Why Fries? Are we ruining the entire burger experience?

This question has always been there in my mind. Am already having a bun stuffed with fried patty and the stuff is dripping juices and sauces and dressings. I am getting a mouthful of bites with plenty to chew. What is eating is not light and seldom needs a follow-up or sides to reach satiety levels. Why do I need the fries? Why would people even ask for fries, let alone pay for them rather than requesting a better-filled, more saturated burger experience? Usually, these fries feel sloppy and an unwanted add-on. I don’t mind a bit more veggies in the burger as they add more crunch to the bite. Fries don’t make sense because I don’t want to pause during the burger-eating expedition and deviate from what the taste glands are experiencing.

Catching-up with Malgudi…a place that existed on TV, where my childhood still stays

We have been Amazon Prime members for some time but the emphasis has always been on catching-up with the most trending short series and highly debates characters. Last night, we revisited Malgudi Days. We watched around three episodes and I realized what had changed all this while, while I was away from such moments—the Simplicity of Life. This was during the last part of the 80s and I was nowhere close to having found myself. Well, am still struggling on that part but this was a phase when food of any type was exciting, finding mom at home was a blessed day, getting pop to buy us ice-cream was God-sent wishes come true, and in essence, Life was simple. What went wrong between the Malgudi Days era and the rise of Thanos? I got detached. I lost the bond with the simplest pleasures in Life. I allowed opinions and must-do perceptions to take over. The things I assumed were meant to be there became dearer and my thought process got more branded. The Malgudi days [of my life], were about loving sleeping on the cold concrete floor at my naani’s home, they were about romancing the samosa, and allowing nothing to build-up in the mind. Now, there are days when I feel my heart will explode simply because there are so many beautiful things undone, unvisited, un-attempted, and perhaps unattainable. The tragedy is that even as I watching this, we exchanged notes on which brand of mustard sauce was better with dip-snacks, planning another visit to the sacred mall. Now, Swami/my Malgudi self would have never planned so much…

What if you didn't have a bestie? What if the everlasting friendship never got underway...

So, how does it feel to have one for the majority of your lifespan? Isn’t it nice to have someone whom you grew up with and who won’t leave your side? These are phrases reworded somewhat incorrectly but borrowed from appreciated movies and books. They talk about besties and best friends. They talk about bonds that don’t weaken as time passes, as Life takes a toll, even when it seems there is nothing much to gain from. I have come sporadically close to feeling something like this but realistically, never really got there. This is weird considering I was among the most liked fellows in the group. I was a favorite among the aunties, uncles, and teachers. Cousins were envious of me and my parents were always proud of me.

pre-empting the final goodbyes...the ones that will mean the most.

Yup, this is trying to blog after one of those heavily emotional, thought-drenched moments that I encounter these days. I am the biggest advocate for sayings that put the focus on families to be the craziest bunch. I have my grudges and I can complain till eternity. But then, there are moments when I realize that perhaps not everyone is a natural at parenting. Many of them got into parenting, hoping life would teach them along the way, equip them with all the accessories needed to ensure that a family stays well-knit, as closely packed as a bunch of newly-born puppies. Similarly, not all of them realized or got the reality-check that there is a hell lot of planning to do, there is too much at stake, and that parenting is a postcard that never reaches its recipients when it should. So, what am I babbling about?

The DIY approach thing for normal work days, week days...

I don't recall creating too many reminders as a kid, teenager, student or an associated. The same habit has persisted at the Managerial bandwidth too. I just cannot create a checklist and tick-off the tasks scheduled for the day. However, there are some things that I am trying to do these days. This is a very short list, only in my mind and does not have any MBA-influenced solutions. When you are under-staffed and struggling to keep-up the motivation levels, a few reminders like these can be handy to keep yourself afloat no matter how challenging it gets. Reaching out and starting a conversation remains my biggest challenge and the fact that I never lie about my true intentions stands-out as the big engaging factor for anyone communication across the table, with me...

SO Hate Me for Carrying One…somewhere in my daily gear

This might sound contorted and tweaked in the most pessimistic way but the opinionated demographic that I have repeatedly interacted with at workplaces suggest that this is by far, the most common perception. A safety pin has been with me at various stages of my life, usually pinned into my schoolbag or college gear by my mom. What once started as an irritating habit that she could not let go, of slowly turned into something I started associating with her. I have come across safety pins to be ultra-handy at my work desk, in everyday life situations, when traveling, and when preparing myself for a day of repairs at home.

Helping at the shelter can be self-therapeutic, self-healing...selfish

I have been watching YouTube videos recently and so many have volunteers working at animal shelters. I get the feeling that a lot of these folks are working purely out of undefined compassion and love for animals. There is no other way to explain it. Nobody can be motivated by a branded t-shirt that a shelter provides perhaps three times a year to spend that much time with animals, working with animals that are often injured, horrifically uncared for, and often in a state of neglect that seems frightening. But then, I also see the other side of it. Some people need this to heal themselves, placate a mind that wanders too much, or often give way to temptations that are highly destructive.

Buy It for the Texture alone...

This has been happening for almost four years now—I have been buying shirts purely because of the texture rather than looking at the shades or various hues of the same primary color. I had bought some Khadi shirts almost a decade back and when they started aging, they developed a unique texture. This was not the worn-down, distressed look but something interesting. Something that takes well to repeated washing and light ironing and does not crease a lot and even when it creases, the overall look is not that bad. This texturing thing is akin to a combination of linen, khadi, and cotton - mixed together. 100% cotton is being branded too casually these days. The result is many cotton shirts not looking the part as the thread count is often too low. The texture I am talking about has a subtle hint of the linen, as if in the background with good cotton at the forefront. This fabric blend is hard to define because my interpretation is different from what the package reads. But invariably this is without any type of spandex or elastane that tends to add a polyester-like sheen. Instead, this fabric blend tends to hang rather well rather than clinging too close to the skin. Linen on its own is highly crushable – something I have always hated. Mixed with cotton in the usual form, it tends to lose its essence. My blend is about a fabric that has no see-through features, looks like linen and khadi blended, with a very summery-cotton type aura about it. My shirt shopping for reasons as illogical as the ones discussed here have taken another leap in the work-from-home ecosystem where I am still buying a lot, wearing very little, and hoping beyond reason that I will again get the opportunity to flaunt a few good ones. As of now, on September 7th, 2021, the fact is that buying more clothes is just about feeling good rather than bringing about any practical utility. Have some money? Use it a bit to buy a few moments of happiness and hopefully, some of these worldly possessions will become useful when the new normal goes away and the conventional normal is back!

Which is the easiest workout when you have a busy schedule?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is often considered to be the most efficient workout for those with busy schedules, as it can be done in a short amount of time and still provide significant health benefits. Other options may include bodyweight exercises that can be done at home, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, or going for a brisk walk or run during lunch break.

How can a busy schedule prevent you from exercising regularly?

A busy schedule can prevent regular exercise in a few ways:

- Limited time: A busy schedule can mean that there is little time left in the day for exercise, especially if it requires traveling to a gym or fitness center.

- Fatigue: A busy schedule can also mean that a person is feeling tired and lacks the energy needed for exercise.

Prioritization: A person with a busy schedule may prioritize other tasks or responsibilities over exercise, leading to it being put off or skipped altogether.

- Lack of planning: Without planning, it is easy to forget to exercise or to let other tasks and responsibilities take priority, leading to a lack of regular exercise.

It's important to note that, with the right mindset and planning, exercise can be incorporated into a busy schedule. One way to achieve this is to make exercise a priority, schedule it into your day, and look for ways to make it more convenient such as working out at home or during lunch breaks.

Which is the best workout for busy people?

The best workout for busy people is one that is efficient, convenient, and can be easily incorporated into their schedule. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is often considered to be the most efficient workout for busy people as it can be done in a short amount of time and still provide significant health benefits. Other options include bodyweight exercises that can be done at home, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, or going for a brisk walk or run during lunch break. Yoga and Pilates are also great options for busy people as they can be done at home and don't require much equipment. The most important thing is to find a workout that you enjoy and that you can realistically fit into your schedule.

Getting Deeper into Easy Exercises that Busy People Can Do

Exercising regularly is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it can be challenging for busy people to find the time and energy to do so. With work, family, and other responsibilities taking up much of our time, it can be difficult to fit in a workout. However, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to incorporate exercise into even the busiest of schedules. In this article, we will discuss some easy exercises that busy people can do to help them stay fit and healthy.

First, let's talk about High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT is a type of exercise that alternates between short periods of intense activity and recovery periods. It is an efficient way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of HIIT can be as effective as a traditional hour-long workout. Additionally, it has been found that HIIT can burn more calories than steady-state cardio, making it an ideal choice for busy people.

Another great option for busy people is bodyweight exercises. These exercises, such as push-ups, squats, and lunges, don't require any equipment and can be done at home or in a park. Bodyweight exercises are also versatile and can be modified to suit different fitness levels. They are effective in building muscle and burning calories.

Walking and running are also great options for busy people. They are easy to do, don't require any equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Walking or running during a lunch break can be a great way to fit in some exercise during a busy workday. Even a short walk can help to increase energy levels and improve mood.

Yoga and Pilates are also great options for busy people. Both types of exercise can be done at home and don't require much equipment. They are also low-impact, which makes them a good choice for people who may be recovering from an injury or who have joint problems. Yoga and Pilates can help to improve flexibility, balance, and core strength.

Another great option for busy people is swimming. Swimming is an efficient full-body workout that can be done in a relatively short amount of time. It's also a low-impact exercise, making it easy on the joints. Swimming is also great for mental health and can help to reduce stress.

Finally, it's important for busy people to make exercise a priority and schedule it into their day. This can be as simple as setting a reminder on your phone or planning to exercise at the same time each day. It's also a good idea to make exercise more convenient by finding a workout that can be done at home or during lunch breaks.

In conclusion, being busy does not have to be an excuse for not exercising. With a little creativity and planning, it is possible to incorporate exercise into even the busiest of schedules. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), bodyweight exercises, walking and running, yoga, Pilates, swimming, and other activities are all great options for busy people. The most important thing is to find a workout that you enjoy and that you can realistically fit into your schedule. Remember to schedule it into your day, make it a priority, and make it convenient. With a consistent effort, you'll be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite your busy schedule.

Because white-spacing published content matters...

It was another morning, at the work desk, checking out the emails when I hit upon an invitation of sorts to try out www.thinkwithgoogle.com. Though I should be talking about the platform and the type of awesome content it shares with users like me, am taking a minute to write about the visuals and the overall aesthetics of it. This is regarding the brilliant use of white space on their web pages. User interface specialists often talk about the need to leave blank spaces to ensure the presentation is not cluttered.

Cold, supposedly sleek cans versus vintage-like glass bottles

This had to be by chance for sure...I have always had a strong opinion of soda cans being pretentious, and trying hard to look cool. However, friends and colleagues have always had their opinion, saying that soda cans represent more hygiene and highlighting that how increasingly, people want everything to be better packed and made more presentable. During a recent visit to a local market, I came across a bulk dealer's store that retails simple glass bottles. The dairy bottles that were once used to retail milk. These are making a comeback of sorts. As compared to the cans, I find them easier to grip, literally more transparent and the rounded-ness brings about some retro feeling.

Maintaining a Better Spinal Posture at the Workplace: Guide to a Healthy Back

A sedentary lifestyle and prolonged sitting at the workplace can lead to poor spinal posture, resulting in various musculoskeletal issues. However, with some simple adjustments and conscious efforts, you can maintain a better spinal posture and promote a healthy back. This article provides practical tips to help you improve your posture while working.

Understand Exactly What is Ergonomic Workstation Setup 

Start by ensuring that your workstation is ergonomically designed. Adjust your chair and desk height to support proper posture. Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest, knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and hips slightly higher than your knees. Place the monitor at eye level and at arm's length to avoid straining your neck. Utilize a supportive chair with lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

Sit with Proper Alignment is Not that Hard
Maintaining a neutral spine position is crucial for good posture. Sit with your back against the chair, shoulders relaxed, and chin parallel to the floor. Avoid slouching or hunching forward. Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips, and if needed, use a cushion to support your lower back. Engage your core muscles to stabilize your spine and relieve pressure on the lower back.

Take Regular Breaks and Move - Even if You Are Working from Home
Prolonged sitting can strain your back. Take short breaks every 30 minutes to stand up, stretch, and move around. Perform simple exercises like shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and back extensions to relieve tension and improve circulation. Consider using a standing desk or adjustable desk converter to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Walking during breaks or incorporating physical activity into your routine can also help strengthen your back muscles and improve overall posture.

Practice Correct Keyboard and Mouse Usage
Improper positioning of the keyboard and mouse can contribute to poor posture and strain on the upper body. Keep your elbows close to your body and bent at a 90-degree angle. Position the keyboard and mouse at a height that allows your forearms to be parallel to the floor. Avoid excessive reaching or resting your wrists on hard surfaces. Consider using ergonomic keyboards and mice that provide better support and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Concluding thoughts...
Maintaining a better spinal posture at the workplace is essential for a healthy back and overall well-being. By implementing ergonomic principles, practicing proper alignment, taking regular breaks, and using correct keyboard and mouse techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing posture-related issues and promote a healthier work environment. Remember, consistent awareness and conscious effort are key to maintaining a better spinal posture. Prioritize your back health and make small adjustments throughout the day to improve your posture and overall quality of life.