I watched and learned, but I did not put it into practice. In the end the persistent dog gets the bone.. The good lie in decay, and enter the afterlife empty-handed..
But that's what it seems like at first. The bone is a prize, to be won, not borrowed. I may have observed that, but I hope, for my sake, that it's true..
I want my bone to find me, and come to me; impossible as it may seem..
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
What the Lord giveth
I said you were the most beautiful. I believed that, and still do. With your eyes bright as the sun, and eyebrows of flame, you moved my soul to cherish your presence.
Then you left, and there was another. I called her fat. She looked like her elder sister, but after a bit of liposuction. She didn't have the grace you did. But then, on the inside, she was more forgiving, more caring and gave me my space. I appreciate that, and I appreciate her now for what she is.
What the Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. But when He returns, you can expect only better. Goodbye E60, welcome F10. The legend that is the BMW M5. The Lord taketh the 507bhp V10, and the Lord giveth the 560bhp twin-turbo V8!
And my smile has returned to it's correct position.
Then you left, and there was another. I called her fat. She looked like her elder sister, but after a bit of liposuction. She didn't have the grace you did. But then, on the inside, she was more forgiving, more caring and gave me my space. I appreciate that, and I appreciate her now for what she is.
What the Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. But when He returns, you can expect only better. Goodbye E60, welcome F10. The legend that is the BMW M5. The Lord taketh the 507bhp V10, and the Lord giveth the 560bhp twin-turbo V8!
And my smile has returned to it's correct position.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The One
You look around, there are so many! I scream out your name when I see you fly by me on the road. "Ferrari" everyone yells! And I'm the idiot because I'm the one who's pointing while yelling "458! 458!!". No. I know.
I love the GT2 RS. Then I love the Zonda, then the Zonda F, then the Zonda Clubsport, the the Zonda R.. I love em all. And then they disappear. Then I look for practicality, and I love the CTS-V, and the GT-R, and the 911 Turbo S *scratch* Panamera Turbo S *scratch* Panamera diesel!
I consider the Evoque, the new X3 30d, the Dacia Duster... Evolution. New areas of choice I would never look at before. The 2012 Nano.. New wine in an old bottle.
And then, to put all that chaos in perspective, and realise what I forgot about all this while. There was only one. There is only one. I get distracted easily when you're not around. It will always be you.
When it comes to me making the ultimate choice. It will always be the H1 Alpha. It will always be YOU!
I love the GT2 RS. Then I love the Zonda, then the Zonda F, then the Zonda Clubsport, the the Zonda R.. I love em all. And then they disappear. Then I look for practicality, and I love the CTS-V, and the GT-R, and the 911 Turbo S *scratch* Panamera Turbo S *scratch* Panamera diesel!
I consider the Evoque, the new X3 30d, the Dacia Duster... Evolution. New areas of choice I would never look at before. The 2012 Nano.. New wine in an old bottle.
And then, to put all that chaos in perspective, and realise what I forgot about all this while. There was only one. There is only one. I get distracted easily when you're not around. It will always be you.
When it comes to me making the ultimate choice. It will always be the H1 Alpha. It will always be YOU!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Christmas Evolution of St. Nicholas
It's that time of the year again. As Christmas sets in, the holiday cheer will eventually grab a hold of me too.
But for now, I must mention, good ol St. Nick will be quite pleased, yet a bit sad this year. What, with the EU and those Copenhagen people coming down hard on everything that moves to see their carbon footprint.
The new Santa Sleigh, as I imagine will, first and foremost, feature GPS. There's also the addition of ABS with EBD, and Launch Control! Two of his beloved reindeer will be replaced by a pair of electric motors hooked up to a battery pack (in the middle of the sled to ensure optimum weight distribution). And, once he reaches cruising speed over the Atlantic, four of his reindeer just stop running, to improve efficiency. All of this happens within a few milliseconds, so he'll never know which ones were slacking cos they're right back in an instant when he gets on the power!
With the building global population, you'd think his gift hold had to be hu-ge! But that's not entirely true. You see, for all the children born, yes, but at the same time, his naughty list just keeps growing exponentially. So then, to take care of those demands, this sleigh uses a dual chamber hold (again, to improve weight distribution) - a gift hold and a coal hold. So everyone gets their just desserts this year then!
It's so very different, before the oil crisis Santa used to say, and I know he loved it, "On Lancer & Cutlass & Challenger & Charger! On Mustang & Cuda & Ranger & Viper!". Then, and until now, he also dearly loves Dasher & Dancer & Prancer & Vixen & Comet & Cupid & Donder & Blitzen. Although in the end, two of em are about to get the sack..
But for now, I must mention, good ol St. Nick will be quite pleased, yet a bit sad this year. What, with the EU and those Copenhagen people coming down hard on everything that moves to see their carbon footprint.
The new Santa Sleigh, as I imagine will, first and foremost, feature GPS. There's also the addition of ABS with EBD, and Launch Control! Two of his beloved reindeer will be replaced by a pair of electric motors hooked up to a battery pack (in the middle of the sled to ensure optimum weight distribution). And, once he reaches cruising speed over the Atlantic, four of his reindeer just stop running, to improve efficiency. All of this happens within a few milliseconds, so he'll never know which ones were slacking cos they're right back in an instant when he gets on the power!
With the building global population, you'd think his gift hold had to be hu-ge! But that's not entirely true. You see, for all the children born, yes, but at the same time, his naughty list just keeps growing exponentially. So then, to take care of those demands, this sleigh uses a dual chamber hold (again, to improve weight distribution) - a gift hold and a coal hold. So everyone gets their just desserts this year then!
It's so very different, before the oil crisis Santa used to say, and I know he loved it, "On Lancer & Cutlass & Challenger & Charger! On Mustang & Cuda & Ranger & Viper!". Then, and until now, he also dearly loves Dasher & Dancer & Prancer & Vixen & Comet & Cupid & Donder & Blitzen. Although in the end, two of em are about to get the sack..
Monday, November 21, 2011
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia, a classic, by Enrico Caruso. Art for the ears indeed.
The tune is probably very identifiable to Tom & Jerry fans. Then again, most classical tunes are familiar because a lot of us have watched them for so long.
A song can take you away to a different place. It may be good or it may be bad. It may bring back memories, or it may just clear your mind and take you away, and create a world right there in your mind. A scenic place, full of serenity. That is what it does to me.
When I first heard the original composition by Enrico Caruso in it's entirety, I was whisked away to scenes of Venice, amidst the canals. I watched in my mind's eye the scenery, the intricate craftsmanship and detail in the construction. I admire the way the sunlight reflects the magnificence of the years gone by, it's cold times, and through those, I see remnants of such great historic magnitude.
My Venetian boat floats gently, deeper into the cityscape. I feel relaxed. At peace.
Caruso's voice echoes in my head, and as it climbs during the chorus, suddenly the scene just changes. In the blink of an eye, the city is nowhere to be scene, the canals have been replaced by a winding stretch of tarmac, and Venice has suddenly transformed into Italian countryside. Most importantly, my gondolier is now a Ferrari. I can't tell which one it is, because at those speeds, all I can think of is keeping that superfast work of art on the road, lest it turn into one of the most expensive pieces of scenery ever. The whistles and screams from the engine tells me I'm sitting in front of a turbocharged V8. It's a Ferrari F40, F50 maybe.. For once, I don't care! I don't care if it's a 288GTO, an F40 or an F50! I don't care if I have 400 horses or over 500! All I know is I'm screaming up a very scenic mountain pass, yet I can't take a break to look at the scenery, lest, as I said earlier, I become a part of it. The fresh countryside air fills my lungs, and I breathe rather deeply, and even more rapidly, as my heart pumps faster, just like that big V8 behind me! Bliss.
And then the song's over. Dream while the music's still playing. I'll keep doing that..
The tune is probably very identifiable to Tom & Jerry fans. Then again, most classical tunes are familiar because a lot of us have watched them for so long.
A song can take you away to a different place. It may be good or it may be bad. It may bring back memories, or it may just clear your mind and take you away, and create a world right there in your mind. A scenic place, full of serenity. That is what it does to me.
When I first heard the original composition by Enrico Caruso in it's entirety, I was whisked away to scenes of Venice, amidst the canals. I watched in my mind's eye the scenery, the intricate craftsmanship and detail in the construction. I admire the way the sunlight reflects the magnificence of the years gone by, it's cold times, and through those, I see remnants of such great historic magnitude.
My Venetian boat floats gently, deeper into the cityscape. I feel relaxed. At peace.
Caruso's voice echoes in my head, and as it climbs during the chorus, suddenly the scene just changes. In the blink of an eye, the city is nowhere to be scene, the canals have been replaced by a winding stretch of tarmac, and Venice has suddenly transformed into Italian countryside. Most importantly, my gondolier is now a Ferrari. I can't tell which one it is, because at those speeds, all I can think of is keeping that superfast work of art on the road, lest it turn into one of the most expensive pieces of scenery ever. The whistles and screams from the engine tells me I'm sitting in front of a turbocharged V8. It's a Ferrari F40, F50 maybe.. For once, I don't care! I don't care if it's a 288GTO, an F40 or an F50! I don't care if I have 400 horses or over 500! All I know is I'm screaming up a very scenic mountain pass, yet I can't take a break to look at the scenery, lest, as I said earlier, I become a part of it. The fresh countryside air fills my lungs, and I breathe rather deeply, and even more rapidly, as my heart pumps faster, just like that big V8 behind me! Bliss.
And then the song's over. Dream while the music's still playing. I'll keep doing that..
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Varied Intentions
It's funny how every single person perceives every single thing so differently. I, for one, am tired of explaining myself over and over again. It's not just about taste, or how subjective looks are. It's the very reason, the purpose for which you want to, or wish to attain, or procure the object of your desire.
I intend very strongly to get myself the Hyosung Comet GT250 quarter-litre sportsbike. Compared to the fuel-injected single pot Pulsar I ride, it has 50% more power, slightly more torque, but more importantly, a whole extra cylinder, in a V to top it all off. My mother asked me - Where would I ride it? What would I do with 30 horsepower? Where can I go fast? The list of questions is endless..
I know I cannot ride fast everywhere. I also know I'll never reach half my top speed 90% of the time I ride her. But the way I see it is, I move 50% faster everywhere. When I start her up, I travel from my parking spot to my exit gate at twice the speed. It's the thrill, not the practicality! I don't want to go 150 kilometres an hour! What I want, is to hit 40 kph instantly, and hear the scream of a glorious twin cylinder sportsbike that I have craved for so long, something that Indian bikes so far have lacked abysmally. The Ninja 250R is too expensive for me. I've had my go at it. I've thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it made my Christmas last year with it's screams tearing through my ears in the middle of the afternoon as I ripped open that throttle. Hell, it made me even want to go out and get one! But I just couldn't!
I also said that if I ever got a Ducati superbike (which in all probability would be the '05 Desmo RR..) I would, almost certainly, take her out twice a year. The rest of the time, I'd stare longingly at her, appreciating the fact that she is indeed one of the finest works of Italian art. Of course, this would be after I'd somehow managed to get her up the stairs, through my house, and into my bedroom. She doesn't deserve roads like we have. I'd protect her like my little baby, and would feed her and clean her all she needed. That's just how it is.
It's not about how fast I can go... It's about how much faster I can go fast!
I intend very strongly to get myself the Hyosung Comet GT250 quarter-litre sportsbike. Compared to the fuel-injected single pot Pulsar I ride, it has 50% more power, slightly more torque, but more importantly, a whole extra cylinder, in a V to top it all off. My mother asked me - Where would I ride it? What would I do with 30 horsepower? Where can I go fast? The list of questions is endless..
I know I cannot ride fast everywhere. I also know I'll never reach half my top speed 90% of the time I ride her. But the way I see it is, I move 50% faster everywhere. When I start her up, I travel from my parking spot to my exit gate at twice the speed. It's the thrill, not the practicality! I don't want to go 150 kilometres an hour! What I want, is to hit 40 kph instantly, and hear the scream of a glorious twin cylinder sportsbike that I have craved for so long, something that Indian bikes so far have lacked abysmally. The Ninja 250R is too expensive for me. I've had my go at it. I've thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it made my Christmas last year with it's screams tearing through my ears in the middle of the afternoon as I ripped open that throttle. Hell, it made me even want to go out and get one! But I just couldn't!
I also said that if I ever got a Ducati superbike (which in all probability would be the '05 Desmo RR..) I would, almost certainly, take her out twice a year. The rest of the time, I'd stare longingly at her, appreciating the fact that she is indeed one of the finest works of Italian art. Of course, this would be after I'd somehow managed to get her up the stairs, through my house, and into my bedroom. She doesn't deserve roads like we have. I'd protect her like my little baby, and would feed her and clean her all she needed. That's just how it is.
It's not about how fast I can go... It's about how much faster I can go fast!
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Flavor Battle
The same amount of wine, more or less, in so many different bottles. Each with a different kick. Each of these has either aged gracefully, or evolved, or was created as a revolutionary new idea. Either way, you can be sure they will be extremely fun to experience. We have Japanese, Austrian and local varieties. Which one I prefer, I think I know the answer.
The first of these showed up as a 250ml sample. Well dressed bottle, with two chambers, and all the bells and whistles. The kick was by far the best - over 32 units of it at 11000 swigs! And what a great after taste too! Leaves you longing for more! If you have someone's else, you're bound to consider saving up and buying one yourself! But the price, dear God, was nowhere near what I expected. I guess that's the price you pay for that extra oomph. I'm not one to shell out over 3 lakh for one of those.
Technically, the first of these showed up ages ago, but who knew what to expect when the guys handing it to you couldn't tell a grape from a pumpkin. And apart from the fact that the Koreans had appointed a very Italian lay out, it had a good kick too! 30 at 10500 swigs! Though the content was thought too much for us in this country by the self-appointed guardian brains, it was tinkered down to 27. Also, at 1.8 lakh, it was a right ol deal! I fret not, because it's coming back very soon!
Then came the one with the fancy wing logo, another 250ml one this. Just one big bottle, but a fine looking one at that. The kick? 26 at 8500 swigs. I haven't had a sample yet, surprisingly, so I'll save my banter for once I have truly felt what it has to offer. I'm absolutely sure it will go down smooth though. 1.8 lakh seems like a good deal then, yeah?
One more up and coming one, made not far away from it's winged competitor is also due to arrive soon. Styled after another iconic creation, it will deliver a similar kick, but with the contents in a two-chambered bottle, it should be a completely different experience. I, for one, can't wait!
The Austrians have decided to go 200ml, but with a kick giving 25 at about 10000 swigs, and add to the fact that it isn't trying to look like everyone else, it knows what it is, and it surely knows where it's coming from. What a heritage behind it! I'd love to have one personally, and sample it where the others would probably never make it. At about 1.4 lakh a pop, it would make a good option!
The local flavor never ceases to amaze me. An unusual bottle of 220ml gives me a kick of 21 at 8500 swigs. But the list of goodies you get is bettered by none of the above. I have one and I can honestly say it could do with a LOT more, but at the same time, it has one thing the others fail to impress me with - it shows me the light; and it makes sure I see it!
I'd love to have a quick go at each of em and tell you exactly how apart they actually are, day and night. But then there's the idea of mixing drinks - it may not taste like what you expect, but it sure is a lot of fun!
Of course, some would prefer the vintage variety at a similar price! You do end up drinking twice as much for a similar kick, but that has it's own pleasure as well..
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
248.8cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
32.5bhp / 11000rpm
22.0Nm / 8200rpm
Rs. 3,00,000
Hyosung Comet GT250
249.0cc air+oil-cooled FI V-twin
30.0bhp / 10500rpm
20.9Nm / 7500rpm
Rs. 1,80,000
Honda CBR 250R
249.4cc liquid cooled FI single
25.8bhp / 8500rpm
22.6Nm / 7000rpm
Rs. 1,55,000
Rs. 1,80,000 (with ABS)
Suzuki GW250
249.0cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
26.0bhp / 8500rpm
24.2Nm / 7000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 2,00,000 estimated)
KTM Duke 200
200.0cc liquid cooled FI single
25.5bhp / 10000rpm
20.0Nm / 8000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 1,40,000 estimated)
Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i
219.9cc air+oil-cooled carb single
20.8bhp / 8500rpm (19.8bhp FI)
19.1Nm / 7500rpm (7000rpm FI)
Rs. 85,000
Royal Enfield Classic 500
499.0cc air cooled FI single
27.2bhp / 5250rpm
41.3Nm / 4000rpm
Rs. 1,50,000
The first of these showed up as a 250ml sample. Well dressed bottle, with two chambers, and all the bells and whistles. The kick was by far the best - over 32 units of it at 11000 swigs! And what a great after taste too! Leaves you longing for more! If you have someone's else, you're bound to consider saving up and buying one yourself! But the price, dear God, was nowhere near what I expected. I guess that's the price you pay for that extra oomph. I'm not one to shell out over 3 lakh for one of those.
Technically, the first of these showed up ages ago, but who knew what to expect when the guys handing it to you couldn't tell a grape from a pumpkin. And apart from the fact that the Koreans had appointed a very Italian lay out, it had a good kick too! 30 at 10500 swigs! Though the content was thought too much for us in this country by the self-appointed guardian brains, it was tinkered down to 27. Also, at 1.8 lakh, it was a right ol deal! I fret not, because it's coming back very soon!
Then came the one with the fancy wing logo, another 250ml one this. Just one big bottle, but a fine looking one at that. The kick? 26 at 8500 swigs. I haven't had a sample yet, surprisingly, so I'll save my banter for once I have truly felt what it has to offer. I'm absolutely sure it will go down smooth though. 1.8 lakh seems like a good deal then, yeah?
One more up and coming one, made not far away from it's winged competitor is also due to arrive soon. Styled after another iconic creation, it will deliver a similar kick, but with the contents in a two-chambered bottle, it should be a completely different experience. I, for one, can't wait!
The Austrians have decided to go 200ml, but with a kick giving 25 at about 10000 swigs, and add to the fact that it isn't trying to look like everyone else, it knows what it is, and it surely knows where it's coming from. What a heritage behind it! I'd love to have one personally, and sample it where the others would probably never make it. At about 1.4 lakh a pop, it would make a good option!
The local flavor never ceases to amaze me. An unusual bottle of 220ml gives me a kick of 21 at 8500 swigs. But the list of goodies you get is bettered by none of the above. I have one and I can honestly say it could do with a LOT more, but at the same time, it has one thing the others fail to impress me with - it shows me the light; and it makes sure I see it!
I'd love to have a quick go at each of em and tell you exactly how apart they actually are, day and night. But then there's the idea of mixing drinks - it may not taste like what you expect, but it sure is a lot of fun!
Of course, some would prefer the vintage variety at a similar price! You do end up drinking twice as much for a similar kick, but that has it's own pleasure as well..
Kawasaki Ninja 250R
248.8cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
32.5bhp / 11000rpm
22.0Nm / 8200rpm
Rs. 3,00,000
Hyosung Comet GT250
249.0cc air+oil-cooled FI V-twin
30.0bhp / 10500rpm
20.9Nm / 7500rpm
Rs. 1,80,000
Honda CBR 250R
249.4cc liquid cooled FI single
25.8bhp / 8500rpm
22.6Nm / 7000rpm
Rs. 1,55,000
Rs. 1,80,000 (with ABS)
Suzuki GW250
249.0cc liquid cooled FI parallel twin
26.0bhp / 8500rpm
24.2Nm / 7000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 2,00,000 estimated)
KTM Duke 200
200.0cc liquid cooled FI single
25.5bhp / 10000rpm
20.0Nm / 8000rpm
Price TBC (Rs. 1,40,000 estimated)
Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i
219.9cc air+oil-cooled carb single
20.8bhp / 8500rpm (19.8bhp FI)
19.1Nm / 7500rpm (7000rpm FI)
Rs. 85,000
Royal Enfield Classic 500
499.0cc air cooled FI single
27.2bhp / 5250rpm
41.3Nm / 4000rpm
Rs. 1,50,000
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