Food Critics: Be Critical, But Responsibly

The more respected a critic, the more his / her word matters and that much more is their responsibility towards their followers. They have to be as impartial and free of prejudice as possible. I understand this is neither always possible nor is it a hundred percent required - after all followers believe in same / similar prejudices as the critics they follow! However, a responsible critic (grounded & centered - who does not think he / she is the voice / pen of food-God) is far better than someone who thinks & wields his / her pen as a weapon.

Pen has mighty strength and each word written (or typed in today's scenario) as a critique has to be well thought out and weighed. Sometimes, a loose word here & there, a personal opinion over an unbiased judgement - is just sign of the critic sunk in heady-ness of power...not the real critique, not the actual experience.

Recently, a famous deli of Mumbai opened its first eatery in Delhi...needless to say with much fanfare. This had to attract the biggest critics to want to go there, also along with Delhi's who's who...and of-course part of not-the-who's-who. One of India's most popular critic decided to pay them a visit, making a reservation under a false name (yeah - people will not recognize them by face when they show up) and reaches on time.

As luck would have it, at first he was not recognized and told he didn't have a reservation there. While trying to get this sorted, this critic saw same treatment being passed on to other guests as well - apparently, guests thought they had a reservation, but were 'rudely' told that they didn't! In all this chaos (obviously, it is Delhi - no one takes crap lying down), someone from eatery management recognized the critic and 'miraculously' a table became available to him.

But this critic being a gentleman and a man of principles refused to accept this miraculous appearance and availability of a table. More so because he was being treated special...after all, God made all men as equal. Angry at management's unapologetic attitude towards their patrons, who were being turned away (despite reservations) and the fact that on recognizing him, he was offered a table - this critic decided to walk away.

The end result of this experience was a 2 page article in a national daily's Sunday magazine - talking about how some places provide good service and some places that don't...most importantly, asking the readers to boycott places that don't! Until that statement - I was completely with Mr. Critic, but his call for boycott seemed more than unjustified. It actually seemed more personal than the article allowed its readers to get a whiff of.

Well, Gandhiji called for boycotting everything British...to drive the British out of India. Is Mr. Critic really suggesting everyone needs to boycott this eatery. To what end? If no one goes there, what will it lead to if not the eatery shutting down? Is Mr. Critic suggesting that this is the only way to teach this eatery's management a lesson (when apparently, he claims to personally know and respect the owners!)? I did reach out to Mr. Critic on Twitter, asking this question - obviously, he chose to play his seniority card and ignored me.

In my view, being angry at this experience is completely justified. Writing a harsh (& true) article is only expected...but to suggest we, the readers, boycott the place - now, that makes no sense to me.

This reaction came from three things: a) no respect for patrons b) unapologetic attitude and c) preferential treatment to him, once he was recognized. I can't imagine if Mr. Critic has never been given any sort of preferential treatment ever (also can't imagine if he never accepted a table when 'normal' patrons were refused entry). However, being in Delhi - not the most polite city, I can imagine rudeness in staff's demeanour...but then again, why should that shock Mr. Critic? Was it the first time someone couldn't recognize him and thus he felt what 'normal' patrons normally do? No...I can't accept his call for boycotting was only based on incidents mentioned in his article.

Mr. Critic has to realise that mistakes happen...even grave mistakes happen. Service isn't something that comes naturally and thus can and will falter. Pointing out errors and suggesting corrective measures is the role I see of a critic - not suggesting "shoot 'em buggers"! Every word written, which has the potential to not only reach millions, but also influence them has to be responsibly written.

Responsibility towards the role of a critic was pushed down, in order to up the agenda of highlighting the ill-treatment meted out that day. I can only hope the bitterness spewed was an aberration and Mr. Critic would find himself comfortably seated in that eatery soon and critiquing the food, which he couldn't do the last time. By the way, the eatery in question here continues to do good business and I have had a decent experience  there myself - w.r.t. service, food was nothing great.

My Views on a Legend's View

It is not easy to be known and treated as a legend - such a stature is not earned easily and comes with more responsibility than a weak-minded person can manage. One of the challenges of becoming one is to be scrutinised for every word uttered, every step taken (in some cases - steps not taken). There are enough numbers on both sides - followers and cynics - either group can become a pain in a**e.

This post is about one of the biggest legends & philosophers of our times - Mr. Paulo Coelho. I have been one of his followers in past, started with The Alchemist...read a few more of his books after that, but now I am somewhere between being an ignorant and a cynic. Where I stand in my life, my view point & general mood direct my opinion on Mr. Coelho's work - needless to say, as things change for me, my views might change as well.

In current scenario: I read one of Mr. Coelho's blog posts. My understanding, in plain & simple words - Mr. Coelho is recommending that instead of following the path that everyone is walking on, think for yourself whether that path is the best path for you. 

It is a good read, as he himself has titled this post - it takes just about a minute to read it and understand it. There is nothing wrong with the view anyway - we have so often heard the saying "take the road less travelled" - Mr. Coelho has given it a twist...think before you follow. 

Because it is Mr. Coelho who says this and he must have thought about it, must have had more than a fleeting view on this subject and actually believed that this is worth sharing with the world - I questioned my views over & over again, as merely a cynical view point. After debating it for few weeks - trying to take both sides, I finally am convinced that I have a question to ask Mr. Coelho. 

Story in Mr. Coelho's blog post is set in a forest and he suggests that one should think for himself, whether the path in front is the best for him. Some will decide that it is, simply because the path is already there and why bother - exactly the kinds that Mr. Coelho wants to reach out to and tell them there is more to life than following others blindly.

Then there will be some, who will stop and think - some will realise that the path in front isn't best suited for them. This is where my cynicism kicks in...What happens when this group of daring individuals decide to make their own path?

In order to stick to the story - this 'daring' group is still in the forest and each individual in the group wants to pave his own path. My question to Mr. Coelho is: knowing man, is it too far fetched to imagine that there is no forest remaining at all once the daring / awakened group gets to work?

Somehow, I can't quite understand how this suggestion / direction is actually positive (in general) for everyone. I say this because the suggestion assumes everyone has a base level of intellect, awareness and confidence to think and dare. Or is it enough that not so intelligent / bold ones will simply like the thought & move on...but there will always be a few who get inspired, decide to dare and manage to change their life?

On a lighter note: I would like to share views of another legend-in-his-own-right, Mr. Jerry Seinfeld:

Surely, something to think about.

FIFA World Cup 2014

The recently concluded FIFA World Cup was the 6th World Cup edition that I saw and was definitely the best. This edition had excitement equal to an on-the-edge thriller...there was a strong contest between the boot & the glove, there was sweet revenge, there was heart break, there were heroes, there were anti-heroes and there was complete annihilation and finally there was triumph.

Honestly, I can't recall a better World Cup ever!

Even though this edition's venue was Brazil, which meant Indian audience had to endure sleepless nights to watch these matches, there was hardly anyone missing any match (provided there was an iota of interest in football, a.k.a. soccer). The tone was set on second day, when defending champions (Spain) had their nose rubbed in dirt by the team (Netherlands) they defeated in the finals to become champs in the previous edition! From there on...it was a goal fest - with some outstanding performances by goal keepers as well.

There were a few interesting "lessons" that one can take from this year's World Cup:

• You are on top, doesn't mean you will stay there - someone, soon will over throw you from the 'throne' (Spain's humiliating defeat at the hands of Netherlands)

• One person can lift the team - in spirit, in outlook, in hope...but on his off-day, the team would crumble if number 2 and 3 are not willing to step up (Messi-magic took Argentina to the finals - but he couldn't fire on the day that mattered most and his team lost)

• Teams that work as a unit are stronger than teams that have the world's best player (Germany & Netherlands didn't have anyone whose fame matched with Messi / Ronaldo / Neymar - but as a unit, they were amongst the best... and Germany did win the championship)

• Success doesn't come easily, there are no shortcuts and consistency is the key - 
• It took 10 years for German football to prepare a team that won the World Cup (this was after 24 years)
• Consistency of players to perform as they had trained, as was expected of them - held the team together, without cracks widening enough for them to worry (there are only two players in the history of World Cups to have scored 5 or more goals in consecutive editions - Klose & Mueller, both German players - both played this year's edition, both scored goals...also, German goal keeper, Neuer was adjudged the best goal keeper this year)

• Lapse in focus, even for a few minutes can make you butt of all jokes and break millions of hearts - Brazil gave away 4 goals in a span of 6-7 minutes (against Germany in the Semi-finals), which was nothing but a complete lapse of team's focus to play...

• You have to capitalise on the opportunities you get - let them go abegging and see your competition swipe the pie from right under your nose (Argentina should have been 2-0 up after the first half, in the finals...they missed...eventually, they lost 0-1)

There is more one could learn from sports and bring to life in general, I think these many are enough to be listed here for now :)

I am not a football fan in the true sense, i.e. - I don't follow club football, players - such as Messi / Ronaldo are just plain & simple good for me, but I don't want their teams to win just because these players are there...In fact, truth be told, I enjoy football once in four years...It is just the World Cup that I follow...therefore, hitting snooze button on all football following until 2018, which has been quite hectic and time consuming this year.

In the end, since I was supporting Germany and they won - all sleepless nights and abuses from the 'high-command' were worth!

I don't pretend - I don't wear a mask!

This society expects that I smile and live through - learn to take a certain amount of crap on the way and continue to pretend that I enjoyed the experience. This on account of social responsibilities and part of 'being nice'...ha! Really???

One of the first social qualities that I lost was pretence - lost any and all interest in pretending to like people, situations, ideas...anything that I genuinely didn't like! Losing the ability to pretend was linked to my finding meaning within...finding strength to stand alone and most importantly - putting value to my time, mental faculties and emotional resources.

Since I am still a human and still very much part of the society - I understand that I won't get to live like that. There will be people who would need me to act in a certain 'socially acceptable manner' - problem is when people don't understand their limits, continue to demand / seek favours. 

Are healthy two way relationships not possible anymore? Am I too selfish? Am I correct in my approach? - I don't know, I am not sure!

The only thing I am certain about - I can't pretend beyond a point anymore, the threshold of accepting the unacceptable has gone down and in simple terms - I am certain that I am happy this way. In general, I am happy just to be left alone.

The concept of 'leave me alone' is misunderstood. It is not that I want to live for myself over someone else's happiness and life...just that I don't want to do things that bring displeasure to me, for someone else's happiness. I don't intend to become a burden on anyone - emotional or otherwise...can't take anyone else's burden for no reason. Essentially, can't pretend to enjoy anyone else's burden for no reason!

A Friend

Someone who understands you as you are

With whom, you are not trying - but are a natural fit

Someone who doesn't agree with you for sake of it

But, at least, catches your drift

Someone who helps you see through a difficult phase

Doesn't leave you, doesn't run and split

Someone who knows you are sorry, without your saying so

Isn't stuck on ego to move on and resolve a rift

Someone who understands when you need alone time

Yet, knows when you are lonely and need a lift, doesn't quit

Someone, with whom, you always carry on from where you left last

Even if, with time you too had gone adrift

Someone you call when in need

Who doesn't mind getting deep with you in the pit

Someone who is a privilege to have in our life,

A friend is nothing short of God's gift

Is No Corruption Possible?

There is one group in Indian politics that has taken a stance of offering corruption-free country, if they were to come to power. This is a new entrant in Indian political arena and whether they will come to power at all, anytime in future or at-least at state level (definitely not at the centre) - can't be commented on right now. What they do, when they do come to power, will be seen. However, I am putting forth a concern with their basic offering: "corruption-free country". It is a good notion, highly saleable as well - it is scalability of this idea that is my worry.

As written in one of my earlier posts, I am a cynic and can't see an improvement coming (particularly w.r.t. India, especially Indians). In this case, I am not looking at the concept of corruption-free country as a cynic would. For a change, I am being hopeful that this will bring some freshness to our systems and ruffle some feathers. 

Unfortunately, corruption is not a plague just for the government managed offices, rather in almost all offices. Degree, volume & value differs from office to office - but there is hardly any corruption free office. To be fair to 'office' going crowd, they are not the sole custodians of corruption...

In sports, corruption is unapologetically practiced by many sportsmen & sportswomen. In some cases, outcome of the competition is compromised or influenced and in some cases - part of the performance is. This is not restricted to individual sport - but is fast making in-roads into team sports.

Our religion / spiritual managers, a.k.a. - the Godmen, out-perform everyone in this field. They not only manage to be corrupt, but also portray being spiritual leaders who neither want much, nor need much for themselves. At least there is some shame passed on to other corrupt offices and sports-person - but the beauty of religion / spiritual managers ' corruption is that they get only blind following.

To be cruelly honest, I believe corruption is present in families as well. In personal dealings and is inside almost every individual. Kids learn the advantages of dishonesty to their gain just as quickly as they learn to understand language, parents try hard - can't help but offer bribes (as gifts / promise of future leniency) to get kids to do the things they want done. These things-to-do could be as simple as finishing a meal and the gifts could be anything from allowing additional time with iPad / TV to taking kids to a special outing.

I can't see any possible way for the toddler political party to achieve much success in their endeavour to remove corruption from our system. My worry isn't about a small group bringing in big changes - rather, it is that corruption seems to have gone to our roots and without it, we might not function at all!

Having said this - I still support their ideals, out of hope...more to prove the cynic in me wrong and simply because without the will to change, nothing would anyway!

My Skydive Video...Old now, but still :)

My first big adventure, my first big leap

Standing on the edge, looking down 13000ft. - my reaction was "oh! *beep*"

Joe (parachute guy) instructed me to do little on my own and follow the rules

Harnessed me tight enough to worry about my 'crown jewels'

The aircraft ascended and so did my nerves, but Joe was busy cracking jokes about my weight

Just before the jump, I felt better with his simple words "don't worry mate"

Strong winds hit me and my mind went blank,

This is when I realised we had jumped off the plank

With speed more than 200kmph, free fall got my heart racing

Once the chute opened up, view of Dubai was breath-taking

Joe pointed out all key attractions on the land

I was awe-struck with the beauty of sea and desert sand

Max, the photographer, should be thanked here because his work is great

It is because of him, in future, I will have memories to view and celebrate

Landing was smooth, hit the ground on my bums

Adrenaline was high, heart was still beating like a thousand drums

I was back to earth but I didn't want the experience to end

I can only say that "try this NOW, my friend

Adventure, thrill and fun - all come together here

There is no hiding, no turning back - go ahead and conquer your fear"

Last 10 years: best for men's tennis?

I have no doubt in my mind that last 10 years have been the best for men's tennis - the complete domination of few, the fierce-yet-egg-me-to-perform-better-competition between these few, the single mindedness in these few to perform their best, the very best they are capable of...in 28 years that I have been following tennis, I can't think of any other era where the world of men's tennis had such greatness!

With Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic - men's tennis has become age-proof...they have the class to give glimpses of tennis that used to be, for today's oldies and they have the aggression & style to be attractive to watch for today's generation. I would like to repeat: in my opinion...the last 10 years have been the best for men's tennis.

The fact that 2 of these 3 have already completed their career slams and the third is short of just one to complete his - shows just how this era has been (only 4 have achieved this in the open era - first managed in 1969, the second managed in 1999).

To put things in perspective, 36 off last 42 grand slams were won by one of these three players and the remaining 6 slams were shared between 5 players. That's just how strong these three have been. Compare this to the previous 42 grand slams, men's tennis had 19 champions...

I don't want to come across as saying that any of the previous grand slam winners - whether single grand slam or multiple slam winner, were not good enough...all that I want to say is that these three players have given a completely different meaning to the term - 'champion'. They are not just championship winners...they are champions in the true and complete sense. A champion isn't just a winner...a champion dominates, is revered and feared by other players, rarely gets bogged down, fights his way back even from a losing position...and does all this over and over and over and over again!

Having said that, I know one of these three is nearing retirement, the second will lose steam sooner than later and the third will carry on for some more time. The good news is - there are others in the queue to take over from these greats and make the sport better and richer in their own way. These three have renewed my love for tennis and I, with hope, look forward to the up-coming players to fill in really big shoes!

The Issue of Life: Past, Present & Future

There is one soul that travels from one body to another...death as we know it, isn't actually end of the soul...there is a concept of 'moksha' - knowing our past life could explain our present and hopefully, shed some light on our probable future (a.k.a. after-life).

Is this all true, thus a mystery; or is it a sham, thus kept as a mystery! I can't say...

I know people who believe in one side in its entirety, making the issue a non-argument. Then there are some who want to believe in one side more than the other, but just can't seem to make up their minds. I also know few who simply don't give a damn!

The concept of after-life is in fact thousands of years old...not new. Proof of this is clearly seen in the tombs of Egyptian kings & queens. Almost everything (inanimate) that the king / queen thought could be needed in their after life, was kept inside their tomb.

It is clear then that this concept of one soul, after life / past life, moksha aren't the creations of any particular religion, or any particular class / race of people. It isn't creation of an opportunist who saw money in this field (there is a LOT of money in this field, if you hadn't noticed yet). No one owns it, no own truly knows its details and it is in this mystery that lies its biggest strength.

Those who claim to know something (anything about it) proclaim their superiority - as awakened souls. Then there are those who are blessed souls - who can pass on God's word to 'mere mortals' and answer one of the next big question - "what is the meaning of life?".

I think one must be truly troubled in present life that seeking such answers becomes a necessity. I say this because answers sought are not about the present life, about how to improve what is done in present. Efforts are directed at trying to find answers, which would try to explain (hopefully) the reasons for why the present is the way it is.

For the troubled soul - since answers available in present are not helping, it seems logical for this soul to look for answers elsewhere. In this case...elsewhere is the search of soul's foot prints, diving deep in past life...all with the hope that something concrete will be discovered that will solve every puzzle of life and give solutions to every problem faced.

This process is neither easy nor quick. Sacrifices need to be made, faith in the process is often shaken - but it needs to be realigned...looking at all the troubles that one needs to go through to get answers - seriously, why would a happy & content person seek such answers and in the process part with things that bring happiness and contentment to begin with?

The beauty of this lies in the fact that even if this concept of one soul, past life, after life is true - knowing about this in current life (as human-form) makes no difference what-so-ever to our life form of future. If we have not brought consciousness, memories, learning of past life into this life - that seems to be the way of nature. Thus - we won't carry forward anything we manage to learn & understand in this life form in to our next...rendering the entire exercise quite futile, in my opinion!

Personally, I am thankful for this life - want to make it better, in this life term and couldn't care less happens there-after.

This is a matter of illusion - the feeling of knowing more, thus doing better. People don't realise that whether we know anything about our past life, quality of soul (or anything else that this sort of search can bring), or don't - we all will still end up the same. 

Crime & Its Suitable Punishment

Not all humans are equal! That's a fact of life and that's the way our society has lived, will continue to live. It is not just a matter of equality in terms of caste, money, status - but also in terms of equality in the eyes of law. Unlike all other inequalities, we are most blind towards inequality in the eyes of law. Fact that there is preferential treatment by law, for some over the others, is neither a surprise nor is it all that hidden.

Our prisons are over-crowded as it is, our judiciary is way over loaded with clearing backlog...it doesn't make sense to continue with the same system as we have been working with for all these years. I would like to propose two additions to our current system:

1. We make this so-called-under-the-wrap-special-treatment more legalised and profitable for the society at large. I honestly do not believe that same punishment means the same to everybody.

2. As a society, we start a public shaming campaign - no amount of money can easily rub off the embarrassment of being publicly shamed for our wrong doings

My suggestions are obviously referring to the class of people who have the means to outweigh law and outlast their opponents' purse / age / motivation.

It may not be appreciated by all - but I think coming from money isn't such a bad thing. Instead of putting the rich-brat-who-committed-a-crime behind bars - where a lot of money was spent in the trials anyway - a lot of time was wasted in reaching a verdict - wouldn't it be better for the society to have the rich give something to the society? My view is simple, a rich person behind bars does no good to the society.

Consider the alternative - a percentage of wealth of the rich-brat-who-committed-a-crime can be distributed between the government, the plaintiff and the society. This percentage can be decided considering the degree of crime committed.

The government earns money - bulks up its treasury on challan money...the plaintiff is suitably reimbursed for his / her troubles and lastly, the society gets something in return. Let's say - for society, father of the rich-brat-who-committed-a-crime has to donate to education / medical / other R&D projects. For relatively lesser degree crimes - plant a 1000 trees!

Needless to say - percentage of wealth taken away will increase with every count of crime, with degree of crime and mostly on showing a nature to repeat or generally commit a crime. Since parting with money may not be enough of a lesson and / or hindrance for repeating the offences - I suggest the public shaming process.

Part of public shaming is making the offenders suffer by taking away some basic free person comforts - their passports, driving licenses, credit cards etc. - either temporarily or permanently. Once again - depending on the degree of crime(s) committed.

I understand none of this is feasible - even if I assume some of it is probable. Our governments, our administrators, our police, our judiciary, our NGOs...the people, the society - EVERYTHING would need to change, would need to become better than they are at present - more honest at the very least.

Until then - I think, this is food for thought - is there a better way to punish, than saying law is blind and treats everyone as equal!