Zest of my Life Posted by Drac , Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 2:29 AM, in

The dictionary definition of Zest is: (n.) great enthusiasm and energy. But like every other word in queen’s language, zest is too defined by the perspective and varies from person to person. As suggested by Team BlogAdda, here is my list of five things that I think add Zest to my life. 

1. Movies of SRK 

My favorite actor is also the most popular one in the world. Coincidence? Maybe or maybe I just have a great taste. Shah Rukh Khan is not only a very inspiring figure but his movies are always entertaining and a bit different from the Bollywood rut. That’s the reason why apart from Hollywood movies and TV shows I always watch his movies whenever I am feeling down, and he always lives up to the expectations. Meeting him one day is probably the best zest I could get in my life. 

2. Books 

If you haven’t seen other posts of this blog, just look around and you’ll know why this thing is here. As said by a great mind, books are portable magic. They not only enhance your knowledge, aptitude and emotional stability, nevertheless also provide a better understanding of the outside world. All these while entertaining you. God, I can’t live without books; Gutenberg is the greatest inventor of all time, Tesla has to come second. Spending endless hours in the National Library will redefine zest for me. 

3. Drive 

A scenic drive with world moving all around you, escaping the present while wind howls, what could be more exciting and refreshing than that? ‘Hank Moody driving in the sunset’ always gets me wonder. The thought of driving a fast car on LA highway or the roads surrounded by farms in SF fills me with energy. 

That said, don’t drink and drive. Drive responsibly as you never know which dog, cow, kid or some lunatic will jump in your way on Indian road. Be safe. 

4. Amusement Parks 

First I thought I’ll include just the roller coaster ride, although now I think the entire atmosphere of a carnival fills me up with enthusiasm. I’d gladly settle for merry-go-round too. Amusement parks bring out the child in me and I do miss that child. I heard Orlando, Florida has Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Seaworld, Universal’s Island of Adventures and Discovery Cove; I’d love a visit there. 

5. Blogging  

Well, this has to be on the list. The most obvious reason why I am sharing my thoughts on a global platform is because I love doing this, not just to expand my knowledge however to explore and feel connected. Blogging is the best provider of adrenaline rush, especially to lonely sociopaths like me (just kidding, no offence to lonely sociopaths). 

Well, that’s my list. Don’t forget to share yours.  

This post is a part of the #ZestUpYourLife activity in association with TATA Zest and BlogAdda.com

Zest brand and images rights reserved with TATA Motors, SRK pic © Excel Entertainment, Red Chilies Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment. Other images are from internet and may assert their own rights. 

My Black Wishlist (Part II) Posted by Drac , Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 5:41 AM, in

When BlogAdda spawned the idea in my head of my very own Black Wish-list by starting #WhatTheBlack trend, I created one consisting of all the expensive items. 

Now here is the second Black Wish-list featuring the stuff I will surely get my hands on in a not-so-distant future. 

1. Armani Men's Collezioni Suit 

My dear friend Barney Stinson is asking me to ‘Suit up!’ from past decade and now is the time. And what will be a better option than Armani’s Collezioni Suit Solid Black Tone. Made of Virgin Wool, double breasted and having side vents, yup, let’s suit up!

2. Ipad Air

Apple’s latest offering in the Tech-world: Ipad Air is much more than just a tablet. The 10” screen is powered by M7 processer and runs on iOS7. The black finished, thin and light as air tablet is a pioneering device. 

3. Moto X - Black

Newly revamped (Now Google’s) Motorola has already tilted many scales of sales in smartphone market and their best offering till date is Moto X. This not only excels in performance but is a gorgeous handset emanating charisma from every contour. 

4. Seiko Sportura

Seiko Sportura – Kinetic GMT is a bravura watch with designer looks and radiating allure. Also, Seiko has recently become official brand partner of my favorite team Kolkata Knight Riders. 

5. MIB DVD Collection 

No list on Black is complete without a tribute to our beloved protector of the world, Men In Black. This movie trilogy has a impressive story flow and great VFX, thus making it a collectible for movie lovers like me. 

A footnote: Purple is not the new Black. Orange is definitely not the new Black. The binding beauty and bountiful buzz is and will always be borne by Black. 

Well folks, that’s my Black Wish-list. Don’t forget to share yours. 

This post is a part of #WhatTheBlack activity at BlogAdda.com

©All the rights of brand title and images are reserved with that particular brand including Neil Patrick Harris and CBS.

My Black Wishlist (Part I) Posted by Drac , at 3:58 AM, in

Dreaming and making a wish-list is the most pleasant activity for anyone, no matter how dark your wishes are (no gruesome pun intended). So when BlogAdda started #WhatTheBlack trend and offered a chance to post your own Black Wish-list, I couldn't pass on that. In fact, I went a step ahead and created two. 

This is the first part of my Black Wish-list containing all those items I’d be able to afford only if Hefner made me heir to his enterprise (which is doubtful as he don’t know me). 

1. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 

Porsche is not only my favorite brand of automobile, for me it means a perfect combination of style and power. This bold, beautiful and Black model has power of 400 hp and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. With a top speed of 300 km/h, this drive can change the way you see the world. 

2. Tag Heuer Grand Carrera 

Tag Heuer is the Porsche of watches, maybe a bit ahead and Calibre 17 RS2 is a vivid example of this. Loaded with Sapphire Crystal and a dozen of patented technology, the dazzling elegance this automatic chronograph emits is breathtaking. 

3. Nexus 5 

Google has given the world many wonders including this latest smartphone. Nexus 5 comes with the most advanced and user friendly Android OS and the hardware to support every task expected from the user, including the new camera which takes lens-blur photos. Even when the market is cluttered with so many options, this is and will always be an exceptional device. 

4. The Big Bunny

The Big Bunny aka The Playboy Jet is one-of-its-kind. Many engineers were not impressed by the thought of making a Black colored jet, but Hugh Hefner was firm on his dreams and behold, the world witnessed a new form of luxury. From Bed to Movie Theater and from Swimming Pool to Disco, this jet redefined the term extravagance. 

5. Black Beauty 

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell was the first book I read. If you ever want to check if you are doing great in life (at least financially) see if you can buy a horse. No, there is nothing girly about it, I am not asking for a pony but a black, splendid & marvelous horse or mare. 

This post is a part of #WhatTheBlack activity at BlogAdda.com

© All the rights of brand title and images are reserved with that particular brand.

Be Careful What You Wish For Posted by Drac , Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 7:43 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, PanMacmillan

Title: Be Careful What You Wish For

Author: Jeffrey Archer

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Genre: Fiction

Be Careful What You Wish For is the fourth installment of Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicles. Following the legacy of Clifton-Barrington family, this novel is another commendable work of spinning yarns. 

In a frail attempt to take revenge with Sebastian Clifton, Don Pedro Martinez ends up killing his own son, which fuels up the fire within and he pledges to destroy both the families. While he recruits Major Alex Fisher to induce corruption in their shipping business, Emma Barrington Clifton is trying her best to keep up with all the perfidies and disruptions as the head of family business. 

Lady Virgina’s influence over Jessica’s in-laws and Sebastian’s recovery from the accident making him mature and conscientious, forms other sub-plots of the story carefully entwined with a new character Cedric Hardcastle, a Yorkshire banker; all augmenting to a fast-paced ride with twists hopping out at every other page. 

Even though every review mandate a comment on writing style and narration, if there is any exception to this rule – then this is it. Author is famous for boiling powerful stories with easy words. Though I am a bit disappointed to hear that the original 5 part series now may contain 7 or more parts, I have not witnessed any lethargy in the narration and I am happy to read as many books as the writer has to offer unless the story flow falls in a rut, which from this point seems quite improbable. 

Jeffrey Archer always chooses quite appropriate titles for his work. So let the dear readers be warned, not only the characters will feel the painful truth in this saying, ‘Be careful what you wish for’ but also the readers; as this novel too ends in a cliff-hanger. 

With 4 books released and 3 yet to come, it is the best time for a newbie to jump into the world of Clifton Chronicles, penned by one of the greatest writer of our times. 

Rating: 

Clifton Chronicles - The Story So Far... 

Only Time Will Tell – This novel, set in Bristol, England, marks the beginning of the saga. Harry Clifton, a young boy of a waitress and a dock worker, has a special gift of song which will change his life. Harry’s mother, Maisie has done a lot of sacrifices for his better schooling and a lot of efforts to hide the truth of his father’s death from him. But when Harry befriends Giles Barrington, whose father owns the shipping company where Arthur Clifton used to work, something revolutionary is put into motion. 

The Sins of the Father – Harry Clifton in an attempt to flee from his troubles assume the identity of Tom Bradshaw only to end up in prison paying life sentence for killing a man. His love, Emma is on the quest to find the truth about Harry’s death, when she comes across ‘Diary of a Convict’, memoirs written by Harry in the prison. Giles’ misadventure in the army, Harry’s escapades with Pat Quinn, Hugo Barrington’s death and other sub-plots make this an exhilarating page-turner. 

Best Kept Secret – The novel begins with the resolve of Harry v. Giles. Giles’ marriage and divorce with Lady Virgina, politics of Alex Fisher and Parliamentary elections holds most of the book; along with the progress of Harry’s son Sebastian, his friendship with Bruno Martinez and his entrapment in smuggling by Bruno's father and a notorious antagonist Don Pedro Martinez. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Trip to Island Pineapple Posted by Drac , Friday, November 29, 2013 at 8:32 AM, in

Special thanks to Bacardi for releasing six exciting flavors of Breezer: 

• Jamaican Passion 
• Lime 
• Cranberry 
• Orange 
• Blackberry Crush 
• Island Pineapple 

This post is my attempt to prove why Island Pineapple is the best. 

What you like Lime? Then make lemonade. I’m sure nobody will feel sorry for a guy claiming ‘life has given me pineapples’. Your choice is Jamaican? That’s so racist, man. They say Cranberry is sissy, but I’m cool, go on. And as far as Blackberry is concerned, I am an Android person. Being from Orange City, I am tired of Oranges already. But Pineapple is a well-deserved choice and here is the proof: 

The etymological aspect – Pine, an evergreen coniferous tree and Apple the prime fruit makes Pineapple; embarking the freshness and purity. 

The morphological aspect – It has a wild look with tough segmented skin and crown of a tuft of stiff leaves making it the most macho in the fruitland. You know a kiosk is a Juice center when you see a Pineapple; they never hang any other fruits in the display, no sir. 

The social aspect – No wonder if its aroma reminds you of Hawaii and lei or some other tropical island. Its bitter-sweet taste will quench your thirst and leave you wanting for more, both at the same time. Making it a perfect choice for celebrations. 

The media aspect – From The Pineapple Incident of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ to ’50 First Dates’ It had played a great part in many stories, now it’s time to make yours with Island Pineapple. 

In a nutshell or say pineapple’s thorn, if Pineapple ever decided to stand for President, I would vote him. 

Have something to add? Tweet #CatchTheFlavour 

PS: Do remember to check breezerindia.com for cool games (unless you are colorblind). 

Images ©LukasValine & 123rf, Rights of all the flavors, brand names and product images reserved with Bacardi. 

Please ignore this post if your age is below 25 years, otherwise, Cheers!!

Neil Must Die Posted by Drac , Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 12:05 AM, in Labels: Blackbuck, book, fiction

Title: Neil Must Die

Author: Kaberi Chatterjee

Publisher: Blackbuck Publication

Genre: Fiction

Neil Must Die by Kaberi Chatterjee is story of a man’s journey back to home; with the core of an extramarital affair and a pinch of thriller. Neil, a Bengali guy, living with joint family in Calcutta falls in love with his brother’s wife. The angst of such love and self-guilt forces him to run away but there are deeper dark valleys in the world outside for him to succumb. News of a coming life changes things and he decides to return home and face his future or whatever left of it because Neil must die. Why? Okay, let’s be spoiler free. 

What is with extramarital affair? Why so many writers are interested in it? That was my first reaction after reading the blurb. And yes, I have the answer after reading the book but it has nothing to do with the concept of taboo love. It takes real talent on writer’s part to create average characters, put them in grey slots and still make the reader feel pity for them. The characters of Neil and Tuli are beautifully woven and keep you engrossed in the tale. Generally, a hardcore Drama fiction drags a bit but the subplots included by author makes it a fast paced novel. But what really make you to turn the pages is the impeccable narration and interesting story-flow. 

Counting the cons; even where the author is a woman, I felt the female characters in this novel unreal and their actions unjustified. I understand, what fiction is if not leap of faith, but still at some points I felt detached from the story due to this and… There is a list of Glossary attached at the end of the book giving definitions of Bengali words and phrases spattered across the novel. Most authors like to say, they include slangs to give shade to characters (or regional background in this case), I am not satisfied with this answer. For instance, when your read Hagrid’s dialogues written by JKR, it is not bad language and you get a good enough idea about how the big guy is. Also, if you come across a phrase ‘niceta meetcha’ you won’t only know what he meant (nice to meet you) but will also get a hint on his ethnicity. I firmly believe it is high time for Indian writers to incorporate such dialogue techniques instead. 

There are a few scenes which could be categorized as obscene, but I didn’t find anything offending. Hence, overall it is a decent read for everyone but specially recommended to fans of Drama genre. 

Rating: 3.5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Giveaway: Sherlock Holmes Posted by Drac , Friday, October 4, 2013 at 12:36 AM, in Labels: giveaway

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 

Contents: 

• A Scandal in Bohemia 
• The Red-Headed League 
• A Case of Identity 
• The Boscombe Valley Mystery 
• The Five Orange Pips 
• The Man with the Twisted Lip 
• The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle 
• The Adventure of the Speckled Band 
• The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb 
• The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor 
• The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet 
• The Adventure of the Copper Beeches 

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh in 1859. He trained as a doctor at Edinburgh University and it was during this time that he witnessed methods of diagnosis that would later inspire Sherlock Holmes' astonishing methods of deduction. A Study in Scarlet was Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes novel, published in 1887, but it was The Sign of Four, published in 1890, that catapulted him to worldwide fame. 

Download Epub  

Source: Project Gutenberg 

Cover © BBC Books

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