Saturday, October 30, 2010

Coffee Day Culture!


We’ve heard of the great aesthetic, artistic theatrical culture in Bangalore. Then there’s also the spa culture, pub culture and well “the good life culture” in Bangalore. Beyond all this what comes to mind is Coffee Day Culture. A line of Coffee shops have emerged in the city in the recent years. They may not provide the required or necessary cosseted privacy but definitely give you a refreshing sense of way to connect to people, all over a cup of Coffee.
One can feel the pulse as one enters a Coffee shop, they’re always buzzing with chit chat, sounds of laughter, some loud music, posters, paintings and captivating murals. Not to miss the smell of coffee or the sight of roasted beans in a mixer. It’s one of the most popular beverages in the world! Addictive as well!
Cafes are cozy and comfortable.  It’s a cool place to hang out for the modern gurus, all young bright and enterprising. One can also develop abilities sitting in a cafĂ©, for instance -How to go about waiting for someone! It is also a perfect place to unwind with friends for the teeny boppers, teasing, mocking with a lot of high fives in the air. It is indeed an energy centre!  
Bangalore it seems is turning into a hyperactive city and a Coffee place stands in contrast because of the leisure with which you can pass your time.  Nobody will toss a bill or signal you to leave. How refreshingly different that is!  Sitting and flipping the pages of a magazine or with a book is noticeably a trend rather intellectual. One is welcome to Doodle away or Daydream.  What more, one can even choose to play board games. How about a game of Chess??
The staff is enthusiastic and pleasing. The menu cards are well designed. Moving on t the menu…
Apart from all this there is a variety of coffee drinks to be explored, coffee in its all new spirited avatars. There are mild coffee drinks with a hint of cream and sometimes with oodles of cream. The Mochas are warm and soothing. The Choco-lattes are comforting. Frappes and mochachillos are frosty but yummy.  Smoothies are rich. Black coffee is for the intellectuals. There are quick eats as well. Iced teas are a distinct.  And gentle cool granitas which come in a hue of interesting colours.
Coffee pubs also display trendy and interesting merchandise. They have funky tees with their catchy one-liners. Mugs! Bags! Coffee Machines!
Coffee Day culture is part of our culture now. Even though a good cup of steaming cup of filter coffee is very alluring, people would still love to visit a coffee pub. Why not? It has the right ambience, good music, excellent customer service, a place where one can belong, engage in conversations or simply be lost in thought. All this at an affordable price!
It’s not just coffee, it’s an experience. It’s here to stay!


Saturday, October 2, 2010

Media Matters!!

As the entire nation waited for the Ayodhya Verdict, I could only focus on the uproar it might create. A pandemonium of sorts. One can never be sure, even though we claim to be the largest democracy, where the basic principle is equality and brotherhood. We can never be sure!! But my anticipation was slowly dying down thanks to the news channels which played a colossal role in maintaining peace on this day.
Media is a phenomenon of recent times. The news channels have made a conscious effort to create a bond with the common man, the politicians, the superstars and the rest. It’s time to showcase the goodwill of the media personnel. They stand up for the truth, demand precision from our Netas, they are effectively involved in the governance by keeping us abreast of the “Affairs” of the parliament, lessen the divide between the star studded Ooh! La! La! Celebrities and Us the Aam Jantha!! And yet, why is the media under the severe attack from all quarters??
Not this time!! No!! The media engaged itself in a responsible way this time. As they were sensitive enough not to bring up scarred images of the Babri Masjid incident or insinuate feelings of hatred of any kind. Totally neutral and fair. Somewhat Detached!!  There were no accusations hurled at anyone, no slurry comments, instead they did a great job by having a great set of panelists on board. There were debates and discussions and intelligent ones at that! Words that were intellectually stimulating, endorsed peace and somewhere deep down as I watched them I knew it was time for closure (despite the appeal heading towards the Supreme Court) Thanks to all the news channels for being responsible and they did make a conscious impact to create a bond with me of a being a socially committed body of sorts.  
Would also love to mention the efforts of the print media which promoted stories of communal brotherhood and integration well in advance, well done!!
(Hats off to the politicians also who were only looking forward to a peaceful resolution, of course there will always be exceptions!!)