Off late I have been wondering if there is any difference between work and play. I sometimes feel so involved with work that it feels like I am playing with it and i enjoy it too, and then there are other times when i want to play and i really do not knwo what or where to look other than my computer.

I guess i am becoming one of those ....geeez... geeks?  I know there is a way out of this but where , how, what........... i surely need to figure this out..

I am not going to let the pc rule my life and that it that....... watch out for progress on this space.

I happened to finally venture on an online auction site and just could not help myself from registering and bidding for goods which I thought were great things to posses at a very good price even though I know in the back of my mind that I surely d not want it. I guess we humans have this urge to always buy and collect things if they come cheap in spite of its utility.  Now I know why the auctions sites do well... I guess it is people like me who don’t want any thing in particular go to sites like these and end up bidding for things which they may not really want.

However I think the auction sites still have a long way to go as I realized when to my total surprise I won something. There are hardly any escrow services which can ensure the safe deliver of the goods without one getting cheated. There is no provision of paying online via credit cards either in most of the cases and that puts the person back in the brick and mortar world of  physically putting a cashiers cheque / Money order/ draft etc and mailing it to the seller and then hoping your goods reach you and you are not one of the many who are made a sucker by the smart dudes online.

Lets see how far can I go with my transaction and if I receive the goods that I have won online or I think…looks like exciting times ahead… watch ut for this space to see if I get the goods or I get what most people call scammed…

Quote

Men Are Like...

Placemats - they only show up when there's food on the table.
Mascara - they usually run at the first sign of emotion.
Bike helmets - they're good in emergencies but usually just look silly.
Government bonds - they take so long to mature.
Copiers - you need them in reproduction but that's about it.
Lava lamps - fun to look at it but not all that bright.
Bank accounts - without a lot of money they don't generate a lot of interest.
High heels - they're easy to walk on once you get the hang of it.
Mini skirts - if your not careful they'll creep up your legs.
Handguns - keep one around long enough and your gonna want to shoot it.

1.

Baileys

1.      B-52

INGREDIENTS :

a.      1/3 shot Coffee Liqueur

b.      1/3 shot Amaretto.

c.      1/3 shot Bailey's Irish Cream.

PREPARATION :

Pourliquids in the above order over the back of a spoon into a liqueur glass to create a layered effect.

2.      Pumpkin Pie INGREDIENTS :

a.      1 Part Bailey's Irish Cream

b.      1 Part Coffee Liqueur

c.      1/2 part 151 proof Rum

PREPARATION :

Shake & Strain in a shaker 3/4 filled with ice into a rocks glass. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and slam like a shot.

Garnish : Cinnamon

3.      Quick F**k (QF for short) Australia fave!

INGREDIENTS :

a.      1 measure of Bailey's Irish cream

b.      1 measure of Melon liqueur

c.      1 measure of Coffee Liqueur

PREPARATION :

Kaluha, Midori and Baileys. Layered in that order in a shot glass. Downed in one!

4.      Irish Car Bomb

INGREDIENTS :

a.      1/2 glass of Guinness

b.      1 oz. of irish whiskey in shot glass topped with 1/2 oz baileys irish cream.

PREPARATION :

Drop shot in beer and slam!

1.Today i decided to update my space and was wondering what to write when the thoughts pondered to last weekend when i was experimenting with some of my fav cocktails.

Unfortunately after putting in so much effort into it , I realized the spaces site says the content you have typed is not acceptable and i need to remove it.

I wonder how come content on cocktails is offensive !

I have been thinking about a very common word .."Change". A word on which scrolls have been written.... numerous debates been argued...maybe used a million times very day in conversations..... while the things around are changing as the word is being described... mentioned .... spoken... written at that very point of time.

I got thinking about it when I read a name on a building called "Change Alley" and contrary to the common belief that building has remained the same since I saw it first. ... ironic that a word that you respect so much and means so much to every body .... has just been captured on a name plate of a building which has not changed maybe for years now...  does this mean we can control the way things around us are? Can we avoid change? Can we prevent change.... I think we can in our own lives in a small way.

We should not allow "Change" to lessen our hearts desire to help the needy, to remember there is the divine power and that can't change  and  most importantly to not “change” the thought of peace and harmony which governs the world as of today ...or so I think!

I have been reading some really good blog entries of my friends and colleagues on MSN Spaces, which have amazed, surprised, dazzled …… me of how much you get to know about a person which you would others wise never know unless the person express him/herself as openly in person as they do on the blogs.

This is very amazing and I have for myself realized that there is a lot more to the people I already thought I knew pretty well of sorts.  Well that is only my personal opinion…… (A).  I am looking forward to more … actually these days I prefer to read the blogs than the Page 3 of the news paper (pun intended)  or the editorial columns as I think these are more genuine and authentic writings.

Anyways, point is… that I think we should get more and more people to become a part of this community.

Part III- bachelor, bach'el'er, n.

The Advanced Bachelor

The Advanced Bachelor is as the name suggests a bachelor who has evolved from the primal stages of bachelorhood. The Advanced Bachelor is a much cleaner responsible and matured male. An Advanced Bachelor is typically between his early to late thirties. He is almost always employed and making a steady income. Age is only an indicator, however, relative maturity level as well as disposable income are the true defining characteristics of an Advanced Bachelor.

With age most males develop more maturity as well as income. Generally Advanced Bachelors follow this same evolution. To be sure, however, the Advanced Bachelor's state of maturity has been slowed or retarded due to the fact that he has not married and has not taken on the life changing responsibility of being a husband and perhaps a father. The evolution is further hindered by the fact that prior to this stage the bachelor has had nothing but other Primal Bachelors from which to glean enlightenment.

Thus, the second characteristic of an Advanced Bachelor, an increased income, becomes quite relevant to his development. With increased wealth comes increased buying power and thus confidence. The Bachelor is able to move into better living accommodations without necessarily relying on the instinctive group living behavior as does the primal bachelor who has less income at his disposal.

The majority of Advanced Bachelors live alone due to the their new economic freedom. They no longer accept nor promote the instinctive slovenliness of Primal Bachelorhood. As a general rule, once Bachelors enter their late 20s, they begin to tire of the life. They tire of eating fast food seven days a week; they tire of a messy house and mold growing on the plates; they tire of the lack of structure in their life. Ultimately, the transitional bachelor will seek a new life and move on to his own place. On occasions, the Advanced Bachelor will team up with another Advanced Bachelor, but this is usually avoided because people naturally assume they're gay.

The Advanced Living Room

The living room of an Advance Bachelor is markedly different from that of a primal bachelor pad. The most distinguishing mark that separates the two groups is the matching furniture set present in the home of an Advanced Bachelor. Sure, some Advanced Bachelors live like Oscar Madison of the Odd Couple, but once a man has entered Advanced life, he needs a suitable living room set to attract a woman. These are serious times for an Advanced Bachelor and he needs serious furniture.

The Advanced Bachelor pad will have many of the same attractions as a primal pad (television, stereo system, coffee table) but in pristine condition and almost tasteful. Unlike the primal pad, the Advanced Bachelor will have framed pictures on the walls that did not come from a garbage bin, and just might have a mirror that isn't located in a bathroom. The furnishings are attractive and extremely comfortable, but are still not stylish enough to appear in a home with a woman living there. The coffee table will be cleared off, with no clutter whatsoever. A few magazines or a coffee book might even adorn the tabletop. Almost stylish, but not quite. Once again, the idea is to be comfortable and make your place woman-friendly. This is an important issue for separating the characteristics of Primal and Advanced Bachelors. A Primal Bachelor could not care less what his place looks like. Primal Bachelors possess a quality that shouts: "Look at me. I am man. This is my place. Accept it or get out." Advanced Bachelors are different. Their abode suggests: "This is a comfortable place. Let's go to bed."

The Advanced Kitchen

The Advanced Kitchen is a clean, acceptable place to cook and eat in. While you won't find a bread machine in here, you will notice that there is a kitchen table, complete with chairs. Dishes do not lay in the sink for weeks on end, and if you go into the cabinet, you'll find a clean glass. A look inside an Advanced refrigerator will reveal actual food products, and even fruit. A plate might be covered with some tin foil in here, but it is not a cluttered mess like a Primal fridge.

The Advanced Bathroom

The first thing that you notice in the Advanced bathroom is that when you look in the mirror, you can see a reflection of yourself. Cleanliness is half the battle for individuals who seek to become Advanced Bachelor. If you can keep a clean place, you can live more comfortably and will have more success for romantic interludes. An advanced bachelor who lives like a pig is more likely to be a lonely bachelor.

The Advanced Bachelor bathroom is likely to have a box of facial tissues on the commode or on the vanity. Of course, such a box will not have a fancy cover on it, such a thing requires a woman's touch. Soap will also be present for the washing of hands, but is no guarantee that the Advanced Bachelor regularly washes such hands. A look at  the floor  will reveal little or no soap scum. Clearly, the floor  will not be covered with a dark film as in a Primal Floor. Towels will also be located in the bathroom, more than likely hanging on a rack, but sometimes over the shower curtain. Never will such towels be located on the floor. An Advanced Bachelor will have a good brand of shampoo, often accompanied by a hair conditioner. It's important to have good hair.

The Advanced  Bedroom

Much like the rest of the "pad", the Advanced bedroom is a clean place. Sure, there might be dust on the lampshades, but this is a respectable place to bring a woman. The bed will always have a frame and a headboard. Normally, there will be two matching night stands, complete with lights and a clock . Clothes never clutter the main floor, but still might be tossed onto the closet floor when dirty.

Opening a drawer will reveal neat clothing that is folded. Clean dress shirts, well pressed with heavy starch from the cleaners will be in the closet. It's important that the Advanced Bachelor has nice and well maintained clothes. His success at bars depends on it. Thus, clothing is maintained much better, but still will contain some ratty t-shirts, shorts, and jeans.

In Conclusion

We are not trying to suggest that the Advanced Bachelor is some sort of clean freak, or some ninny. An Advanced Bachelor often has a good job and is earning good money. Since he doesn't have a woman, and can only drink so much beer, he tends to spend money on himself. And when an individual begins to accumulate nicer things, he tends to take better care of them, and himself.

There is no such thing as one type of bachelor being better than the other. Both are stages that men go though. The transitional stage between the two is the most difficult time for a man, especially if a group of primal bachelors enter that transitional phase together. Although arguments are not common, resentment among the group grows. Things might be said to a neutral roommate or friend that suggests that things are going to blow up any second. However, this is a slow process. Eventually, the group begins to part ways, perhaps not socially, but economically. Each will set up a new residence and begin establishing themselves as Advanced Bachelors. Sometimes a Primal Bachelor will take the leap directly into marriage, but that is another story...

Part II :  bachelor, bach'el'er, n.

The Primal Bachelor

The Primal Bachelor, as the name suggests, is the more primitive form of bachelor. We are not attempting to take anything away from the Primal Bachelor, for his lifestyle is determined more by circumstance than by genetics.

Primal Bachelorhood is the preparatory stage for Advanced Bachelorhood or even marriage. Primal Bachelors tend to be younger than Advanced Bachelors, with their age ranging from 18 to the late 20s. These gentlemen, fresh from schooling, are limited by the meager incomes that entry-level positions provide them. Thus, they tend to live in primal groups, pooling resources in order to maintain a level of adequate sustenance.

These Primal Bachelor groups generally have 2-4 semi-permanent members, with transitory group members spending occasional evenings over. The primary group is well prepared for this contingency, as a sofa or floor space is always available as well as various soiled bedding materials.

The Primal Living Room

The furnishings of a Primal Bachelor Pad vary greatly, but there are certain consistent items present in all. Regardless of the economic condition of the group, one member will almost always have a large stereo component system, complete with tape deck and large speakers. A television is mandatory item - especially during cricket  season - usually with a full assortment of cable channels. In contrast, a primal bachelor not living in a group will have a television but will often lack cable unless provided free by his apartment complex.

The furniture in the primal bachelor pad is generally a mixed-matched collection of chairs, sofas, coffee and end tables. These furnishings came from either old family furniture or from former primal bachelors who either got married (obviously, no self-respecting female would accept these items into her household) or moved on to the advanced stage (thus bequeathing their furniture for the good of the group).

Of the aforementioned items, the couch and the coffee table are the most important. The couch, may be equated with a throne, for it is centrally placed in the living room. In addition, since the TV remote control usually gets caught in between the cushions, the bachelor who gains control of the couch also rules the television.

The coffee table is also a very important item. It represents a multi-functional unit serving as a dining area, a receptacle for waste material, a general storing place, as well as a place to prop up one's feet. Primal bachelor groups that lack a coffee table are usually relegated to eating their meals on kitchen counter or their laps as a kitchen table is not usually available. However, if a dining table is available, it is seldom used during meal time as it is usually covered with junk and not located where a primal bachelor can gain a clear view of the television.

The walls of a bachelor living room are either bare or contain bad works of art that were purchased on road side  or found near a trash bin. Extremely young primal bachelors often hang unframed and ragged posters of rock groups or industrious young women washing cars in bikinis. Bachelors don't really care what is on their walls, so long as something is there.

In a best case scenario, the floor of the living room is covered with a dark color shag carpet. Such types of flooring are best for camouflaging beer and cola stains as well as cigarette burns. It is the unintelligent home owner who will rent a place to a group of primal bachelors with a white, or light colored carpet. It is sure to be ruined.

The Primal Kitchen

The kitchen area of the primal bachelor pad is perhaps one of the most dangerous areas known to mankind. Although many might assume that primal bachelors lack cooking skill, experience has shown that many bachelors not only enjoy cooking, but often have 2-5 good recipes at their disposal. Considering that primal bachelors usually live in groups, this often gives the group upwards of 10 separate recipes to draw upon as each member contributes his own specialty.

Primal bachelor recipes are always geared to feeding large armies. Most meals will feed at least 6 hungry bachelors and usually will allow for second helpings - helpings as large as the first. Cooking a meal at a primal bachelor pad, however, can pose some problems. First, is the obvious lack of ingredients. Primal bachelors rarely go to the store on a regular basis. Although a variety of spices and condiments are always available, the bachelor refrigerator generally suffers shortages of substantive food items such as meat, cheese, bread, milk, and eggs. Thus, it is usually necessary for one member of the group to collect money from the others and begin a journey to the supermarket. It is likely that one member of the collective has superior shopping skills, and he is regarded as the group's supply officer and is forced (usually against his will) to go to the store for the others. If the group has a quality supply officer, he will not only bring back the necessary items for the meal, but will also bring back a variety of goodies that will enhance the meal (items for an appetizer or even a desert item).

The next problem facing the primal group in their attempt to cook a meal is finding pots, pans, and cooking utensils. Similar to the living room furniture, a primal group will have a mismatched collection of pots and pans. Primal bachelors generally prefer pots and pans that have a Teflon coating, although usually such coating is beyond recognition due to extensive scratches from metal cooking utensils.

Although the primal bachelor kitchen will have all the necessary items to cook a meal, such items are rarely clean. While it is true that most primal groups possess the capability of cooking a tasty meal, they are severely lacking in terms of cleaning up after a dining experience. Thus, when a group undertakes a meal, they must contend with soiled pots and pans that have been laying in the sink for upwards of a week or more. These pots and pans generally contain the dried or moldy remnants of the previous weeks' meal and must be properly sanitized before using again.

This cleaning up process is a problem in itself, as primal bachelors usually only have one sponge and a scrub brush - both purchased and used since the establishment of the primal bachelor pad. Such items themselves usually contain remnants of previous meals and are in poor condition. Nevertheless, primal bachelors are innovative people and always manage to have enough pots and pans cleaned by the time the supply guy returns from the supermarket.

Once the meal is cooked, however, the collective generally must scramble to find clean plates, forks, spoons, and knives (also a mismatched collection.) As mention previously, the meal is generally eaten in the living room where each member can gain a proper position in front of the television. After the meal is completed, and each member has properly belched, dishes and utensils are left in the living room, to collect mold until someone decides to move the items into the sink (usually 3-5 days). Any leftovers in the kitchen are properly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator in a timely fashion (usually 3-5 days).

The refrigerator itself is one of the scariest places in the whole house or apartment. Generally speaking, the only eatable items in the bachelor refrigerator are the condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.) The remainder of the items in the fridge are the remnants of previously eaten meals. Such leftovers may remain in the refrigerator for several weeks or several months. In one reported incident, a small primal group left a watermelon in a plastic bag from July 4, 1993 until January of 1994. When it was finally thrown out, it looked as if it had been struck by the Ebola virus.

Cartons of milk are always a suspect item. As milk packets store easily, they are often forgotten for time periods of a year or more! Bachelor Law: Always check the expiration date on milk found in a primal bachelor's refrigerator.

The Primal Bedroom

First, a word of warning to young ladies considering entering a primal bachelor's bedroom. Primal bachelors never change their sheets. Sheets generally remain on a primal bachelor's bed for at least 3 months and sometimes are never changed during a bachelor's stay in a particular pad. In one case, a primal bachelor failed to change his sheets for an entire year. When his mother came to inspect his "pad," she reported to her friends that the sheets were stiff with crust.

Primal bachelors prefer queen sized beds, although they are sometimes relegated to either a single or double sized mattress depending on the financial position of the bachelor. These beds generally have frames, though not always. Headboards are rare items in the primal bachelor's bedroom. The bedroom will usually have one nightstand - rarely will two be found in a primal bachelor's pad (and never matching.) The nightstand will usually have a lamp and a clock . In some cases, half finished glasses of beer or cola will fill the remaining space on the nightstand and begin to cover the floor space next to the bed. The primal group are used to drink water from shot glasses and Pepsi/Coke cups simply because one of the members had collected so many glasses in his room that none were available to the rest of the group.

The last remaining significant item in the primal bachelor's bedroom is the clothing scattered on the floor. In many cases, the situation is so bad that it becomes difficult to walk in the room. These clothes are generally separated (although it is difficult to tell) into three piles: Clean, Wearable, and Stinky. When the items finally made it into the "Stinky" pile, the bachelor would go out to a local store and purchase additional socks and underwear in lieu of washing these items.

The Primal Bathroom

Another dangerous place in the primal bachelor pad is the bathroom - especially if several bachelors share the same bathroom. Many bachelors have poor aim, leaving marks on the seat and all around the toilet. The worst area in the bathroom, however, is the floor itself. Bachelors almost never wash the floor. Thus, they tend to collect a thick and turns black over time. Bachelors always take showers, for a bath is too scary to attempt.