Kiran and Shaan's World

In light of the current plummeting financial crisis, Shaan and I have concocted a few homeopathic fragrances for practical use. My favorite comes from steeping a 100-dollar bill in water boiled with a gold bar – I find the scent completely satisfies my desire to roll around in money. – Kiran

The only thing that can turn around this uneventful day would be roller-skating cockatoos or leprechauns on unicycles. Then again, that’s my solution for everything – because it works. – Kiran

Sometimes I like to impress the ladies while listening to music on my iPod. This means I have to—to the detriment of my ear drums—turn up the volume on my iPod (or even iPhone) in the hopes that they will be impressed with what I’m listening to. “OMG, is that Moby Grape?” Yeah. Yeah it is. – Kiran

That slight crisp in the air this morning signals to me that autumn is fast approaching. Everyone get ready for hayrides and pumpkin picking season! – Kiran

“Mr. Southern California USA, Kiran Thakur, right, received his crown and scepter from reigning Mr. Southern California USA Bruce Hamby at a news conference in Irvine, Calif., Monday, September 22, 2008. Contestants were scored using various categories including: best record collection, most relevant karaoke skills and best Carol Channing impersonation while doing the robot at the same time.” – The Irvine World News

[The real reason I won first place in this imaginary pageant? The imaginary swimsuit competition. – Kiran]

SMILES OF THE DAY

WHAT DO YOU DO TO ACHIEVE INNER PEACE?

I unwind by fixing things and single-mindedly learning how to do manual tasks. My car is a favorite subject. I’ve replaced its timing belt, power-steering pump and radiator. For a while, I got into upholstery. Last winter I knit 5 scarves then stopped. Lately it’s been carpentry, I built a closet and then a woodshed. Cooking is another thing; used to be stews, now I’ve started to bake bread. – Kiran

For me—inner peace means anti-anxiety medication. I’ve tried therapy and I know I should exercise more, but who has the time? – Elmo

Running 5 miles, lifting weights, then taking a short break and drinking 2 caramel macchiatos. – Shaan

VIDEO OF THE DAY

[Editor’s Note: Remember to turn on your volume.]

It’s day 3 of Mother Nature’s attempt to destroy the human race; on Tuesday, the temperature hit 90 degrees and yesterday it hit 92 degrees. The heat index — what it actually feels like — was around 102 degrees yesterday, and that’s in the leafy shady areas. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure most people would agree that anyone who’s had the misfortune of spending more than even 2 minutes outside knows that the heat index on concrete was more like 500 degrees. – Shaan

SMILE OF THE DAY