Bangalored - Sight and sound of bangalore and Trivandrum

Fillet of joy - Banana fry and coffee

2009-08-26T08:41:00.006+05:30

This pic reminds me of the numerous coffee I've shared with the boys at Coffee house in the heart land of "gods own country". Now in Bangalore, these little cups of joy seems so distant and grayed as my hair.

Branded "coffee Day's" and "Barista's" of today don't offer these little banana nuggets but their line-up includes more on western . "Lot more can happen over a cup of coffee" punch line seems so alienated in these sterile coffee shops.

There's something natural about the small shops that serves hot coffee/tea. Early mornings these small tea shops are buzz with people sprouting Marxian thoughts and a hot doze of stale politics over a steaming cup of tea. I think secret to kerala's literacy mushroomed from these little discussion groups centered around these tea shacks.

Vazhakappam ( banana fry), this ( Kadi) item served along with is another delicacy that I miss in Bangalore. These yellow slices of ripe banana, dipped in flour syrup and fried in oil is one of the best accompaniment to my evening coffee chat.

How to make banana fry ( Kerala style)

Banana(ripe) - 2 nos
Flour(Maida) - 1 cup
Sugar - 1 - 2 tsp
Oil for deep frying

Banana fry recipe:
Mix together maida, tumeric, sugar and water to make a thick batter with a dropping consistency. Mix well, clear all lumps .

Slice the bananas to two halves and then each halves to vertically thin pieces.

Dip the slices of banana in the batter and coat it with the batter.

Heat oil in a deep-fry pan and fry slices one by one,(both sides).

Watch till the fry turns golden brown. Remove and Keep it on a tissue paper to remove excess oil.

Serve hot with Tea/coffee

Bahadur, lives

2009-07-23T19:16:00.005+05:30

Lord, take me to those wonder years, when I trolled along with my Dad to buy the latest issues of Indrajal Comics. The comics heros from Bahadur, the Indian dective to the ones from the American heart land, Flash Gordon, Phantom, or Mandrake filled the road side book stalls.

Thesse where the heros of my childhood? I had few organized boys who made comic and I used to love reading from those big collection. Often I would go to the Childeren's section of Public Library, at Palayam, I would dig down the shelves to find some unread comics.

These days, I wonder what the kids read. For the current gen "X", comics are not the vouge. There are just too many things to do with too little time. Video games, T.V programs, Internet, etc take up the little time ....

Now those Inderjal comics are collectors item. It has become vintage! Recently at an used book store I saw a big bundle but it got me to think of collecting Inderjal comics...esp Phantom and Flash Gordon.

Yet another collection to build and to live for....

thoughts maketh me

2009-07-07T23:44:00.003+05:30

Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings - always darker, emptier and simpler.
Friedrich Nietzsche

Thoughts maketh! After a short break in my hometown, I'm back to the arena with many thoughts to make life more productive. It's not the first,nor the last time...

Hope it will stick to me with more glue, more time for me to get into a new habit.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

Insightful sources..

2009-06-19T15:15:00.003+05:30

All of us are are walking with a cesspool of ideas. There're no dearth to ideas that originate but most of it disapper in the same wired placed it gave birth to.

Our Chief frequently quotes this line.. ": It's Not the Big That Eat the Small...It's the Fast That Eat the Slow:

I'm slowly taking steps to write down all my ideas and wishes in one place, and ensure to revisit it every day to get myself familized my destination.

Same old story...

2009-06-19T14:51:00.002+05:30

Same old sun
Same old moon
It’s the same old story
Same old tune
They all say
Someday soon
My sins will all be forgiven
Gentle rain
Falls on me
All life folds back
Into the sea
We contemplate eternity
Beneath the vast indifference of heaven

Source: The Indifference Of Heaven

....

Gentle rain
Falls on me
All life folds back
Into the sea
We contemplate eternity
Beneath the vast indifference of heaven

Writing that are memorably evocative. Love sharing some snippets ..

Quote of the day

2009-06-18T10:03:00.002+05:30

This idea is around for a quite a while, still folks like me fail to make it better at every attempt. What could be reason of such disheartened effort. Why don't I have that killing instinct to keep trying, keep pushing for that elusive goal.

Probably, I need to wake up my faculties, and do a re-think of what I all I can accomplish in this life...

Wake me up..

Coffee tales

2009-06-14T14:14:00.004+05:30

Coffee has come a long way. From the small time tea shops, coffee is now branded as a uptown beverage. New joints like Cafe day, Barrista and upcoming Star bucks all promote this idea...

Gone are the coffee/tea under 10 rs. Now with its up promotion, the price can start anything from Rs 50. I used to frequent these shops to while away my time... but that was before recession.. Now, I've opted out of these posh shops to enjoying coffee/tea at home.

Anyways, these coffee shops has become a necessity to urbanites like me. This place offers a quite place from the humdrum of life and a time to spend with loved ones. It's an ideal place to socialize, share, meet, brew ideas. yes with no one to bother its just you, me and the coffee...

Your's in coffee

Vettucad Church

2009-06-14T07:49:00.006+05:30

This is Madre de Deus (Deos) church, popularly know as Vettucadu church. I took this pic during my last visit to Trivandrum. This Church is one of the famous pilgrim center for people from all class and creed.

Friday is the most revered day for this church. People crowd on Friday's to offer special prayers, offering for healing etc. Proximity to the beach makes this church an added attraction to visit.

This chruch history dates back to the 14th century and over the years it has become popular due to instances of miracle cure and tales of vision.

If you plan to visit Vettucud church, you can avail city bus which frequently ply this route. Apart from the transport bus, you can get into any private vehicle which starts from Palayam junction( Near to university office ). Though it's packed, it takes you there in less time and with lots of sudden heaves...

A peek into high school memories – KV Pattom

2009-03-24T09:47:00.015+05:30

Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom, Trivandrum -

Old school group pictures hold treasured memories. Many like me cling to the old school pictures for short nostalgic journey through the black and white years of life.

This black and white picture belongs to the class of 83’ from Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom. This group picture was taken when I was in class 9. I rediscovered this old school snap in one of the magazines. This time I scanned so that I don't loose it again.

This one picture brings backs fond memories of my alma mater, CENTRAL SCHOOL at Pattom, Trivandrum.

20 years or more has slipped by. My school mates at Pattom Central school have long graduated to different echelons of life. I heard that one fellow has become a civil servant, few are working as clerks in Govt offices but the vast majority has gone away in the mist of time.

At times, I wonder how they fare in life? What job they do for living? What dreams are they chasing, and how’s life treating them.

Our batch at Kendriya Vidyala Pattom was famous for many reasons. One thing, our batch produced the largest number of compartments. I still wonder how managed to scrape through the 10th exam, yes much to my relief and for my parents.

I remember many teachers who had made their indelible mark on all of us. English teacher, Sreekumari Madam, Sudha teacher who taught Chemistry, Late Chacko Sir ( Physical Education ), Pushkaran Sir who taught us to many funny looking hangers, Sarojani Mam who taught Hindi , Sanskrit sir who took extra pain to teach me during vacation….

With many years behind, I wonder if I can connect with any of these old timers’. Will they be able to recollect me from this group picture? I wonder if they will.

I would like to peek inside this sprawling school compound and retrace those golden moments inside this institution that shaped the fortune of many souls. Probably, I’ll take pics of old class rooms, the assembly area, top ground, Principle's room etc that hold the sweet bygone moments of my childhood.

Can anyone get me the pics of the teachers who taught us, the science, arts and life?

As drifting logs of wood

2009-01-16T20:37:00.002+05:30

As drifting logs of wood may haply meet On ocean's waters surging to and fro, And having met, drift once again apart, So, fleeting is the intercourse of men. E'en as a traveler meeting with the shade Of some o'erhung tree, awhile reposes, Then leaves its shelter to pursue his ways, So men meet friends, then part with them for ever.

Source: Code of Manu

I wandered lonely as a cloud

2009-01-16T15:12:00.003+05:30

Out of the blue, I fell back in time to remember one of the poems I've leaned in post-school years. It is a song by : William Wordsworth and the Poem is "I Wandered Lonely as a cloud”.

I vaguely remember the teacher who taught it but few lines in the poem still causes by mind to wader like a lonely cloud over o'er vales and hills.

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Though I haven't seen Daffodils in my life, these lines paints in me a beautiful picture of this flower. I think most you too would share the same emotional pang when going through this wonderful poem.

Let me not talk much but share this poem to all of you.

I Wandered Lonely as a cloud -

by: William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Merry Xmas everyone

2008-12-25T12:14:00.004+05:30

Merry Xmas everyone. I'm glad to be home this Xmas. and enjoy the cocktail of local flavours & colors of life. It's nice to rekindle those little moments that I come to associate with Christmas.

Yesterday, I attended the midnight Xmas mass. It was a dull sermon and I felt totally disconnected with the discourse from the Priest. He had addrssed with a written script and lacked any personal take home message to anyone.

Today for Xmas, I'm going errands around and helping my lady prepare today's lunch and dinner. I'll post more Xmas pics and view from my home...

Till then,

Haveawonderfulday

Other side of cramps...

2008-12-12T20:34:00.006+05:30

( Click For Larger Image)

Your thought on this ad...

Friday casuals

2008-12-12T19:32:00.003+05:30

Friday casuals at work

Come Friday, many folks sport a welcoming smile and equally sporty attire. While it's not religiously followed in our pad, it does to many working in the official kingdom. For many around here, everything goes at any day. That takes me to this question. Does the outfit you drape makes any real difference in your internal and external representation?

Dil Hoom Hoom Kare -Rudali ( song of the day )

2008-12-12T17:00:00.002+05:30

Today afternoon during the holy hour(3:00), when sleep
gets to my head,I played this song, Dil Hoom Hoom Kare
-Rudali.In low volume, the melodious voice of Lata
Mangeshkar filled the bay. Soon I got messages from
colleagues to pep up the vol and to share this song.

I repeatedly listened it without knowing the meaning
and I enjoyed its soothing effects. Being inquisitive
about the meaning, I clicked on the information highway
to get the translation of this song.Found it right away
and the meaning sounded very romantic.

I haven't seen Rudali but going by the popularity, I've
to keep it on my must see movie list.

Dil Hoom Hoom Kare -Rudali

Dil hoom hoom kare, ghabraaye
My heart is gasping, it shivers in fear
Ghan dham dham kare, darr jaaye
The clouds are thundering, my heart becomes afraid
Ek boond kabhi paani ki mori ankhiyon se barsaaye
A drop of water sometimes flows from my eyes
Dil hoom hoom kare, ghabraaye
My heart is gasping, it shivers in fear

Teri jhori daaroon, sab sukhe paat jo aaye
When I spread (open) your bag, all the dry leaves come
Tera chhua laage, meri sukhi daar hariyaaye
When you touch me, my dry branch (body) becomes green
Dil hoom hoom kare, ghabraaye
My heart is gasping, it shivers in fear

Jis tan ko chhua tune, us tan ko chhupaaoon
The body that you touched, I am hiding that body
Jis man ko laage naina, voh kisko dikhaaoon
The mind that you saw with your eyes, who do I show that to?
O more chandrama, teri chaandni ang jalaaye
Oh my moon, your moonlight burns my body
Teri oonchi ataari maine pankh liye katwaaye
You are up on a high balcony; I have cut off my wings
Dil hoom hoom kare, ghabraaye
My heart is gasping, it shivers in fear
Ghan dham dham kare, darr jaaye
The clouds are thundering, my heart becomes afraid
Ek boond kabhi paani ki mori ankhiyon se barsaaye
A drop of water sometimes flows from my eyes
Dil hoom hoom kare, ghabraaye
My heart is gasping, it shivers in fear

Jump start your day

2008-12-04T10:46:00.003+05:30

Good day my friends, start with a good workout and so goes my aging philosophy. Today after a long break, I got up early and drove into the chill December weather of Bangalore.

While I reached my favorite park at CMH road, I took no time to plug in my digital player. I started my walk with the song “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, from my cute Creative MP3 player( Zen Stone). One time it was my dream to carry a tiny digital device and walk with the music and now I’m living that little big dream.

Dreams do surpass our wish list and that cycle goes on till we turn to nothingness.

Coming back to my time well spend in the park, the first thing I figure out is to spot the regulars. Today the crowd was thin; probably the chill weather has glued them inisde their cozy blankets. Most of the regulars bore their usual boring expression and I joined in the same group. As I moved with my beer belly, I was further disappointed with the less number of fairer sex in this green park. Well, it is the presence of live wires in park that peps my saggy walking rhythm to a livelier beat.

In the end of my 45 mts walk, I was feeling far better, far confident to take on the day. As I rode my way back home, I resolved for the umpteenth time to carry this routine to kick start a great morning and hopefully step on to a great day at work.

Let me end the post with a quote “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer”.

weekend fun

2008-11-14T16:25:00.003+05:30

"Laughter is an instant vacation!" Milton Berle

It's Friday and a fleeeting though of the looming weekend makes me yarn. I'm stepping towards this weekend with no agenda, no blind date , no freaking pub hopping - looks like I'll cuddle in my pit and dream alone with numerous coffee, tea and wine.

Kunnukuzhy - Through my eyes

2008-11-14T00:41:00.006+05:30

Kunnukuzhy ( R C Junction ) , is a popular junction in the heart of Trivandrum city. This is where I’ve spent the best part -the most creative and the wasted part of my life.

My great grandfathers were one of the earlier inhabitants of this locality. The earlier generation has its roots in these localities and many of our ancestral properties spread around this pin code #695037. Now new people have moved it and they have taken this place as their home.

Old name for Kunnukuzhy

Kunnukuzhy was earlier called as “Pakouttuvilla” (not spelled right). I’m not sure how and why it was called as “Pakouttuvilla”. As regards the name Kunnukuzhy, I think it was coined due to its peculiar terrain (ups and down).

Old life in Kunnukuzhi

Treading back to the old life, Kunnukuzhi holds many tales. I remember old folks say about a place near the current AKG center used to be the waste dump yard for scavengers. I also head that many Anglo Indian Community lived in Kunnukuzhi locality and old timers tell that in the evenings, passers could hear the English songs from their Gramophones.

There is another junction with a name Gas house junction. I think that building is long gone and how it has the Hassan Marikar Hall.

Well, time has moved forward, many Anglo Indians moved to western shores, the scavengers too were made redundant with changes in sanitation.

Facilities, landmarks in and around Kunnkuzhy junction as I see it

Basil’s shop at kunnukuzhy junction
Slaughter house ( Abattoir a bone of contention)
Law College
Indian Coffee house, Spenser’s ( My evening hangout)
IGNOU office is near to it.
City high school ( I learned cycling in it’s ground)
Vikas Bhavan KSRTC Garage ( Constructed on City school ground)
Barton Hill ( Now has an engineering college )
Hassan Marikar Hall, AKG Center
Miranda junction ( Close friend stays there)
Co-orperative Bank – Took loan from here to purchase- Celeron 333
Kala vihar Nagar, Vikas lane ( few lanes )
Police quarters
veterinary hospital is near
Vikas Bhavan ( a crude PWD building housing Govt offices)
PMG junction
Hanuman Temple

I want to add color to my text with pictures. Next time I visit Trivandrum, I’ll capture the essence of Kunnukuzhy. Let me hope that my pics will bring back the myriad life I see in this place, I call home.

Ever had a Biriyani at coffee house?

2008-11-05T00:11:00.005+05:30

Have you ever had a Biriyani or mutton biriyani from any of the Indian Coffee houses from Kerala. Seeing this pic, I get homesick and I feel I'm so far away from a well made kerala Biriayani.

Sitting in Bangalore, I'm thinking if I ever had any of these heavy weights. I've taken umpteen cups of coffee and tea but no recollection of biriyani.

Out of the blue I get a feeling and longing for a mutton biriyani, esp the ones you get Azad or even a Coffee house Biriyanni . If Wishes were Horses ......

Currently at a home away from home, a distance of 500 miles separate me from savoring a good looking biriyani.

Trip to Kallar - Revisited memories in green

2008-10-30T22:07:00.003+05:30

This pic taken near the drivers seat from the KSRTC bus which took us to Kallar, Trivandrum. For those not familiar with this place, "Kallar", I can give a brief from Wiki.

Kallar is a quiet little town on way to Ponmudi. Kallar is 45 km from Trivandrum. Ponmudi is a further 15km from here. The majestic Vamanapuram River with crystal clear water flows thru this place. Exercise caution while bathing in this river . Torrential rain can raise the level of the river and sweep the things which comes in its way. Kallar is a photographers' paradise. Now Kallar is under the scheme for eco-tourism and offers a wonderful retreat for citizen craving for a close tryst with nature.

It was after a long gap that we all "Good Earth" members got together for a day's trip to the woods. This bus took us to Kallar and after alighting we took breakfast from Ashokan's tea shop. He is the local point where we get guides to take us more interiors and also a place where we can pack some food for our trek.

The day in the forest was well spent and within a hours walk we were in the depths of this lush ever green forest. Lot's of clear water, a good place to swim and dip is more than what our tired body longed for.

We all ( six of us ) had a good time and now I wonder when will our next trip materialize. Each trip brings with it soothing moments spend in the green green lush patch. This is one big event I miss in Bangalore.

Moment well spend is more than what we longed for and for that I'm happy to have a great day out in the woods.

what other's 'll say...

2008-10-02T00:29:00.003+05:30

the ones above talk about an essential facet of human life... no matter what u do,u can't please them all...

With the crumbling of family as a bonding Institution in India, boldness in people has gone upswing. Earlier in our society people were more confirmed with the society's rules... family approval, neighbor hood backlashes etc have now lost the earlier appeal...

While many consider it positive, I would consider that this comes with a certain loss of values that we used to associate. Family consent,society approval etc...

I can't for sure tell which runs good, but a striking balance between these two can be place to start....

The Phantom - screen shots from Illustrated weekely of India

2008-10-02T00:24:00.002+05:30

Yes, the hay days of Illustrated weekly of India, I used to read the main cover story and also the last page which often contained Phantom and Beetle Bailey. Yes, I use to follow these short columns was followed religiously. Dad used to bring this weekly home from his institution and I would wait for it .....

Sad to know that it has gone out of publication. One time popular magazine go out due to low readership... Sun, Mirror, Gentleman, Punch, etc are the few tabloids which gone with the times.

Yes, there were die hard readers and I wonder how they would have coped with the loss their reading companion. Time does not stop, it evolves, things which was held close looses out of our life..

Relationships too are like similar to such tabloids... Some fade away, some goes a flickering death and with it's goes a part of your life... Looking back, you see how people has moved from your life.. Don't you miss those people who had a larger say in your life...

Can't help such partings, for its good and bad for your life. Like the seasons, changes too bring out new threads and life from new and renewed people.

The trick in life is to evolve wisely with the changes... thought it brings a tint of pain, the better prepared person will come with better and enriching relations

wonder, If I talk a little too much on the familiar topic of parting and losing.. Well, got to talk something else in my later blogs..

Life's material plane

2008-09-16T17:56:00.003+05:30

Remember this popular hit from the Album “Like a virgin” by Madonna.
“ We are living in a Material world
and I’m a material girl, ….

When Madonna sang it in 85, it was at a time when digital age was still at it's infancy . Now two decades has passed and world has become more richer and deeper in materialistic idealism. Thanks to globalization or outsourcing, we too have now become the part of the digital pancake

Most of us wake up each day with one solitary goal- earn more and gain more. Even the present day kids are preached aggressive lifestyles & behavior. Old values has lots it's sheen in the race to reach first.

So, how can we see the future through the simmering glass of today’s rat race? I feel we ‘ll soon end up as digital ducks waiting for digital solace and digital companionship. Relationships are rooted on shallow grounds, yes, marriage or longer union will be history and society will be a singular world.

Sounds odd to think but that's what we all are cruising and it's an endless freeway with no turning back.

Enjoy yourself today

2008-08-14T14:57:00.000+05:30

Enjoy yourself today. You have a great deal to be grateful for, so give thanks. Take pride in all that you have accomplished so far and share your joy with others. Feel free to let go of the reins and sit back for a while and get comfortable. You have worked hard for a reason: to enjoy life. If you don`t do it now, when are you going to do it? Take a time out and be with loved ones tonight.

Such well-sprung word requires regular repetition. Blogs are the right place to post and visit back such departing truths in this modern life.

Grew with milkbikis

2008-08-06T20:00:00.002+05:30

A generation grew around this biscuit brand and rightly so, this particular biscuit label will crack with vivid tales. Milkbikies was one of the top popular biscuit brand in the pre- globalization era.

Long before the invasion of big and flashy brands it was milkbikis which ruled the glass boxes of all small stores and bakery shops. Yes, I remember how the owner of a small bakery in kunnkuzhy (where I lived) had neatly stacked in a glass box. Every now and then when my Mom sends to buy bakery products, this biscuit would be on the list.

Many years later…

Life has moved up and made changes abound. Many products in those glass boxes faded in the ravages of time. Often a chance glimpse of images spring backs to life the story lines behind it. One such product brought out to the current memory was that of MilkBikies. Well, I saw a picture of milkbikies in one of the blog posting. Seeing that, I too thought of venting my thoughts on the one time popular biscuit.

As I browsed other review sites I found many other commenting on this biscuit label and how they lost the taste of Milkbikis with the passage of time. Most of them seem to complain the low quality with which it was sold during the flag end of its years.

Somehow, tastes and liking changed. People started having more choices and those plain colored packages failed to find slots in those glass boxes. Yes, in the circle of life, things can pop up or fade out.. No questions asked?

Chicken unplugged

2008-07-28T22:48:00.003+05:30

Chicken - Parts

What’s a comb, wattle, cape, hock, shank and webb? Where in the world will you find these elements?

Answer my friend is right in front of you. Downloaded this picture and learn on … So, which part you like the most? Breast or the thigh or back?? or r u a neck freak !!

Monday blues...

2008-07-28T21:59:00.005+05:30

a new monday and last monday of this month. Will all resources drained, I forward to my pay cheque. Not that it can help me all much, but it's a hope and fodder for few more days.

Contemplating over the dead weekend, I look back of many things I could have done and what I had failed to do. Why do I have this feeling? Well, when will I come out of the weekend delighted to step on the week ahead?

Don't know, but I think I have to learn and try to act on those lines to reach such thoughfull feeling. Office got to made more exciting, something to look forward to...

How? Yes, answer my friend is blowing in the wind...

To a hopeful weekend...

2008-07-25T21:14:00.003+05:30

It's closer to weekend and I'm signing off from my work place. Friday nights are usually sought after with pub visits and loud music, but today the blast has rocketed those hopes. Got to reach home safe and dry.

This weekend I plan to any classic or sleazy movies from my collection. let's see how it goes...

Choices less and rosy days gone by - Doordarshan era

2008-07-25T20:10:00.002+05:30

Doordarshan - Old legacy

Looking back, what are the poignant images of the Doordarshan era. It’s a story started with the 82 Asiad and going up to the early or mid 90’s.

Asiad 82 – Appu era

Starting with Asiad, I can remember the vividly of how one sports commentator who announces the programs. One of my schoolmate Sammuel a backbencher used to imitate the way this anchor spoke.

World this week – Pranoy Roy

And coming to the other years, I can remember how I would yearn for more choices in T.V. I used to wait for Friday to see “World this week” by Pranap Roy. His program opened up the world in that 30 minutes and I used to wait to the end of this show to see the newsmakers, and other short clippings of music.

Another program was Malgudi days with its characteristics, tan…. Tone. It was a wonderfully created serial, which takes to the sleepy village of Malgudi.

Then comes Startrek, UFO program, Sherlock homes, . I think these used to the Sunday special.

Yes, Chitrahar was a great hit in those days, but not to me, since Hindi dance songs were not on my view list.

Crowd around the T.V

Also remember how Malayalam movies were beamed on Saturday’s and how the streets wore a deserted look on those sat evenings. People used to cut beach outings and the whole family glued to the box. . Another aspect of that era, is that only few houses had T.V and rightly so all the neighborhood gathered to the house to watch the T.V.

Prospecting from living room
Well I had one friend who did what was best of those youthful occasions. Along with the neighborers folk, there were a large number of local dames who came to watch the T.V from his living room. That presented a host of opportunities to know more than ever and he had a couple of tales weaved around those power cut times . In short it was a productive gathering for him ...

Old T.V market leaders and todays …

Well what are the T.V boxes ruling the market. Keltron Solid state, Dyanora, Western, Solidiare. I often wonder how these big names failed to keep with the market changes.. Now as you know it’s a whole list of global brands.

There are more to be told and retold about Doordarshan era, but so much for today. I can hear the Friday bells ringing down….

Got to pack and hit home – A day when serial bombs have gone off in Bangalore.

Sigh of relief..

2008-07-24T00:05:00.003+05:30

a great relief to the nation and for the congress. Relief b'cos no one wants an early election and for the congress it was by hook or crook the tables were reversed.

I'm sure both sides has their share of horse trading and with Congress on the drivers seat was high up on the stakes.

So, what's with the bad boys , the Left. What's their strategy now. Comrades must be busy is some dingy bars licking their battle wounds!

I bet they have come out as the looser of the lot and in the coming election I wonder how these spoilt brats are going to come with. As a nation we have some more time to prepare for a comprehensive election and I bet it will be a fair battle for all the players ....

A wrong time to do a right thing

2008-07-21T00:49:00.004+05:30

yes, the D-day for Indian Govt is fast approaching. Left has pulled the plug and now it's the wild scramble by both the parties to get that magic number on their side. Money, positions, favors and deals are spread out to the small fries of Politics ... For what, for a vote to stay in power or pull out of Power.

From the cursory look at the reports I feel Congress is not going to get to number required to stay in power

But in case the left wins, I feel India stands to loose on many other fronts. With a sagging economy, spiraling prices and U.S economy is a recession, this would be the wrong time to take such a gamble.

But then, what' is this Nuclear issue all about. Well, I haven't a clue as to what these leftist freaks are taking about, nor have any idea what the whole hamgama is about. I'm not alone, so are the millions of Indians. Ask people around you and you'll find void answers from most.

To the common man, there are more real issues touching them. Are these left listening to the man on the street before taking on such issues...

I wonder if the parties on the either side know a dime on the real deal about nuclear agreement with U.S. Who cares, the party says No, and all the morons will tag on to that word.

Well, time will tell who is right and who is wrong, but it's going to wrong who can bring back those precious time lost is such faulty decision...

Technology couch potatoes

2008-07-15T11:35:00.005+05:30

Time does wonders, and often man is at the other side of the pain. Few days back I read a news on a research report which predicts that in 2020 half of American would be obese.

It's nothing out of the trend, as it is evident from the going trends. You better get prepared for the fat world.

Late evening Friday show @ cambridge layout

2008-07-12T01:21:00.008+05:30

After three days of house arrest with running nose and bad stomach, I ventured out to get some fresh air around Cambridge Layout. No sooner I kick started my gear less scooter , I became a part of the zooming Friday evening traffic.

My first stop was a recharge for Reliance phone and next stop was the food stop at FoodWorld. At the entrance of the building saw an announcement for vacancies for counter staff.

Qualification SSLC and Pay from 3.5 to 4.5k + incentives. Pay is not bad and I wonder on what grounds incentives are bailed out.

There was nothing unusual about the service about Food world. This time I saw new faces at the counter, a bit more energetic and a slightly friendly.

Date @ Cambridge Road Caf’e Day

Finally I parked next to the Caf’e Day at Cambridge Layout. It’s been days since I have visited this coffee bar and It was time for a renewal.

It was almost empty for Friday and I took a seat in the Smoking zone and sat at a vantage to see the whizzing traffic. Ordered Caf’e Latte and brought my thoughts on the road below. It was raining vehicles all zipping past this one way. All sorts of flashy cars and flashy ladies with wealthy looking husbands and lovers. All looked towards a heart full weekend..

After some 10 mts, a young couple joined in. The lady in her early 20’s with short hair and a equally smart young man. It’s nice to see such pairs in action @ new age coffee house. With lots of tales to trade, coffee & pubs are the ideal breeding ground for romance and for people to spend some quality time.

No soon as they settled down, I saw her pulling a cancer stick from her Wills Classic box and followed by a whiff of smoke. In Bangalore it all too common to see young girls bellowing puffs of smoke in these coffee joints and no one gives a second look. It’s a fad for them and I somehow like the way ladies carry themselves when they smoke.

Routine stuffs when it comes to Bangalore, but a big NO when it comes in Trivandrum,Kerala. It’s irony of sort, of how social habits changes across the border.

While nursing a hot coffee now turned cold, with the sweet Bangalore weather, I called up few of my acquaintances and spend my time thinking of my task ahead. As time grew late, I paid 50 bucks for the coffee and time well spend, I look leave of this pace. Reached on to my den with some fodder to think and write.

Believe in Rebirth

2008-07-09T19:44:00.002+05:30

Vivid testimony of rebirth. So, u bet you 'll be born again as a human, or some other four legged predator.... no one came back to tell that tale...

Why lie when I need a beer

2008-06-30T23:56:00.001+05:30

homeless guy lookin' to raise some funds. Cool isn't..
well, you get the picture. Anything helps really. A dollar could go a long way. If enough of you drop me a buck, hell, I might even be able to buy me a case of beer and get two dates. Beer and a date sounds as a good packaged...

Sunday hair cut

2008-06-29T15:07:00.002+05:30

there is time for everything, time to love, time to sleep and a time to have a hair cut. And a lazy Sunday can often be the prefect to have a clean crop of hair. Before a heavy lunch I pushed myself to the my regular saloon. Nothing particular to visualize about this small hair saloon at Cambridge layout. There are four seats to and a big mirror to see ur frail face while they chop off the youth..

As usual my presence did make a small nod of recognition from the lot and luckily got to a vacant hot seat. Off he took off with his work on my hair and finished his medium chop. and then comes to the best part of it, the HEAD MASSAGE.

I wait for this part but today I couldn't doze off in his chair and instead was wild wake while he maneuvered his hand . After a bit of kneading and thrashing I got the perfect end to my cut.

Flashed out 100 bucks and he returned 30 bucks. As a personal tip I gave the kid 10 bucks and went out to the world rushing past...

Obssesive parenting -

2008-06-26T22:35:00.003+05:30

“Most of the obsessive parents know who they are and are generally proud of the fact. Most of the non-obsessive parents know who the obsessive are, and tend to snicker at them.” Steven D. Levitt in Freakonomics

After a long gap I completed reading a book, “ Freakonomics’”. Towards the end of his book he touches on the topic of “obsessive parenting”.

I was pretty much interested in this topic as I could relate with similar sights around me. Primarily, I don’t like too much unwarranted attention going to the kids and I belong to the class who quite thinks that kids will grow up fine minus all these pampering.

Looking back on the older generation, it was norm to have five or more siblings and there was less kind of this obsessive trend. Too many kids around, too many to tend them and with no fancy diapers and lotions life went smooth for kids and parents.

Today its the day of scented nappies and high-tech rocker seats. Nuclear family parents ‘ve little time and less of family support to look for. Naturally the kids get all the attention and young parents see the entire world through them.

It doesn't take much to see such young couples . As for me, I feel sorry for the little world they choose to live in and how they negate others feelings for their little ones.

Quote from Kahlil Gibran about Childern

Your Children are not Your Children

They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

Coastline of my Mind

2008-06-26T14:52:00.003+05:30

Rafting through rapids is often compared to story writing; well, I can relate to my blog writing. Sometimes my pace is at its high like a wild rambling white water rafter and some times it glides as a placid backwater lagoon. It’s all a voyage of discovery, some times it hits upon untold expression and mostly its just a mediocre expression of one self.

The charm of writing takes on different levels, yes it aims to bring writing come close to my thought. But I find it hard to bring my words to the shorelines of my thought.

The pursuit goes on, and I hope at some point I can touch upon more facets and give me the liberty to express myself in the way I think and choose…

2008-06-17T10:53:00.002+05:30

Mr Singh, u better watch at the inflation-o-metere. Rising and rising steady, its effects are spilling bad for the common man. As reports speaks, veg prices are shooting, and the effect of petrol hike all related services are getting dearer.

What does all these come to the common man? While its a break picture, I look at the positive aspects of such money crunch. With less money to dispose, its apparent effect will be in lower rent and lower reality prices.

In a Bangalore where apartment and land prices are seen shooting to the sky, this economic doldrums will cause prices to stall and even come down a bit. From my expectation, the builders have to come down a bit to the ground realties and lower the price of these mega flats. Being a tenant , I would like to see the over greedy landowners coming in terms with lower rent and come down to the realities of the buyers market....

Scorpio - unflattering

2008-06-14T16:40:00.002+05:30

isn't this nice to hear good about our star signs. Read it and see what my star sign has to say about me and my class of men.

Chase : one of my favorites

2008-06-14T16:35:00.003+05:30

James Hadley chase: nothin can beat him in the way he can pen down the thoughts and situation....

here is one which I had written down in my scrap book. Forgot which book its taken from ...

In Foll's panic stricken mind came the heading of chapter six of his correspondence course. If subject to torture, remember your loyalty to your boss comes firs, A top class investigator never TALKS.

He fervently wished the writer of this course was now in his position. He was to bet the creep would sing like a canary.

I'll talk, he said breathlessly.

Saturday - beating blues with beer..

2008-06-14T16:09:00.003+05:30

"A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her."
-W.C. Fields

Come Friday I get the smell and feel of drought beer. Straight from office I head to one of the water holes around Koramangala or around church street where music and women flows like beer.

Mad - another grim fairy tale

2008-06-14T16:05:00.001+05:30

Great isn't.. folks...

Quote for the day..

2008-06-13T12:22:00.002+05:30

Don't try to change the world , change yourself..

don't u think it's easier said than done.. why is that some can while others are very rigid to the core... is it in the DNA, the history, the breed, ...

why is change so hard for me.. to change some of the basic life skills.. ?

Doors of opportunity are always open to all....

2008-06-13T12:17:00.002+05:30

there may be no one to help him, but there is also no one to prevent him making something of himself there..

If heis without resources, his also relatively free of the constraints imposed by tradition and class. Though he is alone and insignificant as he walks into Philadelphia, its streets are not closed to him...

From autobiography of Benjamin Franklin...

Freakonomics

2008-06-13T12:04:00.003+05:30

so if crack dealing is the most dangerous job in America, and if the salary is only $ 3.30 an hour, why on earth would anyone take such a job?\

Well, for the same reason that a pretty Wisconsin farm girl moves to Hollywood. For the same reason that a hight-school quarterback wakes up at 5 a.m. to lift heavy weights......

They all want to succeed in an extremely competitive field in which, if you reach the top, you are paid a fortune .....

"pretty Wisconsin farm girl moves to Hollywood" what would our desi counterparts move up... from the down town areas eying the big silver screen of bollywood .

in the yester years would would sound like folks trying their hard luck by making their way to Madras.....

Mad - again

2008-06-12T22:14:00.003+05:30

for those not familiar with "MAD", books it would be hard on me to explain in words how and what turn us to take a peek into MAD cartoons...

Try figuring out what this scan is... a samll series of oops.... from MAD magazine...

Tips for walking - Part III

2008-06-06T20:05:00.004+05:30

Pre requisites for walking - # III

Before you start walking

Make sure that you are ready physically by seeing your doctor, especially if you have been sedentary for a while, and have any condition which could be affected by exercise, such as high blood pressure.

Warm-up and stretch the lower body, especially the calves. Perform a gradual 5 minute walk then stretch. Likewise on completion stretch out again to help prevent muscle soreness and strain in your muscles.

Prepare your route. I would suggest you to try varied location. Changes in your route can bring more diversity and draw new experiences.

Your Route

Concentrate on safe routes in busy areas that you know when starting out, just in case you feel ill, or simply to tired to continue and to avoid getting lost.

Public parks found in every major areas in Bangalore and big parks ( Cubon, Lal Bag Garden ... are all ideal beginner's routes. For those willing to go a pretty distance these trails and larger parks offer both great scenery and a wider variety of routes. Make sure that you stick to both well established tracks and if possible hire a local chap to get through the new terrain.

We always hire a local person when we got for trips near Kallar area, in Trivandrum.

Your Clothes

It is important that your clothes are both comfortable and practical. I wear shorts and I find very few people do so.. Why don’t guys walk like that.?

Keeping your clothing clean will enable the fibres to both keep your warm and also take the sweat away from your body; matted fibres will not do this.

Wearing layers will enable you to both keep warm, as the air is trapped between the layers of clothing, and also let you take layers off as you start to get warm.

Walking Shoes

Avoid going for looks; go for comfort when choosing your walking shoes. Training shoes with a laced fit, with rubber soles offer good support for general walking on firm ground. If walking over uneven hilly ground a hiking boot with more support is recommended.

When purchasing your shoes, wear your socks, sports socks for trainers, or two thin pairs / one thick pair for hiking boots, cotton / wool non tight socks will allow your feet to breathe. There are many good designs from fitness walking shoes through hiking boots. You will want more flex in an athletic shoe, more support in a hiking shoe.

When choosing hiking boots, you should be able to twist them a bit (torsion flexibility). They need more of a bend than a running shoe - in the forefoot, not the arch, in order to keep the front of the boot slightly off the ground.

Inside the boot, you should have good arch support, and a correct fitting, if they feel tight, go up a size, as your feet will expand when hot and under pressure.

Select a boot made of strong leather or breathable nylon with good water proofing capabilities.

About my daily walking ritual...............

My daily walk takes me eighter to Indira Nagar Park near CMH road or the one behind ESI hospital. The one I frequent most is the park near CMH road. It's two parks adjoining each other. One park has a well maintained garden and the other is had more wooded and greenary. This park has the right attitude and I'm familar with the most of the daily walkers who come to sweat and swing.

One good thing about Bangalore is the way they are maintaining this small oasis amidst the chaos and rampant urbal development. For what little BDA is doing, they deserve credit.

So much for about the healthier aspects of walking around, as of me it also takes on the charm of walking up early seeing the bring sun and to see equally spirited people who come to share the same spirit.

Tips for Walking - Part - II

2008-06-06T20:02:00.004+05:30

Walking Tips - The big don'ts.....

WALKING DON'TS

Common mistakes made by walkers...

1. Do not over stride

2. Do not use too vigorous arm movements

3. Do not look at the ground (Commonly seen with ladies )

4. Do not hunch your shoulders

5. Do not carry hand weights or place weights on your ankles

How long should I walk for?

* To maintain health with regular physical activity: Walk for 20 - 30+ minutes' duration's most days of the week at a "talking" pace.

* Weight management: Walk for 30 - 45+ minutes at a comfortable pace for as many days as possible. Aim to keep the pace constant, being able to talk throughout, however finish slightly out of breath.

* Cardiovascular fitness: Walk 20+ minutes at a fast pace, ideally over slightly hilly terrain, aim for 2-3 sessions per week, increasing both your breathing and heart rate, whilst staying in a comfortable condition.

* Exercise should never be painful, if you feel any severe pain, see you doctor immediately, telling them your symptoms.

God's own loading @ kerala

2008-06-05T22:49:00.004+05:30

Other day I was shifting some household stuff from one end of Bangalore to the other side. We had hired an auto with a large boot space to transport cots, refrigerator, tv and other household accessories. All the loading work was done by the security guard at the apt, the auto fella. Once the auto was filled with goodies we took off and I went ahead in my scooter to guide the driver the way…

While driving I just recollected how a similar situation would tantamount in God’s own county. Will I be able to pack things by myself and chart my way to the destination? No, never!!

Band of boys in blue, red and saffron, in every junction and stop would have other big plans. Loaded vehicle carrying your life’s possession would never escape the prying eyes of these local guardians. Like it or not these guys are giving the ultimate right to load and unload!

I remember how we had shifted our belonging long back and I still remember the treasured goodies I had lost during that transfer. I’ll never forget my favorite pair shoes, a table lamp, a footrest, which was lost or siphoned by these rascals during that transfer.

Now when I have plans to shift my place in Trivandurm, those images jitters me. I’m no good at negotiation rates and deals with any one let alone such master blasters.

I wonder why any Govt’s or administration has done nothing to stop this daylight robbery. What redress does a common man, with no political clout get when faced with a domicile change? How can any one stand against these bad mouthed and aggressive fellas who have nothing to loose. All the Govt machinery in the form of Labour Commissioners order does nothing much to help a hapless victim of organized labour.

Who has given them the right? The PEOPLE. Why aren’t the voices and pains of victims changing the old rotten labour system? What level of democracy are we following?

Well, neither the political class nor the executive class has the guts to stop such outdated system.

God’s own country has many id·i·o·syn·cra·sies and this is can rank # 1. Wonder how these things will change from my land and which political party will have the balls to call a spade a spade.

TIPS ON WALKING

2008-06-01T23:07:00.004+05:30

TIPS ON WALKING - Part I

What do i know about Walking. Here is some resource I've collected.

It reduces blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol," LDL " , tones up your muscles and strengthens bones. An excellent form of exercise for persons who wish to lose weight, or improve level through low impact and low intensity exercise.

Requiring only simple equipment, and being able to be performed by almost anyone anywhere and at any time, walking should be promoted more for good health.

Brisk walking is an ideal way to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. A recent study found that men who take regular brisk walks have less than half the rate of heart disease and heart attacks than those that do not.

How you can train without realizing it.

* Build a walk into your journey to work, walk to the train / park away from the office.

* Aim to walk to the shops, or any other short journeys.

* Enjoy the fresh air and countryside, take the family for long steady walks.

* Take time in the morning/evening @ any near by parks or wodded area

TIPS FOR WALKING FASTER

1. Use good posture. Walk tall, look forward, (not at the ground) gazing about 20 feet ahead. Your chin should be level and your head up.

2. Keep your chest raised, and shoulders relaxed (shoulders down, back and relaxed).

3. Bend your arms in slightly less than a 90 degree angle. Cup your hands gently. Swing arms front to back (not side to side - arms should not cross your body.) Do not swing elbows higher than your sternum (breast bone). Swing your arms faster and your feet will follow.

4. Tighten your abs and buttocks.. Flatten your back and tilt your pelvis slightly forward.

5. Pretend you are walking along a straight line. Resist the urge to elongate your steps. To go faster -- take smaller, faster steps.

6. Push off with your toes. Concentrate on landing on your heel, rolling through the step and pushing off with your toes. Use the natural spring of your calf muscles to propel you forward.

7. Breathe naturally. As you walk, take deep, rhythmic breaths, to get the maximum amount of oxygen through your system. Walk fast enough that your breathing is increased yet you are not out of breath.

to be continued....

BANGALORE EXP : Trivandrum - Bangalore

2008-06-01T20:59:00.000+05:30

After a long time gap I got to travel in the sleeper class by train from Trivandrum to Bangalore. It is the relatively new train, “Kochuveli Bangalore train, “BANGALORE EXP”. From the two trips I made from Tvm, it has maintained very good timings, reaching K.R puram by 8:30.

My love for train travel, the convenient timing, comfort, the travel cost all much more prompted me to take talkal ticket.

So, why are folks like me fetish over traveling by train? Well each one would fall in for some form of idiocy and I too have my share of fancies for this heavy metal engine- is it heavy clanking sound, the big size. There is a personal side, for it a good way to meet and see a cross section of travelers and strangers. Well, who know when you get a warm seat and a promised exciting trip!!. Well such things happen in reel life and not in real life.

Traveling by bus from B’lore to Trivandrum takes more than 15 hrs. There is only one dinner break + loo break at one of that lousy, overcharged hotel. Adding to the agony, one has to sit tight in that small space all through the humpty-dumpty ride. Sometimes, I wonder why these hotels can’t maintain a basic clean toilet, or why the money fleecing pvt bus operators suggest them to do so. Answer could be that we Indian’s don’t bother abt these basic amenities or just all folks like me grumble and forget about it when the trip is over.

B’lore- Trivandrum bus fare is hitting the roof. For Volvo its Rs 800 and going proposed petrol price hike, this is even to pinch more travelers. But just compare with the train rate. It’s around Rs 320 odd for the second sleeper and only Rs 850 odd for the Second A/c. Though I haven’t traveled by A/C in train, now I feel it a thousand times better than traveling in these buses where I’m forced to sit through those lousy movies and glaring speakers shouting over my head.

Another major convenience for rail travel is the online booking facility. This trip was booked by my lady and I just had to flash an Id card with the print out of the ticket to the TTR.

But again, train tickets are always booked well in advance and lazy fellow like me hardly stand a chance to reserve my seats in advance. Another drawback with the train is the timing. Only this train comes close to the bus timing, but what about the regular Island Express. It takes an atrociously long time to reach Trivandrum. Once u board the train by night by 9:30, it takes the most part of the following day to reach out. Sadly so, its like Hobson’s choice to go with the bus and go through the long ordeal of controlled eating and tight seating.

Finally, with no steering wheel to hold onto, no pedals to jam to the floor, what can I think of and do while in my long overnight trip. Can u give me some thoughts to work on my idle mind ……….

6316: KOCHUVELI(KCVL) - BANGALORE CANT(BNC) - BANGALORE EXP

Station stops from Trivandrum

KCVL KOCHUVELI - 16:00

QLN KOLLAM JN 17:05 17:10

ALLP ALLEPPEY 18:42 18:45

ERS ERANAKULAM JN 20:25 20:35

TCR THRISUR 22:00 22:05

PGT PALAKKAD 23:40 23:45

CBE COIMBATORE JN 00:55 01:00

ED ERODE JN 02:40 02:45

SA SALEM JN 03:35 03:40

SBC BANGALORE CY JN 08:35 –

Men wanted: SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL

2008-05-22T00:50:00.000+05:30

"MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY. SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS. SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON"

This is the copy of the ad that appeared in a London newspaper in 1914 for a Trans Antarctic expedition… Ad place by Shackleton, an explorer, adventurer.

This ad which I had come across few years back sparked a fancied interest. I had always thought of having a boat to sail through labyrinth of rivers and backwaters of our mighty land.

Now that years has passed, my passion and dream still remains intact in the deep recess of my memory, only to be fluttered and brought out by similar images and content ..

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2008-05-20T21:41:00.000+05:30

Bought the DVD of "Good bad and the Ugly" and repetedly watched it the whole week. Liked the movie a lot. All the cast in the movie are perfectly put. ClintEastwood is at his best in this movie..

Here goes the classic sound track

Get this widget

Track details

eSnips Social DNA

Never thought it 's a 60's movie production....

The shadow knows - Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Heart of Men?

2008-05-13T20:09:00.001+05:30

Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Heart of Men?

Mad comics and I should thank two fellas who inducted me to the addictive piece of humor.

One Mad feature, by Sergio Aragones: "The Shadow Knows”, a simple cartoon of all sorts of common folks from daily situations. It showed the shadows projected (literally) behind them. Shadows spoke the real intentions and true emotions from what we see beyond the real thing. Funny isn’t..

Often I see scenes in my daily life, and I quickly relate with the “shadows Knows”.

For instance my favorite “shadow knows” shows a man by the sidewalk meeting a known young mom with a small kid cuddled in her arms . Real picture, as we see, shows the man pat the young lad in the Mothers arm, but the Shadow on the wall reflect another tale. He is more curious with the cute mom and less interested with the young toddler, a greater truth in many cases we see around in our lives… : )

Old two snippets ...

2008-05-12T23:44:00.000+05:30

From my old quote book, scribbled by Hari, AG's .. long back

"Life is nothin but a funeral procession winding towards the grave,
Its small joy the flowers of funeral wreaths"

"Dawn breaks , sorrow reappears
Addressing me in the morning light
But the cock's shrill crow"

"There is more in life than
Coffees & cigarette's
and sprouting MARXIAN THOUGHTS ALOUD,
Somewhere ahead there is a darker road waiting,
Another pair of jeans in the crowd...

Alone on a weekend

2008-05-10T13:22:00.000+05:30

Election day for Karnataka. As I left the house for my usual walk, I failed to see much frenzy as I could have seen on a election day in Kerala. Pre election campaigns too had been a low key affair. No fiery speeches and no big public pronouncements, probably b’cos, it was never crossed to see what’ happening with the politics in here or elsewhere.

After a quick walk at the park near C.M.H road, I went and bought fish ( Parava) and Idli from the lady who does biz near Polo Bar. (abt the enterprising Idli lady, it’s another small tale).

At home, I cleaned the fish and applied generous masala ( Chilli, turmeric and pepper and lastly some salt ). Surprisingly in B’lore, Parava cost very close to the red fish, “Nagara “and the common “Ayila’s price too is similarly priced. Naturally being a fish enthusiast or for anyone who knows Paravas cost in Trivandrum, going with Parava. Is an obvious choice.

Giving some time for the marinating process to sink, I fried all of it with little oil and soon enough I was over the idli and fish … Well, after 4 idlies and 4 pieces of fish, I was too full to go out. But, I dragged myself to have a hair cut.

Went to the usual Saloon on the Sai Baba temple road, and waited for my turn. Out of the four guys who does hair cut, my regular chap had his turn on my hair styling. Oh, nothing much to do with my style, the same old style and he asks if I want short or medium cut. I go for short and get takes on his job.

No soon his hands and scissors go over my head, I close my head for a quite reverie in that saloon chair. With fish and idly still intact in me, my nap was even sweeter. The occasional turn he gives to my head adds to my sleep and I enjoyed all of it… and then came the best part of the hair cut. The HEAD MASSAGE.

Oh, and yet again I just enjoyed his hands going rhythmically over my drooping head. He did all sorts of things, beating and banging on the head, and some acts were too violent that I told to leave it out. My shoulder muscles, back and even my eyebrows got a good twist with his young experienced hands….. oh, la la… and while he was closing in FM Radio played the Titanic song and again it music drained in me and the old thoughts came flooded in

Ask me the price of this lovely hair cut and head massage. Oh, I was told 70 bucks, 30 for hair cut and 40 for massage. Great price paid, for a great weekend. Again happily gave the chap 10 bucks tips and waked out to a world full of hope and fun.

Today's Joke: Driving Styles

2008-04-17T20:31:00.001+05:30

Today's Joke: Driving Styles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One hand on steering wheel, one hand out of window.

- Sydney

One hand on steering wheel, one hand on horn

- Japan

One hand on steering wheel, one hand on newspaper, foot solidly on accelerator...

- Boston

Both hands on steering wheel, eyes shut, both feet on brake, quivering in terror

- New York

Both hands in air, gesturing, both feet on accelerator, head turned to talk to someone in back seat

- Italy

One hand on horn,
one hand greeting,
one ear on cell phone,
one ear listening to loud music,
foot on accelerator,
eyes on female pedestrians,
conversation with someone in the car

- Welcome to India

Enigma - Child in us

2008-04-02T22:27:00.000+05:30

I used to listen to this song frequently during my work time and during when I used to stay back at my work... And now when I hear it again, it takes me back to those days @ e-city life and work.

I liked the sanskrit rendition and the sound of the female singer. Wonder who sang it. would like to listen to her other songs... anyone got a clue?

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eSnips Social DNA

"The Child In Us"

prasanna vadanaaM saubhaagyadaaM bhaagyadaaM
hastaabhyaaM abhayapradaaM maNigaNair-
naanaavidhair-bhuushhitaaM who is of smiling face, bestower of all fortunes,
whose hands are ready to rescue anyone from fear,
who is adorned by various ornaments with precious stones
Puer natus est nobis,
et filius datus est nobis:
cujus emperium super humerum...
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given:
and the government will be upon his shoulder..
Some day you came
And I knew you were the one
You were the rain, you were the sun
But I needed both, cause I needed you
You were the one
I was dreaming of all my life
When it is dark you are my light
But don't forget
Who's always our guide
It is the child in us

Sanskrit chant translation

(translation:
Who is of smiling face, bestower of all fortunes,
Whose hands are ready to rescue anyone from fear,
Who is adorned by various ornaments with precious stones )

Puer natus est nobis,
Et filius datus est nobis:
Cujus emperium super humerum... for to us a child is born,
To us a son is given:
And the government will be upon his
Shoulder..

Some day you came
And I knew you were the one
You were the rain, you were the sun
But I needed both, cause I needed you
.
You were the one
I was dreaming of all my life
When it is dark you are my light
But don’t forget
Who’s always our guide
.
It is the child in us

wine - A new taste and a new way of life

2008-03-26T10:12:00.000+05:30

Life is all about discovering newfound tastes and love. For me in 2007, I got introduced with a newfound taste. The taste of “WINE”.

It all came by way of a present my friend Suja gave for my marriage. The bottle of wine she presented was something I had never fancied as a gift and I rightly placed it along with other ardent drinks. Rightly so, it stayed still for many months.

Later in one of our get-together, that bottle was opened and I got the taste of real Wine. Till then, the wine I had tasted bordered around grape juice and dash of spirits. It is a normal practice to give wine and Cake at marriages in Trivandrum, Kerala and those were mostly prepared just a week before it is used!

It’s 2008 and I’m experimenting new labels and new types of wine. Red, White, Rose ….and I Many of the weekends I take pride to share a cup with my partner.

The new taste I have gotten is something that is being seen around India. The sale and consumption of wine has gone drastically up. Newspaper society pages and T.V programs increasingly feature the clink of red red wine. Lapping with the new taste, Indian liquor brands like Kingfisher have bought to its kitty, a French wine company, Bouvet-Ladubay and other acquisition plans are in the foray.

So, what it all takes to. Are we lapping up more Westernized values and this is just a part of the whole saga of change. Well, may be, for we are in a global village where no one owns anything and every thing is for sale.

Cheers…

Malgudi revisted

2008-03-25T23:11:00.000+05:30

Folks listen to the old familar title track of Malgudi days...
Tanana Tana na na na, Tanana Tana na na na . ...

Malgudi Days - Tan...

Confessions of an obsessive compulsive blogger

2008-03-22T10:49:00.000+05:30

Who is an Obsessive compulsive blogger: oh, these days I got into a surge about blogging. It has gone to such proposition that it has started taking toll on my work- frequent peek at my blog, and more obsessed with my blog than other relations around me... What do you call this behavior ? “Narcissist”.

When I started, I felt it was a durgery to write and to put it all up but all at once it all seems to come over me…. Is it common to all the newbie bloggers who gets elated to see their blogs go over the fold.

When I look at my other acts in life, I feel the heat of this too will cool down. This temporary infatuation will go down and will be replace for yet another facet.

Or it could be that I’m still to achieve the level of maturity in the blogosphere? Well, certain about of narcissism can be acceptable but over the top it could be highly dysfunctional.

I hope, I’m not alone to live through such bouts. Can anyone share some lights to it..

Yes, all life is an experiment...

2008-03-21T23:59:00.000+05:30

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the the better.

Which lead me to this thought for today...

Bottle rockets are a heady source of delight for many youngsters, for the same reason they're the source of angst for many parents - they're unpredictable. As a creator and experience designer, there is no telling whether your site, widget or media launch will soar, implode or simply fizzle. Scary, considering that ....

http://joannapenabickley.typepad.com/on/2007/12/index.html

and yes it this takes me to the rockets I've fired from bottles... wooosh.... u never know how it goes, where it goes .... life is just kind of bottle rocket.... after all it's just a puff of smoke in the bottle..

take on that link... worth having a look.

Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes...

2008-03-21T11:16:00.001+05:30

"You see, Watson, but you do not observe." Sherlock Holmes.

Jeremy Brett, what a class actor. The role he played as Sherlock Holmes had captivated me. His facial expression with his pointed sharp nose, queer outburst, smoking spree, abrupt speech and action and more had a queer charm.

I remember that it used to be played during the heydays of Doordarshan. Was it on Sunday's? It's been too long ago and now I often comes in other channels. Doordarshan years though a one man show, has often given viewer some real good programs. This was one, then U.S.S enterprise, U.F.O stories, Malgudi days, Yatra the serial, Classic movies, the xxx movies!! ... well, there are many in such league..

Watching it from a telecast is not possible, but now I yearn to have the entire collection to add to my video library. But how can I go about getting those CD’s? Does anyone have his cd's collection? Can I have a copy, suggestions would be welcome…

One more to my wish list!!

Taking rest & rust...

2008-03-21T10:12:00.000+05:30

One of the earlier pics of my thunderbird taken near E-city. This place is just 2 km ride from my previous work place at E-city. It's been more than a year since I have visited this open ground- it's a sort of used to an eerie ghost infested place, and from what I hear, this place has lost that desolate look and feel thanks to land developers in Bangalore. Sad but true , all the matchbox house construction are taking up the little breathing space.

Well, progress has its price.....

Ode to BoneyM

2008-03-18T22:49:00.000+05:30

Much publicized BoneyM show was held on 8^th March 11, 2008 at Palace grounds Bangalore. Show organized by IIPM students brought out very good response from public most eager to a trip down the memory lane.

I reached the venue by around 8:00 just about the time for the show. As a free pass holder, I had to be content with my place way beyond and had to strain my eyes to see the Lady Marcia opening up the music with noble intentions “ Global Warming “. The band opened with the song, “ Take the heat of me” and from that she took on other oldie number “ Brown girl in the ring”, “ Daddy Cool”, “Brown Girl in the ring” and more.

As the song went one by one, most of the young crowd was on their feet. The backdrop of the stage was a filled with a blanket of LED lights and from that glare I could only just make a silhouette of the lady in skirt.

Though I stood way behind, I could see how poor she had picked on the team. In looks, race and voice they trailed to reach anywhere near to the old BoneyM team. During many songs, esp Daddy Cool, the voices failed to rally in one unison . The freaky dance of Bobby Farel has been replaced by a cheap substitute, which again was nothing short of a disaster.

In spite of these apparent deficiencies, my friend and me got a bit elated with the Old Monk rum that ran inside me and partly on hearing the familiar old tunes.

Now that the show got over, I can now safely hang my childhood fancy to see a memorable performance from this band and to catch on those old glory days. Maybe, my expectations was far too outstreached for a band that has lost and splintered out with the passage of time.

BoneyM comes to Bangalore

2008-03-06T23:02:00.001+05:30

Boney M one of the old time disco groups of seventies is coming to Bangalore on the 9^th of March. I collected free tickets from the IIPM office at Koramangala. This live action features only one lead singer, Marcia Barrett from the original band..

My trust with English music started with the hits of BoneyM. “Brown Girl in the ring’, “Daddy Cool”. Listening to these still takes me back to those adolescent years. I started listening from a 3 in 1 tape player and BoneyM and ABBA was played music on that system.

Recently, I played the video of "Daddy cool". Daddy is not around anymore to listen to it and so, its just takes on trip to those golden years of my life.

The charm of "DaddyCool" comes with the freaking dance by Bobby Farrell and the odd voices ladies make in chorus. : )

BoneyM kicked up its popularity among Keralites during the late 70's and early 80's. Just when the time when Gulf exodus started to sink in our land. It was almost common to see the Gulf returnees coming back with a 2 in 1 stereo and couple of English cassettes.

It was a sight most depicted in many movies. Happy faces from Dubai visiting Kerala for holidays , walking walking down from the airport tarmack swinging a 2 in 1 in hand.

Swinging 80's has long faded into oblivion and it's replaced with street market folks coming with laptops, digi players, digital cameras and all popular cell phones.

So, now I'm just waiting for the BoneyM and hoping the live action will come close to the memories I cherish.

Sledging all the way

2008-03-04T20:13:00.000+05:30

So, who has the last laugh! This tri-series was constantly in the news for the wrong reason. All the provoked and un-provoked aggressive behavior put on by both the stalwarts has given new meaning to this series.

Andrew Symonds and our dear spinner Singh has all been in the pages esp more when India was in the loosing side.

Finally, now the under dogs has gotten with the Cup. I should thank the Aussies for all that bad talk and making these sober folks to ignite the inert passion to win….

Finally, what matters these days is only “WINNING”. Indian Cricket will continue to see more slanders and sledging and we mute spectators too will come in terms with the new ground realties. OUT!

Lighting old matchless thoughts....

2008-02-20T20:16:00.000+05:30

Casual browsing in between my work took me to a blog with a picture of a matchbox. It didn’t take much time for me to relate with similar image of matchbox which had an bigger place in my teens.

Match box like these are hardly seen around; now it’s the new age cousins that rule the aisles of department store - for they come in with more glossier packaging and price. But for me, the old matches still holds an uncanny charm and more so b’cos, I had a fancy of collecting the match box labels.

It was in my school days that I carried on this unique collection of matchbox labels. Every time I’m asked to buy a matchbox, I prayed that I got a unique label. The most common brands I can recollect of was “ “We two”, “Key”. It was a usual practice to buy a bigger unit, a box containing 12 small matchbox. With steady purchase, my collection steady increased in its count, probably around 40 or more label. All the collection was securely kept inside some cover. I remember on how I took care to peal off the cover and at times I had to put it in water for the glue to release its hold.

Now as I look back, I fail to uncover on what prompted me to collect those unique labels. Wonder if any kids now has similar fancy or if any one in those black and white years can remember of similar tastes..

Time has rolled and I lost track of the collection and my collection. Simple facets of life have given to more complex covering and packaging. Life is no more the same, tainted by the passing years and hobbies are changed and expectations are running high. But all through, it is those simple desires that strikes so bright in my memory

Divorce Italian Style -

2008-02-05T20:54:00.000+05:30

Watched this Italian movie last week. The story line revolves around the Sicilian nobleman, his wife Rosalia and his cousin Angelo with whom he is terribliy in love. The story line plots his attempts and desire to get rid of his obstacle ( his wife ). His plot goes as orchestrated- He sets the opportunity for his wife to fall in love with another man and finally goes ahead with his plan to eliminate her by honour killing . After a brief stay in jail he gets back and tie knot with her desired lover and yet again the story doesn't end there .....

This humor tinted movie was shot in 1961. What I like in was the cast, the protogonist's bored expression, how he thinks over the plot and finally how he achieved the dream with a small twist....

Finally, I must credit the Pirates of Beemapalli, Trivandrum for selling such rare movies . I bought this DVD for less than 1$ ....... Cool isn't...