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Golden India
2011-09-26 09:06:00
Saturday : In air : Frankfurt MumbaiSome sunahara gyan from who heads gold trading of Canadian bank. India is world's biggest importer of gold. She import and consumes close to 900 tons per year and our gold import bill is next to oil. Even Dubai be around 200 tons and that too bulk of it is exported. His major customers are Zaveri Bazar, Laxmi Road. A big jewelry shop would house at least few hundred Kgs just on display. Nearly 12 banks are in the business of this trading. With price being uniform ; service, payment terms and relationship must be variables that would differentiate one trader from the other.US interest is zero percent, stock and bond market crashing, western countries economy tottering , real estate price defeating. People who hoards the money need a place to park. No other option than gold. Result gold prices are going up and up. I kept on thinking, can this gold asset of India not be channeled in economy ? Answer lied in various gold loan schemes that are promote...

Hotel Hassles
2011-09-26 09:01:00
Sunday : Mumbai/PuneAll hotels while check in take pre -authorization yet while checking out, they again swipe the card , take a print out , ask for your signature and take another printout and fish out for an envelope to present customer his copy , in between make a call (perhaps housekeeping dept to check if all room belonging are intact). All these sequence of events don't happen in US hotels - at least in Marriott. They just swipe the card at the beginning, last day of the check out slip in the bill copy to the room and that's it. You inform them at check out and 'Bye' . In my previous visit to US, I asked the front office person and he said ' of course, we are business hotel, we don't waste time '.At 2am, at Marriott Courtyard, Mumbai, front office was manned by just one staff and he took his time to attend to the customer till he turned out to me. I waited with mix of impatience counting the minutes of precious sleep that I would be wasting after traveling 20 hours. Jus...
More About: India , Hotel

With 'Go Air '
2011-08-13 06:31:00
This was my first experience with Go Air. Flight was New Delhi - Pune. Business class was just the normal seat on the first row but with handheld i-pod, packed lunch and custom made tea. Not a bad deal when the price was better than Kingfisher. Aircraft was Airbus 320, spacious with friendly crew. As i took to my seat, pilot arrived in with young girl - his daughter. He introduced her to flight crew and she took a seat on second row. So far so good. But when aircraft was taxing away for take-off, she was quietly ushered inside the flight cockpit with curtain briskly pulled aside and back in place in jiffy. Through acrylic glass window ahead of me, ' crew only' plate stamped on the door of the cockpit became more prominent. My fellow passenger was amused and kept protruding his neck to see how this smart and suave looking girl was invited by equally smart crew and was made to disappear behind the curtain. He had no idea about strong filial connection she enjoyed with her dad. I...
More About: India

Rumlang
2011-06-23 07:27:00
'Oerlikon' took me to a name ' Advani Oerlikon ' that was based in Pune. I have vague memory of they manufacturing 'welding electrodes' but I could be wrong. Over the years, Advani has disappeared but resurfaced again when we got down at 'Oerlikon' railway station to proceed to 'Rumlang'- our first destination of 10 day vacation in Switzerland .No matter how frequently I travel or study before I travel, first day at the new destination is invariably 'faux pah'. I had used google map to find out train from Zurich airport to Rumlang. Why train ? because we had Swiss pass and wanted to use it. After clicking train, route gave me two trains with a stopover at 'Oerlikon'. We got down at a station which was no bigger than ' Talegaon' but with no signboards for 'Rumlang' and having a big suitcase, we decided to take a cab. Cabbie turned out to be from Ghana - who had studied in Mumbai and stayed in Juhu over 30 years ago. " Holiday Inn Express , Rumlang ' ? That's next...

Koi Jab Tumhara
2011-06-19 18:23:00
On SAB TV , I watched glimpes of movie 'Purab aur Paschim' and song of Koi Jab Tumahra Hridaya reminded me of two guys from school days. One was Bhushan - he was classmate of Vineet, who stayed next to our next our chowk and second was Shekhar Thakre - who studied in my school in class B division. Shekhar was skinny, fair but charming in his looks. He resembled more of Dev Anand in his hey days. At Bhushan's b'day party, Shekhar sang this song. I didn't attend Bhushan's party but was told by Vineet about this incident. Somehow, this incident was stored in my neural network all these years.travelogue,descriptions,experiences ,observations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly

Theur and Aga Khan Palace
2011-05-15 17:27:00
It is said that God Brahma meditated at Theur to subdue his wavering mind but Govt of Maharashtra makes sure that visitors to Theur continue to waiver in their mind before they reach the famed Ashtavinayak that is the hallmark of Maharashtra religious map. We drove along Pune ? Ahmednagar road passing by Hyatt, Four Point and Ibis. The road was nicely tarred and despite sparse scooter and truck traffic on Sunday, ride was enjoyable. After seeing the toll gateway, we decided to turn back and saw a board ?Theur? with direction pointing on the right side. We asked white attired villager who told us that we would reach within 15 minutes. I was elated by getting an opportunity to see my first Ashtavinayak with effortless ease and fortune. The road winded past villagers that housed buffalo raring centre. I am not sure about difference between 'Bajari' and 'Jondhala', but wonderful sight of one of these crops was delightful. Road abruptly changed the quality as we approached well design...
More About: Khan , Palace

Pakistan - A sold out country
2011-05-04 09:53:00
Ansar Abbasi in Pakistan newspaper 'Jung' has summed up the Pakistan's present predicament. When USA told Pakistan that Osama Bin Laden is Jihadi, Pakistan immediately made him hero. When USA made him terrorist, Pakistan believed them. When they said Osama is culprit for 9/11, Pakistan decided to cooperate USA and kill him. Now USA came to Pakistan without asking and killed Osama and buried in the sea. USA became happy so Pakistan is happy too. All this is because of dollars shoved in Pakistan's pockets. Now the World has made Pakistan center of terrorism and on the other side Pakistan has provoked Al Quaida and Taliban to be their enemy. Either way, Pakistan will be crushed. Has anybody thought about this ?travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obse rvations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly
More About: Country

Visit to Meerut and Agra : An eye opener to a corrupt environment
2011-04-10 06:58:00
I have made many visits to this area but one such visit to Meerut and Agra made me realize the brutal reality of corruption that exists in India . Both these towns are next door to New Delhi and are backed up with bountiful agriculture, numerous medium and small Industries. Both cities have an access to tourism revenue. One with Taj Mahal and other with the proximity to Haridwar and Rishikesh. There is a stretch of road after Hapur town built on toll basis. However, I was in for rude shock when my car driver paid Rs 10 as cash to the man managing the extreme gate instead of paying the official fee of Rs 15. His argument was 'it saves time standing the queue plus saves the money '. 'Does he take all the money he collects?? I questioned. 'No way, this loot goes to all the way to his boss and shared across the organization '. 'But how would Ms. Mayawati - UP CM get the revenue? My naïve question must have surprised my driver. 'Are Bhaisaab. The person has already paid the money i...
More About: Environment

Anna Hazare and Lok Pal Bill
2011-04-09 15:08:00
Who is Anna Hazare? : An ex-army man stay in a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra . He was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities. He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India.Last time when Anna sat on fast - 6 corrupt ministers in Maharashtra had to resign, 400 corrupt officers were dismissed from job , 2002 - Maharashtra RTI Act was passed, 2006 - Central Government withdrew its proposal to amend Central RTI Act. He is advocating for The Lok Pal Bill that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds. In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all...

Gudi padwa greetings
2011-04-04 18:32:00
This was our first attempt to mount Gudi. Efforts started in procuring resources in wakad bazar. Poor couple sitting in the hot sun with stack of bamboo sticks, a lady on four bicycle wheel cart - that sold garlands of solidified sugar cakes that was most popular among Wakad Flies, picking up cloth was easy- choice was one of jaree or bright plain cloth, I opted for vermilion. Flowers garland was easy to get but difficult was to get neem leaves. We weren't sure of getting a jar that would fit on the top of stick. But somehow, the only one we had did work. I had no inclination of achieving any spiritual nirava through this Gudi but was happy that Akshta could relate to this important festival that is hardly gets celebrated outside India . Plus a satisfaction of stimulating trade of hardworking entrepreneurs who really struggle to live a decent life.Now came the issue to installation and commissioning. Google as usual came to my rescue: Why empty inverted Jar ? : Empty your ego, take ...

Passion and Desire.
2011-04-04 03:49:00
One of my colleague put a word 'Desire' in the same context of 'Passion '. It was obvious their coexistance within the same frame of reference was incongruent but my curious mind made me delve more deeper in knowing both subtle and obvious differences in these two words. And I learnt few approach to explain the difference between Passion and Desire.Passion is more being related whereas desire is ego related, both stir us up, passion unifies, desire exploits! ."Desire" is believed to be about the personal wants, and "Passion" is thought to be about trans-personal wants. Passion is to feel deeply about something. I feel deeply about my writing... my artwork... that's my passion. Desire is to want something deeply. Passion - any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. Desire - to wish or long for; crave; want. DESIRE ? is to want something while PASSION ? the refusal to live without something.Passion vesrsus Desire by Mary Gersten says Finding your passion is ab...

Would India go through ?
2011-04-02 15:28:00
What an innings by Mahela Jaywardhane. Perfect combination of talent, temparament and tactical play.275 is competitive score and as I write Sehwag is gone for zero. Yet, i would bak for India . In Bensen & Hedges world series in mid 80's, against Pakistan - Indian was 10 for 3 with Imran Khan destroying top three batsmen and yet India won the match. Let us hope if Sachin plays innings of his lifetime.travelogue,descriptions,experien ces,observations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly

Murg Malai Kabab
2011-04-02 05:15:00
This was my second visit to chingari - an open air Indian dining at Le Meridian in Pune. , This restaurant is on terrace top. Being next to Pune station, frequent train horn is a constant dampener in otherwise quiet surroundings. Last time, I had enjoyed vegetable Kabab . This time, Akshta feasted on Murg Malai Kabab. Vah Re Vah website gives recipie for this. But I need to source meat tenderiser. travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obser vations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly

M for ?
2011-04-01 05:33:00
M for Mirupur : India beat Bangla Desh M for Motera : India beat Australia M for Mohali : India beat Pakistan M for Mumbai : India beat Sri Lanka ?? India won against Pakistan . An enjoyable match yet in many respects intriguing. Pakistan had all the chances but it seem they were determined to let hosts take the cake. When I look at this match, I find some moments that could have changed the outcome : When Dhoni Came to bat, Afridi still persisted with defensive field. It appeared Afridi was happy was convinced that India cant be bowled out in 50 overs. He didnt keep spinners and Dhoni's edge went past keeper not just once but twice. Dhoni was opposite that of Afridi, everytime new Pakistan batsman came to crease, he would employ first and leg slip and even have an audacity to pull thir man inside to tempt batsman to go for cut.Misbah wanted to emulate Javed Miandad or Inzaman but somewhere he lost a plot by losing partners. When Afridi came and hit few fours gap had come to 20 run...
More About: Cricket

To Afridi , with Love . brilliant article by Maheen Sadiq
2011-03-31 12:48:00
There?s a lot to be said about the cricket tournament, especially our match against India. And it has a lot more to do with Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Gul?s bad luck, and Sachin Tendulkar?s good fortune. Cricket speaks to our nation in a way our government never has. And Shahid Afridi addressed the nation in a way our president never has ? unselfish, genuine, modest. So when Afridi apologized to Pakistan, millions listened and were humbled by the gesture. Our eyes filled with tears and our hearts with love and a strange kind of sorrow. Shahid Afridi, you need not apologize to the nation. We are proud of you and our entire cricket team! You didn?t bring back the cup, but any excitement, any happiness, any hope that Pakistanis have felt in the past few months is because of your brilliance. We?ve been hearing a lot of ?Pakistan needs something to celebrate,? but what Pakistanis really needed was something to look forward to, and the green team gave us that with the anticipation of each gam...
More About: Love , Article

Riveting match or a fierce battle? India v/s Pakistan at world cup
2011-03-30 04:12:00
For India n television and print media, the world seemed to have ceased. Every TV channel is competing with another in screaming vociferously about India Pakistan Semi Final at Mohali. No Japan, Bahrain, Libya. Everything is match centric. Life will be standstill from 230pm. Where do I watch a match? In Pub or at home. I would rather do both. If India goes great guns, pub atmosphere is exhilarating. If the match is absorbing, home TV is the best. India?s collective and individual happiness revolves around the outcome of Cricket Match. So far, India has not tasted defeat in the world cup from Pakistan. Would this trend continue? Greg Chapel ? ex coach of India, was impatient in making changes in the team and the batting order while Gary Kirsten ? is making change only if they have reasonable degree of success. Which way Dhoni would go? This is the only chance and any of his decision that back fires would be scrutinised, dissected and pilloried for rest of his life. During 1996, India ...
More About: World Cup , World

India and Cricket
2011-03-27 08:15:00
India is the land of the possible; a land where anything is feasible, and frequently actually happens. It is not a country that you can ignore, it is not a land from which you can stay aloof. It is vibrant, tumultuous, colourful, aromatic, tangy, terrifyingly friendly and unbelievably involved; it is chaotic and noisy, but most of all it is tangibly, viscerally real. And nowhere is India most visible in all its splendour and mind-bending complexity as at a game of cricket. For cricket is truly the subcontinent's sport. It may have been invented on the green lawns of a different and more straitlaced land, but it is in the Indian subcontinent that cricket finds its soul. travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obser vations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly
More About: Cricket , India

Coma through mental depression
2011-03-26 06:37:00
Could mental depression lead a person to coma ? and be in a state of comatose over 8 months. I am keen to study the factors that led to this state , treatment given and mindset of a person after the person is back to lead a normal life. I learnt about this and felt that this could be a perfect story for Readers Digest for people who go through similar grind and become vulnerable to be pushed into depression. Depression Guide website gives information about this.Sweep ? an elegant cricket stroke has now become a part of regular armoury in modern day cricket. Reverse sweep is an innovative mirror image of regular sweep and often employed against a spin bowler whenever third man fielder is brought into the circle. Graham Gooch in Reliance Cup decimated India by employing regular sweep in the semi final at Mumbai. Today, England persisted with reverse sweep against Sri Lanka spinners and perished. They could not execute the stroke, but in the process lost wickets and the confidence to r...
More About: Mental

Happy 4th b'day : Akshta
2011-03-15 18:02:00
travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obser vations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly
More About: Happy

Turmoil and confusion from a man's perspective.
2011-03-01 08:22:00
I am not too sure if what I say would typify a man. Being a man myself, I must say what I have conviction in. I feel and realize the effect of my upbringing, societal pressures, ethical or moral issues, fear of god etc. There are so many complex variables whose denominations keep on changing through external influences and my audacity to question them. I have gone through various phases. Starting with the refusal to change from the conformed beliefs, to watching with awe and surprise those who dared to do something different, slowly conditioning the mind to simulate what the after effect be, challenging and questioning the validity of so called established principles in the face of mind and body desires, probing and searching for right answers through books on psychology, physiology, behavioral science and spirituality. At this past mid age, the synthesis of all that has led me to the conclusion that ' the only truth of our existence is our mind and the body'. Rest is all superfic...
More About: Confusion

Agrawal Classes - an iconic educational brand
2011-02-27 08:25:00
In every one's life there lay a turning point that changes the course of one's life journey. My life had many such moments but first such event that set others to follow was an 'Admission to Agrawal classes' at Harganga Mahal at Dadar TT. Those days admission to Agrawal classes was more important and prestigious than securing an entry to university affiliated college. They would announce qualifying bench mark for admission. You fill up the form, pay the fees and get enrolled. What was that magic formula that made Agrawal classes so successful? I can think of few. They never taught fundamentals of any subject nor did they make any attempt to let student assimilate the purity of a subject. Instead they went on solving questions. The basics were automatically unfolded during the solution that was explained step by step. The objective was simple : Get good grades than burn your energy on overall knowledge. They had mastered the weaknesses of examination paper setters - of being lazy...
More About: Educational , Classes , Brand

Shivjayanti and Golf
2011-02-19 18:07:00
What time Shivaji Maharaj was born ? I asked my car driver who warned us about facing road traffic due to Shivajayanti celebrations. We still went ahead from Oxford Club to MG road in search of golf kit. We didn't encounter any wild celebrations but did see statures being garlanded or decorated. Akshta is familiar with Shivaji calling him 'fighter man'. MBIS had holiday y'day. Wonder if they did so as Shivjayanti came on Saturday.We are getting familiar with environs of Oxford club and hopefully we would acquire enough skills to have a consistant wild swing to see the ball take long aerial route. Now it's all random hits. We bought Wilson golf kit and in the shop had chat with riped Sardar who was passionate about golf and its benefits. Another young kid of 8 year old came and asked for Golf kit. Akshta got her club with set of plastic balls. Now she needs green turf to practise in the garden.Tomorrow at Bohemian restaurant there is a promotion on wine with Mediterranean food. ...
More About: Pune

Back in Pune
2011-02-18 02:44:00
Two disturbing news stir my early morning in Pune . First, Steve Jobs reportedly heading towards terminal stage and second Bahrain defense clamping the protester in the city. Being next door to the country and being Sunni regime, Saudi shall use all their might to crush Bahrain protesters. Iran across the gulf with Shia population will do everything to support Bahrain Shiya majority population. Bahrain can be flash point for middle east turmoil and USA would have tricky situation. Support democratic movement or regime that's been supportive to USA.I saw Femina issue and was impressed by the quality of contents, print and photography. Rs 50 per issue indicate their robust ad revenue and subscriber base. One of the 75 reasons for being happy in marriage is "couples sleeping separate". Old people who have married long time, sleep separately. They are secured in their relationship and undisturbed sleep is vital for their longevity. Japan ese by culture use separate beds. Here is the most...
More About: Back

Tokyo to Narita via Wara Wara Izakaya
2011-02-17 02:48:00
Ordering food over i pad connected by wi fi is a new novelty that I saw in Japan ese restaurant. Screen is almost like an ebay or amazon with items listed with price and photo. Staff is limited to ferrying dishes. There is an SOS button that can ask for assistance. However , one is not sure if an order is recieved and how soon it would be ready. Perhaps next version shall have this in future. Food was good at Izakaya near Tokyo station . Edamame,Sushi, Yakitori was delicious at Wara Wara ?? (????) Izakaya.David Beckam look a like dad tending his daughter - coloured african - was a cute sight at Crown Plaza at Narita. She was of same age as that of Akshta and equally energetic but once on b'fast table, she was well behaved letting her dad feed her. Wonder when Akshta would emulate her eating habits and manners !! Loss to Hilton Osaka was gain from Crown plaza at Narita . Item was Jacket hanger. travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obser vations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly

Japan in winter
2011-02-16 07:17:00
Anupam Kher once commented about an incident that changed his behaviour as a acting professional. This happened at Chennai where he had gone for a movie shoot. He was sitting in a studio that was stuffy and warm in the Chennai sultry Summer. Being used to privileged lifestyle accorded to movie actors , his tolerance level was low and so were his vagaries. He was in a foul mood of being subjected to such discomfort in the Chennai summer and heat . But soon he noticed Amitabh Bacchan sitting opposite him in attire of ? Shahenshah?. He was wearing no less than 1o kg of heavy armaments but wihout any grimace of any complaint. He asked Amitabh how could he manage this. Amitabh just smiled and said this is part of the profession. I too was impressed by this incident narrated by Anupam Kher and have consistently tried my best not to get perturbed by external comforts as long as they are not result of a shoddy workmanship or poor attitude. I am flying over China somewhere close to Kuming at...
More About: Japan , Winter

Elephant Safari in Bali
2010-10-09 06:55:00
Wayan, Maade, Yoman and Kitut. In Bali , names are assigned as per your number among your siblings. 1st child is Wayan; second one is Maade and so on. After 5th it's turn of Wayan again. An important lesson we learnt while going to Elephant Safari . I become Wayan Milind.We were to stay at Elephant safari lodge but stopped just before hitting ' confirm' button on net purchase. I am glad that we did it. We could get a glimpse of both jungle life at Nandini Resort and the Elephant safari. In old days, kings rode on elephants albeit on a canopy with cushions and supposedly guided their army. I am not sure how well they did it but our journey on elephant back ensured pummelling our back every time elephant put his feet forwards. Perhaps in old war days, there could have been some shock absorber fitted on elephant back to soften bumpy ride. Seven male elephants with twenty three females must have been a good choice for male elephants at Elephant safari. How else can you explain that...

In search of Nandini at Bali
2010-10-07 17:32:00
It's almost midnight and we are in the middle of the jungle looking for Nandini Bali jungle resort at Payangan, 25 min drive from Ubud . From Denpasar airport , Ubud is nearly an hour and half drive. Past Alila resort, houses and shops adjacent to the either side of the road disappears and now a winding road through thick foliage climbs up. Road become narrow and with no opposite traffic our search for Nandini goes on seeking directions from people on bike returning back from work. Maade - our driver extols praises on people in the jungle saying that they carry true Balinese spirit of honesty and hospitality. We come at end of the road that has stone inscribed green painted word ' Ubud hanging garden'. Another true Balinese person confidently tells us to take right. We go ahead. Now road is real narrow, with sharp slope and vicious turn at right angles. Tar road is almost covered by muddy soils . We realize that there is no point in going ahead and we see enough space to ta...
More About: Search

'Nation Building? or ' Nation Damaging' Media
2010-09-30 05:32:00
I heard this comment 'Singapore media hardly reports any untoward mishap that happens in private condominiums but quick to report even frivolous incident that would occur in Govt housing HDB'. The logic behind this statement is ' Singapore Govt do not like to see private property market gets hit by bad publicity?. I am not sure about the validity of this argument but have had few instances of suicide and accidental deaths in our neighboring condominiums not being reported in the media compared to ones in HDB . Last week, I heard another comment from a person who is involved with Singapore Media 'we do not have any Govt censorship but as a ?Nation Building " instrument, we practice a responsible behavior not to report anything adverse that would affect our nation'.The above comments stood in stark contrast to India n media bashing of Common Wealth Organization. Indian media vied with each other to paint horrible picture of Commonwealth games in New Delhi. Twenty eight years ago, w...
More About: Ayodhya

Mai Maushi - an embodiment of love and humility
2010-09-22 10:30:00
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} No matter how mentally I am prepared for the loss of someone who is dear, the news of an inevitable sinks the heart and emptiness prevails. I feel numb as I hear the news of passing away of Mai Maushi. Life often is a topsy-turvy of fluctuating fortunes. However, with some, they swing and touch either extreme. Pinnacle of wealth to pitiable living conditions, from social adulation and recognition t...
More About: Love

Mandarin Song by Akshta
2010-09-20 08:28:00
travelogue,descriptions,experiences,obser vations from curious and imbecile mind of goggly
More About: Song , Mandarin