Main News:
Several Ministers have resigned their State/Parliament membership to show "solidarity" with Sonia Gandhi....
( These ministers might never resign when implicated in a crime or a scam! Sonia is like the " Lordess of the Ring"...One ring that rules them all.One ring that binds them!..Some ministers quit because they were holding offices of profit..Dont they all? They all clamour for Ministries beacuse they want to hold these offices for profit )
In other News:
Newzealand's iconic birds - Kiwi & Kakapo are being vaccinated against H5N1(Bird-Flu)....
(These FLIGHTLESS birds have no threat of getting infected unless from Humans( or may be Aliens!!))
International News:
French Prez Chirac walked out of a EU summit as a fellow frenchman addressed in "English" and returned after the address...
( Which means listened the entire speech from the lobby or went for a bathroom break..How the hell he knew when to join back?)
In a report, US has accused China for failing to release details about its military build-up programmes..
( Duh ! Are they actually expecting the same WMD report they released on Iraq?..They cant even get search results from yahoo or google!)
Melange:
Young women out-drink men in Britain...
(Good looking men with proper denture are hard to come by..Or else why on earth Daniel Craig(who?) was chosen to play James Bond ?)
Entertainment:
In an interview Viggo Mortensen was asked which was more difficult : fight scenes or sex scenes in "History of Violence"?..
( With so much fake blood, fake gun, SFX and stuntmen around, is so hard to comprehend!)
Sports:
Sachin goes to London for Surgery...
(When BCCI sponsors the trip and pays the bills without taking any guarentee on runs, who really cares?")
Final thoughts:
Baba Ramdev has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the State of Bihar...
(I can only say that this one is beter than the self appointed predecessor)
As I read the newspaper ,each day, my interest wanes, just looking at the headlines and cover stories .It makes me ponder where the world is headed...
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Crash and Burn
Okay, Crash was the only oscar nominated film I ever intended to watch this year. Its not important whether I support modern( read cliched) themes depicted in Brokeback mountain because I had enough of "pro-choice" potrayed in the Colin farell starring 2004 disaster "Alexander"..
Last night I got Crash DVD (finally!) and was hoping to have an oscar of a night. But midway thru the movie all I wanted to to do was to crash into my bed. "Boring" would be an understatement. I can't tolerate Matt dillon molesting Thandie Newton nor can I bear the sight of funnyman Brendan Fraser playing a DA! Total personality mismatch..Of course, in the end, you cannot stop feeling that when it comes to colour/racial discrimination, our society is much better off today compared to Uncle Sam's.
The tagline for the movie goes like this "You think you know who you are. You have no idea." I fully agree with the second part..I really have no idea why I bought this DVD! Movies like these get nominated because its much too vague and pointless for anybody's comprehension.
After all this I am eager to watch Brokeback Mountain ( So what?) and I dont feel sorry for myself. For fellow Johnny Depp Fans though there is good news: POTC -II trailer is here.
I hope one of you will return favours with the trailer of National Treasure II ( IF and ONLY IF there's Sean Bean in it)
Ps: BTW if you a true oo7 fan, join the world wide forum against the "Chosen One". Not only has this bloke abandoned the legendary JB tux in the new movie but also agreed to do a full frontal with the JB girl. Apparently this his only chance to give or take one..Eeeeuwww! I cant stand this guy after his watching him in "Munich". I can understand the desperate choices available from the the Island of the Queen. Really, good looking men with proper denture are hard to come by there!
Last night I got Crash DVD (finally!) and was hoping to have an oscar of a night. But midway thru the movie all I wanted to to do was to crash into my bed. "Boring" would be an understatement. I can't tolerate Matt dillon molesting Thandie Newton nor can I bear the sight of funnyman Brendan Fraser playing a DA! Total personality mismatch..Of course, in the end, you cannot stop feeling that when it comes to colour/racial discrimination, our society is much better off today compared to Uncle Sam's.
The tagline for the movie goes like this "You think you know who you are. You have no idea." I fully agree with the second part..I really have no idea why I bought this DVD! Movies like these get nominated because its much too vague and pointless for anybody's comprehension.
After all this I am eager to watch Brokeback Mountain ( So what?) and I dont feel sorry for myself. For fellow Johnny Depp Fans though there is good news: POTC -II trailer is here.
I hope one of you will return favours with the trailer of National Treasure II ( IF and ONLY IF there's Sean Bean in it)
Ps: BTW if you a true oo7 fan, join the world wide forum against the "Chosen One". Not only has this bloke abandoned the legendary JB tux in the new movie but also agreed to do a full frontal with the JB girl. Apparently this his only chance to give or take one..Eeeeuwww! I cant stand this guy after his watching him in "Munich". I can understand the desperate choices available from the the Island of the Queen. Really, good looking men with proper denture are hard to come by there!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Best things in life are always...
I've not completed the title because I'm confused as to what follows.
Some of the world's greatest pop-music stars have chanted this phrase in their songs and struck gold . Janet Jackson, one-time queen of pop topped the Billboard chart in 1992 for "The Best things in life are free". Madonna incorporates these words in the lyrics of her song " It used to be my playground".
There has also been a movie and a book released by the same title. I've never seen or read these but the point is :
What are these best things in life?
Who decides that?
How are they " Free"?
Lets say "happiness" is one of the best things in life. Everybody wants to be happy. But how is it free? One has to sacrifice something in cash or kind to achieve it. There is no gain without pain. There has not been single Management- Labour dialogue without the HR Honcho convincing us with " There is no Free Lunch" concept. In fact,for most lesser privileged women, unconditional affection from your husband has always come at a cost - Dowry. Many newly weds have attained peace of mind only after accommodating their senile parents in costly old-age homes!
I recently travelled in one of the low-cost airlines that have flooded the Indian skies in recent years. As the fare did not include inflight food( and even water!), we chose to simply carry our empty tummies on air. However,as my ears were getting clogged due to the cabin pressure, I reached out to the perky,smart hostess for some cotton balls to which she curtly said that they don't serve cotton balls on the plane!
Serve cotton balls? Was it ever apart of their Menu? Its not like I'm asking for candy floss! If they don't have them on the plane, where else ? I might even pay for them but where do I get them?
Talk about best things in life and I cant even get a pair of cotton balls!
My ears are still clogged, my hearing imbalanced..but my mind is very clear!
Some of the world's greatest pop-music stars have chanted this phrase in their songs and struck gold . Janet Jackson, one-time queen of pop topped the Billboard chart in 1992 for "The Best things in life are free". Madonna incorporates these words in the lyrics of her song " It used to be my playground".
There has also been a movie and a book released by the same title. I've never seen or read these but the point is :
What are these best things in life?
Who decides that?
How are they " Free"?
Lets say "happiness" is one of the best things in life. Everybody wants to be happy. But how is it free? One has to sacrifice something in cash or kind to achieve it. There is no gain without pain. There has not been single Management- Labour dialogue without the HR Honcho convincing us with " There is no Free Lunch" concept. In fact,for most lesser privileged women, unconditional affection from your husband has always come at a cost - Dowry. Many newly weds have attained peace of mind only after accommodating their senile parents in costly old-age homes!
I recently travelled in one of the low-cost airlines that have flooded the Indian skies in recent years. As the fare did not include inflight food( and even water!), we chose to simply carry our empty tummies on air. However,as my ears were getting clogged due to the cabin pressure, I reached out to the perky,smart hostess for some cotton balls to which she curtly said that they don't serve cotton balls on the plane!
Serve cotton balls? Was it ever apart of their Menu? Its not like I'm asking for candy floss! If they don't have them on the plane, where else ? I might even pay for them but where do I get them?
Talk about best things in life and I cant even get a pair of cotton balls!
My ears are still clogged, my hearing imbalanced..but my mind is very clear!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Everything Changes...
Everything Changes..
Yeah..In various contexts...
So I've not posted anything for over 2 weeks. In fact I've not even accessed my blog. Well today, far away from my home , in Chennai, when I thought I'll restore my contact with the sane and free web world, all the enthusiasm died down in an instant when I saw my small space invaded by repetitive and smutty spam. These spammers are ever watchful..they attack you at a blink of an eye! Im totally tired of deleting each one of them. I hope the word verification software works.
I'm in Chennai ..my native land and having a whale of a good time. I feel I'm like those ABCDs who go on a "Discover India" expedition to find their roots!. I ve been in Mumbai all my life and everything here appears bigger, better, nicer and cheaper! Allow me to explain:
Firstly, for a late-riser like me I get a lot of extra time in the morning due to time zone. 6.30 a.m here resembles 8.00 a.m in Mumbai. So I get a straight 1 1/2 hours up-front
and believe me thats a lot!
Secondly all the conveniences are available within a radius of 50 metres. By conveniences, I mean library/DVD rentals/Malls/ Eating Joints et al. Most of them deliver at home and hence you dont have to bother going out in the hot sun.
Thirdly, everything costs at atleast appears to cost lesser compared to Mumbai. Say, travelling an equivalent distance of Andheri to Bandra here costs just Rs 3/- in the citybus as against Rs 8/- (and rising) in Mumbai. Public transport has always been a lot cheaper in Chennai despite no difference in fuel cost. Nevertheless, the surly bus conductors here are no match to the smart "BEST' conductors. The conductors here hardly ever move from the seat "reserved" for them hence the passengers crowd around him for getting their tickets, where as in Mumbai the conductors stride up and down the deck,virtually hunt you down and thrust the ticket in your palms!
Also, proximity to Bangalore(or is it Bengalooru?) has enabled availability of all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits, some of which are hard to come by in my city.Plus they come really cheap..like a kilo of tomatoes cost Rs-4/-. A Kilo of most of the vegetables cost Rs10/- or less. Its like watching "Ripley's believe it or not". Our good hosts here ensured we get a taste of all that we miss in Mumbai and a foodie like me could not thank them more.
This list could go on and on..
- Water of the tap
-No power cuts
-Spit free roads and platforms.....
But let me make the best of the time in my home town..I have places to go and faces to see..
Yeah..In various contexts...
So I've not posted anything for over 2 weeks. In fact I've not even accessed my blog. Well today, far away from my home , in Chennai, when I thought I'll restore my contact with the sane and free web world, all the enthusiasm died down in an instant when I saw my small space invaded by repetitive and smutty spam. These spammers are ever watchful..they attack you at a blink of an eye! Im totally tired of deleting each one of them. I hope the word verification software works.
I'm in Chennai ..my native land and having a whale of a good time. I feel I'm like those ABCDs who go on a "Discover India" expedition to find their roots!. I ve been in Mumbai all my life and everything here appears bigger, better, nicer and cheaper! Allow me to explain:
Firstly, for a late-riser like me I get a lot of extra time in the morning due to time zone. 6.30 a.m here resembles 8.00 a.m in Mumbai. So I get a straight 1 1/2 hours up-front
and believe me thats a lot!
Secondly all the conveniences are available within a radius of 50 metres. By conveniences, I mean library/DVD rentals/Malls/ Eating Joints et al. Most of them deliver at home and hence you dont have to bother going out in the hot sun.
Thirdly, everything costs at atleast appears to cost lesser compared to Mumbai. Say, travelling an equivalent distance of Andheri to Bandra here costs just Rs 3/- in the citybus as against Rs 8/- (and rising) in Mumbai. Public transport has always been a lot cheaper in Chennai despite no difference in fuel cost. Nevertheless, the surly bus conductors here are no match to the smart "BEST' conductors. The conductors here hardly ever move from the seat "reserved" for them hence the passengers crowd around him for getting their tickets, where as in Mumbai the conductors stride up and down the deck,virtually hunt you down and thrust the ticket in your palms!
Also, proximity to Bangalore(or is it Bengalooru?) has enabled availability of all kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits, some of which are hard to come by in my city.Plus they come really cheap..like a kilo of tomatoes cost Rs-4/-. A Kilo of most of the vegetables cost Rs10/- or less. Its like watching "Ripley's believe it or not". Our good hosts here ensured we get a taste of all that we miss in Mumbai and a foodie like me could not thank them more.
This list could go on and on..
- Water of the tap
-No power cuts
-Spit free roads and platforms.....
But let me make the best of the time in my home town..I have places to go and faces to see..
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Thank God Mr PC...
Yesterday Mr PC presented the Budget for 2006-07 in the parliament..in his inimitable style interspersed with some words of wisdom from his favorite knowledge Bank-- The Thirukkural.
For the aam aadmi Ive got some words of wisdom too:
The budget is a boon for these set of people:
Plagiarists: DVD / Combo drives drives cheaper
Soft drinkers: Cheaper ( of course, quality could'nt go any more cheaper than this!)
Wanabe car owners: Small Car segment cheaper
Cancer/Aids Patients: Cheaper imported drugs
Barefoot walkers/ Shoe-maniacs: Cheaper footwear
Every tax payer(2% of population): No change in tax rates or no new imposition of surcharges/cess ( tax by any other name pricks the same)
The budget is the exact opposite of boon for these set of people:
PCGamefreaks: Software gamesand other packaged software costlier
Smokers: Cigarettes costlier ( as usual)
Chain smokers: What do you care?
Barefoot walkers/shoe maniacs: Footwear cheaper
Active stock market players: STT up by 25% (whoa!)
Mobile/aam janata: 2% hike in Service tax for all services including your mobile bills.
Overall, its a thumbs down for this budget..Many expectations of the public were not met. Not too many incentive for infrastrucuture. No reduction in tax rates. Subsidies were left untouched. In short, no difficult and politically sensitive announcements were made. Several new services have been brought in to the service tax dragnet but the hike in service tax from 10 to 12% was ridiculous.
The day is not far when you will be arguing with your neighbourly kiranawala, istriwala or even dudhwala for overcharging......................... for SERVICE tax!
Till then...
For the aam aadmi Ive got some words of wisdom too:
The budget is a boon for these set of people:
Plagiarists: DVD / Combo drives drives cheaper
Soft drinkers: Cheaper ( of course, quality could'nt go any more cheaper than this!)
Wanabe car owners: Small Car segment cheaper
Cancer/Aids Patients: Cheaper imported drugs
Barefoot walkers/ Shoe-maniacs: Cheaper footwear
Every tax payer(2% of population): No change in tax rates or no new imposition of surcharges/cess ( tax by any other name pricks the same)
The budget is the exact opposite of boon for these set of people:
PCGamefreaks: Software gamesand other packaged software costlier
Smokers: Cigarettes costlier ( as usual)
Chain smokers: What do you care?
Barefoot walkers/shoe maniacs: Footwear cheaper
Active stock market players: STT up by 25% (whoa!)
Mobile/aam janata: 2% hike in Service tax for all services including your mobile bills.
Overall, its a thumbs down for this budget..Many expectations of the public were not met. Not too many incentive for infrastrucuture. No reduction in tax rates. Subsidies were left untouched. In short, no difficult and politically sensitive announcements were made. Several new services have been brought in to the service tax dragnet but the hike in service tax from 10 to 12% was ridiculous.
The day is not far when you will be arguing with your neighbourly kiranawala, istriwala or even dudhwala for overcharging......................... for SERVICE tax!
Till then...
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Oscar Fever
Oscar fever is taking over bird flu...till the results are let out on March 5th. While I dont exactly agree with all the choices that have made it to the nomination list.. I am really dissapointed that most of these movies have not yet been released in India. Take alook at some of the nominations we coud'nt treat our eyes with so far:
Brokeback Mountain( For Best Film)
Good Night and good Luck ( For Best Film/Lead Actor)
Munich ( For Best Film)
Hustle & Flow ( For Best Lead actor)
Syriana (For Best Supporting Lead actor)
North Country ( For Best Lead Actress)
It is a fact that more and more Hollywood movies have been releasing almost simultaneously in this part of the world, which.once upon a time could happen only in your dreams. However towards the end of the calendar year, local distributors choose to wait for the oscar nominations for releasing movies that make headlines. An " Oscar Nomination" obviosly earns the movie a brownie point and helps draw more crowds especially away from Bollywood movies, which is a not an easy proposition at all times.
I'm eagerly waiting for the release of "Munich" (everybody's raving about Eric Bana's tremendous performance) and "North Country"( for Charlize Theron and Sean Bean, of course!)
Brokeback Mountain( For Best Film)
Good Night and good Luck ( For Best Film/Lead Actor)
Munich ( For Best Film)
Hustle & Flow ( For Best Lead actor)
Syriana (For Best Supporting Lead actor)
North Country ( For Best Lead Actress)
It is a fact that more and more Hollywood movies have been releasing almost simultaneously in this part of the world, which.once upon a time could happen only in your dreams. However towards the end of the calendar year, local distributors choose to wait for the oscar nominations for releasing movies that make headlines. An " Oscar Nomination" obviosly earns the movie a brownie point and helps draw more crowds especially away from Bollywood movies, which is a not an easy proposition at all times.
I'm eagerly waiting for the release of "Munich" (everybody's raving about Eric Bana's tremendous performance) and "North Country"( for Charlize Theron and Sean Bean, of course!)
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Consecretion or Desecration ???
Out of the blue, I decided to pay a vist (and my respects) to a Devi temple consectrated last week by a well-known Seer of national stature . Many, like me, was thronging to get a glimpse of the deity of the all-powerful-goddess but was utterly shocked and even outraged to see the closed doors of the temple. It was around 5.00pm and it is supposed to be "peak hours" for these places of worship. On persistent questioning , one of the priests gave away something he couldnt keep long " The Seer who consecrated the temple is actually (resting) within the temple"..
Why would a Seer of national fame seek accommodation in a temple and commit sacrilege..Can the sanctity of the sanctum-sanctorum be put at stake ? Why not stay in the endless condominiums/mutts/dorms etc. that were bustling in the same precinct ?
These days all these sadhu-sants are under tremendous media scan..Many of them are fighting chargesheets, court cases and even uprsings from the Commies...What better place to hide from the eyes of the spies than within the temple?? safe from spycams, media and the public.. But one thing is for sure...You can never hide from GOD(literally!)..can you?
I had to wait long barefooted on the floors scorching under the afternoon heat till the Seer emerged out of the temple ...in the company of a troubled famed politician seeking his blessings for rejuvinating his sagging career!
Holding temple at ransom? I really felt sorry FOR GOD's SAKE, for once!
All's well that ends well..
Why would a Seer of national fame seek accommodation in a temple and commit sacrilege..Can the sanctity of the sanctum-sanctorum be put at stake ? Why not stay in the endless condominiums/mutts/dorms etc. that were bustling in the same precinct ?
These days all these sadhu-sants are under tremendous media scan..Many of them are fighting chargesheets, court cases and even uprsings from the Commies...What better place to hide from the eyes of the spies than within the temple?? safe from spycams, media and the public.. But one thing is for sure...You can never hide from GOD(literally!)..can you?
I had to wait long barefooted on the floors scorching under the afternoon heat till the Seer emerged out of the temple ...in the company of a troubled famed politician seeking his blessings for rejuvinating his sagging career!
Holding temple at ransom? I really felt sorry FOR GOD's SAKE, for once!
All's well that ends well..
Monday, February 20, 2006
Giggle and Wriggle
The Greatest Search Engine?
You were an American Icon....till the day you sold yourself to something that contradicts what you are and what you believed in? FREEDOM...Just to add billion new accounts? Just to jump into the bandwagon?
You suck and I speak for a billion!
You were an American Icon....till the day you sold yourself to something that contradicts what you are and what you believed in? FREEDOM...Just to add billion new accounts? Just to jump into the bandwagon?
You suck and I speak for a billion!
Down in the hole
The past week was a horrendous 7 days for me. Consecutive late sittings at work wreaked havoc on my back leaving virtually no time or spine free for my fav passtime. I also added to this misery by upsetting my tummy royally..Its always a risk when you eat your own cooking. A mild flu was the cherry in the pie. I used to feed a crow of f my kitchen regularly and so I got paranoid about Bird flu ! Well ..when ur health goes out of order..your sanity hangs by a thread...your head goes for a toss..you become delerious.I heard that My cousin blogger was also down with a viral.But she was better off--bunking boring mechanical lectures and watching TV at home!
That was the the week that was.. Today when I was just planning on starting a healthy new week, my good-old fellow blogger reminds me of a dear departed's B'day..My mind is down in the hole...again...
That was the the week that was.. Today when I was just planning on starting a healthy new week, my good-old fellow blogger reminds me of a dear departed's B'day..My mind is down in the hole...again...
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Tagged and Jagged
- Creep aka Bhanuj tagged me.
He enlightened me: "And a tag means you have to fill out that list... fast... so tell us what the soundtrack to your life would be..."
I like a fool, filled out my life on his blog..He lols at me and asks me to put it in my blog..
Hey Creep, You are the boss and your wish is my command. I dont have any mushy song taking over any part of my life.. Grunge rules me, rules over me.
And I reproduce what I meant:
This album of FNM sums up my life as I see it.
King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
Opening Credits- "Junkyard" - Nirvana
Average day scene: "Man in the box" by AIC
Mental status: "In bloom" -Nirvana
Falling in Love Scene: " Swap Meet"- Nirvana
Heart break Scene: "Aneurysm"- Nirvana
Death Scene: Come on Death- Nirvana
Closing Credits - "All apologies" - Nirvana
I know I need therapy(pun intended..can u tell me what it is Mr creep?)
He enlightened me: "And a tag means you have to fill out that list... fast... so tell us what the soundtrack to your life would be..."
I like a fool, filled out my life on his blog..He lols at me and asks me to put it in my blog..
Hey Creep, You are the boss and your wish is my command. I dont have any mushy song taking over any part of my life.. Grunge rules me, rules over me.
And I reproduce what I meant:
This album of FNM sums up my life as I see it.
King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
Opening Credits- "Junkyard" - Nirvana
Average day scene: "Man in the box" by AIC
Mental status: "In bloom" -Nirvana
Falling in Love Scene: " Swap Meet"- Nirvana
Heart break Scene: "Aneurysm"- Nirvana
Death Scene: Come on Death- Nirvana
Closing Credits - "All apologies" - Nirvana
I know I need therapy(pun intended..can u tell me what it is Mr creep?)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Simon says..
I Hate to Be Rude, But... Simon Cowell's Book of Nasty Comments (2006, UK)
I really really want to read this book. I cant get enough of his nasty, acerbic and corrosive remarks (read judgements) that have left many an American Idol contestant in utter bitterness,not to mention tears.
Many like me admire him for the sheer & blunt honesty and a touch of brutality never killed anybody.His criticisms are more controversial than constructive and he cares not for the consequences..His potshots have become part of the show's trademark, but this season has some people wondering and worrying that his putdowns and humiliations are getting out of hand and setting a bad example for teenagers. The Whole of America hates him as they wonder why a Brit should be judging their music skills in the first place. This love hate relationship has unfolded one of the biggest success in the reality television. The american idol as well as Simon have become overnight stars for different reasons..
Simon says:
"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.."
If you would be singing like this two thousand years ago, people would have stoned you.
I'd make plastic surgery compulsory for every women over 40.
[on N Sync]
It would be true to say that two of them are really ugly."
I love this guy !
I really really want to read this book. I cant get enough of his nasty, acerbic and corrosive remarks (read judgements) that have left many an American Idol contestant in utter bitterness,not to mention tears.
Many like me admire him for the sheer & blunt honesty and a touch of brutality never killed anybody.His criticisms are more controversial than constructive and he cares not for the consequences..His potshots have become part of the show's trademark, but this season has some people wondering and worrying that his putdowns and humiliations are getting out of hand and setting a bad example for teenagers. The Whole of America hates him as they wonder why a Brit should be judging their music skills in the first place. This love hate relationship has unfolded one of the biggest success in the reality television. The american idol as well as Simon have become overnight stars for different reasons..
Simon says:
"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.."
If you would be singing like this two thousand years ago, people would have stoned you.
I'd make plastic surgery compulsory for every women over 40.
[on N Sync]
It would be true to say that two of them are really ugly."
I love this guy !
Friday, February 10, 2006
I just called...to say.....Its real CHEAP!!!
Our Telecom Minister is taking the Cell Cos and net Phones for a head On!! It was announced today that starting March 1, you can talk to your distant cousin ( pun intended) in any corner of India with a One-Rupee Sikka in your hand. Had it been April 1, I would have passed it for a April Fool Joke.While the modalities are awaited, it would be miracle if those red piggy back pay phones in your Kirana shop could help you mend your bond with the distance in relationships! STD till a few years back dreaded for its high cost. (Today, its still dreaded, albeit for different reasons). 1-rupee STD call is almost a reality... a fortnight away.
With the advent of cheap cell phones & prepaid schemes, parents are increasingly worried about excessive phone conversations their children indulge in. I guess this news is no breather...
Rationalisation of calling rates across the board was always a long pursued and long pending issue in the Govt Controlled basic telecom sector but they should concentate more on increasing the telephone penetration (basic) in rural areas. We are way behind in comparison to developed countries as also some developing counties. All the statistical achievements of the past decade was predominantly due to GSM/CDMA phone penetration.
Well then...I think its the last nail in the coffin as far as snail mail( India Post) is concerned... It was already dying a slow death. Even a simpleton would realise now that its cheaper to call than to write ( not recommended all times!)
Talk on!
With the advent of cheap cell phones & prepaid schemes, parents are increasingly worried about excessive phone conversations their children indulge in. I guess this news is no breather...
Rationalisation of calling rates across the board was always a long pursued and long pending issue in the Govt Controlled basic telecom sector but they should concentate more on increasing the telephone penetration (basic) in rural areas. We are way behind in comparison to developed countries as also some developing counties. All the statistical achievements of the past decade was predominantly due to GSM/CDMA phone penetration.
Well then...I think its the last nail in the coffin as far as snail mail( India Post) is concerned... It was already dying a slow death. Even a simpleton would realise now that its cheaper to call than to write ( not recommended all times!)
Talk on!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Saffron saga
So I went to a " Culture Exhibition" featuring the original and pristine products made by our crafty Kashmiri artisan. Commuting from Andheri West to Powai (East) is no simple task..Its more like an excursion as in Mumbai. Travelling from West to east, across those railway tracks is more like travelling back in time....for 2 hours..Saffron ( Saffron Crocus) is well known for its aromatic & coloring properties besides its medicinal values and is an integral part of Indian Sweetmeats and desserts. In fact every Indian would hold it closer to his heart than his mouth as its forms the brightest part of the tricolor!. The Saffron grown in the Sylvan settings of Kashmir has its own glory. A tiny box priced at a whopping Rs 90/- for one Gram of this herb could tell you that. Looking for a bargain, I pointed to a slightly bigger box of 5 Grams ( of the size of a matchbox) and pat came a reply from the culture vulture that took me by total surprise..
Rs 455/-
I was never good atmath but any sane consumer would look for somethin more like 400 bucks. Who would have thought that " The law of economies of scale" had no exceptions..
When I reasoned with him on this gross miscalculation he hesitantly said that the product will have to be sent back to the warehouse ( where? Kargil?) for price clarification/reprinting if any an will be available tomorrow. He probably forgot that it was already the last day of the exhibition!
He could extend it but I ain't goin back there. Ill rather go to Kashmir!
I returned home with that Big Brown Bag full of unwanted shopping I did to get my spirits up and just to kill the time and money I saved ( or did I ?) from the Saffron Saga. Whoever said that Consumer is the King? ...King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
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