MERA DELHI, BOLEDIL

Traveller by choice

2011-02-12T13:04:00.001+05:30

New read travel writing in my life until I stumbled upon a travel magazine by the name ‘Outlook Traveller’. I still read it till this day, every month. But, why I loved the magazine and travel books, which i have discovered from that time, had kept me thinking… the revelation has come just a few days back.

A person who does not fit into any sampling demographic, who is part of the crowd I but does not behave like the crowd is a loner…and traveller are loners. I was that loner who was floating and travel and travel writing has made me comfortable and the loner has found his pass time and perfect one also.

So, I am a traveller by choice, only that i have discovered it late. But … I have found it nonetheless.

The Slower Days are here…

2011-02-06T21:16:00.001+05:30

If it were not for these days for which I had been waiting, the post would not have been there in the first place.

I wait long months for the days of February and March for two reasons. First, I am left with much time to myself and the prospect of planning a trip to home. So, as the days, I call them slower days, have arrived, it is obvious that I am in for better mood and spirits.

I have made Delhi my home, for reason which are clear. The city gives me the means which has lead me to live a reasonable life. This city is where I can get lost at will and don’t have to think what the other fella is thinking about me..gosh he is busy with his life to stop and think about me. Unknown ness has a meaning in this city. Obviously I am from a small town.

As the sense of time seeps in, the longing for days of childhood increases. Would my childhood friends remember the time I am longing. Recently, I found a friend of childhood who has completely forgotten me. As I see my children grown I have been gathering their beautiful memories, which I am sure they will not remember as they grow up except for a few. So, the forgetting of a friend, is not that terrifying in the first place.

I get back to my (home) town once in a while, just to see how’s the life changing and sadly it is changing fast and it no more resembles the place I had once grown up in. In sudden turn of fate, I feel more lonely there than I am here in Delhi. I go back only to slow down, Delhi has a frantic pace, and, i need to slow down once in a while to rebuild my energy. But, the once small town has become even more frantic. I am left with no place on this planet to feel my own and a sense of nomadic drift has engulfed me. Nobody can call Delhi his own…childhood in this city, as I see in my children builds a kind a self centric thought pattern without the humbleness of the life all around.

I had moved out of the small town only to get lost. I got lost and long many years were those, but as I find my way in the mystic sense of finding the lane one is waiting for a lifetime, I do not find those strong reason which I once had for getting lost. I have to head back. As Gandhi had once said about travelling around the world and ending up in home, a sense of deja vu no more exists. Living with the thing I have and hardly thinking about the things I don’t have. I recently saw an episode of ‘Highway on my Plate’ on NDTV Goodtimes where a person has travelled worldwide as chef and has returned home after a decade or so to open a small bakery in his home town. Longing and Loss are bed partners in a strange kind of way.

As I sit down here in Delhi and pen my thoughts, I see now that the few of the things from which I ran away are no more relevant. Some of the people , I thought loved me, I found out, they no more love me. For most people I am irrelevant. I am not the figure I was running away from. I am lost in the place of my childhood, where I had thought I would never be lost.

Circle it is, Life…

Life is a mojo issue

2011-01-18T00:06:00.001+05:30

I know now why Austin Powers needs his mojo desperately. Without mojo, life is a vegetable. What kind of vegetable, we do not know. But finding the mojo is easy…but a Austin Powers found out, keeping that mojo is altogether another ball game.

Something Strange but still familiar

2010-11-07T16:13:00.001+05:30

I was sitting with a water bucket on the tenth floor of my apartment in Delhi. The idea being if any kind of crackers does make it to my balcony, I can extinguish it with a cool shower of delhi water. None turned up eventually...for a change this was strange.

As I was not that busy, I thought, let me look at this smoky diwali city. I did. I found that there was traffic on road, all around people were busy either lighting up candles or having diwali fun burning crackers. But it was quite in a non familiar way. There was more crackers this year than the last, so I thought delhi had more money to spare. I did ... simply because the city had just successfully concluded the Commonwealth games.

In still familiar way, the crackers took to some spirits as the clock moved towards mid-night. I thought that as the diwali gambling was coming to an end...it was time for businessmen to get on with their crackling ways. It continued well passed mid-night. I was cosy in my bed by then ...but the sound of crackers kept coming.

The city sky looked much cleaner than usual years in the morning next..surprising...but then 2010 has been different is all manners possible!

Ordinary Day….But its diwali

2010-11-05T09:14:00.001+05:30

Light…Lights…n crackers. How can this be an ordinary day..it is if not it was diwali today. Ruse has it has the weekend has started earlier and this sets the tone for the … end of year celebrations. 2010…has been interesting till now…interesting.

Is there a recession?

2009-08-30T23:30:00.001+05:30

I don’t see recession any where except in newspapers and expert speak. Look all around and there is vitality, growth and something is happening. I was even approached for a Multi Level Scheme recently and these things don’t thrive in a recessionary environment.

Then why are we worrying about the recession, even though the markets (Share Markets) have recovered from the lows. A recent reading of facts do reveal that the ground situation in the American continent and in Europe has improved (The Fed Chief got a extension for his efforts in dealing with recessionary environment) but much has been lost and much has to happen before recession is officially called off.

The next few months would be vital and a clear picture would emerge sometime in October when the next quarter results are announced and government data on various parameters are out. Much also depend in this country on domestic consumption. We will be faring better and it would be wise to watch watch other big and small markets/economies are faring.

The ordinary post by an ordinary indian

2009-08-10T23:02:00.001+05:30

With 'Swine flu' all around it has became pertinent to think of a answer on the ways and means to face a pandemic. It would be prudent to expect emergency services to take over only after initial attack as taken place.

The question which is paramount is that what do I do when I see a person, which according to me is infected(may be of any disease). Can I get in touch with any public authority having means to address the problem? In the US there is the 911 standard service across the country. It is high time to have such a service in our country also. Look at Indian Railways, they have the 139 all India service. Having a common pan India number would mean that individual can be of use by way of passing information to a centralised authority and the information reaches the desired destination and therefore speedy resolution of the problem can take place.

There is another aspect to it. Many small actions/incidents which go out of control because the proper authorities don't have the information, can be taken care off.

But, for things to happen, someone has to take that initiative.

Technorati : Swine flu, health services
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Flickr : Swine flu, health services

Blood

2009-08-08T13:32:00.001+05:30

Blood. The word evokes extreme emotions. Today, I donated blood after a gap of 15 years. The experience was the same even after a decade. The sense of pride of doing some thing good, giving back something I have always taken for granted was pervasive. The only thing that struck me is- Why hadn't I donated blood more often? But , then it is never late to start ...

Siddhartha

Increase in everything except pay!

2009-08-06T23:55:00.001+05:30

Technorati Tags: Delhi,Schools,Fees

Some news is bound to grab our attention. The recent being the case for increase in tuition fees for students studying in Private unaided schools to accommodate 25 percent students admitted for belonging to reserved categories and who will not be paying fees as per the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory education Act, 2009 . I admit that it may not be a national issue as of now, but the issue has wider ramifications.

The logic being that, any increase in tuition fees should be justified. To put in plain English - increase in tuitions should be made in a period manner to account for inflation and any interim or abrupt increase should be for qualitative enhancement of the education experience.

The ideas envisaged in the Act may be noble, but its implementation requires sensitive handling. As for me, I will never be willing to pay anything extra for the same thing. Will anybody increase my pay for doing the same thing, I doubt.

The Climate has become definitive

2009-08-06T01:08:00.001+05:30

I came to Delhi in the early summer of 1998. It was cooler in the April of 1998. But, I never thought it would be equally hot and unbearable in the summer of 1999. That memory has long been lost in the soothing summer that followed. But again it seems, when we forget history it is bound to repeat itself. Even with all the modern amenities, the summer of 2009 will be there in my memory for at least another 10 years particulary for the reasons, which I forgot soon after 1999. Climate is moody and cyclic and it is we who forget but do not forgive.

Sometimes, it may look brazen, sometimes we do blame it on climate change and sometimes we have to blame it on the collective loss of memory to events which have happen in our lifetimes but we have chosen to ignore. Climate is changing but not in a drastic manner as has been pointed out to us. It seems that with modern gadgets he have become less adaptable to the changing moods of nature. With such fast life, even memories which were just five years old seem to have been in our other life. In the days we live only we are able to digest the varying mood of the SENSEX or NFTY but any normal natural change is beyond our capacity.

When while I write this and feel strongly about it, I am feeling the urgent need to turn on my AC, which I have turn off just to get into a mood for writing this piece.

Billu is only a medium

2009-02-22T22:52:00.001+05:30

Billu, the movie starring SRK, Irfan Khan has got me thinking. Things have changed. The word ‘barber’ would be made an issue was beyond my imagination. But in the days we are living, it isn’t surprising.

The issue here is freedom and an environment for creativity. With all the ado about my country becoming a star among nations, I in the present environment think otherwise.

True progress or leadership comes from action on the ideas one has. Ideas are central to leadership of any sort. In the western continent, citizen follow their heart and not their belly, as we do. Most are ok, some come out to be extra-ordinary individual with ideas which are life changing. An environment of freedom and creativity is the key.

Contrary to this, our freedom comes only come from the economic front and other freedoms flow from it. In sum, it feels like freedom is not free. Hence, when the name of a movie is changed for some reason or the other, only because it may hurt individuals from a certain profession, it show that we are not proud to do what we do. What follow from this is misery..

Chinese Mistress

2009-02-18T11:17:00.001+05:30

A bizarre news has come to light, where a Chinese business held a contest to select the best mistress among his five mistresses. Things turned ugly when one of the mistress who did not make it to the top drove the businessman along with rest four mistress off a cliff surprisingly killing herself and injuring the rest.

I have two lines to say. First: The man has got guts. Second: He became more pragmatic and he should have been. God help him.

Dented Car, Emotional Scars

2009-02-18T11:05:00.001+05:30

It gives me happiness to see car's which are dent free on delhi's roads. But, you see of them seldom, hence, more happiness when I see them.

This brings to the question of - Why are most cars dented/scratched ? Blame it on the peculiar temper of Delhites, but the things go deeper. It may be because people do not believe in giving leeway in this city, may the be reason for so may dents and scratches. But thing are not what they seem... I feel inside very delhite the urge to outdo the other and fly ahead may be one of the other reasons.

But that's me... I believe that someday someone would research into this and find a more reasonable reason!

Delhi Meri Jaan!

2009-02-17T10:30:00.000+05:30

A lot of delhites hate the city for many things which they would like to see, but are not in the city at all. Ask them to imagine a life outside of delhi. Only then, they realise Delhi is their jaan. Living here and cultivating things we would love see is the only way out.

Cash Less Life

2009-02-15T21:00:00.001+05:30

Technorati Tags: boledil,delhi,cash

Life without cash or plastic cards is unthinkable. Think Again.

I have noticed that :

1. Politicians do not carry cash.

2. Film stars can do without cash including ‘James Bond’ (he only needs to say his name and the job is done)

3. Top business men are without cash most of the time.

Just look around and see if these people ever take out their wallet at the cash counter.

Deary Dead Earth

2008-06-13T17:55:00.001+05:30

In times of turmoil, everybody looks towards the leader. In his/her absence, it becomes difficult to make sense of what is happening and what needs to be done. In the financial world the 'value' leadership is end and the new leader is yet to emerge.

So, it seems the times are chaotic not because there the things that are happening, but because, a strong leader is yet to emerge. In this era of collective leadership, the figure one needs to look towards is not an individual anymore but a sort of financial wizardry which may come to rule. In the Financial Institution setup, which works in a methodology of its own, the ordinary investor, is yet to find guidance in these troubled markets.

On on 12th June, the sudden spurt in both the indices, BSE Sensex an NSE Nifty was only due to creation of value, according to experts. The values could not be sustained even for a day and therefore 13th June, 2008 saw a chaotic day at the markets. If the markets keep on behaving the way they are presently behaving, then it is time to visit the whole theory of 'Value' and 'Value Investing' once more.

On the charts, the 200DMA has been broken only the 500DMA remains to be broken in a persistent manner. That may also happen. This may signal a significant trend for the market to form in the future. If Oil, commodities and exchange rates of currencies keep the whole trade between countries at gun point, then the larger gain from globalization and the efficiencies from it will have to be recast in light of global trade experience.

Coming back to the value concept, I would like see things, change. First, if the concept of value becomes widespread and individual and companies embrace it totally, the the upside to gain from it diminishes. Something else has to to replace the value concept in the market. As presently the new concept is still to take shape, only trading and timing of trade will keep us earning those extra value for the money we invest. So choppy markets will continue and I wait for that new concept of value to emerge.

Have Money, Spend it

2008-06-05T17:45:00.001+05:30

I read Monika Halan's article in 'Outlook Money' sometime back, and she had an interesting and forceful argument on the impact of inflation on urban citizens. She contended that as the salaries of urbanites are inflation proof, who cares about inflation. I can't agree less.

Only one thing bothers me now, 'How would our behavior change in a inflationary economy?'. Shall we keep on spending, as we did earlier. May be not. But then, these are the period where the distinction between the well off and very well off becomes apparent.

Ordinarily, people will curtail their expenditure and most importantly, the investment component of saving will have a sharp fall. It would be normal to expect such a behavior. But, then smart and most probably the rich ( the very well off) would behave differently and their investment component would increase in times of turmoil such as the times we are living in.

What I am saying in is that in a sea-saw economic condition, the rich differentiate themselves by focusing on opportunities of investment, whereas, the well off focus on their expenditure only. Most well off are learning this, but, as we all know, the rich will always remain that 1 percentage of the whole population, which most well off will aspire all their life.

The world does not exist for the poor and the middle class expect in marketing terms.

Those few questions...

2008-06-03T14:47:00.001+05:30

Why do i write or for whom should I write, is the 'basic question' in any form of writing. It would seem foolish, to share some of the anxiety and trepidations inside me on this question with my readers. These days, such behaviour would be construed as unprofessional. But, I would like to share some of my views on the subject with you all, my readers.

It is common, when you write regularly on variety of subjects to run out of ideas...to run out of motivation and all sorts of things happen. It takes personal discipline, a high degree of motivation and a singular sense of purpose to keep on doing things. A few who tread these paths with purpose, technically find 'nirvana'. I am not in that list.

I started, faltered, learnt and then lost focus. So, the ideas in my mind decayed and in its place came in other ideas which were not for writing. Losing interest in things, is easy, as I have found out. I have blamed many a people, circumstances and self for this. Like any old addiction, if you again get a taste of it, you again become addicted. Blogging seems to come back to me again and again. Not that, it is a very good thing to do, but, blogging has meant that I keep on with my readings and when you read and think a little, you end up with ideas, which no body wants, but you desperately want to share. Something similar has happened to.I am writing for writing's sake.

On the focus, thing, I have long scratched my head and have settled for subjects of money, economy, life and mojo of living.

Hope, I keep this time the things i have started..

That another beginning...

2007-12-11T11:22:00.000+05:30

I becomes second life, when you begin to see the things which are supposed to happen before it really happens. So, it was winter last, i had started blogging, and now, out for blogging, I have started again. The motivation have varied, but the gut feeling is the same. I expect, this time, the sojourn will be more enthrallingly journey...

Issues on being father again

2007-06-17T23:33:00.001+05:30

It a strange feeling to become a father for the first time. That strangeness isn't there the second time, but in its place comes a certain kind of anxiety, which is a little harder to explain.

First things first. Its an exciting experience (if you and your spouse live alone) to go through, starting from the first pregnancy test for your wife, to consulting the doctor on a myriad number of issues, to the day, when your baby see's the first light of his/her life. You notice everything close-up, and every experience is new and fresh. That is one of the charms and the gaiety your first baby gets, for being the first baby.

Second time around, you know what is coming. And it comes with are certain questions, which need a clear understanding in the first place. First and foremost, why do you need a second kid ? Do you have the time and the energy the second kid will demand? None the less, are you aware of the financial implications of the second baby?

In the times we live, things have changed. Most of us do not have the big family net which used to exist earlier and so the pressure of child rearing is enormous. Add to it the cost of putting a kid through school, college and eventually professional education is a daunting affair, which is why most couples do not want a second baby. So, it isn't strange that we see a of single kid families all around. Did I add that, the ladies of our generation also do not want to go through the demands of pregnancy again. They are lot sensitive, than their mothers.

But, when you and your spouse decide to have a second baby, do you have a reason, infact a very good reason. I think, I can give you one good reason. When you have one kid, he/she gets all the attention, all the things and all the pampering you can shower. It can spoil him/her but more than anything else, when you are gone he/she would be left alone in this big bad universe. One of the easiest things you can give your kid is a sibling. It does a world of good. First, it limits pampering, secondly, he/she will have to learn the social structure , thirdly, he/she will have to devise ways to get your attention and not the least, these two kids will never feel lonely in their life again (they know the other exist, even when he/she is half a world away).

So, when the reason is clear, you get ready to go over again through a process ( the course of your wife's pregnancy) which you are familiar with, in a manner which you can be excited about and your first kid will need all your help to know and understand what is coming ( he/she is going to lose the dominant status).

Most people don't know why they want a second kid, and it isn't strange.

Technorati : father, kid, pregnancy

Results of the Class XII Exams – the other side

2007-05-25T23:19:00.001+05:30

Now that the results of the CBSE exams for Class XII are out, and some have performed better than others, it is time to introspect in retrospect.

There are many reason, I believe for which some students have scored higher than others. I will list some of them here:-

1. The results you got is directly proportional to the hard work you put in.

2. The percentage obtained is similar to the circle of students you befriended.

3. The result is dependent on the quality of education ( in schools) and tuitions you received.

4. The reputation of the school in which you studied directly contributed to the percentage obtained ( a reputed school helps you add at least 5 percentage to your aggregate marks).

5. You percentage is also directly proportional to the hold you have over the English language.

In short, in addition to the regular studies one undertakes, many factors also play a role in the end result. I have discounted the role ' luck' plays. I have done so, because luck cannot be quantified. But, to most extent, your circle of friends and your school has a larger role to play in the results you obtained. These factors are time tested.

Technorati : CBSE, Class XII Results, result analysis

Love It or Hate It, you have gotta have it !

2007-05-22T22:43:00.001+05:30

Love it or hate it, we need a government which completes its tenure. When a government achieves a milestone like the present UPA [coalition] government completing 3 years in office, we are generally pre-occupied with discussing the achievements/shortcomings of the government.What we forget, in this cacophony, is the fact that, there is always a probability that the coalition government would fall earlier than its tenure. So, if such an event has not materialised, then, what we reap instead is stability of governance, continuity in policies and growth ( blame the present economic boom for it).

If we are overtly critical ( I think the time is to be blamed - 3 years gone, 2 years remaining) of any coalition government, which is running smoothly, we have not fully discounted the fact that there is every possibility of it falling before completing its tenure. And strangely, when a coalition government is lasting the full tenure, we start to treat and evaluate it as a single party government, which is not fair.

It is this conundrum, few are willing to bring to the public discussion arena.

Technorati : Delhi, coalition government, politics

Bharat and India

2007-05-21T19:51:00.001+05:30

As I was traveling from Lutyen's Delhi towards National Capital Region of Ghaziabad, I could at once see Bharat and India. Two of them separated but lying next to each other. Lutyen's Delhi [India] due to its many trees and well laid out architecture felt cool and soothing. But, as I crossed ITO, I could see the real Bharat [ in urban terms], which is responsible for the entrepreneurship and economic prosperity saddled with poor infrastructure, lack of planning, pollution, no green cover and abundant chaos.

Technorati : Delhi

The significant trend

2007-04-29T22:54:00.001+05:30

Two trends are set to dominate the Indian mindspace, this summer and for some time to come:-

Indian affluence: It is a happy note for all Indians. First, the affluence, the Indian are seeing today have been created by their our opportunism. Secondly, this trend has become so deep rooted that, it has spilled over to other sectors of the economy and has helped in increased productivity all around.

But, the fact remains that, a large population of this vast country still does not have access to basic necessities of life. Just see around you. What is our contribution for those, who are less privileged ? Philanthropy can be a way out, but it is an easy way out. We, have to devise better methods to address this problem as we have done in other sectors of our economy.

Reservations: Like it or not, reservations in various facets of the Indian institutional life have taken root and may increase in the coming years. What worries me is that, it may end up segregating the basic fiber on which the nation has been built 'Unity in Diversity'. So, in a significant challenge of sorts, intellectuals should now than ever before, search for ways and means to make sure that the segregation felt by either side of the reservation debate is accommodated and a middle path is reached. Otherwise, the consequences of this development alone can be far reaching.

In bring these two issues together, I wanted to stress that, both are interlinked. The vast majority left out from the Indian affluence story will only turn to reservations for their share. If reservation becomes rampant, then it would be hard to sustain the Indian affluence story for a long time, as it is based on productivity alone.

So, why has boledil taken a serious note of this issue? For an ordinary Delhiite, the disparity in affluence or the reservations of seats in academic institutions means little. For, in this megapolis, people rarely die of hunger and if you don't get admission to an institution of your choice, then you can turn your attention to a private institution of equal standing. But, in the long run, can Delhi, like Rome before it, sustain a way of life, when everything all around it is falling apart. I cannot answer that question with elan.

Technorati : Delhi, Delhiite, Indian Growth Story, reservations

Does democracy start and end with election !

2007-04-09T23:23:00.001+05:30

Its just a coincidence or a pre-planned affair, would be for everybody to notice and reflect. A week or so before the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections,the power cut which used to take place for 3-5 hours a day, suddenly stopped and the very next day after the elections, the power cuts resumed.

This small incident goes on to show the 'other side' of democracy. If such tricks take place in Delhi, I am not surprised to see people all over the country have taken to the courts for getting redressal on various civic issues including the prevailing traffic system.

My question is simple, does democracy start and end with elections?

It is the experience of people that their elected representatives once elected vanished for five years. Even when, the tenure of elected representative got shorter due to the delicate nature of coalition politics, still the people did not have the fortune of meeting or seeing their representative more often. It was same for newly elected representative as well as sitting one's.

In these circumstance, people have found a way of their own. If democracy is 'of the people, by the people, for the people', then 'of the people' have come to connote a whole new dimension.

During election time (before the elections actually take place - a period of 4 to 12 weeks), people have come to expect good things. Among those numerous feel good stuff, you may actually find your elected representative available in town and receptive to your concerns, he/she may really take pains to address your problem, power cuts are less frequent and the economic environment genuinely feels like that at the centre of country is its common citizen and not somebody else. In these times, people turn proactive and try to get out of their representative the whole share of his/her contribution to the constituency which was missing in the interim period before the last election to the present one. In a word of caution, it would prudent to add that such affairs as mentioned above are still less frequent even today.

So, democracy will come to be viewed for 'elections' only. It may so happen that, instead of five years, and as technology for conducting elections gets cheaper, elections may become more frequent which may lead to a more people friendly democracy. Till then, watch out for 2009, when the next general elections take place.

What if betting, prostitution and taking drugs are legalized ?

2007-03-29T22:55:00.001+05:30

It's rather an interesting read what Amit Varma of Indiauncut.com fame writes in the Mint aptly titled 'These Crimes are Victimless'. Amit's proposition that betting, prostitution and taking drugs be legalized may not be revolutionary, but the light it shades on the darker side of humanity is a pithy tale which needs constant repetition.

I took up this topic with some of my colleagues to get a feel of the prevailing middle class mood and surprisingly, except for taking drugs, it was OK with most people whom I talked to, that, betting and prostitution should be legalized. I nearly hold the same view. The word 'nearly' is carefully chosen.

Suppose betting, prostitution and taking drugs are legalized, would that mean the end of crime as we know it today? I don't know the answer to this question ( Or, isn't it as good as legalizing crime!). Hence, the basic premise on which amit is proposing the legalization of betting, prostitution and taking drugs, which is end of crime, look at most, untenable. But then, we can find out the truth only after we legalize betting, prostitution and taking drugs.

Technorati : Delhi

Election time Issues

2007-03-29T22:40:00.001+05:30

The election for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are scheduled for 5th April, 2007. Its a time where the delhiwalla, delhiite and omnibus have a say in the future of city.

It is strange that the main issue in the elections to the MCD is 'inflation'. What can councilor do to tame inflation ? Inflation is an issue even beyond state governments and only the union government can do something about it. And still the issue of 'inflation' is everywhere in these MCD elections. It is understandable the rise in the prices of daily use items are close to the heart of the voting population, but, the main issue in election of such bodies should be water supply, traffic, pollution, civic amenities and things like that, and don't forget that an seating councilor gets Rs. 1 crore for development work in his/her ward.

One thing can be done, we can keep a watch on what councilor are doing to develop their ward, so that some development in civic amenities in the city does take place. The living conditions in the city is appalling.

Technorati : Delhi, MCD elections, inflation

The Indian Cricket Team

2007-03-27T22:03:00.001+05:30

Now, that the banter ( on their performance in the world cup ) surrounding the Indian Cricket Team is at its height, and all sorts or things are being said, its a good time to look at the Indian psyche and predict, what will follow. Its a personal take on the series of events which may take place this summer:-

Prediction No. 1 - Rahul Dravid will continue as the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team.

Prediction No. 2 - Yuvraj, Dhoni, Ganguly, Utthappa may have to take a break.

Prediction No. 3 - In the next world cup, the performance may be the same.

Prediction No. 4 - We may still continue to watch cricket with the same fervour.

Prediction No. 5 - All of the above 4 predictions are just prediction.

Technorati : cricket, indian cricket team, world cup

Traffic Fines

2007-03-27T21:44:00.001+05:30

I donot know how to react to the news of traffic fines being enhanced by Rs. 500 in Delhi.

At first sight, it looks like the rowdy drivers of Delhi may now have to remember traffic rules while driving and the traffic department may end up with a tidy sum as fines. But on second thought ( don't smile please), it seems the traffic police may end up having a good time.

Do you seriously think, without being a pessimist, that fines will change the way people behave? It may work as a deterrent. Its a kind of 'short change' , for a long standing problem. I sincerely hope this works.

Guys/Gals, India (Delhi) is getting richer, aren't the rise in fine amount showing that clearly!

Technorati : Delhi, Traffic fines

The Weekend Grab

2007-03-18T00:45:00.001+05:30

It is now accepted that user generated content is the most loved form of entertainment in the Internet and gaining grounds in the mainstream media also. We have Youtube to thank for it.

is week, the movie 300 was released. I had also reviewed the movie. The movie has already grabed 70 odd million dollars in the opening weekend.

300, though based on historical events was inspired by Frank Millers graphic novel 300. You may not have heard or seen that graphic now. If you are interested, then, thanks to youtube, you have your chance below to have a look and enjoy:

If you like the graphic novel, go and enjoy the movie at a PVR near you.

Technorati : 300, Delhi, PVR, youtube

300 , the movie - A review

2007-03-16T00:26:00.001+05:30

300

The tag line reads ' They were 300 men against a million' . That is as much needed to understand the movie. Based on historic events and the famous comic series by Frank Miller, 300 (directed by Zack Snyder) is a retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 B.C. 300 soldiers under the command of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) of Sparta held out against a large Persian force led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) knowing they are fighting a losing battle. Battle of Thermopylae is seen as a legend of heroism and is attributed to have led the world to democracy.

Keeping true to Fran Miller's graphic style, Snyder has tried to merge both the mediums of comics and moving pictures into a seamless whole to a great degree of success. One thing is clear from this fusion experiment that you may either hate the movie, or fall in love with it. Either way, you give a lot of credit to director Snyder for bringing forward such strong views from the heart. So the movie is worth a visit. Rolling Stone magazine sums up best when it says that "300 is a movie blood-drunk on its own artful excess. Guys of all ages and sexes won't be able to resist it."

Catch the movie at a PVR from 16th March, 2007 (today).

Technorati : 300. Delhi

The birthday of a genius

2007-03-14T00:08:00.000+05:30

Albert Einstein was born today, the 14th March in the year 1879. If you don't know who this man it, then let me remind you what he said about Mahatma Gandhi:

"Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as [Gandhi] ever in

flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

Einstein, may have been the greatest scientist (Physicist) of the 20th century but, it seems his time has come to pass. His birthday is no news appearing in the supplements of major newspapers, but none the less, this man's contribution stand long and tall in the history of man kind. See what he said about fellow men:

" A hundred times everyday I remind myself that my inner and outer life

depend on the labours of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert

myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still

receiving."

Its not an anguish or that I loved physics once, but because so many people including Einstein inspired me to learn this pure science. And sometimes, when I get understand the physics behind some of the complex science, its a kind of thrilling experience for which I have none other than Albert Einstein to thank.

Technorati : Albert Einstein

The truth about India's Billionaires

2007-03-13T23:10:00.000+05:30

Few days back 'Forbes' came out with its annual list of the world's rich. Not surprisingly, 36 Indians made it to the list. They accounted for 21% of the country's GDP up from last years slice of 12%. Last year the list had only 23 Indians. Things will be said and written on this subject.

The Indian middle class assessment about this is that, India is growing rich, and they can too. Good intentions they may be, but how healthy these thoughts and aspirations are requires our attention. Seen in context, it look inspiring. For example, China with its double digit growth has only 20 and the economic powerhouse of Asia, Japan has 24 billionaires. In short, India is second only to the USA in the number of billionaires in the top 20.

Then there is this story in the Mint, which shows us the other side of India's rich. The richest Americans in the Forbes list, for example Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Lawrence Ellison, Sergey Brin or Larry Page are there on basis of their intellect. Bill Gates is the owner of Microsoft, Warren Buffett manages Berkshire Hathaway, Lawrence Ellison is the maverick owner of Oracle, Sergey Brin and Larry Page are the creators of Goggle.

Nine of the 10 richest Indians on the list have made their wealth from mining, metals, land or telecoms except for Aim Premji, the owner of Wipe. These nine richest Indians future incomes are natural resource dependent and as the article eloquently point 'where supply constraints are common'. Natural resource are bound by government regulation and only a handful can use them to their advantage. So, here lies the fallacy of the India's rich. The middle class Indian cannot control these scare natural resources and therefore the idea of enormous wealth will eternally elude them, though some enterprising individual may make it, albeit in the future.

One need not lose heart. India is migrating directly from an agrarian economy to the service economy, and as luck may have it, in the next few years you may find as many rich who derive their fortune from natural resources as there would be due to the use of intellect.

Technorati : Delhi, Forbes list

Summer Drinks

2007-03-12T23:45:00.001+05:30

This summer, you are in for targeted marketing campaigns seeking your attention to the various drinks you should drink.

In the US, the cola giants Coca-Cola and Pepsi are noticing declining sales of their products Coke Classic and Pepsi respectively. They are moving towards fortified soft drinks containing vitamins and minerals, which are seen to be healthy. Experts caution that though these beverages are better than regular soft drinks, but consumers are better off getting their nutrients from natural foods, rather than fortified soft drinks.

Add to it the incessant need of Delhites for beer. Now that the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation (DSCSC), one of the four liquor selling corporations of the city deciding in favour of requisition refrigerators on wheels so that the customers get chilled beer at any time of the day, the competition for the cool drink is hotting up this summer.

So, it does not come as a surprise, that Pepsi is trying to re-launch Gatorade, an energy and sports drink targeted towards sports persons during this World Cup Cricket Tournament. First, the trends are changing towards healthy beverages and Secondly, this segment, according to reports is growing at 10.7% annually.

The the question still remains, what do you drink this summer? Is it going to be limbu pani, Coke/Pepsi or its variants, packaged fruit juices, energy drinks, beer or just chilled water. For me, its going to be beer ( I am still within my weight-height-age limits). You decide what do you want to drink this summer!

Technorati : Delhi, beer, drinks

Motown Blues

2007-03-07T23:08:00.001+05:30

As I sit down and wait for the summer to unfold, images pass through my head. India is a country of cultural diversity and Delhi being its capital should imbibe it. Even though we have places like Delhi Haat, which brings cultural milieu to the table, yet, to a distant visitor, it may look as a strange coincidence brought together by effort and not in harmony with the city at large.

Culture is an effective medium when the surrounding architecture and people conjure up predefined images in context. A cultural landscape is an amalgamation of people, who belonging to different cultures are willing acceptors of other people's culture also. So, when this happens over a long period of time, what evolves is a cultural hub, a different entity in itself and somewhere within this amalgamation the distinctive identity of individual cultures persist. This add 'zing' to the experience.

Take Argentina's capital city 'Buenos Aires' for example. The city has settlers from Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, France, Croatia, England and the Middle East. They all have survived and prospered here. And, in some measure, this amalgamation has endured on to become a distinctive entity, which adds 'zing' to the experience of a distant visitor. They also call 'Buenos Aires' as the city of 'Good Air'.

Come back to Delhi now and think! Do we match up to 'Buenos Aires' in the cultural context? Some may say yes, others may disagree, but here more than ever, a clear heart is required to take a side. Even though, as much as I may admire my country and its culture, there are gaps which are hard to ignore. Delhi, with is impressive architecture is an enduring image to every Indian, but... to an outsider, this image stands for everything else, that may not be Indian (also in the cultural context). Delhi has grown up to be a monster in the business sense, and the old ways are fading fast, and culture, is an abrasive import of the american type. In short, Delhi is culturally empty soul.

When, a city or for that matter any living thing which survives without a soul, then its a machination personified. Though Delhi, is yet to to reach that distinction in full degree, surely its catching up fast. So, when we think of marketing this country's cultural heritage to the world, lets first get the capital ready, so that, when that distant visitor lands in the city, the 'zing' is strong enough to get him going around the country. Otherwise, the USP may exist in our mind, but would be hard to differentiate on the ground for that distant visitor.

Technorati : Buenos Aires, Delhi, culture

Holi Hai

2007-03-03T22:40:00.000+05:30

Boledil wishes all its readers a happy holi.

Technorati : Delhi, Holi

The Surmise

2007-03-03T13:00:00.000+05:30

Some typical news this weekend :-

1. Election time politics

2. Traffic violations to gets costlier ( we are paying more for everything these days)

3. Admission Age confusion continues

4. Happy Developers

5. Holi falls on Sunday (4th March), dry day that is.

Election time politics

-------------------------------

Every time elections are declared in any of the big States in the country, issues of corruption takes center stage. Uttar Pradesh elections are no different. Allegations of corruption about the incumbent Chief Minister is being probed by central agencies.

The main question here is, does the electorate buy this argument about corruption and vote accordingly or corruption has been discounted per se, by the Indian psyche. I think the later holds firm.

Traffic violations to gets costlier

--------------------------------------

The government of Delhi would be issuing notification steeply hiking fines for traffic offenses. The silver lining here is that, only those drivers who have at least passed 10+ 2 will permitted to drive Buses in Delhi.

An PIL (Public Interest Litigation) seeking the intervention of the Delhi High Court to curb road accidents has led to this proactive step. So, next time you see a DTC or a Blue line bus rolling beside you, there is no need to panic.

Admission Age confusion continues

--------------------------------------------

In the latest turn of events in this episode has led the Delhi High Court on Wednesday to ask the Delhi government to reduce the two-year nursery to one year and allow only four year olds to be admitted to Class 1.

On Thursday, Delhi government objected to the proposal of the High Court.

Expect 2008-09 admission process to get clear. This year, its still cloudy. Good luck parents.

Happy Developers

----------------------

At least the Finance Minister has made one lot of people happy. They are the builders of the NCR. By offering them a five year tax holiday for new hotels up to four star category, this segment has come alive.

With Commonwealth Games in 2010 and Delhi pitching in for Asiads in 2014, the mood can't get any better.

Dry Sunday

---------------

Holi falls on Sunday this year. So, it will be a dry day. If you wanna keep wet this season, make your arrangements quick. You only got a Saturday left.

Technorati : Delhi

Budget Blues Revisited

2007-03-01T19:48:00.000+05:30

The Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his budget speech delivered in the Lok Sabha ( Lower House of Parliament) on 28th February, 2007 said :-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"My tax proposal on direct taxes are estimated to yield a gain

of Rs. 3000 crore. On the indirect taxes side, the proposals are

revenue neutral."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What does this mean? It means Rs. 3000 crore is come from individual tax payers and corporate tax. According to an estimate made by the mint an individual earning Rs. 5 lakhs with a tax bill of Rs. 1.02 lakh will end up paying Rs. 99,910, even after the enhanced exemption of Rs. 1.1 lakhs; a mere saving of Rs. 2090.

We have to wait for the next Budget to know, if this budget was for the long term, or the short term or the starting of end of term ( for the UPA government in power).

Technorati : Budget, Delhi

Look who's in town !

2007-02-28T08:04:00.001+05:30

Jade Goody's tormenting of Shilpa Shetty in the Big Brother show and the consequent furore over the issue of racism in the UK is a case study in itself. A few things did come out of this episode:-

First, people have strong views about racism.

Secondly, people are willing to express their views.

Thirdly, people's view count.

Now that Jade Goody is in New Delhi, for whatever good reason, it keeps the issue of racism in focus. And things that happened after it..

Technorati : Big Brother show, Delhi, Jade Goody, Shilpa Shetty

Inflation Hammer

2007-02-28T08:03:00.001+05:30

Now that Punjab and Uttarakhand have slipped away from the hand of the Congress, would it be prudent to call this the cost of inflation?

It is easy recall how the price of onion cost the then BJP government of Delhi dear. Now, in a repeat of history, the present inflation had made price of onions rise sharply and it is for everybody to see the result in the elections held in the states of Punjab and Uttarakhand.

So, today being the Budget Day, what to expect? I believe this Budget would invariable focus to tame inflation and not let the growth story falter. Keep your fingers crossed...

Technorati : Budget, Delhi, Inflation

A good deed by Goldman Sachs

2007-02-25T23:22:00.001+05:30

Room to Read, a not-for-profit organisation will receive a million dollar (Rs. 4.4 crore) grant from investment bank Goldman Sachs Group to fund about 450 libraries in India, which will be set up in existing schools, community centres and other places.

Room to Read's mission is to provide underprivileged children with an opportunity to gain the lifelong gift of education. The organisation is headed by former Microsoft executive, John Wood. Recipient of the Fast Company/Monitor Group Social Capitalist Awards, Room to Read have found a better way to do good: They're using the disciplines of the corporate world to tackle daunting social problems.

Take a look at their India story and decide for yourself:

If you want to know more about their Indian Chapter, click : here

Technorati : Goldman Sachs, India, Room to Read, education, library

Is Delhi brewing Olympics

2007-02-25T23:19:00.000+05:30

Delhi will be bidding for the Asian Games in 2014. The bid will be made over a series of meetings at Kuwait in April 2007.

Delhi will be hosting the Commonwealth Games, 2010, for which work is in progress.

Extrapolating these series of events, it would not be out of place to say that, Delhi is brewing up its ambition to host an Olympics.

Technorati : Asian Games, Commonweath Games, Delhi, Olympics

Loving Trendylicious

2007-02-21T00:06:00.001+05:30

Trendylicious is free daily e-newsletter designed to give you advice on what's happening in your city, from a woman's point of view. Presently available in Mumbai and Delhi editions, its the brain child of 'power couple' Stacy and her husband Dan.

Take for example the last three newsletter of the Delhi edition. They covered a book launch (A Journey Out Of India. By Anna K. Chacko) a restaurant review, (Bonsai - The Garden Restaurant, B-49 Connaught Place, Middle Circle, New Delhi) and Delhi's First Wine Boutique (Savitri Cinema Complex, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi 110048). Certainly trendy in approach and meant for the new women.

So, why am I reading these newsletters? Its anybody's guess, maybe I want to know that ' women's point of view'. Trendylicious newsletters are simple, gender neutral and cover only one item per day, not to say the least, trendy (hence trendylicious). And in a strange sort of way, enjoyable.

Technorati : Delhi, Mumbai, trendylicious

Inflation Wise

2007-02-20T23:13:00.000+05:30

Its the old story, but with a twist. Government is of the opinion the forward trading in commodities " ..have driven up prices and the benefit of increased prices has not been cornered by farmers". Analyst point out that consumption is rising faster than supplies and affecting increase in inflation and government is to be blamed for ignoring supply-side constraints and allege that futures trading are being made a scapegoat.

In this game there are three players and we can call this game 'Inflation'.

First, the RICH. Inflation may affect their business in a negative manner, but not much to their personal expenditures or budgets. They have a major say in the polices that are framed in the governance of the country.

Second, the famous MIDDLE CLASS. Inflation is the bane word here. It affects their budgets, spending habits and to a major extent their think about money in general. They form the salaried class and are squeezed the two powerful group the 'RICH' and 'BPL'.

Third, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Every day is hard for them and inflation can make it still harder. But, surprising they have a wild card. They form the biggest vote bank and hence have a say in the political future and ultimately economic policies and in a way, inflation ( Inflation has come up as a major issue due to elections in various States).

In this blame game, it is hard to decide who is the culprit. Though there are three. The Government, the Private Sector and your Personal Income. If you have a very high income, forget what inflation means.

So, if you are pondering who the main culprit is, let me add that 'Money Supply' grew at an annual rate of 21.1 per cent for the year to 19 January, 2007, much higher than the 15.6 percent growth up a year ago. So you know now that the main culprit is money supply.

What are the ways available to hedge against inflation? The answer is, increase your 'money supply'[ try making more money]. No other hedges are available as of yet.

Technorati : Inflation

Budget Blues

2007-02-20T00:31:00.001+05:30

Like any big event these days the Annual Budget of the Union of India is on marketing over drive, thanks to popular interest. A day doesn't go by, where you get to read/see on mainstream newspapers/TV what reliable sources familiar with the process have to say about the new proposal for individuals/corporates in the budget.

And in the moment of the hour, every year, we over look the simple fact that the 'Budget' document is the closely guarded secret. An untoward incident concerning this document can bring forth widespread political wrath.

And still, we go on believing all those sweet and sour proposals fed to us, until on the day of the budget. And as the day draws nearer, more the hype, less the facts and soo ... everybody's ears are glued to what Finance Minister has to say. And you find out without any malaise towards anybody what's in store ... (including the surprises)

Technorati : Budget, Delhi

AIIMS needs a break !

2007-02-20T00:00:00.001+05:30

AIIMS, as we all is the premier organisation for medical research in the country. But Metronow's Soni Gangwan take on the institution raises questions from a certain perspective. She writes:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" ...in 1999, I can recall going to AIIMS .. for a press conference where doctors told fascinating stories about the cases they were handling and research they were doing...

But that was then. Today, if you call a doctor for information, that standard response is ' I cannot speak unless you get it clear'. "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The recent coverage by the media of a dead monkey in an overhead water tank in the institution spreading illness has neither added to the image AIIMS has come to acquire ' a very political medical campus'.

Having said all this, you cannot takeaway from AIIMS the quality of doctors it produces or the quality of treatment, patients get here (you have to factor in the quality of medical treatment available in the country in general) . Doctors not talking to the media cannot be construed as a low point for the institution, though it would have been good, if they talked and spread the good word or a PR institution talked on behalf of AIIMS. Maybe the recent political events have to be blamed for it.

What is now required, maybe to leave AIIMS alone for sometime, so that it can unshackle itself from the image it has acquired in the recent past and revert back to the roots it is known for.

Technorati : Delhi, Metronow

The hottest topic in this cold climate is Global Warming.

2007-02-13T23:01:00.000+05:30

I was watching 'Click' ,the weekly tech show on BBC World. But on the back of my mind the sudden change in temperatures in northern India was just not dying down. Was man's follies catching up to him! I wondered. Was my generation to be blamed for 'global warming' and for its repercussions and be punished for it by nature itself. Yes, these are serious questions and boledil was not doing enough.

What can a single individual do to curtail or lessen the things causing global warming. The things are to be done by big corporations and the countries involved. But then, Kate Russell comes up in the section called 'Webscape' and tells us that we can contribute our part to lessen global warming by using a simple software called localcooling. This software optimises power consumption in the PC, which we all use nearly for 2-20 hours a day.

LocalCooling is a 100% Free power management tool from Uniblue Labs that allows users to optimize their energy savings in minutes and as a result reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions. LocalCooling automatically optimizes your PC's power consumption by using a more effective power save mode. You will be able to see your savings in real-time translated to more environmental terms such as how many trees and gallons of oil you have saved.

The first thing that boledil did yesterday evening was to download local cooling and to install it. Look at the results on the picture in the left ( in just few hours of usage). You can also create an account with Local Cooling for free and compete with other participants worldwide and show what you are contributing.

Boledil at last, felt, we was contributing positively toward reducing global warming..

Technorati : Delhi, PC, boledil, global warming

What image does 'Vienna' bring to your mind ?

2007-02-12T22:51:00.000+05:30

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. But, Vienna, according to Microsoft, the software giant stands for the follow-up client operating system to the Microsoft Vista.

Microsoft Vista was launched all over the world this January and it has already drawn up plans for an upgrade by 2009, similar to the now famous Service Pack 2 (SP 2) for the Windows XP.

PC World has reported citing Ben Fathi, Corporate Vice President of development with Microsoft's Core Operating System Division.

Technorati : Delhi, Microsoft Vista

A day of DEALS

2007-02-12T22:33:00.000+05:30

It is hard for boledil not to notice the big deals, Aditya Birla Group acquiring US based Novelis Inc, Vodafone Plc taking over Hutchison stake in Hutchison Essar, Suzlon Energy Ltd bidding for German Repower System AG. I think boledil is left to deal with the climate.

Saturday and Sunday say quite a bit of rainfall and hailstorms in most parts of NCR (National Capital Territory of Delhi). Some said this was the repetition of climatic conditions that prevailed in 1987 (yet to be confirmed). But, it is hard not to miss the realities, these climatic conditions will bring, most notable price rise (economically termed inflation). Hail Strom in and around Delhi is OK but most part of northern India experiencing cold weather means, standing crops are devastated and nobody as of yet, has to reported it .

What does this mean! Very simply the inflation which has already reached a two year record high may still go higher up. So this summer, brace for record prices of consumables. (Can Wal-Mart be the answer?)

Technorati : Delhi, NCR, boledil, climate, inflation

Saturday Night Live

2007-02-10T14:29:00.000+05:30

What do u do on a rainy saturday afternoon like today. A glass of vodka with a good puff looks ideal. Doesn't it! But most don't share this optimism. Grey skies bring memories of monsoon. Delhi does not love monsoon and for that matter rain drops from the sky. So the grey skies and wet earth means cosy quilts, Johny Waker and (may be) a good read.

In DC Blogs:

Not looking forward to Valentine's Day, writes Golden Silence, who wants to know: Why there is a holiday to make us perpetually single people feel like crap is a mystery to me.

BLOGTO ( Toronto, Canada) reports :

As a press stunt for their upcoming Valentine's Day rom-com release, Warner Bros is sponsoring the Music and Lyrics Karaoke Lounge this Saturday and Sunday at the Roots Organic Coffee House. The event will be hosted by Canadian comedian Craig Lauzon (CBC's Royal Canadian Air Farce) as well as the Gladstone Hotel's regular award-winning karaoke host Peter Styles.

londonist has take on :

There's a throwaway line in Clint Eastwood's Flags of our Fathers that underlines the weakness in that film but promised that there was much more to come in his companion piece, Letters from Iwo Jima:

This was the fifth day, sir. The battle went on for thirty five more.

When Freud divvied up the psyche and revealed the ego, superego and id, he left out one important element. The nerd.

gapersblock has a inspiring story:

RIP Herb Linneweh, the frugal, mild-mannered retired janitor who stashed $700,000 away in envelopes around his house, to be given to seven charities after his death. Your feel-good story of the day.

Metroblogging Hyderabad has age old story (though dated):

And we dint know how much struggle she had faced to meet her lover on time, but we must be happy that his waiting came to an happy end!!

Don't let the saturday slip away, says boledil.

Technorati : DC blogs, Delhi, blogs, blogto, boledil, gapersblock, longonist

Blogger Help

2007-02-07T23:33:00.001+05:30

Most of the new bloggers look for blog resources. Not most resources are found in one place. But at Kmax, you may find all the blog related resources and that too in well defined categories. Go and use it.

Who links to me?

Technorati : Blogging resources, Delhi

Metro Now

2007-02-06T23:12:00.001+05:30

The latest newspaper, or shall I call it a 'tabloid' to hit Delhi, is strangely the product of cooperation between two media gaints, the Times Group and the Hindustan Times Group. And no doubt, the paper is going great guns. 'Metro Now' sold out on first day and when i went to pick my copy today (second day), there were only two copies left.

Two things are striking about the paper. First, its cheap at Re. 1 per copy. Secondly, for Re. 1 you get the best of two newspapers the 'The Times of India' and 'The Hindustan Times'. The various sections of 'Metro Now' consists of City, India, World, Hangout, Interactive, views, money, metro masala, entertainment, Mars & Venus, wellness, swellness, style, tech that, Games/listing, sports.

Two things are equally annoying. First, the quality of newsprint used is poor ( blame it on Re.1 price) and Secondly, the layout of the paper is tardy. Otherwise, what is covered between the pages is 'time pass'.

Will I buy it ? I brought it today. I will try it for a month. I been reading 'The Hindustan Times' and if I find the contents repetitive with the National Daily, i will stop reading 'Metro Now'.

Technorati : Delhi, Hindustan Times, Meter Now, Times of India

Picture of things to come

2007-02-06T14:53:00.001+05:30

What does this look to you. Gadget, it is. And believe me or not it is a mobile phone.

Wireless Blogging

2007-02-05T23:54:00.001+05:30

First there was Internet, then came dail-up followed by broadband, Wi-Fi and now WiMax. WiMAX is defined as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.WiMAX is described as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL".

Most bloggers at least in India use broadband connection. The biggest problem with broadband is the cable. On days you want it most, the connections are down due to problems associated with cable. The way out till date was the Wi-Fi connections available in cafes and other public places. So, you were out of your home, in the least. It was as good as visiting you local Internet cafe. Now, with WiMax, things may change.

WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance(experienced in Wi-Fi connections), and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances.WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations and is capable of data speeds of 10 mbps from the radio transmitter.

Many companies are closely examining WiMAX for "last mile" connectivity at high data rates. This could result in lower pricing for both home and business customers as competition lowers prices. Have a look at the span of the WiMax partner programme:

MTNL is testing WiMax services in Mumbai and Delhi. VSNL is readying a Wimax network in Bangalore and plans to reach to 50 cities by the second half of this year. All these services are waiting for the Government to finalize rules of entry of broadband wireless providers.

So next quarter, you could see businesses move to WiMax and six months from now, the probability of cheaper WiMax in our homes is not a distant dream but a distinct possibility.

Technorati : Blogging, Delhi, WiMax

Cost of Transport

2007-02-04T17:15:00.000+05:30

If, you have used an auto or a taxi in Delhi, you know the fares. My experience is that, the fare changes on the basis of need and from person to person. If you thought the auto and taxi fares in Delhi were very high, think again. Here is a lowdown on the fares of auto and taxi in the 4 metro's:

AUTO FARES

DELHI*

Rs. 8 on 1st km thereafter Rs. 3.50 per km

MUMBAI*

Meter Reading x 10 - Re1

KOLKATA

Ply fixed routes for fixed fares

CHENNAI

Rs 14 1st km thereafter Rs 6 per km

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAXI FARES

DELHI*

Rs 13 on 1st km thereafter Rs 7 per km

MUMBAI*

Meter Reading x 14 - Re 1

KOLKATA

Meter Reading x 1.8 - Rs. 2

CHENNAI

Rs. 50 on first 3 km thereafter Rs 10 per km

In short the auto and taxi fares are lowest in Kolkata. So the eastern part of India is still cheap as far as transport is concerned.

*Night charges: Delhi 11pm to 5am, 25%; Mumbai 12pm to 5am, 25%
Source: Outlook Money

Technorati : Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, auto fares, taxi fares

Liquor is getting cheaper

2007-02-03T23:47:00.001+05:30

'mint' reports that 'government is expected to withdraw additional customs levies on foreign wine and liquor, which is likely to lead to a 20% to 44% drop in the retail prices..'

So if you relish 'Teachers', and imported brand, expect is to cost Rs. 500 less. The proposal is expected to be announced in the coming 'Budget'. So, if you cherish your drink, its good news.

Technorati : Delhi, liquor

Sidney Sheldon: An Obituary

2007-02-03T00:59:00.001+05:30

Sidney Sheldon (February 11, 1917 - January 30, 2007)

How do we pick up the habit of reading thick book? Start with Sidney Sheldon.

My first encounter with Sidney Sheldon's novels started at the reading room of a big library. To relax, I had picked up 'Rage of Angles' oblivious of the author and his antecedents. I got hooked and still am. The last one i had encountered was 'Nothing Lasts Forever'.

What was is about Sidney Sheldon that got readers enthralled. Christopher Reed of 'The Guardian' has eloquently pointed that Sidney's novels have a heady mix which were about " ...fast and furious tales, usually featuring gutsy women in danger or in love...". Most of his readers were women

A man of many talents, Sidney Sheldon had attained fame in Hollywood and in Television before publishing his novels. Sheldon was in the Guinness Book of World Records for the greatest number of languages into which his novels were translated, and more than 300m copies were printed. A complete list of his work is listed below.

The Naked Face (1970)
The Other Side of Midnight (1973)
A Stranger in the Mirror (1976)
Bloodline (1977)
Rage of Angels (1980)
Master of the Game (1982)
If Tomorrow Comes (1985)
Windmills of the Gods (1987)
The Sands of Time (1988)
Memories of Midnight (1990)
The Doomsday Conspiracy (1991)
The Stars Shine Down (1992)
Nothing Lasts Forever (1994)
Morning, Noon and Night (1995)
The Best Laid Plans (1997)
Tell Me Your Dreams (1998)
The Sky is Falling (2001)
Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2004)
The Other Side of Me (2005) A Memoir

Sidney Sheldon was 89 when he breathed his last, but his work will always open the world of books to whole lot of young readers.

Technorati : Sidney Sheldon, novels, obiturary

mint: First Look

2007-02-02T00:19:00.001+05:30

Why did HT Media Ltd choose Feb 1, 2007 for the launch for 'mint'. Simplest guess is that the most important financial item comes up in Feb called 'BUDGET'. For launch, 'mint' had Tata Corus deal to boot, the largest acquisition by any Indian company ever outside India. The dream start some would say!

And I agree. The paper is a business newspaper and believe me, it had the freshness of mint, though 'mint' for the newspaper means coinage factory. The layout is simply and there isn't an avalanche of information as some newspapers provide. For freshness sake, the most impact news is included and a through analysis follows. No non-sense business newspaper this 'mint' is.

I am hooked. Called my newspaper vendor and instructed him to supply 'mint' from today.

Technorati : Delhi, mint

The 21st Surajkund Crafts Mela starts today

2007-02-01T08:14:00.001+05:30

Its the famous mela Delhiwalla throng for. Yes, the Surajkund Crafts Mela will be inaugurated today at 12 Noon at Surajkund, Haryana [outskirts of Delhi]. The mela will continue upto 15th Feb, 2007.

Things for which you should attend the mela:-

(i) Shopping extravaganza of finest handlooms & handicrafts of India, SAARC countries and Thailand.

(ii) Choicest cuisines especially Hyderabadi & Thai cuisine.

(iii) Kite flying & painting competitions

(iv) Camel safari

(v) Amusement park for children.

Rather than taking a public transport which will be available at ISBT, Haryana Emporium- Baba Kharag Singh Marg and at Gurgaon and Faridabad, it would be advisable to get your own transport, so that, you can enjoy the mela to your hilt and not be bothered by time constraints. So, enjoy.

Technorati : Delhi, Haryana, Surajkund, crafts, mela

Museum Day

2007-02-01T07:58:00.001+05:30

The National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi -21 will be celebrating Museum Day on Feb 01, 2007. National Rail Museum houses a variety of steam locomotives which have been used by the Railways since its inception. In short its a place to learn about Railways, its history and it can be fun.

On 1st Feb, 1977, the museum was dedicated to the nation. The occasion will be marked by:

(i) Unveiling of HASANG, smallest steam engine

(ii) Live miniature steam Locomotives

(iii) Exhibition on Heritage of Northern Railway

(iv) Cultural Programme - Rajasthani Folk Dance

Other than above, National Rail Museum organises many events from time to time. Take a tour of their website. Entry fee for Adults is Rs. 10/- and free entry for children below 12 years of age.

Technorati : Delhi, National Rail Museum

Minting Money

2007-01-31T23:04:00.001+05:30

Tomorrow is Feb 1, 2007 and Hindustan Times [HT Media Ltd] will be launching in Delhi and Mumbai a new business newspaper named 'mint' in partnership which The Wall Street Journal.

'The Economic Times', 'The Business Standard', 'The Financial Express' and 'The Business Line' are some of the prominent business newspapers available in the country today. Of these, The Economic times is the most affordable at Rs. 2 for weekday editions though my rating of the Business Standard is the highest among the options available.

The Hindustan Times had been carrying the advertisement for subscription of their business newspaper [ Rs. 299 for a year's subscription] with the last day of subscription slated for 30th Jan, 2007. Incidentally or through design, HT Media Ltd, the owners of Hindustan Times announced on 30th Jan, 2007 the name of their business newspaper and released the logo of the newspaper. The business newspaper is named 'mint'.

The news item on the newspaper in the Hindustan Times didn't even mention the price of 'mint'. Isn't it strange that the such media behemoths like HT Media Ltd asking for subscription from the public about a business newspapers which till then was not named and the pricing not made public. Its a case of lack of transparency, even though 'mint' will try to mirror the Indian Economy.

All these things apart, I will surely be picking up a copy of the 'mint' and will share with you my first-hand views of the paper.Look out for the paper or read my views.

Technorati : Delhi, mint, newspaper

What does Gandhi mean to you?

2007-01-30T23:17:00.001+05:30

Its been 59 years to the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. So it is as good a time as ever, to discuss about Mahatma Gandhi, his life and his legacy.

The times we live in are quite astounding, as it would have been, when Gandhiji lived. Then, democracy was important, today personal prosperity engages as much attention.

The question here is, what is the idea of Gandhi inside my head. It would not be improper to say, Gandhi means to me, those images captured in the movie 'Gandhi' and to a lesser extent the images I have seen at Sabarmati Ashram and other places.

It is clear now to the readers that, Gandhi inside my head is the image which has been sold (in the marketing sense) to me. So, its no wonder, Gandhigiri has captured our imagination [Munnabhai was well marketed].

In short, with every passing moment, Gandhi seems not to be a man who lived once on the face of earth but an enshrined image marketed to us.

It doesn't concern me now, what I think of Gandhiji. I am certain of its endurance and if its popular today, it will remain so in the future as some marketeer will find a new method to sale him to us. In this process, we may re-remember the man who for one good reason laid down his life for all of us.

Technorati : Delhi, Gandhi

Muharram

2007-01-30T20:13:00.001+05:30

Muharram is not a particular day, but the name of a month that marks the beginning of the year according to the Islamic calendar.

Muharram commemorates the suffering and martyrdom of Iman Husayn bin Ali, , grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the entire family of the Prophet at the hands of the Abbasid ruler Yazid at Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra.

The Shi'a branch of Islam is the main sect that commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali by arranging 'majalis' (gatherings) to review Islamic teachings and to commemorate Husayn's sacrifice. The mourning reaches its climax on the tenth day of Muharram, known as Ashura.

On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the devoted followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Husayn ibn Aliand his people, who fell at Karbala.They show their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which they scourge themselves.

For the duration of the remembrance, it is customary for mosques to provide free meals (nazar) on certain nights of the month to all people. These meals are viewed as being special and holy, as they have been consecrated in the name of Husayn, and thus partaking of them is considered an act of communion with God, Husayn, and humanity.

Technorati : Ashura, Delhi, Husayn bin Ali, Muharram Del.icio.us : Ashura, Delhi, Husayn bin Ali, Muharram

The Answer

2007-01-30T18:56:00.001+05:30

Were You correct, see for yourself.. . I asked question yesterday, about which building is Parliament House and which one is Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Technorati : Delhi, Parliament House, Rashtrapati bhavan

A view from the 10th Floor

2007-01-29T22:14:00.000+05:30

These days the iconic building of Indian democracy are being lighted up on the occasion of Republic Day. I took this pic from the 10th floor of my apartment. Have a look.. Try to identify Parliament House and Rastrapati Bhavan. [Hint: the tall building seen in the middle of the pic is the NDMC building.] Is the Parliament House to the left or right of NDMC building? I will let you know tomorrow.

End of Season sale

2007-01-28T17:37:00.001+05:30

This is an seasonal ritual, we all have come to like and find ways to benefit from it. Yes, the end of winter sale is on in a roaring scale. Here I present to you the information on sale of different items that I have gathered from various sources:

Name of the Shop/Brand

Discount %

UNITED COLORS

OF BENETTON

50%

(additional10% discount when you shop between 9am - 11 am)

THE BIG CP

SALE

UPTO 50% OFF

D&A

UPTO 50% OFF

ON FOOTWEAR & BAGS

City look

40% OFF

ON MOST ITEMS

DIWAN'S

40% OFF

ON LIMITED COLLECTION OF Saree's, shawls, Lehangas, Suits & Dress Materials

KOUTONS

50% OFF + 30% OFF

ON PULLOVERS, SWEAT SHIRTS, TRACK SUITS, JACKETS, SUITS& BLAZERS

CHARLIE OUTLAW

30% OFF + 30% OFF

ON ALL SWEAT SHIRTS, PULLOVERS & JACKETS

30% OFF + 30% OFF

ON SHIRTS, TROUSERS, CARGO'S DENIMS

PARX

GET UPTO 50% OFF

Pringle

25% OFF

SBJ

UPTO 50%

SPYKAR JEANS

50% OFF

MEENA BAZAAR

ANNUAL

SALE

BOMBAY DYEING

15% DISCOUNT

ON BEDSHEETS TOWELS, SUITINGS & SHIRTINGS

WOODLAND

UPTO 50% OFF

THAPAR

Opp. A Block Connaught Place Metro Station, Palika Parking

50% OFF

ON ALL WOOLEN ITEMS

GIOVANI

30-50% OFF

MADAME

THE GREAT WINTER

SALE

CANTABIL

50% + 20%

Sale on winter clothing

BigJos

South Extn . II

SALE

Extra Discounts from 10.30 am to 12 noon

This is not an exhaustive list. Please visit your local bazaar for good offers.

I think its worth a visit to your favorite shop during the sale, do you know why? Its because you may just bump into one of your prosperous friends, who you earlier thought brought all his clothing from fresh stock of branded products.

Technorati : CP, Delhi, New Delhi, Winter Sale

Just That Bit

2007-01-27T22:56:00.001+05:30

A hard look at Delhi is required and also a change in our mindset this Republic Day. Why? The answer is simple: Look around! Day-in and day-out, if you hear the news on FM, Television or on the Internet, the stories are abound about lawlessness, disharmony and lack of rectitude.

Think about Delhi. There have been many events in the past, such as bomb-blasts, not once but many a times, which could have turned our daily life upside-down. But see for yourself, the city has moved up a few notches on the civilization ladder to greater forbearance. The only time the life in the city takes a back step is when there are bandh's, which do happen regularly but people have taken them in their stride. All this is happening, when the city is still considered unsafe for women and men alike at night.

It has always been to the disadvantage of Delhi, not be considered as cultured, suave and urbane. But that trend is fading fast. You can find in the city now, varied entertainment options, great career opportunities, hot and happening restaurants and not in the least, a choice, which was not available earlier. So, its a matter of time the Delhi would be considered as a great city. Let us watch out for the Commonwealth Games, 2010.Here a word of caution would be appropriate. Though the city has materially advanced to the premium level, but certain issues still persist. Issues like harmony are still tenuous, but my reading is that, like a growing up, this city will understand and accept its responsibility with dignity and firmness. All these words are still relative in nature, I would caution again.

So, what is that about Delhi, I am trying to impress upon you. Its just that bit that the city of Delhi has marched on. It gives me hope that, if ever, one city of the Union which can truly capture and showcase something that is India, it can only be Delhi.

Technorati : Delhi, India, Republic Day

Top of the Charts

2007-01-25T23:26:00.001+05:30

Naveen Patnaik

Naveen Patnaik is a name most delhiites are not familiar. What can I do, he is the Chief Minister of a State people associate with poverty, hunger and backwardness. Orissa is that State. When HT-CNN-IBN State of the Nation Survey came out, it was surprising to see Naveen Patnaik on the top.

It felt good to hear this, not because, I am an Oriya (resident of the State of Orissa in the Union of India) myself or because of the Chief Minister, the State is in the limelight again albeit for good reason, but like all higher things in this world, it felt like standing tall and going back to the roots again. A strange felling inexpressible in words. Good work Naveen babu.

Technorati : Delhi, Delhiites, HT-CNN-IBN, Nation Survey, Naveen Patnaik, Orissa

Winter is behind us now!

2007-01-23T00:47:00.001+05:30

A hiatus is a good time to ponder and wonder and flounder. Winter is behind us now and summer is ahead us. So, now it is good time to think, thank and move on and miss those wintry days of deep fried food, late morning sleep escapades and hot coffee's. Hiatus is an rejoinder to the two extreme seasons. And, the Republic Day will end this hiatus and signal the coming of hot summer.

What do we expect this summer? Yes, before the summer starts, the winter sale will precede it and the bargain hunters will be all over the city and after that, holi and after that the power cuts will pinch the heart and increase in the cost of vegetable will hurt the mind. An add to it another budget and may be a new tax regime. And can we forget the Delhiites who have young kids ready to join school. An ordeal will begin.

When April is behind us, beer will flow and with mid May, summer break plans will be in full swing which will be carried out sometime in June. When July hits Delhi, sultry weather will engulf the rich and the poor and as August and September come, the hope of cool mornings and cuddly afternoons will fill the heart. When Diwali arrives, the celebration season will start and soon Christmas will augur the New Year.

Days will pass, good as well as bad. Some of these days, will leave us with memories of life and others will show us its realities, but, none the less, these will be days of life. I wonder, when the passing of days makes less sense, is it that, middle age has engulfed me and days of thunder are behind me or is it that, when so much senseless things are going around you, it make us insensible to life itself...its a good time to ponder, wonder and flounder indeed.

Technorati : Delhi, Life, Winter

KBC 3 isn't KBC tritiah

2007-01-22T23:15:00.001+05:30

Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by SRK [Shahrukh Khan] premiered on STAR PLUS channel today. Great show, this is and reminds me of still greater people. When the show opened, SRK looked damn nervous or was he pretending, we may never know, though this was noticed.

The new 'Don' looked easy on the chair and even though the comparisons will follow, I though for a moment forgot that Big B [Amitabh Bachchan] once dawned it. If the first show is a parameter of things to follow, then, we may expect KBC 3 to be a decent success, not though in degree of its first avatar. People have already been conditioned to this format.

Now the brick bats. It was an expectation that the format will find a little more innovation and scale up a bit to accommodate people's expectation, which did not materialize. Except of SRK specific trivia's[like 'quitting' replaced by 'I will hug you' and things like that], nothing had changed. But then, who wants to wander away from a tried an a tested formula. This is where the producers of the show did disappoint.

Now, the most important question - Will I watch KBC on a regular basis? Yes, I don't know for sure! I am used to the format. Secondly, the probability of getting there has already passed and thirdly, the euphoria has long subsided except habit of people to keep watching it.

I will, for once, give SRK a chance to undo the 'DON' for I am in his list of fans.

Technorati : Delhi, KBC, Shahrukh Khan

Porn is HOT and Indian Porn HOTTER still!

2007-01-17T19:58:00.001+05:30

All the National weeklies have tried this formula, one time or the other to look popular, contemporary and mostly to increase circulation figures. Yes, sleaze masked as porn or adult content has found a way into mainstream magazines in the past, but lately the frequency with which the strategy has been adopted has amused me.

When I received my 'The Week' dated January 21 which had a sensuous pic headlined 'ADULTS ONLY', the week Investigation, you know, where my attention was. The article stated that the Indian sex industry is worth Rs. 4,000 crore and growing at an frantic rate and went on to explain in some detail the sources, distribution and the channels of the porn trade. Nothing new is mentioned. The images/pictures though not explicit keeping in mind the Indian mindset, were titillating enough. It is easy to decide for whom this is intended. If you are reading this piece on the basis of the headline [Porn is HOT and Indian Porn HOTTER still!], you know, how strong the term 'porn' is. It is not out of place to mention here that porn or to be specific Indian porn' is a big hit in the blogsphere. I was surprised to find 'debonairblog.com' as one of the top 10 sites visited by Indians. Though the content and quality can be tardy, it has still gathered an audience of noticeable size. Even this has spawned copy-cat avatars such as 'above16.wordpress.com'. With India shinning, can Indian porn be behind?

To sum up, masquerading something to get attention is OK! but if this is used often, the results may not that impressive. You see everybody is using the same method to get different results. Is this possible? I don't think. But once in a while, it can be really HOT and if its Inde it can be HOTTER still....

Technorati : Delhi, India, Indian, Kolkata, Mumbai, blogsphere, porn

If caught, you are a thief!

2007-01-11T16:29:00.001+05:30

Truth is stranger than fiction. Yesterday, the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court churned such a feeling in me. The famous case involved Members of Parliament caught in the cash-for-query scam. The whole issue had boiled down to a fight between the Judiciary and the Legislature.

On both side were people of great wisdom and erudition and power. So the judgment, which was delivered by the five Judge bench of the Supreme Court was less than a pot-boiler because there would be no more 'acts' that would follow. On after thought, the judgment was the best that could have been delivered, but it left most of the tricky questions unanswered. Take this portion for instance where the judgment states:-

"Proceeding (of Parliament) which may be tainted on account of substantive or

gross illegality or unconstitutionality are not protected from judicial scrutiny".

In short, the judgment legitimising Speaker stand on the issue has in no two word made it clear that procedure followed in Parliament are open to question in the Courts and both the Judiciary and the Legislature are under the Constitution of India' from which they draw their powers.In short, this judgment made it clear that every Indian is under the 'Constitution of India' and by no means above it. So the status-quo between the Legislature and Judiciary continues for now.

That leaves the main question answered, which started all this in the first place. 11 MPs were caught in the cash-for-query scam out of a total of 750. Will the expulsion of these MPs clear our conscience that they were the only elected representative who were indulging in this sort of activity (cash-for query scam) and not the rest ? That is a big question, the answers to which will come in time and is short bursts. So until one is caught, he is a gentleman, so goes the Law.

Technorati : Delhi, Law, MPs

Another Billion Rupee House in Delhi

2007-01-11T15:35:00.000+05:30

You get to see only the 'Gates'

Delhi has got another billion rupee (100 cr) address. The buyer of this house is an Indian businessman. When you hear this kind of news, it is easy to believe India is shinning. No wonder, an ordinary Indian has lost the hope of owning a home these-days.

In the past, Bill Gates Seattle house had created much interest and few year's back Lakshmi Mittal's purchase of a London home was seen with much awe.

Recent property deals in the country had thrown up numbers which would have been unbelievable a few years back. So, what we see today, like the purchase of a house for 100 cr doesn't amaze the populance, for they are used to hear big numbers.

It's a wonder, why people pay so much for a house. Again, the costlier the house, the less we get to see of it. Common people get to see only the 'Gates' that lead to these houses...and read about them in the media.

Technorati : Bill Gates, Delhi, Houses, Lakshmi Mittal, London, Rich

Tonight, is the night

2007-01-08T22:33:00.000+05:30

January 8th was the coldest day in Delhi in the last four decades. Flashback : New Year's Eve, 2007 was chilling climatically, an omen of things to come. It may be 2 degree Centigrade on Jan 9.

Cold is good in many ways. Some of the Arctic region countries like Norway, Canada or Russia produce some of the best computer programmers. It is said that, when it gets cold, people have two options; first is to create babies and the second is to write computer programme code. I think the coders may not be the majority, but they have made a mark for themselves in computer security field worldwide.

January being the coldest month of the year, lowest temperature for winter was expected, but not in the degree being felt at present. Someone mentioned to me today that, on the morning of the Republic Day few years back, he had noticed snow on the chairs laid down for visitor who would come to watch the parade at Rajpath. Surprising, but not improbable.

For the record did you know bald is hot this season ( read that in The Week dated 14 Jan). Few year back, not satisfied with my hair-do, I had opted to go bald. It was October then. That year ( it think it was 2003), frozen mind had overtaken me and I was out of ideas for the whole of 2004. I can only dream what will have to those bald souls.

It is night now and its very cold outside so what do you do? Very simple, pick up a fight with your spouse/girlfriend and have a good nights sleep...

Earlier citing: 1

Technorati : Delhi, cold, fashion

Those were the days my friend

2007-01-06T12:25:00.001+05:30

Mary Hopkins

Best things in Life are a chance discovery. I discovered this song by Mary Hopkins while checking out videos at Youtube. It made my heart itch, so I thought, its a song worth sharing with the world again. For the record, this song was a chart topper in the 60s and was at the No.1 position in the UK for 6 long weeks. When you listen to it, you will know why. For all you song lovers who love to karaoke, the lyrics of the song is here.

ENJOY!

Technorati : Classics, Karaoke, Mary Hopkins, RocK n Roll

CAS(HING) on DTH

2007-01-04T23:30:00.001+05:30

Everybody will gain, that's being told to us. I have to make up my mind, for I am a Delhite. Like every thing in these confused times, the right course eludes the man on the street. Yes its the CAS Vs. DTH story, again.

The options for accessing our daily dose of IDIOT BOX are (i) Conditional Access System (CAS) to view pay channel in the existing cable TV, (ii) Direct to Home (DTH), (iii) IP TV (to by provide by MTNL) or (iv) good old antenna to watch free-to-air channels.

Any change in the present system of accessing TV will come at a cost. It may vary according to platform we choose. My cable-wallah said, even if I only access the free to air channels with my cable connection, my monthly subscription rate would not be affected. Awe, was my reaction. I had expected lowering of tariff. I tossed back by asking, should I not change to DTH. He smiled and said, wait and watch. That's what I am doing.

Internet Protocol TV is another interesting option with which there is a telephone connection, a broadband connection and TV output and all this with a single cable and service provider. At the India International Trade Fair this year, MTNL pavilion had on show this new form of service. I am not an expert, but what I saw impressed me. About the old style antennas to watch the Doordarshan channels, there ain't much to say.

People acting on panic are buying viewing platforms without even exploring the plethora of choices before them. And who is cashing in on the trend needs no elaboration. One thing is clear, media with all its hype has captured the dominant feeling in us and is guiding us in a direction they believe lies the remedy to all ills. So, in this world, where war is created to choose between CAS or the DTH, I am without sides and still not complaining.

Technorati : CAS, DTH, Delhi, IPTV

20 Minutes

2007-01-04T00:06:00.001+05:30

Most of us read newspapers that too with the morning cup of tea/coffee. Research suggests readers take just 15 to 17 minutes with newspaper each day. At max, 20 minutes is the time one spends reading a newspapers every day.

So, First there was the Newspaper. Then came the City supplements. Then, classified supplements, job supplements, matrimony supplements ... today we even have tender supplements. Its confusing whether the supplements come with the newspaper or the newspaper with supplements.

So, first there was largely 'text' in the Newspapers. Then came pictures. These days, we have color, blown-out pictures and sometimes glossy-paper editions like magazines. All this in the belief that a picture is worth a 1000 words and color picture are worth a million words.

So, first there were Newspapers in big sizes. Then came stripped down versions. These days, like the preference of our erstwhile colonial masters, we have tabloids, with skinny picture of starlets seeking limelight gaining more space with each passing day.

All this to fit into our 20 minutes. Imagine the future, when there will be still lesser time to read. What next? I only ponder...

Technorati : Delhi, humour, news

2007: Another big Holiday

2007-01-02T23:17:00.000+05:30

If newspaper articles are to be believed, 2007 will be nothing sort of a big holiday year ( the pun is meant for babus). Lets first have the statistics:

2007 will have:

(i) 52 weeks out of which 2 days are holidays so that 52 X 2 = 104 days

(ii) 14 gazetted holidays ( excluding holidays on Saturdays & Sunday's) = 14 days

(iii) 2 restricted holidays = 02 days

(iv) 8 casual leaves (which is normally taken by most) = 08 days

Total 128 days

Compare this figure with the year gone by i.e, 2006 :

(i) 52 weeks out of which 2 days are holidays so that 52 X 2 = 104 days

(ii) 14 gazetted holidays ( excluding holidays on Saturdays & Sunday's) = 14 days

(iii) 2 restricted holidays = 02 days

(iv) 8 casual leaves (which is normally taken by most) = 08 days

Total 128 days

Strange as it may seem, 2007 will have as much holidays as there were in 2006. Then why this hullo-ballo. I don't know. What I do know is that this is a news-worthy item for any decent newspaper.

I was on leave ( i have a day job) for about 10 days in December last, so that I could relax, get back on life and spend some quality time with my family. 5 days into my leave, it felt boring, my wife thought I was showing my bossism on her because there was nothing much to do other than reading, eating and sleeping, I was a vegetable ( vegetables are cheap in winter). Even, my posting frequency on the blog had suffered.

The moot point here is, those people take leave often, who are born lazy or have a career outside their present jobs or have a strong passion which deserve their attention, not the least would be, if you have a kid (youngling). Holidays or no holidays, if its raining money, everyone loves to work 24 X 7 otherwise life's a bit ordinary, and a holiday once in a while is a welcome change.

Technorati : Delhi, holidays

Connaught Place has got life after all

2006-12-30T15:23:00.000+05:30

Its a nice place to shop and to enjoy. I have written about it earlier also. The celebrations have started today and will continue till the New Year. Yes, its about Connaught Place (CP), the heart of Delhi celebrating its 75 years.

The CP Shopping Festival has started in right earnest with a spectacular Laser and firework show. I did watch the show live, not from the precincts of Central Park situated in the centre of CP but from the balcony of my 10th Floor apartment a few hundred yard away. It felt good to see CP come back to live again.

Sometime back when work on the Delhi metro started in 2002, CP had that worn out look. I was an unwilling witness to the aging of CP, but 2006 had been that turn-around year. The Metro has given this old lady a new lease of life and may be 75 years is a good time to start celebrating life, which CP is doing right now.

Named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, the Connaught Place market was designed by Robert Tor Russel in collaboration with W. H. Nicholas and was inaugurated in 1931.

CP would be a busy place tomorrow, on the New Year's Eve, but its an excuse to be there and also visit the the newly renovated Central Park. Connaught Place is catching up with life, fast. Three cheers for CP...

Technorati : Connaught Place, Delhi, shopping

The Delhi Driver

2006-12-27T23:30:00.001+05:30

The driving habits of Delhi residents amuse me. You know why? I will tell you! If you look closely at these small nuances of driving, you can say something about the character of the driver. Let me explain;-

You see a motorcyclebala driving up the footpath when there is a jam. I sure am, that this fella would have been driving a scooter sometime back and would be ferrying stuff. A small time trader, who has now graduated to motorcycle for some particular reason.

Secondly you see an Santo-wallah, honking and zig-zagging past in rush traffic. Yeah, this guy used to ride a motorcycle once, preferably a Yamaha, and has now moved to a small car, but cannot get rid of his old driving habits.

Thirdly, you notice a lanky accent on the road parked not on the side but on the road so as not to cover it fully. This, yuppie was a small car owner once. Used to shop at the market parking his car on the road side, but even though he has moved on, his habits have stayed.

Lastly, if you ever find the driver of a car sitting in the back seat and the owner driving, one thing is certain, the traffic is thin and driving a pleasure.

Technorati : Delhi, driving, traffic

A month that is December

2006-12-27T22:32:00.001+05:30

What are the most important events in December? The easy answer is Christmas and Year end bash (also called New Year's eve party).

December 25th Christmas celebrations are understandable, what is intriguing is the New Years eve parties. The new year's eve party event has become a festival in itself without the undertone of any religious sentiments. Add to it the immense commercial interest shown by businesses. What you have are lot of promotions, glossy year-end issues of magazines, special TV shows, food, travel, entertainment.

It see this as an managed distraction created by interested groups to while away the focus of individuals for planning their future for the coming year and at the same time assess the major events of the past year. A new year is the time for recollection and planning and most importantly, setting personal goals with a clear head. If these moments are whiled away partying, you guessed it right, the direction of achievements may shift. December is indeed a very important month.

So, this year, before you go to that New Year's Eve party, have you planned your 2007?

Technorati : New Year, christmas, party

A tall order

2006-12-26T21:22:00.001+05:30

They say, more things change, more they remain the same. It can't be much far from truth, in the case of Delhi.

It can't be called a shower, which happened today in Delhi, at most we can called it a light drizzle. But see the effects of this light drizzle. The whole Central Business District is facing disruption of traffic due to traffic lights failure. The whole CP is in mess, add to it slippery roads and Delhi drivers cut-edge habits. Can accidents be far away?

Delhi, now boasts of Metro and is going to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games but, it still can't address the basic amenities such as continuous power or decent traffic lights which can function after a light drizzle. If this is a tall order to achieve, then what Delhi is doing now on the infrastructure front are just cosmetic makeovers, the kind we see in our televisions soaps. I have nothing more to say ...

Technorati : Commonweath Games, Delhi, drizzle, traffic

The Four Gates to Shahjahanabad

2006-12-24T12:40:00.001+05:30

It is said that there were fourteen gateways of Shahjahanabad (the Abode of Shahjahan), of which only four remain. The rest 10 gates have been lost to history. We all have heard of them, but have seldom noticed them when traveling causually around the city. They are at the junction of the old and the New Delhi's and they not only signify this they also hold in their chest the events of times gone by. These are four significant gates of Delhi:-

Delhi Gate

Located at the intersection of Asaf Ali Road and Netaji Subash Marg, it was called the Delhi Gate because it opened towards the old cities of Delhi during the time of Emperor Shahjahan.

Kashmere Gate

Located near the ISBT, was called the Kashmere Gate because the road through it eventually led to Kashmir.

Turkman Gate

Located at Asaf Ali Road, was called the Turkman Gate after Shah Turkman (He was a holy man of great repute. He was also called Biyabani because he lived in the wilderness).

Ajmeri Gate

Located at Ajmeri Gate Chowk, Kamla market, the name of the gate seems to come from the location itself.

Technorati : Delhi, History, Shahjahan

Fog induced nausea

2006-12-23T12:18:00.000+05:30

Yesterday when the Hindustan Times, New Delhi Edition carried the picture of Heathrow airport, London, where passengers were in chaos due to grounding of flights on account of fog, readers like me were forced to recollect the memories of collective trauma (Mumbai serial blasts..).

It is true that fog regularly has caused delays in trains and flight schedules and Winter is the time when these things happen. But recent coverage of the fog by different media's has captured a substantial amount of our memory space than it should. Fog now seems to have the pedigree of another big accident. May be lack of NEWS is to blame for this or may be normal events if given the urgency and coverage, can catch a bigger mind space of readers is the new media strategy this holiday season. What ever it may be, the fear factor isn't diminishing.

What, given the situation, are the options for an average human. The easiest way may be, is to fill you car to the tank full and drive to a place nearby and enjoy (make sure you have only a radio and no TV's around) the holidays. Fear, isn't an option but a reality in our lives so we can only live if you account for it and continue with our lives. Don't forget that the summer will bring the fear of communicable diseases and the story will continue...

Technorati : NEWS, delhi, fear, fog

Delhi Darshan Demystified

2006-12-15T23:33:00.001+05:30

There are many ways in which one can discover the city, that is Delhi. You can take a tourist bus or a taxi or devise your own methods.

The basic intention should be to discover something new. Some innovative methods would be to take an auto rickshaw or devise a walk or take the metro, better if, it could be a bicycle ride. The idea here is to shun the known modes of transport in the city and to go those places you have never been. Try 'sadar' for example, 'old Delhi would be a good choice, or satellite townships (Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad etc.).

There are two ways to approach this discovery process, the first is planned process and second the unplanned one.

The planned process would inevitably be based on (i) time and (ii) location (of the area you want to discover). Here how much time you are willing to devote is important. The time you want to devote would depend on the location you want to discover. So, you have to research on the area you want to discover and then plan you way around. Its a scientific approach.

The unplanned discovery method is just the opposite. It is time independent, but place specific. You can choose the area you want to discover, say Lutyen's Delhi and spend an whole day to locate the building in this area and their architecture.

In both cases, your desire and motivation plays an important role. Some like me are only a few years old in Delhi, some have just arrived and there are Dilliwallas. There is test to decide if you are ready : Ask yourself, are you bored of the city? If your answer is yes, then you are ready. And if your answer is no, take your time.

By the way, a good way to start would be 'Delhi: The Emperor's City by Shri Vijay Goel'. it has good pictures to motivate and a tapestry of facts to hold your attention.

Technorati : Delhi, New Delhi, city, discover, metro, walk

Eicher City Map for Delhi - Updated

2006-12-15T23:25:00.001+05:30

Eicher City Map for Delhi has been around some time now. Delhi has been in the midst of change for some time now, not only to reflect the aspirations of the country but also to prepare for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The revised and updated Eicher City Map for Delhi, though has been on the stands for some weeks now, needs the attention it deserves. The new map reflects many infrastructural changes like the flyovers, metro.. that have been added to the city.

The only daunting factor is the price. At Rs. 290 it is a bit on the higher side. But then, good things do cost a bit more and if you ever got lost in the city, this map can bring you back home.

Weather forecast - Does it matter

2006-12-15T23:23:00.000+05:30

This is that time of the year when we say good bye to a passing year and are in the process of gearing ourselves for the new year. Our spirits are on their high.

Can, weather dampen those festive spirits. I don't think it can. So, why read those weather forecasts for the coming fortnight, if you have hell bound to carry out all those plans for the year end bash, come what may.

So, say good bye-bye to the weather forecast for the next fortnight till dawn new year, see what you mind is capable of.

Technorati : Delhi, New Delhi, New Year

Central Park is back to where it belongs: The Public

2006-12-14T16:01:00.001+05:30

The Delhi Metro which has made Delhite's and Dilliwala's proud had cost them, even if, temporarily, the Central Park in CP. The park was closed down because it was the central point of the Delhi Metro operation.The Central Park has been closed now for nearly half a decade, but now, it will be open to the public. The reopening function is at 6.30 pm today. So, when moving around CP, you feel like taking a break, then, go down to the Central Park which situated in the middle of the shopping arcade and take that well deserved breather and enjoy the facade as a bonus.

Marriages made in heaven

2006-12-14T14:44:00.001+05:30

With marriage season in progress, couples are being solemnized by their thousands.

What is astonishing is the numbers of marriages.Do a simple maths, roughly add the number of marriages per day in the marriage season. For example, say 5000 marriages are taking place each day of the marriage season, which lasts 30 days, then at the end of this period, we get 1,50,000 marriages and 3,00,000(3 lakh) (man + wife) people getting married. The population of Delhi is around 13.8 million (1.38 crore people). Roughly the marriageable couple form around 10-20 percent of any population , so the approximately 13 lakh people are in the marriageable age. If 3 lakh people on an average get married every marriage season, Delhi should have been devoid of marriageable population by now. But that hasn't happened. The reason are any body to guess. What is astonishing is that, in spite of thousands of marriages taking place in Delhi, I have not been invited to any marriage this season, this has caused me to doubt the authenticity of the figures.(No you know why!)

picture courtesy :[amritworld]

Another December the 13th

2006-12-13T21:39:00.000+05:30

Wednesday, the 13th December, 2006 is another cold day. Like any working day, people go on with their lives, but a few who have lost their close ones to an unprecedented event that happened on this fateful day in 2001.

Attack on any Parliament of the world is a dastardly act and to attack the largest of them all is a sign of things. The attack did take place in the time of live television and like Gulf War I and II before it, it was watched live across the world, but sadly it happened where it hurt most, in the heart of our country. The spectacular failure of the attack was there for everybody to watch but, the significance of the event has come to pass.

Perpetrator were apprehended and the course of justice took its path. But the truth has been made to look stranger than friction, with the last few turn of events. But, what is important that the faith of people in the system of democracy in spite of its failings hasn't diminished. The key ingredients used by our political leaders has been 'innovativeness' and to quote the famous marketing Guru 'segmentation'.

So, another day has come to pass, but, it has in the course of the day, made people think and made some of us 'thinking Indians'. Though we have come to accept our democratic freedom for granted.

Ruby Tuesday

2006-12-12T10:51:00.000+05:30

Weather: The temperature today is expected to be around 8 degrees centrigrade and the sky is expected to be clear and sunny.

* Government of NCT of Delhi has become a stakeholder in 1,500 MW Green Field Power Plant in Jhajjar, Haryana which will become operational in 2010.

* Monday, the 11th December, 2006 was the busiest marriage day this season with 15000 marriages solemnized.

* Today at 4 PM in Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, Penguin India will host a discussion on the book 13 Dec: A Reader--The Strange Case of The Attack on Indian Parliament. Speakers: Arundhati Roy, Indira Jaising, Nandita Haksar, Nirmalangshu Mukherji, Praful Bidwai, Shuddhabrata Sengupta. (source : Hurree Babu' blog )

Technorati : Delhi, New Delhi, book reading, marriage, weather

Softnews in Brief

2006-12-11T14:57:00.000+05:30

* A bigger version of 'Dilli Haat' titled "Mini India" will be built near Kanjhawale, in north Delhi. Mini India will showcase different cultures from all the States of the Country. To be built on BoT(Built Operate Transfer) basis, Mini India is expected to attract both domestic and foreign tourists during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

* An employee of Press Trust of India (PTI) residing in JJ colony in Uttam Nagar was stabbed along with his son and nephew on saturday night because he objected to five men drinking and shouting outside his flat.

* The stipulated 10 days given to Governments of UP and Delhi by the Delhi High Court to resolve the bus controversy ended on Sunday last. No resolution seem in sight as both governments have taken rigid stand to the detriment of commuters.

* Weather - The weather for Monday, is expected to be warm and the temperature is expected to be around 12 degrees centrigrade, 3 degrees above normal. Though cloudy skies with persist.

Technorati : Delhi, New Delhi, News

Delhi - Many stories and a rich history

2006-12-10T00:12:00.001+05:30

Every good story should be retold for generations to be hear and to be passed on. No judgments here, just good old fashioned story telling. I read this one in Delhi City Limits (ed. dated 28.2.2006). The story was told by Anand Vivek Taneja and sole credit goes to him for the story he told, it is only recounted here

On what used to be the agricultural land of the village(present Lado Sarai), the government, in 2002, erected a Prithviraj Memorial, valorising the lat 'Hindu' king of Delhi, who went down bravely fighting the Muslim invaders. L.K. Advani, at the inauguration, drew a sword and thundered about fighting terrorism from Pakistan.

The story of Prithviraj, as told in Lado Sarai, is slightly different.

One day, in his old age, the good kind Anang Pal Tomar decided to go on long pilgrimage, and leave the kingdom to the care of relatives, Prithviraj and Jaichand. Prithviraj was given custody of Delhi and Ajmer, while Jaichand look after Kannauj.

Prithviraj told Anangpal that his custody was useless unless he had authority which other kings would believe in. "Give it to me in writing," he said. "No King can enter Delhi without the permission of Prithviraj." So Anangpal give it to him in writing, and went off on his pilgrimage. Not much later, when he returned to his city, the gates were closed to him. No King can enter Delhi without the permission of Prithviraj. And so it was that Prithviraj came to be the ruler of Delhi.

Flashback. A trader from Afghanistan decided to start trading with India and thus expand his business and his profits. So he loaded his goods on camels and came to India, and to the court of the vigorous childless king, Anangpal Tomar, along with his beautiful daughter. He offered Anangpal his daughter in marriage. "I know that you will have children with her."

The marriage was consummated, the child was conceived, but the older queen was jealous. While the younger queen was pregnant, she forbade Anangpal from meeting her, and when the child was born, she threw him out on a garbage pile, ghor in Sanskrit.

The child was picked up by a passing childless potter, who then brought him up as his own.

When the child was seven years old, King Anangpal passed a judgment which dissatisfied his people. The potter's son suggested another way in which justice could be meted out. The news spread like wildfire and reached the palace.

Fearing the king's wrath a servant from the palace went and told the potter who his son really was, and asked him to send the child off to Afghanistan, to his grandfather.

Years later Mohammad Ghori marched on Delhi to reclaim his inheritance, and Jaichand joined him. Prithviraj was defeated. Lad Singh, a soldier in Jaichand's army settled in what was to become Lado Sarai village. His four sons lived in four domed structures, four gumbads which existed there prior to their settlement, and around these domes the village of Lado Sarai grew.

Karan Pal Singh, about 70 years old, who told me ( to Anand Vivek Taneja) this story, also told me(..),there are three kinds of history.

One is that written in history textbooks, This is written by those in power, and cannot be trusted.

Then there is the history by the person who sits with books and tries to make sense of the past for himself.

The third is oral tradition, what people remember from what their ancestors tell them. There is one truth in both of these.

Movies: On weekend No. 48

2006-12-09T01:11:00.001+05:30

What is available this weekend is BAABUL. The makers of Baabul had earlier made BAGHBAN. They are good. The movie may not appeal to all like Dhoom:2, but none the less entertaining. There a song in the movie sung by Big B himself. Watch that out.....The movie is a perfect lousy weekend entertainment.

The Leonardo Di Caprio starred "Blood Diamond " isn't releasing in India, this weekend. Boledil will inform you when it comes to India. By the way, there is and interesting read about the movie in "The New Yorker ". On a personal note, the trailer of the movie look very good. You can watch the trailer on the apple site. You need to have download, Apple QuickTime to view the trailers. I bet the download is worth the time and effort, the the trailers can range between 20 to 100 MB depending on the size of the screen you choose to see.

Technorati : Baabul, Blood Diamond, movies

Must See Event -Photo Imaging Asia 2006

2006-12-09T00:26:00.001+05:30

A must see event this weekend. Why? Know your reason;-

1. First, its at Hall No. 2-6, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi [You were here earlier for the IITF(called the Trade Fair), so you know the route];

2. You can participate in different workshops. Well, first you have to register at www.pia.infomediaindia.com or by calling 9899155022;

3. The is a good chance to come across the digital camera of a price range, you always wanted to buy.

4. Last but not the least, you can win exciting prizes for just visiting the fair.

Technorati : Delhi, Photo Imaging Asia 2006

MTNL: A free Broadband Connection Offer

2006-12-09T00:21:00.001+05:30

Most people write off MTNL on the quality of service they offer. Basically, people have complaints about MTNL's Landline connections. So, when the mobile revolution took place, MTNL faced the brunt and as people started surrendering their landlines by their droves.

That was, three years back in 2003. Now, MTNL is back with a bang. Check out their Broadband Offers. The offers are cheapest in town. The latest offer will not cost a dime, if you have a DSL modem to boot and you can also have 1 month's minimum usage charges waived off too. This latest offer is valid upto 22nd December, 2006. You can choose between DSL-399, DSL-749, Tri-590 NU, TriB-199, TriB-199, TriB-Invitation, TriB-250 Combo, Tri B-Phone 500 Combo (@256 kbps) and Trib-599(@512 kbps). Details are at http://mtnldelhi.in or call 1500 or 22221500 for more info.

Technorati : Broadband, MTNL

Weekend No. 48, Weather Report for Delhi

2006-12-09T00:18:00.001+05:30

Fine weather will prevail in the Capital till Saturday evening courtesy, 'western disturbances'. Indian Meteorological Department [IMD] informs that temperature will remain six degrees above normal. Party Time, Delhites......

Technorati : Delhi, New Delhi, Weather

Thursday - The weekend is coming.

2006-12-07T00:51:00.000+05:30

* Space Shuttle Discovery launch is scheduled for Thursday, the 7th December, 2006. That will early morning hours (at around 8.15 a.m on Friday, the 8th Dec) in India. Like Kalpana Chawla before her, Sunita Williams of Indian origin will fly with the Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. The launch can be watched live on NASA TV. You require Windows Media Player to view the live lunch programme. If you want to choose a media stream of your choice, the whole list is here. Incidentally, NASA (National Aeronautic and Space Administration) has announced plans for a permanent base on the moon by 2020.

* Have a look at the CrunchGear's Best of 2006. This is for the gadget fans out there.

* Blood Diamond , the DiCaprio starred thriller will hit the theaters on Friday. Baabul, B.R Chopra's movie on widow re-marriage is also hitting theaters near you this weekend. Boledil will take you on a sneak preview of both the movies tomorrow.

Weather: On Thursday, the 7th December, 2006, Delhi is expected to have partly cloudy sky. Mist/Shallow fog is likely. Minimum temperature likely to be around 12 degree celcius. It will be a Thursday none the less.

The Onion reports, an informal study has revealed that American citizens perceived Wednesday, the November 30 subliminally as a Thursday. Quiet interesting, but most were jolted to find that it was Wednesday, the 30th November and not a Thursday as subliminally perceived and the weekend was still fews days away.

Technorati : Baabul, Blood Diamonds, CrunchGear, Delhi, NASA, New Delhi, Onion, Sunita Williams, weather

Busy Wednesday

2006-12-06T00:50:00.001+05:30

Weather: Wednesday, the 6th December, 2006 is expected to by chilled, partly cloudy and the temperature is expected to range between the low of 15 degree and high of 22 degree centigrade. An usual December day it will be.

* December 6, will remembered as the 50th death Anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. With recent incidents in Nagpur, the ground situation is tense in Mumbai but in Delhi, other than death anniversary functions, the day will pass on as normal. Though there may be some traffic snarls and jams are expected.

* December 6, is also the day Babri Masjid was demolished [14th anniversary] in 1992. A turning point of sorts in this history of modern India. Keeping with the recent turn of events, the Babri Masjid episode may receive less attention this.

* British MPs are demanding salary hike. It seem the British MPs have a thing or two to learn from their Indian counter parts. First, hike your pay as often you can and secondly, hike it yourself rather than depending on a committee to make recommendations.

* The DVD of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is out. The movies is one of the biggest hits of all time. If you have not seen the movie, it would be worthwhile to see the first movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and then the sequel. Its is a lovable movie not only for children but also for adults as well. So why not buy both the DVDs at one go. They are both available Indiatimes shopping site.

Technorati : Ambedkar, Babri Masjid, Delhi, MPs, movies
Del.icio.us : Ambedkar, Babri Masjid, Delhi, MPs, movies

Cold Delhi -- coming....

2006-12-05T12:09:00.001+05:30

The view of Jantar Mantar from my hotel bedroom window
Originally uploaded by neilmadhvani.

So at last, it is winter in Delhi. Foggy days without sunlight. It is good time to change you food habits. Take lot of fried stuff, non-veg, and madira I would add. But, you can choose according to your choice, nothing is mandatory but the climate should be the yardstick.