Driving on the Bangalore's electronic city elevated toll way is a very pleasant experience. The 9.5 kms trip costs Rs. 30 one way and Rs 50 for a two way trip. It takes approximately 10-15 mins to cover the distance...brings back the memories of using the turn pikes in the Pennsylvania.
The return trip on the toll way from electronics city towards Bangalore is a breeze through until you are brought back down to the ground level at Madivala!. Overall, using the toll way is a pleasant experience, there is a temporary relief from crowded roads!.
Dec 4, 2010
Nov 24, 2010
Yedduryappa and his survival stories
The Karnataka Chief Minister has yet again managed to save his post. While I don't normally care about the political roller coaster stories, I have assumed some immense interest in following this (in)famous CM. Given the number of attempts made to remove him, number of scams that are being unearthed on a daily basis, he will very soon make it to the Limca Book of Records. Yedduryappa, at least for now is the survival of the 'politically fittest'.
Per Political analysts, politics in Karnataka has hit an all time low. The current government is more or less in a survival mode, ignoring some major issues that need to be addressed.
Unlike Andhra Pradesh, where Chandra Babu made a significant impact in bringing the IT industry in to the state, Karnataka has been fortunate enough not to depend on the politicians for this purpose. Bangalore being a hub of aerospace, research, large scale public and private companies and scores of educational institutions helped incubate the manufacturing, IT and BT industries. All that the industry expects is a stable state government that can address current & future infrastructure needs...Given the present circumstances, that seems like a dream itself!
Per Political analysts, politics in Karnataka has hit an all time low. The current government is more or less in a survival mode, ignoring some major issues that need to be addressed.
Unlike Andhra Pradesh, where Chandra Babu made a significant impact in bringing the IT industry in to the state, Karnataka has been fortunate enough not to depend on the politicians for this purpose. Bangalore being a hub of aerospace, research, large scale public and private companies and scores of educational institutions helped incubate the manufacturing, IT and BT industries. All that the industry expects is a stable state government that can address current & future infrastructure needs...Given the present circumstances, that seems like a dream itself!
Jul 8, 2010
Food, Laundry and Hot Water
That's my basic expectation from a hotel where I stay. Given my stay at Mumbai for the last one month, the expectation is hardly met. I expect the hotel to have a decent enough restaurant, a reliable laundry service and obviously the hot water for bath. The other expectations are good decor, a nice television with adequate channels, comfy air conditioner, etc. In the hotel where I am currently staying, they charge over Rs 2,600 per day. The food is excellent, but the supply of hot water is non-existent. One needs to content with warm water only!. I am not sure if they have a plumbing issue or if they are going on a cost reduction overdrive. Any feed back, escalation does not have any impact on improving their service levels. I guess it's time to move on to another hotel.
Memories take me back a decade ago when I would travel extensively within Karnataka and Maharastra. Though I always stayed at budget hotels, they exceeded my basic expectations and made me comfortable!.
Memories take me back a decade ago when I would travel extensively within Karnataka and Maharastra. Though I always stayed at budget hotels, they exceeded my basic expectations and made me comfortable!.
Jul 6, 2010
What's in a movie name?
Well, name dictates the destiny. The bollywood and the rest of the Indian film industry follow a distinct pattern. Movies starred by Hrithik Roshan usually start with the letter "K" and have four words in the title. Golden Star Ganesh ( Kannada) has most of his movie names starting with the letter, "M" ( after the Mungaru Male hit).
Abhishek's much hyped movie, Raavan is said to have flopped. The critics have trained their guns on poor editing, a non compelling story, etc. I have not come across any critic on the movie's name. On the contrary, the producer(s) and other related stake holders seldom admit Raavan is a flop and claim strong box office revenues!
Note, the tamil version Raavanan is already acknowledged to be a super hit!
Abhishek's much hyped movie, Raavan is said to have flopped. The critics have trained their guns on poor editing, a non compelling story, etc. I have not come across any critic on the movie's name. On the contrary, the producer(s) and other related stake holders seldom admit Raavan is a flop and claim strong box office revenues!
Note, the tamil version Raavanan is already acknowledged to be a super hit!
Jul 5, 2010
Bharath Bundh!
July 5th 2010: Seemed more like an extended week end - except no going out until evening 6pm..The mumbai streets looked deserted. All the shops and restaurants in the vicinity were closed. Many companies were 'officially' open though some employees decided to stay off.
In all, I felt it was a complete waste of time for the entire nation. The political parties are bragging themselves for the 'success' but they cannot replace the lost time, income and the opportunities for the millions of people across the country!
In all, I felt it was a complete waste of time for the entire nation. The political parties are bragging themselves for the 'success' but they cannot replace the lost time, income and the opportunities for the millions of people across the country!
Jul 3, 2010
Brazil defeat in the FIFA World Cup
Football fans around the world are shocked with Brazil's sudden exit from FIFA. This was the first time I watched the complete game during this FIFA. Brazil team's overconfidence was shattered in the second half, while the Dutch continued their onslaught. The impact of Brazil's loss is felt in India as well - common people to Bollywood stars like Amitabh are upset!
Hoping to catch up with the rest of the world cup, not sure how many more surprises are in store.
Hoping to catch up with the rest of the world cup, not sure how many more surprises are in store.
Jun 10, 2010
Mumbai..City that never sleeps
Mumbai is often compared with NewYork for its diversity, financial strength, celebrities, public transport, high cost of living, crimes, etc. In the last 3-4 months of my stay at Mumbai, I have observed some unique good points about Mumbai.
- The common citizens ( not politicians!) demonstrate a relatively higher level of social responsibility, example:Involvement in reduction of plastic usage. Most of the road side fruit and vegetable vendors, small groceries do not offer you plastic bags!
- Excellent Public Transport: Without BEST and local trains, picture of Mumbai is incomplete. The government, railway and various organizations work closely in ensuring no disruptions (barring few exceptions)
- Apartment societies: Mumbai being the 'apartment' capital of India, renting/owning an apartment is made easy. Though living in apartment has few disadvantages, a newcomer to the city will have lesser difficulties in setting up a house
- Numerous eat out options: There are numerous options from road side vada pav to five star hotels. The peak time for most fine dining restaurants are between 9:30pm-11:30 pm on the week days!
There are still more points...but stopping here...
Jun 2, 2010
Doctor Visit
Though it was a minor ailment of throat infection, I did not want to land up with other 'special' effects like cold or fever. Though new to Mumbai, I had observed few doctor clinics during my daily commute to work. I landed up at one such clinic, the doc was a diabetologist ( hope i got the spell correct!).
My first question to the lady at the front desk "Does the doctor treat ordinary throat infection cases"? Yes! came the response. The rest of the visit was over in next 5 mins during which the doctor performed diagnosis, seemed more curious to know who sent me there and where I live. His diagnosis, body language showed he's a true professional. He asked me if I would want to pick up the medicine as well from the same clinic? "why not, I said". The front desk promptly prepared a small packet that had 2-3 types of tablets!.
That reminded me of our first family doctor Azeez Ahmed in Wilson Garden, Bangalore. After diagnosis, Dr Azeez would offer the tablets and some kind of liquid medicine, which was dispensed in dark small bottles!. He would personally prepare that liquid medicine, mixing samples from 2-3 large bottles.
My first question to the lady at the front desk "Does the doctor treat ordinary throat infection cases"? Yes! came the response. The rest of the visit was over in next 5 mins during which the doctor performed diagnosis, seemed more curious to know who sent me there and where I live. His diagnosis, body language showed he's a true professional. He asked me if I would want to pick up the medicine as well from the same clinic? "why not, I said". The front desk promptly prepared a small packet that had 2-3 types of tablets!.
That reminded me of our first family doctor Azeez Ahmed in Wilson Garden, Bangalore. After diagnosis, Dr Azeez would offer the tablets and some kind of liquid medicine, which was dispensed in dark small bottles!. He would personally prepare that liquid medicine, mixing samples from 2-3 large bottles.
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