whole new experience, and a stream of interesting subplots.

‘The Shaadi  Brouhaha’ shines on several fronts, be it the subtle romance between the protagonists, the suspense never ending in the pages, or the humour that encompasses that floats throughout the book. Anjlee Shah displays the competitive environment encircling arranged marriage, with every person trying to get the best catch. However, at the end of the day, amidst all the arranged marriage hungama, it’s love that emerges victorious, signifying that whether one goes for arrange marriage or not, a successful partnership is one that is full of care, understanding and love; love, love and lots of love.

And it’s love stories like this that makes you feel good and smile, like a smiley :-)

Title: The Shaadi Brouhaha.. : Arranged Marriage Hungama

Author: Anjlee Shah

Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Publication Year: 2015

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Romance

No. of Pages: 216

Price: Rs 195

My Rating: 4/5

Ripples

(Image Source: http://www.geograph.org.uk)

this morn on bridge

those hurled pebbles tell my tale

ripples greet me back

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - On The Trail With Basho Encore #9 Bridge of Morning.

Murder with Bengali Characteristics - Review

To read the full review, click HERE.


Title: Murder with Bengali Characteristics
Author: Shovon Chowdhury
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Publication Year: 2015
Language: English
Binding: Hardcover
Genre: Literature, Fiction, Crime
No. of Pages: 204
Price: Rs 395
My Rating: 3/5

In The Mystic Fall

(Image Source: http://s145.photobucket.com/user/mydayspring/media/WaterfallFairy.gif.html)

secretly he paints

his fairy's glistening dance

in the mystic fall

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Taki (Waterfall).