11 March 2026

Tried this “Kaapi” beans

Bought this coffee bean packet from the Indian coffee place that goes by the same name in Atlanta. Ground it and then did the normal “filter kaapi” process. Did not come out as well. I now realize that the distinct flavor and aroma comes from the chicory that is added to coffee beans in the traditional South Indian coffee.

Category: Coffee | LEAVE A COMMENT
1 March 2026

An unfinished task from my school days – and a quick quiz for you

A few weeks back, as a next step to my madness, I decided that memorizing the periodic table would be a worthwhile enterprise. I do not think I ever went beyond 25 elements in school.

As of this morning, I can finally narrate the entire periodic table of 118 elements. Forwards and backwards, for good measure!

Now, for a couple of interesting questions, try this:

1. “Q” is a letter that no element has as a starting letter. Actually, it is not there anywhere in the spelling of any element. There is another such letter. What is it?

2. What is the most common starting letter for the elements?

3. This is for my US friends. How many elements can you name whose symbol is the same as some state in the United States?

Category: Photos | LEAVE A COMMENT