Was off to Diamond Water Park, near Lohegaon Aiport. Actually, it's still further up from the main Lohegaon Village center, but connectivity is decent and you should get there from Pune Station in about 1/2 (by car).
The place has got some good rides. The place is huge. However, some of the things have come to disrepair. Also, the whole place has a bit of a decrepit look about it - with horribly unclean shower facilities, broken lockers, garbage and plastic strewn around. Some of the slide aids like foam boards and tubes were short in number. Hence there was mad rush to lay hands on the available equipment.
However, rides themselves were decently maintained. Important note - Don't wear spectacles, sun-glasses while enjoying any of the water rides. I got a cut above the eye (specs slammed on a slide wall and dug into the eye-lid. Wife lost sun-glasses she was using to protect her hair from UV rays).
Women are still not comfortable wearing swim-wear, and I am not talking about bikini or V shaped things. Even bicycle shorts are fine. But no! Most males/females were wearing garishly colored loose fitting swimwear(!!) rented at the park. The older women frolicked around in their salwar kameezes, which when wet, are as see through as air on a crisp clear morning. Also, why do men also not take off their bullet ridden ganjis. Does look macho with vest on?
Monday, June 19, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Oh Lala!
I was fairly aware of Lala's grumpiness and still respect him as a person. But today he was just ballistic.
Don't ask me who Lala is. You gas!
Our transportation was scheduled 15 minutes earlier than usual so they could deposit all the employees on time for presentation of new initiative and then a Q and A will Lala and others.
Anyway, the first person that stood up to ask the question was brutally snubbed. Lala answered him alright, but the poor guy wanted some clarification and asked "Can I ask another question"
Lala goes "No, we want the floor to be open to all the people here"
1st Questioner - "But Sir, in the light of...."
Lala -"Please sit down".
Further down to another questioner, while answering
"It would be better if you listened to what I was telling you, rather than asking questions"
and then
"No, we are not talking about plans now. They are on the website. We communicated them extensively in April communication"
Now, one can understand, you may have a reason for turning down some questions. But clearly, there are less offensive ways to do that. After all, there is something called tact and humor. Lala displayed ample command and poise to leave an impression with the audience. But you also need to show some sang froid. May be it was Friday morning blues.
Don't ask me who Lala is. You gas!
Our transportation was scheduled 15 minutes earlier than usual so they could deposit all the employees on time for presentation of new initiative and then a Q and A will Lala and others.
Anyway, the first person that stood up to ask the question was brutally snubbed. Lala answered him alright, but the poor guy wanted some clarification and asked "Can I ask another question"
Lala goes "No, we want the floor to be open to all the people here"
1st Questioner - "But Sir, in the light of...."
Lala -"Please sit down".
Further down to another questioner, while answering
"It would be better if you listened to what I was telling you, rather than asking questions"
and then
"No, we are not talking about plans now. They are on the website. We communicated them extensively in April communication"
Now, one can understand, you may have a reason for turning down some questions. But clearly, there are less offensive ways to do that. After all, there is something called tact and humor. Lala displayed ample command and poise to leave an impression with the audience. But you also need to show some sang froid. May be it was Friday morning blues.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Fanaa - the review
Saw Fanaa this weekend. Actually went to catch M:I III, but landed in the wrong theater. Not wanting to go back empty-eyed, bought Fanaa tickets. The rates have been hiked by 20 rupees thanks to Yash uncle's unmitigated greed.
Having read the reviews of some great bloggers , I was a bit skeptical about watching the movie. However, it turned out not so bad after all. Indeed, the first half, with all the shayari and crackling dialogues around, is a lot of fun. Also, the jokes about Kajol's handicap are sensitive and funny. The second half does stretch a bit. But it's not something you can't tolerate at all. The kid is wonderful. Kajol is a treat to watch and so is Aamir.
A lot of reverse engineered analysis has gone into dissecting the chemistry between Kajol and Aamir Khan. I think, there is palpably. Also, one has to note that Aamir is not really in love with Kajol, for most of the first half, but is just flirting with her.
People also fail to credit Kunal Kohli (dialogues) with some fabulous non English besmirched dialogues. Since the setting is Kashmir and Delhi, one needed conversation in proper Hindi/Urdu and the language has been beautifully used. It was high time, we got reacquainted with the beauty of Urdu/Hindi as used in earlier Bollywood films.
Having read the reviews of some great bloggers , I was a bit skeptical about watching the movie. However, it turned out not so bad after all. Indeed, the first half, with all the shayari and crackling dialogues around, is a lot of fun. Also, the jokes about Kajol's handicap are sensitive and funny. The second half does stretch a bit. But it's not something you can't tolerate at all. The kid is wonderful. Kajol is a treat to watch and so is Aamir.
A lot of reverse engineered analysis has gone into dissecting the chemistry between Kajol and Aamir Khan. I think, there is palpably. Also, one has to note that Aamir is not really in love with Kajol, for most of the first half, but is just flirting with her.
People also fail to credit Kunal Kohli (dialogues) with some fabulous non English besmirched dialogues. Since the setting is Kashmir and Delhi, one needed conversation in proper Hindi/Urdu and the language has been beautifully used. It was high time, we got reacquainted with the beauty of Urdu/Hindi as used in earlier Bollywood films.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Goel's Akashganga project
DNA - 1
More ons here. Kill militant, fight your case in court (cost a few lakhs for decent defence), go to jail, on release claim 1 lakh.
Isn't there any law to stop making such ridiculous offers.
BTW, Why didn't Kalam march out of the Sukhoi to the banner of "Mission Accomplished"?
Isn't there any law to stop making such ridiculous offers.
BTW, Why didn't Kalam march out of the Sukhoi to the banner of "Mission Accomplished"?
Monday, June 05, 2006
Mauritius - tips for travellers
1. Looks for hotels favored by Indians - helps if you are keen on Indian food, Hindi music and general comfort. Gold Beach, Flic-en-Flac, where we stayed, is such a place. Recommended.
2. Things are generally expensive - food, travel, phone cards. You can save a lot on food, by having a heavy breakfast and dinner (included in half board hotel bookings) and carrying snacks, sandwiches for lunch
3. Swimming is a must, if you want to enjoy Mauritius to its fullest. I couldn't swim well in currents, so snorkelling was quite a task. So, you can't enjoy the under-water wonders. Also, as a rookie swimmer, you have to be wary and can't explore even the shallow depths of the ocean. Atleast, carry a simple float or tube, so you don't feel left out.
4. Net access is not widely available. In some malls (esp in the capital, Port Louis), there is free but limited net access.
5. Always book the rides or water sports activities through an official tour operator. It's safer and less chance of been cheated. There is that typical desi ethos of not honoring commitments, so be sure to confirm repeatedly
6. Haggle everywhere and anywhere. Ask for a discount and you will get it. In markets or road side shops 1/3rd the quoted rate, in malls and bigger shops, a bit less (discount).
7. Try the untrodden path - Bike, walks, public bus rides, local markets.
8. Language and food is not a problem. 57% Mauritians are Hindus, so food is heavily India-centric.
9. Expenses for two persons, should be not more than 1 lakh all inclusive
2. Things are generally expensive - food, travel, phone cards. You can save a lot on food, by having a heavy breakfast and dinner (included in half board hotel bookings) and carrying snacks, sandwiches for lunch
3. Swimming is a must, if you want to enjoy Mauritius to its fullest. I couldn't swim well in currents, so snorkelling was quite a task. So, you can't enjoy the under-water wonders. Also, as a rookie swimmer, you have to be wary and can't explore even the shallow depths of the ocean. Atleast, carry a simple float or tube, so you don't feel left out.
4. Net access is not widely available. In some malls (esp in the capital, Port Louis), there is free but limited net access.
5. Always book the rides or water sports activities through an official tour operator. It's safer and less chance of been cheated. There is that typical desi ethos of not honoring commitments, so be sure to confirm repeatedly
6. Haggle everywhere and anywhere. Ask for a discount and you will get it. In markets or road side shops 1/3rd the quoted rate, in malls and bigger shops, a bit less (discount).
7. Try the untrodden path - Bike, walks, public bus rides, local markets.
8. Language and food is not a problem. 57% Mauritians are Hindus, so food is heavily India-centric.
9. Expenses for two persons, should be not more than 1 lakh all inclusive
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Fear Psychotic
Just unbelievable!! I get a hit from google search using the string "what to do if a relative is showing signs of psycotic behaviour".
First, I have hardly discoursed on anything remotely pyschological on my blog (I think).
But more importantly, I don't understand how I qualify to answer the question. I have an opinion about relatives, but will save it for now (selfish reasons). Suffice to say, I would be most interested in knowing the answer to that very important question.
First, I have hardly discoursed on anything remotely pyschological on my blog (I think).
But more importantly, I don't understand how I qualify to answer the question. I have an opinion about relatives, but will save it for now (selfish reasons). Suffice to say, I would be most interested in knowing the answer to that very important question.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Isse takaleefdeh aur koi nahi
Big Bazaar opened up about a year ago here in Kandivli (E). Since then, the traffic problems have worsened considerably.
Kandivli(E) has a military depot towards its northern side and a food depot towards its southern side. Hence there is a single road that emerges from Kandivli (E) from the fatak. This single road, named after the local Goddess Akurli, is the life-line for everyone who stays in Samta Nagar, Thakur Village, Thakur Complex, Lokhandwala, Damu Nagar, Hanuman Nagar and so on. Many people who stay in illegal hutments along National Park boundary cannot afford to even take the bus and simply walk along this stretch.
In the evening, its waves and waves of people marching past the bhaaji waalas, as if returning from battle (of course they do). The road is just about wide for a vehicle to pass through and even the walking pedestrians considerably slow down the traffic. But of course, you can't blame them. The mouth of the road, near the fatak, actually is the most troublesome. This is because the fatak is closed during peak hours and all the bhaajiwaalas plonk themselves right in the middle of the road. Couple it with the rickshawalas, who do not care to stop at the stand but anywhere and everywhere on the road (so they can get out of the traffic that other rickshawalas have created). There is paucity of transportation to all the places that I mentioned and hence, people just ambush the next approaching rickshaw, causing it to swerve and stop haphazardly.
So, the problems facing the Kandivli (E) commuters are already enormous. Now this Big Bazaar monster. It has come up right at the junction of highway and Akurli Road. Already it was a bottleneck. But now, with the promise of cheapest prices anywhere, the neighbourhood bai to the diamond donning Shetji everyone wants a slice of the cheap khamang dhokla. Cars approaching from the highway make a improper right turn to get into the car park quickly. But with the traffic in the other lane, that is impossible, without bringing the traffic in both lanes to a virtual halt. And so it does. The road is so small, you cannot even make a U turn without reversing the car back and forth. Bikes pre-emptively start plying in the opposite lane, to be able to make the transition into the car park quickly. It is utter utter chaos.
I am very sure a lof of money has exchanged hands for Big Bazaar to begin operations without an NOC and a decent infrastructure survey by the municipality. Unless the road for the car park is opened to the highway, the condition is going to worsen. Very soon, the boiling point will be reached and there is going to be major rioting.
Kandivli(E) has a military depot towards its northern side and a food depot towards its southern side. Hence there is a single road that emerges from Kandivli (E) from the fatak. This single road, named after the local Goddess Akurli, is the life-line for everyone who stays in Samta Nagar, Thakur Village, Thakur Complex, Lokhandwala, Damu Nagar, Hanuman Nagar and so on. Many people who stay in illegal hutments along National Park boundary cannot afford to even take the bus and simply walk along this stretch.
In the evening, its waves and waves of people marching past the bhaaji waalas, as if returning from battle (of course they do). The road is just about wide for a vehicle to pass through and even the walking pedestrians considerably slow down the traffic. But of course, you can't blame them. The mouth of the road, near the fatak, actually is the most troublesome. This is because the fatak is closed during peak hours and all the bhaajiwaalas plonk themselves right in the middle of the road. Couple it with the rickshawalas, who do not care to stop at the stand but anywhere and everywhere on the road (so they can get out of the traffic that other rickshawalas have created). There is paucity of transportation to all the places that I mentioned and hence, people just ambush the next approaching rickshaw, causing it to swerve and stop haphazardly.
So, the problems facing the Kandivli (E) commuters are already enormous. Now this Big Bazaar monster. It has come up right at the junction of highway and Akurli Road. Already it was a bottleneck. But now, with the promise of cheapest prices anywhere, the neighbourhood bai to the diamond donning Shetji everyone wants a slice of the cheap khamang dhokla. Cars approaching from the highway make a improper right turn to get into the car park quickly. But with the traffic in the other lane, that is impossible, without bringing the traffic in both lanes to a virtual halt. And so it does. The road is so small, you cannot even make a U turn without reversing the car back and forth. Bikes pre-emptively start plying in the opposite lane, to be able to make the transition into the car park quickly. It is utter utter chaos.
I am very sure a lof of money has exchanged hands for Big Bazaar to begin operations without an NOC and a decent infrastructure survey by the municipality. Unless the road for the car park is opened to the highway, the condition is going to worsen. Very soon, the boiling point will be reached and there is going to be major rioting.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Suicide farm
The boom in the economy continues to benefit the very few (compared to the population). Indians are still dying or eking out a sorry existence.
The blinding glitter of new money is clouding the marginalization and neglect of the rest. And farmers are still dying
The blinding glitter of new money is clouding the marginalization and neglect of the rest. And farmers are still dying
Friday, April 28, 2006
Himesh Reshammiya - Humko Deewana
My tribute to Himmeshmiya's incredible singing talent
The cover version
tum saanson mein
tum dhadkan mein
tum liver mein
tum Jathar mein
utar gaye
humko dyspepsia - 3 dyspepsia de gaye
tum pancreas mein
tum appendix mein
tum spleen mein
tum tonsil mein
latak gaye
humko nauseate- 3 nauseate kar gaye
humko nauseate - 3 nauseate kar gaye
dil overworked trans fats se
tere boozing se teri diet se
shaam-o-sehar mehke mere har pal tere halitosis se
aaisi totally lag gayi hain yaar - 2
totally lag gayi hain yaar - 2
tum left tibia mein
tum right clavicle mein
tum Jathar mein
tum liver mein
utar gaye
humko dyspepsia dyspepsia de gaye
humko dyspepsia - 3 dyspepsia de gaye
The cover version
tum saanson mein
tum dhadkan mein
tum liver mein
tum Jathar mein
utar gaye
humko dyspepsia - 3 dyspepsia de gaye
tum pancreas mein
tum appendix mein
tum spleen mein
tum tonsil mein
latak gaye
humko nauseate- 3 nauseate kar gaye
humko nauseate - 3 nauseate kar gaye
dil overworked trans fats se
tere boozing se teri diet se
shaam-o-sehar mehke mere har pal tere halitosis se
aaisi totally lag gayi hain yaar - 2
totally lag gayi hain yaar - 2
tum left tibia mein
tum right clavicle mein
tum Jathar mein
tum liver mein
utar gaye
humko dyspepsia dyspepsia de gaye
humko dyspepsia - 3 dyspepsia de gaye
Go 92.5 FM
I have always silently lamented the utter submission of the radio channels to the market forces.
I remember hamare jamane mein, I mean....during B.E., I was such a huge radio buff - those eary times of Radio Mid-day, Times FM and AIR FM. I was a regular listener of Sundown Show, the Morning Show (where Cyrus Broacha and Mohan Kapoor would run riot), the Western Classical segment (Parag Trivedi even had visited our college then). There are other shows which again were very good. Unfortunately, the memories are hazy.
When there was clampdown on private FM channels, I turned to AIR in a big way. AIR has the most amazing library of English songs. They can afford the royalty, whereas the private operaters flog their limited songs (budget constraints) all the time. For me, AIR has been a great window into an electic mix of English music. They would have 1 hour programs dedicated to a just one type of music - Country, Rock, Blues, Pop. The hosts would be mediocre, but they won't do lot of chapar chapar as they had plenty of stock (as against the private operators who can't afford to air more than 10 songs an hour).
This post by Rashmi brings back all the memories. Most of what she says is true. The same songs are played all the time and it gets on your nerves. The programming is severely short on ideas. Going by averages, English hosts are more interesting than their Hindi counterparts. I am also of the breed, who hates RJs who speak in a horrible Hinglish argot - most primetime Hindi RJs are terribly uncomfortable with shudh Hindi.
So, I am sadder that Go92.5 FM has also gone totally desi. Hope the Mid-day guys do a rethink.
I remember hamare jamane mein, I mean....during B.E., I was such a huge radio buff - those eary times of Radio Mid-day, Times FM and AIR FM. I was a regular listener of Sundown Show, the Morning Show (where Cyrus Broacha and Mohan Kapoor would run riot), the Western Classical segment (Parag Trivedi even had visited our college then). There are other shows which again were very good. Unfortunately, the memories are hazy.
When there was clampdown on private FM channels, I turned to AIR in a big way. AIR has the most amazing library of English songs. They can afford the royalty, whereas the private operaters flog their limited songs (budget constraints) all the time. For me, AIR has been a great window into an electic mix of English music. They would have 1 hour programs dedicated to a just one type of music - Country, Rock, Blues, Pop. The hosts would be mediocre, but they won't do lot of chapar chapar as they had plenty of stock (as against the private operators who can't afford to air more than 10 songs an hour).
This post by Rashmi brings back all the memories. Most of what she says is true. The same songs are played all the time and it gets on your nerves. The programming is severely short on ideas. Going by averages, English hosts are more interesting than their Hindi counterparts. I am also of the breed, who hates RJs who speak in a horrible Hinglish argot - most primetime Hindi RJs are terribly uncomfortable with shudh Hindi.
So, I am sadder that Go92.5 FM has also gone totally desi. Hope the Mid-day guys do a rethink.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Pune map
None of the existing maps of Pune on the web are updated or sufficiently detailed. Here is a decent Pune map, that I received from a friend. Better than most.
Click on the map to zoom.
Update - 07-Jan-2007 - Google maps has gone even more detailed. Check this out
Click on the map to zoom.
Update - 07-Jan-2007 - Google maps has gone even more detailed. Check this out
Friday, April 21, 2006
..tujhko...mujhko Bloggery aa gayeeeeeeeee
A good article about how blogging is a good differentiator.
Blogging allows me to express myself hibitidly (without inhibition :-). Probably, it reflects (I hope) that I can write in a coherent and a logical manner.
Without doubt, it has made me good at job, where I need to prepare humongous documentation and immerse myself in in endless query tracker spreadsheets (the bane of any software project).
I know I have been not been giving attention to work because of a slightly important personal project and also this, this and this.
So, my netsurfing (esp of blogs) has shot up beyond control and work suffers. But just look at the project, will you? It's a pain, you know. And all my grim predictions about the project are coming true, to my utter dismay (and some delight as well that I am right).
Anyway, with the kind of coming clean I have done on my blog, I would not use it to embellish my resume. :-))
Blogging allows me to express myself hibitidly (without inhibition :-). Probably, it reflects (I hope) that I can write in a coherent and a logical manner.
Without doubt, it has made me good at job, where I need to prepare humongous documentation and immerse myself in in endless query tracker spreadsheets (the bane of any software project).
I know I have been not been giving attention to work because of a slightly important personal project and also this, this and this.
So, my netsurfing (esp of blogs) has shot up beyond control and work suffers. But just look at the project, will you? It's a pain, you know. And all my grim predictions about the project are coming true, to my utter dismay (and some delight as well that I am right).
Anyway, with the kind of coming clean I have done on my blog, I would not use it to embellish my resume. :-))
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
Mithi river
Read a fine article (in Maharashtra Times or Loksatta) this weekend about how the Mithi river has undergone drastic changes in just 30 years. The writer talks about watchposts erected in the river (yes, you had to use a boat to get there), for avid ornithologists.
Also the writer points out though there is a whole activity on to clear the path of the river from encroachments, the damage cannot be totally reversed. The Bandra Kurla Complex and the MMRDA office (from where directives are issued for Mithi cleanup), themselves are built right in the river bed.
Talk of greater irony!
I wish I could link to the article and the fabulous photos accompanying it
Also the writer points out though there is a whole activity on to clear the path of the river from encroachments, the damage cannot be totally reversed. The Bandra Kurla Complex and the MMRDA office (from where directives are issued for Mithi cleanup), themselves are built right in the river bed.
Talk of greater irony!
I wish I could link to the article and the fabulous photos accompanying it
Kshan, marathi movie
New movie got released. Just a heads up. DON'T WATCH IT.
Sophomoric acting, terrible script, non existent editing and Mis direction.
Utter Plain Roobish. Avoid
Sophomoric acting, terrible script, non existent editing and Mis direction.
Utter Plain Roobish. Avoid
Contrary to beliefs
The contrarian in me needed a defining catchphrase
Then I read this
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time
to reform.
-- Mark Twain
Found one.
Then I read this
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time
to reform.
-- Mark Twain
Found one.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Maa reva, tharo paani vish!
It's being too long, since the aam junta has voiced protests about the glaring anomalies in the Sardar Sarovar R&R (Resettlement and rehabilitation). Dilip wrote a great article about how there was a public outcry after the Jessica murder trial, but none coming forward to support the displaced tribals of the Narmada Valley.
Another very poignant column is here
Probably as rightly pointed out, we don't feel concerned for the poor villagers living a life-time away from our existence. Jessica Lal is closer to our milieu and the people who belong that class have access to media and other mainstream forums, to fight against a major injustice. The people of Narmada Valley don't.
It makes me infinitely glad that Aamir Khan and Tehelka, both I greatly revere for their integrity and fearlessness, have espoused the cause of the victims of Sardar Sarovar project.
I hope more people raise their voices.
Another very poignant column is here
Probably as rightly pointed out, we don't feel concerned for the poor villagers living a life-time away from our existence. Jessica Lal is closer to our milieu and the people who belong that class have access to media and other mainstream forums, to fight against a major injustice. The people of Narmada Valley don't.
It makes me infinitely glad that Aamir Khan and Tehelka, both I greatly revere for their integrity and fearlessness, have espoused the cause of the victims of Sardar Sarovar project.
I hope more people raise their voices.
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