A RELEVANT AD ON SPORTSMANSHIP!
I wish India-Australia test series is played in this spirit! Too good how the Indian wicket keeper offers mint to the Aussie batsman and they share a friendly moment.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8082225645805923305
Watched it? Time to get back to reality...
Guess that the FMCGs are making use of the opportunity! Recent examples being Airtel, TicTac...
As long as it is in the positive spirit, why should one complain?
Thursday, January 31
Wednesday, January 30
Shivanasamudram falls & Thalakad
Last Saturday, 3 of us decided to cool our heels in the majestic waterfalls. We started from Bangalore by 9.15 am - we started 1.5 hours later than planned because I decided to pack some food since we could not buy any ready to eat stuff the previous night. Shivanasamudram is 115 Kms from Bangalore on the Kanakapura road. We did not expect the road to be as good as the Mysore road or the Golden Quadrangle, but were shocked at the last 25 km stretch which was bad. Inspite of being a tourism spot, the Govt (whichever party) has not paved the road which happens to be the state highways! Such sorry state of affairs.
On reaching the falls, a bigger disappointment awaited us! there were only the majestic rocks and a thread of water. Everyone who had come there was shocked and trying to take pictures with whatever water around! It is only January and I wondered how drier the coming months are going to be! To see some water, we decided to go to Talakad and also to take the Mysore road.
After enquiries, we headed towards Talakad that is 30 kms away and the route between Shivanasamudram and Talakad was even worse.
On entering Talakad, we need to pay 10 rupees each for the village municipality and the forest department so that we get to see Cauvery. To our surprise and delight, there was plenty of water and crowd. Spent some time there and went on the watch tower. We decided to spread our picnic basket at the bank of river, but at a peaceful and lesser crowded place. So, we took the car and came to the place which we noted on our way forward. It was a beautiful place at the bank of the river and with lots of tree and hence shade. Nobody was around and we spread the blanket and started exploring the lunch. Stray dogs came from nowhere and started guarding us. One by one, beggars started coming and before we could wonder, two cars came our way and parked right in front of us. There was one more tempo traveller that followed and from that, I could see that a marriage feast and silver utensils were being unloaded. When I saw 5-6 milk packets, I wondered if they were going to set up stove and cook coffee/tea. We decided to leave the place for all these hungama and got up. Forgot to mention that a sole pig (yes!) gave darshan. When I exclaimed, that it is a "piggy bank", I got stares in my direction!
We wrapped up having a hearty lunch in a peaceful surrounding. We enquired the route to Maddur through which we can reach Mysore and continued our journey. Only then we figured out that there was no road at all in many places and mud was being filled in so many other stretches. I donot know if it is a state highway, but definitely, a stateless highway! And this time, we had to travel around 40+ kms to reach Maddur and that the worst route in the day. So, we went from bad to worse and then to worst. Since there is no more superlative degree, the next one has to be good and it happened to be the best - The Mysore-Bangalore road. We zoomed and reached home by 6.15 pm.
My suggestion to u guys:
1. If u have to goto Shivanasamudram falls, take the Tumkur road as it has only 25 Km of bad strtech and that is bearable than the other route
2. Donot goto Shivanasamudram as there is no water and no good road. Look for a better alternative. If I find one next week, I shall let u know!
On reaching the falls, a bigger disappointment awaited us! there were only the majestic rocks and a thread of water. Everyone who had come there was shocked and trying to take pictures with whatever water around! It is only January and I wondered how drier the coming months are going to be! To see some water, we decided to go to Talakad and also to take the Mysore road.
After enquiries, we headed towards Talakad that is 30 kms away and the route between Shivanasamudram and Talakad was even worse.
On entering Talakad, we need to pay 10 rupees each for the village municipality and the forest department so that we get to see Cauvery. To our surprise and delight, there was plenty of water and crowd. Spent some time there and went on the watch tower. We decided to spread our picnic basket at the bank of river, but at a peaceful and lesser crowded place. So, we took the car and came to the place which we noted on our way forward. It was a beautiful place at the bank of the river and with lots of tree and hence shade. Nobody was around and we spread the blanket and started exploring the lunch. Stray dogs came from nowhere and started guarding us. One by one, beggars started coming and before we could wonder, two cars came our way and parked right in front of us. There was one more tempo traveller that followed and from that, I could see that a marriage feast and silver utensils were being unloaded. When I saw 5-6 milk packets, I wondered if they were going to set up stove and cook coffee/tea. We decided to leave the place for all these hungama and got up. Forgot to mention that a sole pig (yes!) gave darshan. When I exclaimed, that it is a "piggy bank", I got stares in my direction!
We wrapped up having a hearty lunch in a peaceful surrounding. We enquired the route to Maddur through which we can reach Mysore and continued our journey. Only then we figured out that there was no road at all in many places and mud was being filled in so many other stretches. I donot know if it is a state highway, but definitely, a stateless highway! And this time, we had to travel around 40+ kms to reach Maddur and that the worst route in the day. So, we went from bad to worse and then to worst. Since there is no more superlative degree, the next one has to be good and it happened to be the best - The Mysore-Bangalore road. We zoomed and reached home by 6.15 pm.
My suggestion to u guys:
1. If u have to goto Shivanasamudram falls, take the Tumkur road as it has only 25 Km of bad strtech and that is bearable than the other route
2. Donot goto Shivanasamudram as there is no water and no good road. Look for a better alternative. If I find one next week, I shall let u know!
Friday, January 11
Autos off the Bangalore roads
Is that a good sight or a bad one? - is the question dodging me.
Today morning, I travelled all along the airport road and outer ring road to reach my office - only once, I could get to see the yellow roofed auto, that too in a self created auto stand. Reason being that the auto drivers (or auto owners) are protesting by going off roads for 12 hours today, demanding higher rates. It is good for all other vehicle drivers on road. -they can atleast attempt to stick to lanes.
I am wondering what kind of protest is this and how can one section of the society which is dependent on public utility bring people to a halt. It is not problem of today, but almost everyday. Ask any regular commuter of the hassles one undergoes to travel in a three wheeler. To begin with, one has to beg an average of five autos before getting the nod to get into the tuk-tuk. And this average is only an average and does not guarantee a ride every time you stand on the pavement waving your hands. When u stop an auto, sometimes you get a stare in return, sometimes a smirk, sometimes a little less than a "ghaali" and sometimes nothing at all! I have an idea if we can ask for the day's prediction to include this response from our astrologers!
Next is the problem of negotiating with the driver on the extra fare payment. By default, he starts with double the fare and bargains depending on ur desperation level.
If you succeed to get an auto in the direction you wanted and managed to get in, start looking at the meter - which comes in various types and speed. There are types which will not obey traffic signals and the meters never stop though the vehicle is halted. There are Ben Johnsons, PT Ushas and Gangulys that run at various velocity. Tell that to the driver, he changes his mother tongue and uses the only language you cannot understand especially if it is a girl!
What next? You get to see a bit of the city with the excuse of traffic blocks or jams in certain areas. This happens more if you reach Bangalore on a volvo bus. I guess any auto driver eyes a person with a suitcase as a hawk eyeing chicken. I think of macro economics after I get into an auto from an overnight bus journey, early in the morning.
After all these interesting travel opportunities, the last leg is no less. No change for the fare. I do not know where do the coins minted by the Indian Govt. reside ? I am sure that all the black money hoarders prefer currency notes and that too in higher denominations. Our friends hoard coins, especially 50p and 1Re are unheard terms- all these hold good if and only if if it is commuter's money.
Well, I also agree that there are a handful of decent and good autowalas around. Two days back, I was so happy when an auto-uncle (Mr. Chellayya) dropped me without cribbing or swearing. When I gave him the money, he asked me how much change should be returned without looking at the meter. I told him 5 , instead of the 8.
The last time I said a similar thing was to a cabbie in Germany.
Today morning, I travelled all along the airport road and outer ring road to reach my office - only once, I could get to see the yellow roofed auto, that too in a self created auto stand. Reason being that the auto drivers (or auto owners) are protesting by going off roads for 12 hours today, demanding higher rates. It is good for all other vehicle drivers on road. -they can atleast attempt to stick to lanes.
I am wondering what kind of protest is this and how can one section of the society which is dependent on public utility bring people to a halt. It is not problem of today, but almost everyday. Ask any regular commuter of the hassles one undergoes to travel in a three wheeler. To begin with, one has to beg an average of five autos before getting the nod to get into the tuk-tuk. And this average is only an average and does not guarantee a ride every time you stand on the pavement waving your hands. When u stop an auto, sometimes you get a stare in return, sometimes a smirk, sometimes a little less than a "ghaali" and sometimes nothing at all! I have an idea if we can ask for the day's prediction to include this response from our astrologers!
Next is the problem of negotiating with the driver on the extra fare payment. By default, he starts with double the fare and bargains depending on ur desperation level.
If you succeed to get an auto in the direction you wanted and managed to get in, start looking at the meter - which comes in various types and speed. There are types which will not obey traffic signals and the meters never stop though the vehicle is halted. There are Ben Johnsons, PT Ushas and Gangulys that run at various velocity. Tell that to the driver, he changes his mother tongue and uses the only language you cannot understand especially if it is a girl!
What next? You get to see a bit of the city with the excuse of traffic blocks or jams in certain areas. This happens more if you reach Bangalore on a volvo bus. I guess any auto driver eyes a person with a suitcase as a hawk eyeing chicken. I think of macro economics after I get into an auto from an overnight bus journey, early in the morning.
After all these interesting travel opportunities, the last leg is no less. No change for the fare. I do not know where do the coins minted by the Indian Govt. reside ? I am sure that all the black money hoarders prefer currency notes and that too in higher denominations. Our friends hoard coins, especially 50p and 1Re are unheard terms- all these hold good if and only if if it is commuter's money.
Well, I also agree that there are a handful of decent and good autowalas around. Two days back, I was so happy when an auto-uncle (Mr. Chellayya) dropped me without cribbing or swearing. When I gave him the money, he asked me how much change should be returned without looking at the meter. I told him 5 , instead of the 8.
The last time I said a similar thing was to a cabbie in Germany.
Tuesday, January 8
More seats or more trains?
Read an article and a blog on the proposal by Indian Railways to increase seating capacity in the existing trains, probably without additional basic amenities.
We understand that more people are travelling and they are travelling more often than before for business, pleasure etc. This is a big opportunity for Indian Railways as trains are the most preferred mode of transport next to flights which have limited operations and are also more expensive.
Almost every train runs full house within days of booking opening. Even if all the trains are doubled over weekends, I am sure they will be full. What more can a service provider ask for?
I know that more trains means additional infrastructure and networking. But, we are a growing nation with a double digit GDP growth! If we can't do it now, then when?
Increasing seats in existing trains seems to be a penny wise idea and the opportunity loss is still huge!
We understand that more people are travelling and they are travelling more often than before for business, pleasure etc. This is a big opportunity for Indian Railways as trains are the most preferred mode of transport next to flights which have limited operations and are also more expensive.
Almost every train runs full house within days of booking opening. Even if all the trains are doubled over weekends, I am sure they will be full. What more can a service provider ask for?
I know that more trains means additional infrastructure and networking. But, we are a growing nation with a double digit GDP growth! If we can't do it now, then when?
Increasing seats in existing trains seems to be a penny wise idea and the opportunity loss is still huge!
Monday, January 7
Today is a great day!
Yes, everyday is a good day. I am happy for today. It is just the beginning of a long Monday!
Its not the day that matters, its how we enjoy ourselves!
Well, let me come directly to the topic. Its 9 am and I feel all excited about today. This is in spite of the early morning power cut resulting in a cold shower and me running to catch the office bus.
What could be the reasons for the happiness? I experienced the most blissful things of life:
1. The best thing in the world is to be loved
2. The next best thing is to love
To elaborate further, I casually told my hubby last evening that I make it to the bus stop alone daily. Today morning, in the hurry, he wore his sandals and accompanied me. I sighted the bus before crossing the road and ran helter-skelter and managed to board the moving bus.
An hour later, I called him to request him to get my track suits, he tells me that he can never forget today.When I asked him the reason, he told me that he had captured the moment when I turned back to wave at him before boarding the running bus and that this will remain with him forever. Though I think it is funny to see someone with two bags running and waving, I feel good that it happened that way!
The second reason is equally exciting for me. I get a mail from a dear friend that she is getting married to another dear friend of mine! And these two had known each other for more than ten years and I am sure they can make a wonderful pair together. Each of us had dreamed of different lives and are now getting into unexpected twists and turns. All is for good and all is well that ends well. I am so happy for the two and may the Holy God bless the couple!
Now tell me if I need any more reasons to be so happy?
Its not the day that matters, its how we enjoy ourselves!
Well, let me come directly to the topic. Its 9 am and I feel all excited about today. This is in spite of the early morning power cut resulting in a cold shower and me running to catch the office bus.
What could be the reasons for the happiness? I experienced the most blissful things of life:
1. The best thing in the world is to be loved
2. The next best thing is to love
To elaborate further, I casually told my hubby last evening that I make it to the bus stop alone daily. Today morning, in the hurry, he wore his sandals and accompanied me. I sighted the bus before crossing the road and ran helter-skelter and managed to board the moving bus.
An hour later, I called him to request him to get my track suits, he tells me that he can never forget today.When I asked him the reason, he told me that he had captured the moment when I turned back to wave at him before boarding the running bus and that this will remain with him forever. Though I think it is funny to see someone with two bags running and waving, I feel good that it happened that way!
The second reason is equally exciting for me. I get a mail from a dear friend that she is getting married to another dear friend of mine! And these two had known each other for more than ten years and I am sure they can make a wonderful pair together. Each of us had dreamed of different lives and are now getting into unexpected twists and turns. All is for good and all is well that ends well. I am so happy for the two and may the Holy God bless the couple!
Now tell me if I need any more reasons to be so happy?
Friday, January 4
Welcome is just another welcome
You will like 'Welcome' for its clean fun! It is not a great movie because there is nothing more than that and sometimes, less of that too.
Compared to the recent comedy movies like Apna sapna money money and Dhol, Welcome is better. At the same time, this movie is not as good as Dhamaal. I havenot seen Bhool bhulaiya and cannot compare with that.
Anil Kapoor is the best thing to happen in this movie and Nana comes second. Paresh and Feroz Khan add to the smiles. I would rate Mallika much better than the charming Katrina. Akshay is also there and is the hero! He has a role to play in the climax. The climax is ‘inspired’ by Kamalhaasan’s Michael Madana Kama Rajan- a wooden house hanging on a hill top with all the actors of the movie inside it.
Missing in the movie are logic and continuity, chemistry between the lead pair.Music is average. The screenplay makes the viewing interesting especially in the second half.
Anil carries the movie and what an actor!If you have the time for a family outing, choose Welcome!
Compared to the recent comedy movies like Apna sapna money money and Dhol, Welcome is better. At the same time, this movie is not as good as Dhamaal. I havenot seen Bhool bhulaiya and cannot compare with that.
Anil Kapoor is the best thing to happen in this movie and Nana comes second. Paresh and Feroz Khan add to the smiles. I would rate Mallika much better than the charming Katrina. Akshay is also there and is the hero! He has a role to play in the climax. The climax is ‘inspired’ by Kamalhaasan’s Michael Madana Kama Rajan- a wooden house hanging on a hill top with all the actors of the movie inside it.
Missing in the movie are logic and continuity, chemistry between the lead pair.Music is average. The screenplay makes the viewing interesting especially in the second half.
Anil carries the movie and what an actor!If you have the time for a family outing, choose Welcome!
Wednesday, January 2
Happy New Year and resolutions
Wish u and ur loved ones a very happy and fun filled 2008 !
Well, the terms new year and resolutions are tagged together. Everyone talks of it, if not resolving or breaking a resolve!
Do u know why a new year is associated with resolution? I donno ... but I have some guesses.
Anytime through the year, one feels to improvise oneself or the surroundings or something around oneself. This feeling might arise once or few or many or more times as part of day-to-day life, depending on the personality. Most of the times, when the need is not immediate, the natural response from the body is to procrastinate.
What does it wait for? The Christmas?
Almost yes.... but to be exact, it is the new year!
It is a new beginning and an easy start for setting and tracking the goals.
I too take resolutions and many a time, they get broken silently or come crushing down.
And every year I hope not to do them. Hope that this year also!
Well, before that, I need to define them :-)
Have a great year ahead!
Well, the terms new year and resolutions are tagged together. Everyone talks of it, if not resolving or breaking a resolve!
Do u know why a new year is associated with resolution? I donno ... but I have some guesses.
Anytime through the year, one feels to improvise oneself or the surroundings or something around oneself. This feeling might arise once or few or many or more times as part of day-to-day life, depending on the personality. Most of the times, when the need is not immediate, the natural response from the body is to procrastinate.
What does it wait for? The Christmas?
Almost yes.... but to be exact, it is the new year!
It is a new beginning and an easy start for setting and tracking the goals.
I too take resolutions and many a time, they get broken silently or come crushing down.
And every year I hope not to do them. Hope that this year also!
Well, before that, I need to define them :-)
Have a great year ahead!
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