tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52784300367703888552024-03-04T20:48:36.633-08:00Traveling Man - Vikram SinghVikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-90440336745559503222009-05-14T14:42:00.000-07:002009-05-14T14:53:53.109-07:00Restaurant Review - Cafe Silan, Menlo Park, CACafe Silan is in downtown Menlo Park, at 867 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA.<br /><br />This is a small, Kurdish restaurant, with some pretty tasty dishes. My favorites:<br /><br />- The appetizer - flat bread with dip. The dip is delicious!<br />- Some pizza with keema or ghosht on it. Very simple, and very good. To completely change the flavor, try it with the spicy sauce on the tables<br />- Salad with kebabs. The kebabs were good, but the salad was excellent!<br /><br />Silan is on my once-a-quarter restaurant list nowVikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-19470424346394361882009-04-26T12:10:00.001-07:002009-04-26T12:10:00.034-07:00Crossing 95K Visits<p>I just crossed the 95K visits mark on my blogs, on Friday:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">The serious blog - all about Tech, Startups, Revenue</a> </li> <li><a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">The all-purpose, main blog</a> </li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Blog on cars - one of my passions</a> </li> <li><a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/">Blog about Travel topics, including not just destinations, but also food, wine, etc.</a> </li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars.wordpress.com/">The older, retired Autos blog</a> </li> </ul> <p>Looking forward to 100K.</p> <p>And on a smaller scale, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872">my profile</a> on blogger has now been viewed over 1,400 times. </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-53585400564435470942009-02-17T11:01:00.001-08:002009-02-17T11:01:27.862-08:00Crossed 80,000 Visits On My Blogs<p>Early in February, I crossed the 80K visits mark on my blogs.  Nice.  </p> <p>My blogs are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">The serious blog - all about Tech, Startups, Revenue</a></li> <li><a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">The all-purpose, main blog</a></li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Blog on cars - one of my passions</a></li> <li><a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/">Blog about Travel topics, including not just destinations, but also food, wine, etc.</a></li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars.wordpress.com/">The older, retired Autos blog</a></li> </ul> <p>And on a smaller scale, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872">my profile</a> on blogger has now been viewed over 1,000 times.  </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-54650325475168040102009-02-06T15:16:00.001-08:002009-02-06T15:51:54.678-08:00Batonnage - New Wine Consulting/ Blog/ Site<p>What is <strong>Batonnage</strong>?  It is the wine making operation of mixing up the lees (dead yeast cells from fermentation) in the barrel with the wine to release the mannoproteins, improving the flavor, mouthfeel, and stability of the wine.</p> <p>Did that impress you?  How do I know this?  A close friend,  has fired up a site <a href="http://www.batonnagewine.com/"><strong>http://www.batonnagewine.com/</strong></a></p> <p>If you're looking to host a wine event in the bay area, check out this site, or just email <a href="mailto:info@batonnagewine.com"><strong>info@batonnagewine.com</strong></a>  and ask them your wine questions.  </p> <p>In particular, check out the blog for helpful and timely tips.  My favorite for 2009 - <strong><a href="http://www.batonnagewine.com/1/post/2009/01/my-favorite-value-winesjan-2009.html">Batonnage's take on the best value wines</a></strong></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-26959179035720568492009-01-26T08:43:00.001-08:002009-01-26T08:43:46.523-08:00Carlton Hotel Mussoorie In Winter<p>A couple more photos of the beautiful Carlton's Plaisance Hotel in Mussoorie, India.  </p> <p>The photos are from the very large front lawn, facing the hotel.  There is a lovely hill with a temple behind the hotel.  Kids love running up that mountain.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8JWlEc5rGA-PWHklFaXBEJL-TYli3FBoAxVRROQvpSo7Lp1cfef0S09cqJrO-C05arq7MFih9VESY4qDm_IQ0AdsFAln8yNY2mlI5vCmUJudC-r0NQJyVI84_qdTFv9s015PdwpBFWk/s1600-h/image3.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="283" alt="mussoorie carlton hotel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RUJkpEBT4PwgjEo-wwRoOx8GSO1uUGMEWR5hOkFunAeKKk-O61wTdK9HC6XUsJeDUtgDVlTELyfU67QLe8pbfXcYl2aaqEbXdgKowCqr4Em545i0awxTYMeKFahblyDZlFNbDzCwSoo/?imgmax=800" width="418" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOnnM8C7QA9qtmmOTIwp2UdokoQG4L99ehfUPAQTRshA8ZLpx7cYVpeuBYnu2zKxwqG3dMiadvMGOvxhxxVTbMBXDzB7n9ZJaJ7aEWWnxbezbDyrhKmWcdp8c9Lt_wHbw6z8fTW1H6vE/s1600-h/image7.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="287" alt="mussoorie india carlton plaisance hotel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXjD3s8ZNGXjOXhMgZS_AVo0T4LBVlGtvw3KbxP17RdvLuX0T74N_77CFMHp2jblGokzrSpGwB6e7_8i3-tcsE65mrnWcSA2tzht76ob3yupQ_Cr-gheJgCsvZSqNlsuHVpDeFIZknfU/?imgmax=800" width="425" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-25074738542200809422009-01-24T13:55:00.001-08:002009-01-24T13:55:37.994-08:00Restaurant Review - Himawari, San Mateo<p>Himawari in San Mateo in the bay area (California) is one of my favorite restaurants, specially when its getting close to 9 pm (it doesn't close early, except on Sundays). </p> <p>Himawari is a Japanese restaurant.  They have sushi, of course.  But their specialty is ramen, udons, and that kind of stuff. </p> <p>My favorites are the Shio Buttercorn Ramen, and the Tan Tan Men.  Having grown up on Indian food, I prefer a bit more taste, a bit more saltiness in my food, and Himawari delivers.</p> <p>Favorite side dish - the sesame spinach.  (Although I think all their appetizers are great)</p> <p>It is located at 202 2nd Ave., San Mateo, CA</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SXuOSZDyq9I/AAAAAAAABaM/b1G3W5be7mo/s1600-h/image%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="himawari" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SXuOV8yPJOI/AAAAAAAABaQ/aMLmTbq741g/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="410" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-59997718263235172162009-01-18T14:27:00.001-08:002009-01-18T14:27:25.983-08:00Mussoorie Hotel, Carlton's Plaisance<p>Some more photos of the Carlton's Plaisance hotel in Mussoorie in India.  (<a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/2009/01/mussoorie-carlton-plaisance-hotel.html">Previous photographs are here</a>).</p> <p>These photos are in winter.  Mussoorie is absolutely beautiful then!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSVs6cznCn2xbKx5J5vldwOuxFJx0nsROBUCN017taqf9esUPpECnjSHFz85rUeMLSMjUcVUfZXIkdSbTESkFXjpe2zqwLHg_kuDYzmuuWTfPiixI1d7DdOuwqIQr1mYnGh2FT1c8tLk/s1600-h/image3.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="297" alt="mussoorie hotel carlton" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-lemYiPldS7GIyCp7BO5pG86Kzmv-3BV2HboOYRZNmqBVtQVmSdOcZFDEQbqEzDOa1rK2Krh6TPOKDqNVOCpFlCK-P6UwgrEuUczroJeVXn4Xi8H6z_VQqwBh7XWCQygx6ozCZ3vzRc/?imgmax=800" width="437" border="0" /></a></p> <p>This is the front lawn, which has swings, and a canopied area to sit under (when the weather is good, of course)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TIOTlG846dkxteg2h5fS_u9QBEzibyV-D5UI9fB9oQS02nWwjbk41mnW8vNpbl-V1kUdo6S04LNz7OCsVlJZln8RLzIkxAL5DUDEqlhEo3CZDUAKx6k55ZuBNC4mOVLFwijdztglVYE/s1600-h/image8.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="302" alt="carlton hotel mussoorie photos" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmDtOof7L3iLFpMgGjiJnNuXotxVfUaQQHP_7kXXFgAiEaMhj_b8hZOjSg8ygPzKplADEXfjhDYc5TsHZEegn3mJbs9QVHf4IuQzkYMiRvEPIqC2eQoMNy61Qu-It-uINgwYx-VedDi8/?imgmax=800" width="442" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-84970295988023025622009-01-12T10:31:00.001-08:002009-01-12T10:31:38.706-08:00Restaurant Review - Zao Noodle Bar<p>Zao Noodle Bar, University Avenue, Palo Alto, California.  </p> <p>A couple of my friends really like Zao -they say its tasty, healthy, convenient, and decently stylish.  And now for something completely different....</p> <p>When you order take-out (or take back left-overs), you get one of the great bits of Zao - their plastic bags.  These are tough, resilient, stylish.  They're much better for carrying things than the bags you'd get at Safeway.  You can use them for quite a while, too - they have longevity, I kid you not. </p> <p>And finally, they're great for odor containment.  I carry an extra Zao's plastic bag in my car at all times.  That way, whenever I get takeout from any restaurant, I can always put it in the Zao's bag, and make sure the car doesn't smell.   </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq1wfWDYtNcZRvQ-t21SCpBlQcGNfW_EJyyrtU-TjNjmuObz5s_uhr_n6ATqxySTE3_05hLREWsQleJALaiFesIRj802JEqa_xEeDF5F8GX5jdBOzf6x5Ks7LGX0xmiR0Pgg5M4Y4Ihg/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="162" alt="zao noodle bar" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbt6UH0lh6itmJLMsi-HISuNk3IHeptnt_gkAEnm4bTp3oPStwooFw67g5lFqRQSJu5F2FnD_fuDN1Y75O8OsaaMEiSdg7VQwwNI2lAdzkPvvJHi8il_KSTOmeziVwxFhQ2-LAGdvl6Y/?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-79158694161218542592009-01-09T03:43:00.001-08:002009-01-09T03:43:58.306-08:00Mussoorie, Carlton's Plaisance Hotel Photos<p>My folks run a bed-and-breakfast in Mussoorie, called Carlton's Plaisance Hotel, up in the Himalayas in India.  It is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  </p> <p>Here are some photos of Plaisance in winter.</p> <p>This is the yard on one side.  There is a table-tennis table, and a half-basketball court here. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTHBdNdjVwFnk6nGw7Eb1y1uUPUEhLHMJKFoeHn6Xxpum1lXj_vU1jS59Exh25OpWwwqw1bd38xc4GGW05lW_YmdQybWORM4t3UmCJRY0DyHm2NcdDCSaA6Gp7eU2scz4IuREUKEnSjo/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="274" alt="carlton hotel mussoorie" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpBUWYDUpRPrv4GyDp2b5PKbLUhJJUsQGzuguw9ge0F8uekeO_4e9pZw39l_TIhTgQdZJcyPlViA4i37AXRCbt5Kp_4Z5TiWDtp9jXLKIp4zZPTwpwK2FHgqPxaRbqx4JaeV0iDlF65w/?imgmax=800" width="396" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>This is Bugsie, the playful St. Bernard</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjElkcywUJCCrsJ6C-_yzYyz3acrknmR8pCR8rnKPaoAFiuWi_vRX-Mfmv_Jw-2GMPhKbEqq8scCYWL2z5drbE5N3LQ1krIgMApGX1fJBKcozbfxBaF61rALUZKa7KdjziW6WXsqjB_gw/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="261" alt="carlton hotel mussoorie" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmtNsmSgpzOQmUTju91G0aE6VxY-maqbvBK_Z-2wys7s_t1BJLl9VJojeb3Zwt8k8n239LgU1KuYfTWe4lIW-hQ4ksLVsa7JDc8yIVJ4ByQbJQL17_HyrRN1wPItgKPK4kzOfh37d1dE/?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhBy-cs33NWRrI7rbA6s61WPuSSf3uAhRCu0eXfmLWdEKNEHYRRKRzf7NRdakwMoyqwsgDOZDA2X9ks85W0mGfCApHA0wP83Bmog0LmCIE3VVQg05efp3UwBCKyIPz-2b661onG-TP-k/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="266" alt="mussoorie plaisance hotel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dXh_uTLMAmHd58MwYhamd855FcWRmA6tVmRQCnffE7K66JpY0T5jVcKU2nrFEWqX8Rc8Po5czdcm2YoFhl4uPYViVQu4KDoaDJa5KgSMoVXZ7jbHe2IhnwkELq97BXSDdSyMitp2ZGk/?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-73619169838350284922009-01-03T15:26:00.001-08:002009-01-03T15:26:15.854-08:00Page Rank Increase For My Blog<p>My non-serious cover-all blog,  <u><strong><a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">Capoeirista</a></strong></u>,  just got a Page Rank bump of +1 ..... its now got a PR=2.  </p> <p>Ah well, slow and steady, I guess.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj1SpAq6St7iqFwFCv7wHJVFCNRPSF_5V4YAiPftAYbLVP_PGvy8h5jmFJRGLnUUvQ0JOB28e_23WIC9eiqYR8eungd6Thv83Z-Hyr1vsJTej-QjAEw-RE7gEscq_Df2yGNeGjDtfeJk/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="155" alt="vikram blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VPwCGqnbDtP3Ujhq44Yf8uVGw0NvGHLADSlFIWb9yxUxVdio-f_T0c6Po5OKd0XRWt0f4Xxnr8GXjr_mmPvHCJnjIp2Z5HSZjTq1BRtM9aBgCOsHT0beHW6YLTSCLvF89UsCGic7oec/?imgmax=800" width="391" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-30650502324784157282008-12-29T16:00:00.001-08:002008-12-29T16:00:48.801-08:00My Blogs Crossed 70,000 Visits<p>And now for another milestone.  My blogs have garnered 70,000 visits so far.  </p> <p>Don't I look happy?   :)</p> <p><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="vikram singh kosmix" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpcPgcYPTRFkNZ1FM01H480JyPKAzZSMm08gZLDNA_LT_4S2Iein94BwNAUVVaLPCNIiNFq_DibvDrilfpXsuR-C2i0q90Jm5XGztEh6ie5nQWCNLTpptQOpX0CVmyQjtu5vXhxSnE3A/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-18860394728577623752008-11-26T00:29:00.001-08:002008-11-26T00:29:46.368-08:00A New High<p>This Monday, November 24, my blogs hit a  new milestone - <strong>1,240 visits</strong>.  Woohoo!  </p> <p>Normally, between them, my blogs get around 500 visits/day, so this is a nice new rise. </p> <p>This occasion calls for a random photo - how about one from <a href="http://www.kosmix.com">Kosmix'</a> 2007 holiday party.  Nagraj and Sailesh are flanking me.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ-7OELEWuTOqaQ6DlckVn3tLHKVr48D_c-ZF9xFG19XCInzNZDh5Bvnf20_w1L1XJj0WOego0NXqmwrC2ssjS_JQs1Pg460ZZiAt1Wj3v90HdUDZCMO7hIkwvy7BUXSXqwC9zyNXRcM/s1600-h/image4.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="278" alt="kosmix" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbMtHsCpXm6WlfOtg2WBnHSrB4cwMZI1LeQscOp89g4GsjL9beqXSGJXVSAsp9b4vA5EeOFYnufaJZE0NBOVk0ne0HposYERjl7KT9LZr7d0uDckOjuI6BY4XkLK5ntnmx6r-BBO4MjU/?imgmax=800" width="403" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-23263514390501616912008-11-20T02:06:00.001-08:002008-11-20T02:06:37.122-08:00New Milestone For My Blogs - 50,000 Visits<p>On Tuesday this week, my blogs passed 50,000 visits.  Sweet!  </p> <p>The blogs, of course, are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">The serious blog - all about Tech, Startups, Revenue</a> </li> <li><a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">The all-purpose, main blog</a> </li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Blog on cars - one of my passions</a> </li> <li><a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/">Blog about Travel topics, including not just destinations, but also food, wine, etc.</a> </li> <li><a href="http://passionforcars.wordpress.com/">The older, retired Autos blog</a> </li> </ul> <p>And on a smaller scale, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872">my profile</a> on blogger has now been viewed 550 times.  </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-69040777109567257042008-11-18T12:16:00.001-08:002008-11-18T12:16:23.175-08:00From Jodi's Blog - My Top 5 Tuna Steak Destinations<p></p> <p>Jodi Olson, <strong>Kosmix's</strong> new head of Public Relations, likes to interview folks for their top 5 lists for her blog.  This week, she put up my list - and quite an arbitrary one it is!  I am very flattered.   Her blog is <a href="http://thesundaysoup.blogspot.com/">here</a>, and I have also reproduced the post below.  </p> <h5><a href="http://thesundaysoup.blogspot.com/2008/11/vikram-singhs-top-five-list-of-cities.html">Vikram Singh's Top Five List of Cities to Eat Great Tuna Steak</a></h5> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_obce-4dkgo0/SSCQ3R0Pc2I/AAAAAAAABM8/f6DpOHl2x9c/s1600-h/Vikram+discussing.png"><img alt="kosmix vikram" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_obce-4dkgo0/SSCQ3R0Pc2I/AAAAAAAABM8/f6DpOHl2x9c/s320/Vikram+discussing.png" border="0" /></a> <br /><em>Blogger and tuna steak connoisseur Vikram Singh is the author of <a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Information Overload</a>.</em> <br />1. <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/poughkeepsie">Poughkeepsie, New York:</a> The Hilton in Poughkeepsie has a restaurant that serves really, really good Ahi tuna steaks. They pan-sear it, and the crust on the outside is made with seeds or something that’s just amazing. The portions are small—you’ll probably have to order two. I recommend following the meal with the house bread pudding. It goes really well with the tuna for some reason. <br />2. <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/Boulder%2C_Co?">Boulder, Colorado: </a>You can get great Ahi tuna steaks in Boulder. Order it rare there. Most places have really good wasabi- based sauces to go with the steak, and they don’t muck about with vegetables. St. Jillian’s Hotel in Boulder has a particularly good tuna steak—both for a starter and a main dish. <br />3. <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/Chicago%2C_Ill?">Chicago, Illinois: </a><a href="http://www.ruthschris.com/Promotions/SummerCelebration?gclid=CJfPxZ3R-pYCFRg6awodET_HXg">Ruth's Chris</a> steakhouse in Chicago has the best Ahi tuna steaks compared to any other Ruth's Chris. I wouldn’t use any sauce because their fish has a lot of taste on its own, and they don’t make a good wasabi sauce. <br />4. <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/Mountain_View%2C_Ca?">Mountain View, CA:</a> The <a href="http://www.thecantankerousfish.com/">Cantankerous Fish</a> on Castro Street. This is the only salad entry in this whole selection. Their Ahi salad is really good, and they have a really good miso sauce with it. Here’s what you do: ask for two extra helpings of the miso sauce, so that you have three in total, and then ask for two separate helpings of the wasabi cream sauce, so you can try the steak two different ways. The dish comes with a lot of vegetables. Very tasty. <br />5. <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/New_York?">New York, New York:</a> Most places in New York city that are mid- to upscale have really good Ahi. They cut it too thin and too small to be considered a steak—it’s more like slices of fish. Because of that, you have more surfaces exposed for taste, which makes up for the smaller portion size. I especially like the Ahi in <a href="http://www.kosmix.com/topic/Anthony_Bourdain?">Anthony Bourdain’s</a> restaurants. </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-70166042784064799732008-10-30T09:29:00.001-07:002008-10-30T09:29:57.365-07:00Virgin America - 2 Quibbles<p>Ok, so I do like <strong>Virgin America</strong>.  A lot.  Based on only 4 flights so far (between <strong>San Francisco SFO </strong>and <strong>New York JFK</strong>, and <strong>San Francisco SFO</strong> and <strong>Las Vegas' McCarran Airport - LAS</strong>)</p> <p>But I have a couple of minor issues.  First of all, they've started charging $2 for headsets.  With all the great programming (and not to mention the original <strong>Doom</strong> video game!), this is idiotic.  Just add $2 to your tickets, and stop asking for handouts!   Some people will use their own earphones, some will read a book or do something else... and some, like me, will get just a little pissed off. </p> <p>Second - no free food.  Pay for your food.  I guess I shouldn't even expect this any more, even on 6 hour flights.  But it does irk me just a little bit.... I expect more from Virgin America.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SQng4vLkx3I/AAAAAAAABCU/BdJVKMU1Tn0/s1600-h/image8.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="269" alt="virgin america interior" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SQng5J2FxII/AAAAAAAABCY/aUCPFHu3JPU/image_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" width="354" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SQng5geG_TI/AAAAAAAABCc/eHDJJGqNwpY/s1600-h/image14.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="248" alt="virgin america plane" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__2SSCxj3yrY/SQng54CrANI/AAAAAAAABCg/VjmX-VtjN0Y/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" width="357" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-76760081852832629672008-10-27T15:21:00.001-07:002008-10-27T15:21:03.797-07:00Flying with Virgin America's CFO<p>This morning, while on my nth flight this year back from <strong>New York</strong>, I found out I was sitting next to <strong>Bob Dana, Virgin America's CFO</strong>!  </p> <p>What's quite interesting is that we were sitting in the economy class.  Granted I feel Virgin America's economy class is better than almost all other US airlines, this was still quite funny.  Turns out Virgin has their executives travel on economy.  They do get one perk - the exit row.  (apparently they fly business/ first when they are on <strong>Virgin Atlantic</strong>, which is good).  </p> <p>I am impressed.  This was a 6 hour flight, and the CFO was sitting in the aisle seat in economy, typing on his laptop, with his <strong>Bose </strong>headset on his head in between friendly stops by the airline stewards and stewardesses.  And Bob's an ex <strong>investment banker</strong>.... so he is probably used to the good things in life. </p> <p>Go Virgin!</p> <p>Here's Bob in a presentation outlining Virgin America, including their <strong>mission statement</strong>.</p> <div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:20beb345-ba47-42b7-b7c6-5a9810d5bfbd" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 392px; padding-top: 0px"><div><object width="392" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0piSKlTIA9w&feature=related"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0piSKlTIA9w&feature=related" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="392" height="326"></embed></object></div></div> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-66877447506818041862008-10-13T21:15:00.001-07:002008-10-13T21:15:37.138-07:00Finally, some Page Rank for my Tech blog!<p><a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">My Tech/ Startups related blog</a> finally has some Page Rank.  It is at PR = 2 right now.  That should help me show up higher in Google searches. </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-26228441566559643272008-10-07T01:40:00.001-07:002008-10-07T01:40:27.273-07:00New York Trip<p>I had a few meetings last week in New York, so decided to stay the weekend.  I'm not normally a star-watcher, but I am an Entourage fan - so it was fun meeting Jeremy Piven. </p> <p>Ended up also seeing William H Macy, Felicity Huffman and Tim Robbins.  Who needs LA?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SOsgd6tX-PI/AAAAAAAAAvE/5lEseW6BPb0/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="293" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SOsgeibcg2I/AAAAAAAAAvI/dHLyvCYhrqc/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="429" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-45501933217564295682008-10-03T05:39:00.001-07:002008-10-03T05:39:43.676-07:00982 Visits on Wednesday!<p>Wow, <a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">my main blog</a> got 982 visits yesterday!  The 1K barrier is close, I can feel it!  I'm racing towards it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SOYSiemqTQI/AAAAAAAAAus/d1LfOIrc4G8/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="340" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SOYSjrCR6CI/AAAAAAAAAuw/WLSYFa3pJIs/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="192" border="0" /></a></p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-33308282821397633322008-09-28T23:14:00.001-07:002008-09-28T23:14:00.874-07:00And Now For Some PAGE RANK!<p>Ah, it took its own sweet time getting here, but four of my blogs now have some Page Rank.  </p> <p>The <a href="http://passionforcars.wordpress.com/">older Autos blog</a> is the leader, with <strong>Page Rank = 3</strong></p> <p>The <a href="http://passionforcars-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">younger Autos blog</a> and my <a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/">Travel blog</a> have <strong>Page Rank = 2</strong> each</p> <p>And my <a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">main, all-purpose blog</a> has a <strong>Page Rank = 1</strong></p> <p>Still waiting for the baby of the group, the <a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Technology/ Startups blog</a>, to get some love from Google.</p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-34962810601241442132008-09-24T01:23:00.001-07:002008-09-24T01:23:51.490-07:00New High - Daily Visits for my main Blog!<p>I'm quite proud of my baby blog - <strong><a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">Capoeirista</a></strong>.  Yesterday (Tuesday, September 23, 2008), this blog received 855 visits (per <strong>StatCounter</strong>).  </p> <p>Well done! </p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-33750219196548665722008-09-16T03:56:00.001-07:002008-09-16T03:56:47.573-07:00Restaurant Review - Restaurant Des Alpes, Interlaken<p>During my trip to Switzerland, we stayed a night at Interlaken.  While there, we ate dinner at <a href="http://www.desalpes-interlaken.ch/templates/home/index.cfm">Restaurant Des Alpes</a>, which is a half open-air restaurant, with lovely views of the alps surrounding Interlaken on all sides.  It was raining and cloudy, but the views were still spectacular.  We sat under a canopy under the rain - it was amazing.</p> <p>The restaurant had a company of yodelers with alpine horns, who were quite fun.   They perfectly complemented the huge tankard of beer I was handed!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SM-Q69JuLEI/AAAAAAAAApk/4SQ4lRKtm2I/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="289" alt="glass tankard of beer" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SM-Q7iB2dMI/AAAAAAAAApo/JF6QKWOYc24/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="289" border="0" /></a></p> <p>On to food:  we had a <strong>veggie lasagna</strong>, which was ok.  And a <strong>Prosciutto pizza.... </strong>what a pizza!  Very soft, thin crust, very light cheese, some tomato, fresh prosciutto and a sprinkling of oregno.  The first pizza in years on which I didn't put even a drop of tabasco, or a single red pepper!  I wish I could eat it once each week.  Pizza dreams....</p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-27074057891415950122008-09-09T14:54:00.001-07:002008-09-09T14:54:42.171-07:00Moving up the Google rankings!<p>I'm quite happy - I'm crawling up the Google ladder.  eg:  search for "Revolution Health up for sale", and my <a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">main blog</a> is the second search result.  Sweet!</p> <p>Or search for "Revolution Health in trouble" - <a href="http://capoerista-vikram.blogspot.com/">my blog</a> is the third result.  </p> <p>Wish I could bottle this formula.  Next step - getting my individual, focused blogs (<a href="http://techperspectives-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Tech</a>, <a href="http://passionforcars-vikram-singh.blogspot.com/">Cars</a>, <a href="http://travelingman-vikramsingh.blogspot.com/">Travel</a>) to move up the rankings too.</p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-40428663958243690892008-09-09T01:10:00.001-07:002008-09-09T01:10:59.985-07:00Restaurant Review - Mingalaba, Burlingame<p>In the pursuit of excellent Burmese food, Nikhil found Mingalaba in Burlingame.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SMYvkVSER5I/AAAAAAAAAko/-fngchMZWlQ/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="403" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/vikramajit/SMYvkvySAJI/AAAAAAAAAks/vihWJcPq6Fc/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="392" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Now <strong>Mingalaba</strong> is supposed to be a hybrid Burmese-Chinese restaurant.  What?  Well, why not?  Ok, point taken.</p> <p>So is Mingalaba a good local less crowded alternative to driving all the way up to San Francisco or Alameda (yuck) for <strong>Burma Super Star</strong>?  Short answer - yep!  </p> <p>Slightly longer answer - well, its not as good.  Everything is very good.  But Burma Super Star is still just that little bit better... for Burmese food.   So if you have time, patience, 30 minutes to find parking, a big group to hang out with while waiting in the cold for 2 hours for your turn at dinner, and only want Burmese food - go to Burma Super Star.  But if you want something pretty good with none of the hassle,  or if someone in your group wants some Chinese food on the side (or even some orange chicken!) then go to Mingalaba! </p> <p>Plus, a name like Mingalaba also fuels the first 20 minutes of conversation.... each time you go.  Whats a Mingalaba?  What does it feed on?  Do we give restaurants Mingalabas instead of stars from now on? </p> <p>Anyway, do go there.  And try the <strong>tea leaf salad</strong>.  Second only to Burma Super Star.  Try the <strong>Palatha</strong>, which is their version of <strong>Roti Paratha</strong> - and very very good.  Try their <strong>Pan-fried Okra and Shrimp</strong> (funnily a wonderful combination) .  Try it all.  And tell them I sent you.</p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5278430036770388855.post-45565482552253563212008-09-03T16:33:00.001-07:002008-09-03T16:33:46.584-07:00Top 10 Hikes in the World<p>Rick McCharles at <a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/25/top-10-hikes-in-the-world-2006/">BestHike</a> put together a list of the 10 best hikes in the world, per his opinion.  I think he has good hikes on the list.  However, I would definitely put Macchu Picchu (Peru) and Patagonia (Chile) up there.  But hey, no one said the list was objective.</p> <ol> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/25/1-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">West Coast Trail</a>, BC, Canada </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/24/2-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">John Muir Trail, California</a>, USA </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/23/3-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Tongariro Northern Circuit</a>, New Zealand </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/22/4-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Ausangate Circuit</a>, Peru </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/21/5-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Sunshine to Assiniboine</a>, Alberta, Canada </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/20/6-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Glacier North Circle</a>, Montana, USA </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/19/7-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Mt. Kilimanjaro</a>, Tanzania </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/18/8-best-hike-in-the-world-is-2/">Annapurna Circuit</a>, Nepal </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/17/8-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">TMB (Tour de Mont Blanc)</a>, Europe </li> <li><a href="http://besthike.com/blog/2006/12/16/10-best-hike-in-the-world-is/">Overland Track</a>, Tasmania </li> </ol> <p>Oh yeah, the list is a little old.  But hikes are hikes.</p> Vikram Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01033233208602727872noreply@blogger.com1