The national flag deserves much more loyaly, respect and dignity than this - was my reaction after learning about the abashing faux pas at Port Blair and Bangalore.
60 years and still......
In Port Blair, the Indian tricolor was unfurled upside down (:eeek:) and the irony is that the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bhopinder Singh, formerly served the Indian Army as Lt. General. Obviously, the Lt. Governor looked so disappointed yesterday after it was pointed out from someone in the crowd.
When asked for explantion buck passing continues, but as an Indian who savor the freedom and owe it to all those great leaders, I would like to see the officials involved in the faux pas suspended from their service for this national offence. It is such a pain to know this.
And again , in namma Bengaluru, our beloved CM BSY missed flag hoisting, for arriving 20 minutes late to the function. Yeddy also breached the protocol of arriving earlier than the Governor, and so had to miss hoisting of the flag. Honorable Governor Rameshwar Thakur hoisted the Indian tricolor in the absence of CM. When it comes to flag hoisting, we need to give attention to even minute details. But when is it the maha nethas going to learn?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hooliganism by so-called Hindu moral police in Mangalore
As the news trickled in that once again women were assaulted by Hindu moral police in Mangalore, the Amnesia Lounge, I followed the news closely only to literally go into a state of shock. TV channels aired scenes of Hindu literally peeling away women off the pub in Mangalore; I saw the women manhandled beaten and driven out of the pub by who proudly acclaim themselves as Hindu moral police.
These moral police belong to an outfit named Sir Rama Sena (literally mean Lord Sri Rama's brigade). Tell me where in Hindu culture would you see Lord Rama or his disciplines physically attacking or assaulting women? It's such a shameful act by Sri Rama Sena activists what they've done at the Amnesia Lounge Pub and Bar. And, Sri Rama Sena's national president, Pramod Mutalik owned the responsibilty. However, what made me ponder is that Mutalik justifying and substantiating the act further. He remarked, "we are ones who will not allow attack on Hindu culture. He further said "we've got information that they are all drug addicts....." He seem to be justifying that the Sri Rama Sene men did right by beating and driving the women out of the pub and takes pride that they did not molest them.
This Sri Rama Sena is a pro-Hindu organization which has its base in Hubli and it is Pramod Mutalik who floated this after bidding adieu to BJP and Bajrang Dal. I am all glad that the organization celebrates Hindu festivals in grandeur, being a Hindu myself. But this kind of moral policing will bring disgrace to the organization as well as tarnish the image of Hinduism per se which follows the path of tolerance. No where in the Hindu puranas or itihasas do we see women ill treated this way. And certainly will this be the so called Ramrajya?
What this Pramod Mutalik said shocked me. Manhandling a woman is an offence and media has footage of what happened? If the government has any guts arrest those dastardly cowards first.
If not snatching away one's freedom what is this called? And where are we going? The Taliban way, as the Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Renuka Choudhary puts it? To drink and/or to dance in a pub by a girl/women is entirely her personal choice. Similarly how to dress is her personal choice.
What do you call interfering in one's freedom in the name of culture policing? I think this virus is seriously spreading from Maharasthra to Karnataka and a peaceful city like Mangalore is on world map for all wrong reasons today. CM? Wake up from your slumber! High time you step in and take stern action against the hooligans lest we will see Karnataka/India becoming another Taliban rajya and no Hindu woman will appreciate this, not even the women at home of Sri Rama Sena moral cops.
With due respects to Mutalik Saab!
Does it mean beating women in public protecting Indian culture and women? Give treatment to the roots that are collapsing the Hindu culture. Who are we to treat the symptoms of the problem, heh!
These moral police belong to an outfit named Sir Rama Sena (literally mean Lord Sri Rama's brigade). Tell me where in Hindu culture would you see Lord Rama or his disciplines physically attacking or assaulting women? It's such a shameful act by Sri Rama Sena activists what they've done at the Amnesia Lounge Pub and Bar. And, Sri Rama Sena's national president, Pramod Mutalik owned the responsibilty. However, what made me ponder is that Mutalik justifying and substantiating the act further. He remarked, "we are ones who will not allow attack on Hindu culture. He further said "we've got information that they are all drug addicts....." He seem to be justifying that the Sri Rama Sene men did right by beating and driving the women out of the pub and takes pride that they did not molest them.
This Sri Rama Sena is a pro-Hindu organization which has its base in Hubli and it is Pramod Mutalik who floated this after bidding adieu to BJP and Bajrang Dal. I am all glad that the organization celebrates Hindu festivals in grandeur, being a Hindu myself. But this kind of moral policing will bring disgrace to the organization as well as tarnish the image of Hinduism per se which follows the path of tolerance. No where in the Hindu puranas or itihasas do we see women ill treated this way. And certainly will this be the so called Ramrajya?
What this Pramod Mutalik said shocked me. Manhandling a woman is an offence and media has footage of what happened? If the government has any guts arrest those dastardly cowards first.
If not snatching away one's freedom what is this called? And where are we going? The Taliban way, as the Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Renuka Choudhary puts it? To drink and/or to dance in a pub by a girl/women is entirely her personal choice. Similarly how to dress is her personal choice.
What do you call interfering in one's freedom in the name of culture policing? I think this virus is seriously spreading from Maharasthra to Karnataka and a peaceful city like Mangalore is on world map for all wrong reasons today. CM? Wake up from your slumber! High time you step in and take stern action against the hooligans lest we will see Karnataka/India becoming another Taliban rajya and no Hindu woman will appreciate this, not even the women at home of Sri Rama Sena moral cops.
With due respects to Mutalik Saab!
Does it mean beating women in public protecting Indian culture and women? Give treatment to the roots that are collapsing the Hindu culture. Who are we to treat the symptoms of the problem, heh!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tribute to all those braveheart soldiers
Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians!! We have not one but many reasons to feel proud to be Indian and as we celebrate yet another Rebublic day lets salute to the souls of braveheart soldiers who lay their lives! Here's my way of saluting them!
The news broke in that it’s Mumbai once again
a soft target for anti-Indian elements to spread the element of terror in each and every spine
it was the NSG commandos who put up the brave fight
attempting to rescue every hostage who was affright
People watched all of this, as most television channels aired
admiration for the fighting NSGs multiplied; religions spared
and then there was a news that a brave commando fell dead
His mother cried, and every mother mourned
His colleagues saluted believing that their man died after doing the thing he felt right
and the nation will forever remember him as its beloved knight
maybe his father could hold back every drop of tear
the soldier who lay his life made the nation blear
the son of this soil is no mean wiffet
and gave the nation a reason to feel proud en effet
his efforts didn’t go in vain
because all of whom he saved are thankfully breathing life amain
The news broke in that it’s Mumbai once again
a soft target for anti-Indian elements to spread the element of terror in each and every spine
it was the NSG commandos who put up the brave fight
attempting to rescue every hostage who was affright
People watched all of this, as most television channels aired
admiration for the fighting NSGs multiplied; religions spared
and then there was a news that a brave commando fell dead
His mother cried, and every mother mourned
His colleagues saluted believing that their man died after doing the thing he felt right
and the nation will forever remember him as its beloved knight
maybe his father could hold back every drop of tear
the soldier who lay his life made the nation blear
the son of this soil is no mean wiffet
and gave the nation a reason to feel proud en effet
his efforts didn’t go in vain
because all of whom he saved are thankfully breathing life amain
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tour Down Under: Lance still wins hearts of fans!
I have a special feeling for this American professional cyclist, Lance Armstrong. It’s not for the reason that he is the 7-time record winner of the tour de France. This US cyclist is born to be a winner like I believe.
Lance might have lost at the Tour Down Under, but didn’t disappoint his worldwide fans. After more than 3 years of hibernation, he’s returned back to professional cycling with the Tour Down Under and its no mean achievement.
The 37-year-old US cyclist had surely exceeded expectations of people, who most of them are his fans, on his return. I believe he will return to world-class form by May 2009 to give a fight at the Giro d’ Italia and in Tour De France by July 2009. Isn’t this telling the kind of a character that this cancer survivor is?
Lance Armstrong fought and survived a testicular cancer, which he was diagnosed in 1996. It was after diagnosed by the dreadful cancer that Lance won the Tour de France for seven times. Thanks to improved medical diagnostics and cancer treatment, Lance, post cancer treatment, is fighting back to come to professional cycling form. I believe he’s got what it takes to clinch another Tour De France title.
His life is an example to say that there is so much power in all of us to do if only there is that WILL to fight! Lance has got strength in his NAME, and he remains role model to cyclists as well as the fighters of cancer disease! Way to go Lance!.....err.....Way to cycle Lance!!
Lance might have lost at the Tour Down Under, but didn’t disappoint his worldwide fans. After more than 3 years of hibernation, he’s returned back to professional cycling with the Tour Down Under and its no mean achievement.
The 37-year-old US cyclist had surely exceeded expectations of people, who most of them are his fans, on his return. I believe he will return to world-class form by May 2009 to give a fight at the Giro d’ Italia and in Tour De France by July 2009. Isn’t this telling the kind of a character that this cancer survivor is?
Lance Armstrong fought and survived a testicular cancer, which he was diagnosed in 1996. It was after diagnosed by the dreadful cancer that Lance won the Tour de France for seven times. Thanks to improved medical diagnostics and cancer treatment, Lance, post cancer treatment, is fighting back to come to professional cycling form. I believe he’s got what it takes to clinch another Tour De France title.
His life is an example to say that there is so much power in all of us to do if only there is that WILL to fight! Lance has got strength in his NAME, and he remains role model to cyclists as well as the fighters of cancer disease! Way to go Lance!.....err.....Way to cycle Lance!!
New Fiat Linea Indian Commercial song?
Please check the update to this post
http://liv2rite.blogspot.com/2009/01/fiat-linea-india-commercial.html
(Thanks to AsMi and Bravo your blog seems to be authority in ad campaigns. Loved it!)
It comes as background for the new Fiat Linea Ad commercial in India. The lyrics go something like this:
It was an ordinary day....then you came up to me...looking so fine....Oh....you were divine...
now I am STUCK at the sight of you.......STUCK ...at the thought of you .......there's a voice from inside......because I'm STUCK at the sight of you..... babe...... STUCK..... at the thought of you ....STUCK
The song sounds pretty cool and romantic...tried searching several routes couldn't get much information but any help from any of you guys- very much appreciated!
PS:
The ad too scores a 10/10 concept perfect for the tagline The new Fiat Linea "Admiration Guaranteed" and the ad guarantees admiration from all corners. Bravo! Good work here.
http://liv2rite.blogspot.com/2009/01/fiat-linea-india-commercial.html
(Thanks to AsMi and Bravo your blog seems to be authority in ad campaigns. Loved it!)
It comes as background for the new Fiat Linea Ad commercial in India. The lyrics go something like this:
It was an ordinary day....then you came up to me...looking so fine....Oh....you were divine...
now I am STUCK at the sight of you.......STUCK ...at the thought of you .......there's a voice from inside......because I'm STUCK at the sight of you..... babe...... STUCK..... at the thought of you ....STUCK
The song sounds pretty cool and romantic...tried searching several routes couldn't get much information but any help from any of you guys- very much appreciated!
PS:
The ad too scores a 10/10 concept perfect for the tagline The new Fiat Linea "Admiration Guaranteed" and the ad guarantees admiration from all corners. Bravo! Good work here.
Indian Judicial System A big mockery with countless pending cases!!
The National Law University celebrated annual Convocation the last Monday, and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekawat had been there on the occasion. His Excellency, the Vice President, Bhairon Singh Shekawat was pointing at the pending cases in several courts of India that were in huge numbers. The Vice President warned, the graduating community, of the fury they may have to face from public should justice be not delivered on time. "The fury is building up," is what he said while addressing at the convocation of the National Law University, Jodhpur.
He also substantiated the reason for 3 crore plus pending cases in the various subordinate courts and about 35 lakh pending cases in various state High Courts and attributed partially to the vacancies in the respective courts for judges.
He remarked that there is a need to address these through multi-pronged initiatives which include and not limited to inflating the strength of judges, infrastructure of courts, modernizing the judicial process, encouraging alternate systems for dispute redressal and also reinforcing the Lok Adalats. He also suggests of the need for fast track courts to speed up dealing of serious crime cases, election dispute cases and corruption cases.
He also brought into limelight the growing distate for the Indian judicial system felt by commonman. He further brought into notice the languishing time of undertrials at various prisons and that some of them serving there for time longer than what could be the maximum term they could have been sentenced to, should they have been found guilty. He remarks that it is inhuman to have such inordinate delays in the trial of cases.
He urged the graduating lawyers to take cases of gross violation of the Fundamental Rights especially of below poverty line group of people and to exercise legal perception in dealing such cases and set themselves as role models.
Is it just another convoation speech or something that the graudating lawyers will take seriously? I remember former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam suggesting that every Supreme Court judge work for two hours in addition to what he does to close the pending cases, and set themselves as example for other judges to tackle backlog cases. But how many of the SC judges have taken this Man's word seriously? Even if there be one, I salute!
Chinese welcome new lunar year, the Year of Ox tonight the 26th January 2009
The year 2009 is the year of Ox according to the Chinese Zodiac. Chinese believe that Ox or Buffalo symbolize prosperity through perseverance and people born under the influence of Ox are believed to be persevering and consistent who also has a strong character and is tolerant. This is the second year of Ox come in the 12-year cycle that the Chinese follow.
Ox is known to be fearless and has strong resolution to fulfill a task and not many people are blessed with this cThe typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task. Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home. They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes.
Celebrities born in the year of Ox: Napoleon Bonaparte, Charlie Chaplin, Dustin Hoffman, Walt Disney, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Margaret Thatcher, Picasso, Meg Ryan, Princess Diana, Meryl Streep, Richard Nixon, Barack Hussein Obama, are a few celebrities who were born in the year of Ox.
According to Joy Lim, a reputed Feng Shui Consultant, Year 2009 will be a year of resilience and other Feng Shui experts echo with Lim that despite global economic slowdown, the Year of Ox 2009 can bring some respite with some patience and perseverance. Only when the failures are faced with the results of success could be felt. Endurance is the keyword and the Chinese are looking forward to it come Year of Ox 2009. Feng Shui believes in displaying ‘fu’ on doors as well as walls to descend that luck. The lucky charms include golden Buddhas, tiny gold bells that Chinese believe ring in the luck for their families.
Chinese New Year, the Year of Ox 2009 or ‘li Chou’ is welcomed today night. The Chinese clear all the clutter in the living space and throw off the junk and then welcome their new year into their homes. They also believe that there is nothing obstructing flow of natural elements through doors and windows and that good fortune comes through the doors.
They will have a night feast where families reunite and people working elsewhere come home and join the feast and it’s the first holiday in the Chinese calendar. To have all family members join at the feast will certainly add to health and longevity of people and Chinese believe in this very strongly.
Dragon dances and fireworks will mark the celebration of Chinese New year in the Chinatowns of various places.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends 15 days later with the observance of the Lantern
Ox is known to be fearless and has strong resolution to fulfill a task and not many people are blessed with this cThe typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task. Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home. They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes.
Celebrities born in the year of Ox: Napoleon Bonaparte, Charlie Chaplin, Dustin Hoffman, Walt Disney, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicholson, Eddie Murphy, Margaret Thatcher, Picasso, Meg Ryan, Princess Diana, Meryl Streep, Richard Nixon, Barack Hussein Obama, are a few celebrities who were born in the year of Ox.
According to Joy Lim, a reputed Feng Shui Consultant, Year 2009 will be a year of resilience and other Feng Shui experts echo with Lim that despite global economic slowdown, the Year of Ox 2009 can bring some respite with some patience and perseverance. Only when the failures are faced with the results of success could be felt. Endurance is the keyword and the Chinese are looking forward to it come Year of Ox 2009. Feng Shui believes in displaying ‘fu’ on doors as well as walls to descend that luck. The lucky charms include golden Buddhas, tiny gold bells that Chinese believe ring in the luck for their families.
Chinese New Year, the Year of Ox 2009 or ‘li Chou’ is welcomed today night. The Chinese clear all the clutter in the living space and throw off the junk and then welcome their new year into their homes. They also believe that there is nothing obstructing flow of natural elements through doors and windows and that good fortune comes through the doors.
They will have a night feast where families reunite and people working elsewhere come home and join the feast and it’s the first holiday in the Chinese calendar. To have all family members join at the feast will certainly add to health and longevity of people and Chinese believe in this very strongly.
Dragon dances and fireworks will mark the celebration of Chinese New year in the Chinatowns of various places.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends 15 days later with the observance of the Lantern
Festival.
The year 2009 is the Year of the Ox, which is also known by its formal name of "Ji Chou." To all Chinese "Gung HeiFat Choi” and “Sun nien fai lok.”
Tips to maintain an LCD
Once upon a time - I didn’t mean very long ago but just a couple of decades back we knew of very few homes that had TVs, but now, TVs are a passé and LCDs and Plasma TVs have taken their place. In fact LCDs have become more popular than the Plasmas because the former can support full high definition of 1080p screen resolution technology (the latter support a max of 720p technology). I am not going to differentiate between the two in this post. Here are some tips on how to handle an LCD television:
*See that the polariser surface does not receive any scratches, as the surface is very sensitive and soft which could be damaged by even a small scratch. Touching, rubbing, or pushing the polariser surface with any hard abrasive material is a strict NO.
*Keep the surface clean. Use hand glove before cleaning the surface of LCD screen. Use n-Hexane on an antistatic cloth and clean the surface.
*Water can spoil the LCD by an electrical short or corrosion. Remove water carefully if there is accidental spill of water.
*See that there is no sudden temperature and humidity changes in place where LCD is kept. An LCD cannot be used in areas of high temperature or high humidity.
*Keep the LCD away from corrosive gas as it can damage the circuit and/or the polariser of the LCD.
*Do not operate LCD under same pattern as it can damage the screen usage and turn the power off when not in use and change the use pattern regularly.
*See that the polariser surface does not receive any scratches, as the surface is very sensitive and soft which could be damaged by even a small scratch. Touching, rubbing, or pushing the polariser surface with any hard abrasive material is a strict NO.
*Keep the surface clean. Use hand glove before cleaning the surface of LCD screen. Use n-Hexane on an antistatic cloth and clean the surface.
*Water can spoil the LCD by an electrical short or corrosion. Remove water carefully if there is accidental spill of water.
*See that there is no sudden temperature and humidity changes in place where LCD is kept. An LCD cannot be used in areas of high temperature or high humidity.
*Keep the LCD away from corrosive gas as it can damage the circuit and/or the polariser of the LCD.
*Do not operate LCD under same pattern as it can damage the screen usage and turn the power off when not in use and change the use pattern regularly.
Shivamani Kannada Movie Review
Film: Shivamani
Banner: SJP Creations
Producer: Jagannath V Pai
Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Direction: SK Amarnath
Cinematography: Sree Venkat
Music: Veer Samarth
Stunts: Anal Urs
Editor: Suresh Urs
Cast: Sri Murali, Sharmila Mandre, Shobaraj, Vinaya Prakash, Avinash, Ramesh Bhat, Kote Prabhakar, etc.
How the hell I came to such a movie is what I uttered at the Intermission of the Shivamani movie. The director of the film S K Amarnath must have lost his logical thinking while scripting the story. It appears that the story is only designed for Murali and it’s quite obvious when you see Murali’s stunt sequences which may or may even not appeal the mass and front row seaters. For producer, the Pai Group’s Jagannath V Pai, though, who forayed into sandalwood film production with this shitty film. No doubt, the Pai group tried to promote the movie but he would have been in state of a shock if not coma for Shivamani’s openings.
I was smitten by this out and out rubbish called Shivamani for about 145 minutes and I am unsure if I have to sympathize with the Shivamani crew or lambast them for taking Kannada audience granted.
It’s so unfortunate to see Sri Murali’s talent being untapped. So sad, Murali still tried to impress the audience in emoting some drama and sentiment from a script that hardly got anything other than stunts. To have big off-screen crew such as Vira Shankar and Sree Venkat working for this crap surprised me. However, Veer Samarth’s music and Sree Venkat’s cinematography are the feel good factors if any for the movie Shivamani.
The storyline is weak, and the screenplay makes it weaker and director S K Amarnath failed to do his best in his debut directorial, and it gives a feeling that he jumped the gun little too earlier. Maybe he needs to go to Pune and take a diploma course in contemporary film direction. He seemed to have influences of the 60s and 70s Indian cinema. The fight sequences which are poorly picturised defying logic will only reiterate this. The hero successfully actually grounds 20+ big-bodied goons each and every fight, and there are over 10 stunt sequences throughout the movie. As Shivamani movie ends audience will become immune to the goried scenes.
Film is poorly woven around college romance between Shivamani and her lady lead Shruthi (Sharmila Mandre). Shivamani is raised as an orphan by a good samaritan and he grows into a person who’s intolerant to societal wrongs and tries to correct. It is this character that is liked by his college mate Shruthi. Shivamani later meets a couple and realizes that they are his birth parents, but keeps estranged from them for obvious reasons. Mafia leader Naga’s sycophants receive some bashing up treatment from Shivamani and that’s how he becomes hostile to Naga (played unimpressively).
Sri Murali by all means tried to impress as Shivamani, but he wasn’t given enough space other than showing his bare chest and muscles. Shivamani tackles 30 baddies at a time during the last fight. How long Kannada audience will cheer such nonsense? And to add to woes those irritating punchy counter dialogues, which I doubt anyone will be impressed with. Comedy track runs along the villains which is in bad taste.
Although, Shivamani movie takes off with a nice hummable tune ‘Badatanekke ambuva chinte’ the nice part ends there and we got to take all rubbish for 2 plus hours that Shivamani has for us. Sharmila Mandre looked beautiful, but other than that she has nothing more to offer in Shivamani. Even acting pros Avinash, Ramesh Bhat and Vinaya Prasad had nothing much to offer in the movie. S K Amarnath fails in all aspects of direction and you will heave a sigh of relief once you see the end card.
Verdict: Shivamani movie is a poorly blended cocktail tasting awful. In all mercy, it can be given a C rating.
Banner: SJP Creations
Producer: Jagannath V Pai
Story, Screenplay, Dialogues, Direction: SK Amarnath
Cinematography: Sree Venkat
Music: Veer Samarth
Stunts: Anal Urs
Editor: Suresh Urs
Cast: Sri Murali, Sharmila Mandre, Shobaraj, Vinaya Prakash, Avinash, Ramesh Bhat, Kote Prabhakar, etc.
How the hell I came to such a movie is what I uttered at the Intermission of the Shivamani movie. The director of the film S K Amarnath must have lost his logical thinking while scripting the story. It appears that the story is only designed for Murali and it’s quite obvious when you see Murali’s stunt sequences which may or may even not appeal the mass and front row seaters. For producer, the Pai Group’s Jagannath V Pai, though, who forayed into sandalwood film production with this shitty film. No doubt, the Pai group tried to promote the movie but he would have been in state of a shock if not coma for Shivamani’s openings.
I was smitten by this out and out rubbish called Shivamani for about 145 minutes and I am unsure if I have to sympathize with the Shivamani crew or lambast them for taking Kannada audience granted.
It’s so unfortunate to see Sri Murali’s talent being untapped. So sad, Murali still tried to impress the audience in emoting some drama and sentiment from a script that hardly got anything other than stunts. To have big off-screen crew such as Vira Shankar and Sree Venkat working for this crap surprised me. However, Veer Samarth’s music and Sree Venkat’s cinematography are the feel good factors if any for the movie Shivamani.
The storyline is weak, and the screenplay makes it weaker and director S K Amarnath failed to do his best in his debut directorial, and it gives a feeling that he jumped the gun little too earlier. Maybe he needs to go to Pune and take a diploma course in contemporary film direction. He seemed to have influences of the 60s and 70s Indian cinema. The fight sequences which are poorly picturised defying logic will only reiterate this. The hero successfully actually grounds 20+ big-bodied goons each and every fight, and there are over 10 stunt sequences throughout the movie. As Shivamani movie ends audience will become immune to the goried scenes.
Film is poorly woven around college romance between Shivamani and her lady lead Shruthi (Sharmila Mandre). Shivamani is raised as an orphan by a good samaritan and he grows into a person who’s intolerant to societal wrongs and tries to correct. It is this character that is liked by his college mate Shruthi. Shivamani later meets a couple and realizes that they are his birth parents, but keeps estranged from them for obvious reasons. Mafia leader Naga’s sycophants receive some bashing up treatment from Shivamani and that’s how he becomes hostile to Naga (played unimpressively).
Sri Murali by all means tried to impress as Shivamani, but he wasn’t given enough space other than showing his bare chest and muscles. Shivamani tackles 30 baddies at a time during the last fight. How long Kannada audience will cheer such nonsense? And to add to woes those irritating punchy counter dialogues, which I doubt anyone will be impressed with. Comedy track runs along the villains which is in bad taste.
Although, Shivamani movie takes off with a nice hummable tune ‘Badatanekke ambuva chinte’ the nice part ends there and we got to take all rubbish for 2 plus hours that Shivamani has for us. Sharmila Mandre looked beautiful, but other than that she has nothing more to offer in Shivamani. Even acting pros Avinash, Ramesh Bhat and Vinaya Prasad had nothing much to offer in the movie. S K Amarnath fails in all aspects of direction and you will heave a sigh of relief once you see the end card.
Verdict: Shivamani movie is a poorly blended cocktail tasting awful. In all mercy, it can be given a C rating.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Kannada Movie Jollydays Movie Review
Cast: Pradeep, Praveen, Vishwas, Deepu, Niranajn, Aishwarya Nag, Ritu, Spoorthi, Keerti, Rutika
Director: M D Sridhar
Director: M D Sridhar
Cinematographer: Krishna Kumar
Music: Micky J Meyer
Jollydays movie review, and ask me how close it is to perfection, I will say it gets 8.5/10. This is my first Kannada movie review in my blog, but thought I will share with you my experiences of watching the Jollydays movie. I just loved watching the movie as well as reviewing it for you people! It’s a remake of the Telugu blockbuster hit movie Happy Days from the pen of Shekhar Kammula who is also the director of the film in Telugu.
Director M D Sridhar doesn’t go off the track and reproduces the original Happy Days in his Jollydays. One aspect of the film that keeps you stop blinking is that everyone can relate to the film especially the good old college days. If you are not reminded of the ragging, you will be reminded of the freedom-full hostel life or those that days you would have spent with friends teasing and ragging or the crushes you would have developed during those days. Every youth identifies him/her in the characters of Jollydays movie and the movie is successful in letting us all enjoy again the beauty of college life.
The director M D Sridhar manages very well to strike the chord with the emotions of the Kannada movie audience. The story line of the film might be thin but it runs fast on a very well written screenplay. Both on-screen as well as off-screen crew of the Jollydays movie supported the screenplay very much to make this a must watch to say the least. Jollydays movie is a heart touching experience and will certainly take you through a nostalgic feeling. If you have not experienced one, something wrong must be within you and not the movie.
Jollydays story takes off with first day of entering into an Engineering college, where the main leads start their life as engineering students, and the movies ends with last day and the farewell. Director churned in all of the teenager’s emotions in perfect proportions and takes one teenager’s life as example showing how his persona matures from the day he enters to a fighter who is willing to face the real challenges of the outside world, by the time he graduates from the college. Pictureperfect way of ending!
Coming to the technicalities: The cast chosen for Jollydays movie are new, but you agree that they are pictureperfect, because you will not see an actor in the film but see the character itself. Jollydays music is given by Micky J Mayer who has also given for the Telugu original and you would say he is apt for the Jolly Days movie. I will give 10/10 for the soothing background score and the peppy song numbers. Lyricist Kaviraj perfectly complemented Micky Meyer with his great nostalgia evoking lyrics. You will actually fail to figure out which song stands out, because all of them are so cool (probably after Mungaru Male I fell in love again with Jollydays music and songs as such). Indeed I was actually in trans for over 4 hours after watching the Jollydays movie, and no doubt the songs take 50% of the movie’s credit.
Camera work by Krishna Kumar is commendable and you will just love the places, he has shown on screen, and they are all from our own state Karnataka. Almost all of the artists performed close to perfect but special mention goes to debutante Vishwas who was outstanding. I reckon a bright future for this boy. Keep it up Vishwas!
Coming to flip side of Jollydays movie:
Weak story line (not every college goer come out with a partner heh?).
Music: Micky J Meyer
Jollydays movie review, and ask me how close it is to perfection, I will say it gets 8.5/10. This is my first Kannada movie review in my blog, but thought I will share with you my experiences of watching the Jollydays movie. I just loved watching the movie as well as reviewing it for you people! It’s a remake of the Telugu blockbuster hit movie Happy Days from the pen of Shekhar Kammula who is also the director of the film in Telugu.
Director M D Sridhar doesn’t go off the track and reproduces the original Happy Days in his Jollydays. One aspect of the film that keeps you stop blinking is that everyone can relate to the film especially the good old college days. If you are not reminded of the ragging, you will be reminded of the freedom-full hostel life or those that days you would have spent with friends teasing and ragging or the crushes you would have developed during those days. Every youth identifies him/her in the characters of Jollydays movie and the movie is successful in letting us all enjoy again the beauty of college life.
The director M D Sridhar manages very well to strike the chord with the emotions of the Kannada movie audience. The story line of the film might be thin but it runs fast on a very well written screenplay. Both on-screen as well as off-screen crew of the Jollydays movie supported the screenplay very much to make this a must watch to say the least. Jollydays movie is a heart touching experience and will certainly take you through a nostalgic feeling. If you have not experienced one, something wrong must be within you and not the movie.
Jollydays story takes off with first day of entering into an Engineering college, where the main leads start their life as engineering students, and the movies ends with last day and the farewell. Director churned in all of the teenager’s emotions in perfect proportions and takes one teenager’s life as example showing how his persona matures from the day he enters to a fighter who is willing to face the real challenges of the outside world, by the time he graduates from the college. Pictureperfect way of ending!
Coming to the technicalities: The cast chosen for Jollydays movie are new, but you agree that they are pictureperfect, because you will not see an actor in the film but see the character itself. Jollydays music is given by Micky J Mayer who has also given for the Telugu original and you would say he is apt for the Jolly Days movie. I will give 10/10 for the soothing background score and the peppy song numbers. Lyricist Kaviraj perfectly complemented Micky Meyer with his great nostalgia evoking lyrics. You will actually fail to figure out which song stands out, because all of them are so cool (probably after Mungaru Male I fell in love again with Jollydays music and songs as such). Indeed I was actually in trans for over 4 hours after watching the Jollydays movie, and no doubt the songs take 50% of the movie’s credit.
Camera work by Krishna Kumar is commendable and you will just love the places, he has shown on screen, and they are all from our own state Karnataka. Almost all of the artists performed close to perfect but special mention goes to debutante Vishwas who was outstanding. I reckon a bright future for this boy. Keep it up Vishwas!
Coming to flip side of Jollydays movie:
Weak story line (not every college goer come out with a partner heh?).
But, on the whole, Jollydays movie review outscores other Kannada movies currently in theaters and is a must watch film with loaded emotions, romance, friendship and some comedy too (defying logic though) and will find 100% favor with the youth and middle-aged people. It certainly going to break some records at the box office. Watch out!
PS:
PS:
Parents who have teenage kids may simply hate Jollydays movie for obvious reasons. I went along with my sil who has an 18yo boy and she didn't appreciate the movie as much as I could . So, make sure you have a perfect company .
Raaz 2 Movie Review
Raaz 2 or Raaz The Mystery continues (RTMC) is another film produced by Director-producer Mahesh Bhatt and is an directorial adventure of Mohit Suri. The main cast of Raaz 2 movie include Bollywood’s Kissing Baadshah Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman (Ah! You got it right Shekhar Suman’s Son). The genre of Raaz 2 movie is a horror-thriller and the film hit theatres all over India yesterday.I had to admit that Raaz 2 movie may not be one great horror thriller of he Indian cinema, but it is still worth watching once and when you have a stretched weekend like this, you can definitely head to the theaters to watch Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut who are just outstanding.
Raaz The Mystery Continues opens with heroine’s narration about ghosts and guess you can't ask for a better opening than this for a thriller. Kangana played the model named Nandita Chopra and she ramps so gorgeously. Nandita falls in love with a documentary filmmaker Yash Dayal (Adhyayan Suman) who does TV reporting before breaking into direction. He directs a reality show named Andhvishwas (Yowzat! Now call it coincidence?) which opens to rave reviews and wins accolades from all quarters of society.
While the relationship between Nandita and Yash Dayal continues, she meets a weird painter artist Prithvi (Emraan Hashmi) who predicts her future through what he paints. She comes to know of a looming threat to her life but has all doubts to or not to believe about Prithvi’s predictions. But she slowly starts experiencing horror and Prithvi tries to rescue the girl. Yash is one who will not give to blind faiths (as his reality show is titled) or supernatural powers.
Now here comes the Raaz the mystery continues…
What’s that Prithvi foresee happening in Nandita's life? Whether what he’d foreseen all happen to Nandita? Will Yash believe the existence of possessions? Who succeeds in saving Nandita Chopra, Yash Dayal or Prithvi? Whether he succeeds in saving her life all form the rest of the movie and trust me you will like watching the movie.
The redeemable factor of Raaz The Mystery Continues is none other than Emraan Hashmi and this man is a load of acting smarts. I also loved Kangana Ranaut as much when she walked the ramp and as much when becomes possessed. She is another good factor in the film. Both Emraan and Kangana deserve an A rating for their brilliant performance. While Emraan slimmed down a bit you will see Kangana put on some extra kilos here and there, she's still carried herself beautifully.
Mohit Suri is successful and I would say the pre-interval session keeps you bite your nails off with loads of suspense and horror. Mohit Suri’s efforts behind the camera are wonderful; not too much of bloodcurdling but yes justified. However, Suri seem to have lost a hold and the second half film doesn’t live to viewer’s expectations. After taking to a good high during the first half, the second half falls and fails to take it another high. I would still reckon that a few scenes involving Kangan thrill you.
Adhyayan Suman didn’t inherit the acting and spontaneity of his father Sekhar Suman. His father should take interest in sending the boy to a dialogue and acting school and not a GYM. He needs to take some crash course on acting if he is serious of taking acting as his career. He still appears raw and in many scenes his expressions remain clueless and horrid. I still say the movie saw Adhyayan better with good screen presence after the interval. Emraan seem to have been sidelined and Adhyayan given more focus by the Bhatts. Maybe high time for Emran Hashmi to bid an adieu to his godfather’s camp and move ahead believing just in him. He’s certainly a matured actor and doesn't need anyone to back him up.
The music and the songs are very good (like you expect from any of the Vishesh Films and especially the song 'Maahi Ve' is one you will listen from everyone once the film is over) but I loved the re-recording part very much and it does keep you on the edge of your seats. The climax is not cooked in right proportions and it didn't taste good(I guess that’s the reason why Indian horror films fail to stand with Hollywood horror flicks). Just like any other Indian horror film it also fails to score a great finish.
Raaz 2 movie review will be given a B+ rating from me. And, let me tell you that you one take one slot of your weekend for this horror suspense thriller and you will not be disappointed. So, whats that you are still pondering? Get ready for some spooking this weekend, Raaz the Mystery Continues has those elements in abundance for you, and if you hit the theater without any expectations on the movie Raaz 2 you get your ticket's worth. If you liked my Raaz 2 movie review, make a comment on the post that'll let me know visit my blog often because I love to update you on the forthcoming films too.
**If you don't enjoy hair-raising sequences, please stay off the movie.
Nostalgia
Ever wondered how we survived growing the 80's and 90's?
We’ve not known what seatbelts are and how airbags look like, and most of us never had a chance of sitting in a car (if one came and was parked in front of a house I remember we thought they were too rich or someone from Mars to even talk) …
and moms gave babies to neighbors and were not protecting them in a hi-fi crèche or carrying them in prams …no …no …they’ve not been exposed to any lead-based colors…or those toys whose plastics could choke a baby or whose colors could be very harmful ……and no mineral water and no paper napkins (if a kid had a real bad runny nose, an elder one in the gang would wipe it off with her skirt or a frock …..and they didn’t know uttering chheeeeeeees or chhaaaaaaaas).
And for women or mothers.....
To open kitchen cupboard it wasn't any hassle …most of them are open type and even if they were closed type …..noone knew of the cockroach tabs or lakshman rekhas or locks …all they knew was cockroaches and rats living along with their families.
And tell about cycling? It was more of a free wheeling ….… and I recall three of us also cycled together. Moms were never worried of falls or injuries. So they didn’t tie head inside a helmet or pack knees inside a cap or cover elbows inside elbow pads,……if the mothers were creative they tied some rattle between 2 spokes so it made ratata sound and it made kids gleam with smiles …
kids were kept busy collecting so much stuff from roadside (I myself was so much interested in collecting bolts and nuts) and tried to build all sort of things … (there was no POGO MAD show that time) and they never knew of the malls that could make their Sundays.…
kids were as tough as one would imagine walking on walls climbing trees and then trying a free fall jumping down for the sake of fun…. we as kids had envious stamina to stay out in the sun and in the rain to play for hours together (I recall asking my mother for extension of 30 minutes every time and never kept a time), and played up and down the stairs coming home only for dinner (and there were no rules of table manners, and all we knew is to eat like a race so we had the thrill of a win).
we walked to and fro school, or if lucky sit behind a friend who pedaled his bicycle (we never imagined of existence of school buses that have air conditions and videos played).
no mobile phones yet all friends and relatives seem so connected …. God knew how?
we lost teeth, got cuts, burnt fingers, broke arms fractured legs, had bruises and bloody noses……yet no complaints that he pushed or she threw stone, and believed it was part of so much fun
we ate whatever in sight, sour unripe tomatoes in garden or the smallest of ber fruits of tree, mango buds, candy floss, sugary drinks sold roadside, this and that, …..still grew skinny fooling people around.
And, if someone had a mouthful of cake piece it was a loot from his mouth by a gang of 10, and surprisingly no one complained of an upset stomach or complained of germs...
sunday evening get togethers were mostly story tellings and I recall most of them to be ghost stories and narration of goried accidents.....yet we are the same senstive ones crying for someone's pain and feeling at someone's loss..
no Play Stations, no MP4s and MP3s, no Nintendo's, iPods, no video games, no cable TV, no chat-rooms, no internet, etc ... and real friends was all we’ve had!
we've never had any inhibitions to go call a friend to come out to play from his backyard and never had bodyguards,
we played teacher-students, doctors and patients, hide and seek, all repeatedly ……without ever getting bored.
…..then in 90’s we have seen advent TV with the famous Doordarshan and we’ve had
Siddharth Basu’s Quiz Time
Wednesday night’s Lucy Show
Sunday afternoon’s Alpha Plus by Derek O’ Brien
....and the long long series of Ramaanand Sagar’s Ramayan
And, how can we forget those news readers on Doordarshan like the ever charming Salma Sultana,
the moled Neethi Ravinder, the charming too much Rini Khanna (I remember her as Rini Simon too), the stiff seated Geetanjali Aiyer, the so capitivating Tejinder Singh....
Do you remember of Surabhi (countless times I would’ve replied to the question) and how can anyone forget the sweet smile of Renuka Sahane and Siddarth Kak’s ending of the program?
and those two songs coming as soon as the Wednesday Chitrahar breaks off (there were no ad wars)
…….Vicco turmeric,
Nahin cosmetic
Vicco turmeric ayurvedic cream
Or
Triiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiinggggggg...................Washing powder Nirma, Washing powder Nirma
Doodh si safedi, Nirma se aayi ..............Rangeen kapde bhi khil khil jaaye…
We’ve had that melodious Sare Jahan Se Achcha and Mile Sur Mera Tumahara ……as household songs and the latter featuring all of the Bollywood stars, and I still recall the song and its beautiful picturization (could anyone beat that? I doubt).
.....we failed in exams yet given another chance …….and there were no visits to child psychologists, psychiatrists or student counselors…….all we got is one or two scoldings by mother and father (and they were not worried of any suicidal attempts by kids).
....those were the days… when we’ve had enough freedom, achieved success, went through disappointments and took responsibilities……. while still respecting elders and every others…
I proudly belong to that generation. Are you too?……connecting to your childhood through this small post. If it at least reminded you of one childhood evening, I will be glad you are at least de-stressed and believe it would have put a small smile on your face.
Old is worth more than gold…
We’ve not known what seatbelts are and how airbags look like, and most of us never had a chance of sitting in a car (if one came and was parked in front of a house I remember we thought they were too rich or someone from Mars to even talk) …
and moms gave babies to neighbors and were not protecting them in a hi-fi crèche or carrying them in prams …no …no …they’ve not been exposed to any lead-based colors…or those toys whose plastics could choke a baby or whose colors could be very harmful ……and no mineral water and no paper napkins (if a kid had a real bad runny nose, an elder one in the gang would wipe it off with her skirt or a frock …..and they didn’t know uttering chheeeeeeees or chhaaaaaaaas).
And for women or mothers.....
To open kitchen cupboard it wasn't any hassle …most of them are open type and even if they were closed type …..noone knew of the cockroach tabs or lakshman rekhas or locks …all they knew was cockroaches and rats living along with their families.
And tell about cycling? It was more of a free wheeling ….… and I recall three of us also cycled together. Moms were never worried of falls or injuries. So they didn’t tie head inside a helmet or pack knees inside a cap or cover elbows inside elbow pads,……if the mothers were creative they tied some rattle between 2 spokes so it made ratata sound and it made kids gleam with smiles …
kids were kept busy collecting so much stuff from roadside (I myself was so much interested in collecting bolts and nuts) and tried to build all sort of things … (there was no POGO MAD show that time) and they never knew of the malls that could make their Sundays.…
kids were as tough as one would imagine walking on walls climbing trees and then trying a free fall jumping down for the sake of fun…. we as kids had envious stamina to stay out in the sun and in the rain to play for hours together (I recall asking my mother for extension of 30 minutes every time and never kept a time), and played up and down the stairs coming home only for dinner (and there were no rules of table manners, and all we knew is to eat like a race so we had the thrill of a win).
we walked to and fro school, or if lucky sit behind a friend who pedaled his bicycle (we never imagined of existence of school buses that have air conditions and videos played).
no mobile phones yet all friends and relatives seem so connected …. God knew how?
we lost teeth, got cuts, burnt fingers, broke arms fractured legs, had bruises and bloody noses……yet no complaints that he pushed or she threw stone, and believed it was part of so much fun
we ate whatever in sight, sour unripe tomatoes in garden or the smallest of ber fruits of tree, mango buds, candy floss, sugary drinks sold roadside, this and that, …..still grew skinny fooling people around.
And, if someone had a mouthful of cake piece it was a loot from his mouth by a gang of 10, and surprisingly no one complained of an upset stomach or complained of germs...
sunday evening get togethers were mostly story tellings and I recall most of them to be ghost stories and narration of goried accidents.....yet we are the same senstive ones crying for someone's pain and feeling at someone's loss..
no Play Stations, no MP4s and MP3s, no Nintendo's, iPods, no video games, no cable TV, no chat-rooms, no internet, etc ... and real friends was all we’ve had!
we've never had any inhibitions to go call a friend to come out to play from his backyard and never had bodyguards,
we played teacher-students, doctors and patients, hide and seek, all repeatedly ……without ever getting bored.
…..then in 90’s we have seen advent TV with the famous Doordarshan and we’ve had
Siddharth Basu’s Quiz Time
Wednesday night’s Lucy Show
Sunday afternoon’s Alpha Plus by Derek O’ Brien
....and the long long series of Ramaanand Sagar’s Ramayan
And, how can we forget those news readers on Doordarshan like the ever charming Salma Sultana,
the moled Neethi Ravinder, the charming too much Rini Khanna (I remember her as Rini Simon too), the stiff seated Geetanjali Aiyer, the so capitivating Tejinder Singh....
Do you remember of Surabhi (countless times I would’ve replied to the question) and how can anyone forget the sweet smile of Renuka Sahane and Siddarth Kak’s ending of the program?
and those two songs coming as soon as the Wednesday Chitrahar breaks off (there were no ad wars)
…….Vicco turmeric,
Nahin cosmetic
Vicco turmeric ayurvedic cream
Or
Triiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiinggggggg...................Washing powder Nirma, Washing powder Nirma
Doodh si safedi, Nirma se aayi ..............Rangeen kapde bhi khil khil jaaye…
We’ve had that melodious Sare Jahan Se Achcha and Mile Sur Mera Tumahara ……as household songs and the latter featuring all of the Bollywood stars, and I still recall the song and its beautiful picturization (could anyone beat that? I doubt).
.....we failed in exams yet given another chance …….and there were no visits to child psychologists, psychiatrists or student counselors…….all we got is one or two scoldings by mother and father (and they were not worried of any suicidal attempts by kids).
....those were the days… when we’ve had enough freedom, achieved success, went through disappointments and took responsibilities……. while still respecting elders and every others…
I proudly belong to that generation. Are you too?……connecting to your childhood through this small post. If it at least reminded you of one childhood evening, I will be glad you are at least de-stressed and believe it would have put a small smile on your face.
Old is worth more than gold…
Is the mobile you are using legal or illegal?
Don’t worry, I am not taking on a brand survey of mobile phones. But, if you’ve gotten one from the grey or smuggled market, is it a branded one or one of the Chinese handsets?
Why?
The grey markets of every big city are glutted with more of Chinese handsets. So what? They pose a security threat. According to intelligent agencies, these used Chinese handsets would have been used by people with malicious intent like mafia or terror groups. The Karnataka government is contemplating a ban on such handsets that do not have IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity which is unique for every mobile. The handsets without the IMEI number must have been in the hands of antisocial elements and so it’s advised never to buy even it’s a cheapie. After all, you don’t like police people grill you the next day. Do you?
Unfortunately, to escape ban the makers are planning to introduce fake IMEI numbers. But you can still resist them asking for another set and you’d see the IMEI number featuring on that handset as well. Remember for each set it would be different and when these phones or handsets are outlawed never buy and land behind bars.
An IMEI number would come in 15 to 17 digits and when a SIM gets activated this IMEI number gets recorded with the service provider making it possible to trace the caller’s identity and even the location from where one makes the call using the handset. Even if you have lost the cell you can get it traced with IMEI number.
Where to see the IMEI number on a handset?
Under the battery usually IMEI number is displayed. It will be 15 to 17 digits with no letters or slashes. The first 15 numbers is very important.
In case you did not find IMEI under the battery, press *#06# on the keypad and the IMEI number gets displayed on the screen. You can jot down and save for future references.
For Motorola handsets, you need to press # followed by * followed by right arrow- all in very quick succession and you can see IMEI displayed on screen.
You can try all of these but your Chinese handsets cannot display one but might hold the danger of landing you in a Police station. So did you get what it means to have Chinese handsets with/without IMEI? BEWARE....college folks! Resist the temptation of throw away prices.
Why?
The grey markets of every big city are glutted with more of Chinese handsets. So what? They pose a security threat. According to intelligent agencies, these used Chinese handsets would have been used by people with malicious intent like mafia or terror groups. The Karnataka government is contemplating a ban on such handsets that do not have IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity which is unique for every mobile. The handsets without the IMEI number must have been in the hands of antisocial elements and so it’s advised never to buy even it’s a cheapie. After all, you don’t like police people grill you the next day. Do you?
Unfortunately, to escape ban the makers are planning to introduce fake IMEI numbers. But you can still resist them asking for another set and you’d see the IMEI number featuring on that handset as well. Remember for each set it would be different and when these phones or handsets are outlawed never buy and land behind bars.
An IMEI number would come in 15 to 17 digits and when a SIM gets activated this IMEI number gets recorded with the service provider making it possible to trace the caller’s identity and even the location from where one makes the call using the handset. Even if you have lost the cell you can get it traced with IMEI number.
Where to see the IMEI number on a handset?
Under the battery usually IMEI number is displayed. It will be 15 to 17 digits with no letters or slashes. The first 15 numbers is very important.
In case you did not find IMEI under the battery, press *#06# on the keypad and the IMEI number gets displayed on the screen. You can jot down and save for future references.
For Motorola handsets, you need to press # followed by * followed by right arrow- all in very quick succession and you can see IMEI displayed on screen.
You can try all of these but your Chinese handsets cannot display one but might hold the danger of landing you in a Police station. So did you get what it means to have Chinese handsets with/without IMEI? BEWARE....college folks! Resist the temptation of throw away prices.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tata Motors Assured Launched: Pre-owned car operations by Tata Motors kick starts
The trusted auto giant of the country, Tata Motors will get even more close to people with its new Pre-owned car sales operations program, Tata Motors Assured.
Of late, the pre-owned car market in India is mostly in the hands of unorganized market players and with the advent of a big player like Tatas we can expect great benefits to used car buyers. The Tata Motors Assured launched with a motive to create a transparent platform where both buyers and sellers of Tata cars have one-stop place to buy or sell Tata cars.
‘Tata Motors Assured’ is available initially in 10 big cities of India with 15 dealers. The cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, and Vapi. Once the program goes well it will be expanded phase wise to all over India through the network of Tata Motor dealers.
Buying a pre-owned Tata car under ‘Tata Motors Assured’ program implies that the car is certified by Tata Motors for quality. The freebies include one-year and/or 20,000 km warranty by the company with 3 free services. The offer valid throughout India where there is network of Tata Motors dealers.
Hopefully, Indian used car buyers will make use of the Tata Motors Assured and avail of the benefits. Since taxi market is huge under the private used car sellers, the prices and quality are not the same and only lucky few will strike a deal once in a while. Thanks to the Tata Motors Assured every Tata car (pre-owned) buyer is guaranteed of quality. The price for some may be a little higher, but you get the services and certification by Tata Motors Assured.
The car will pass through a quality control by the company’s owned trained technicians and the company promises to replace with genuine Tata spares. And should you equate all of this buying from Tata Motors Assured becomes cheaper and a wiser choice of buying any of the Tata cars under one roof.
I believe Tata Motors Assured will be embraced by people and becomes a great success just like the Maruthi True Value.
Of late, the pre-owned car market in India is mostly in the hands of unorganized market players and with the advent of a big player like Tatas we can expect great benefits to used car buyers. The Tata Motors Assured launched with a motive to create a transparent platform where both buyers and sellers of Tata cars have one-stop place to buy or sell Tata cars.
‘Tata Motors Assured’ is available initially in 10 big cities of India with 15 dealers. The cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, and Vapi. Once the program goes well it will be expanded phase wise to all over India through the network of Tata Motor dealers.
Buying a pre-owned Tata car under ‘Tata Motors Assured’ program implies that the car is certified by Tata Motors for quality. The freebies include one-year and/or 20,000 km warranty by the company with 3 free services. The offer valid throughout India where there is network of Tata Motors dealers.
Hopefully, Indian used car buyers will make use of the Tata Motors Assured and avail of the benefits. Since taxi market is huge under the private used car sellers, the prices and quality are not the same and only lucky few will strike a deal once in a while. Thanks to the Tata Motors Assured every Tata car (pre-owned) buyer is guaranteed of quality. The price for some may be a little higher, but you get the services and certification by Tata Motors Assured.
The car will pass through a quality control by the company’s owned trained technicians and the company promises to replace with genuine Tata spares. And should you equate all of this buying from Tata Motors Assured becomes cheaper and a wiser choice of buying any of the Tata cars under one roof.
I believe Tata Motors Assured will be embraced by people and becomes a great success just like the Maruthi True Value.
Honda Wave 110i is launched
Honda Wave 110i is lauched and is launched as a scooter in Thailand. The launch of Wave 100i yet again proves the leadership of Honda in the motorcycle market. Wave 110i should not be looked as a youth scooter as it appeals, but indeed it is designed as a family scooter and has several features to appeal families, the company says.The looks of the Wave 110i scooter are first of all very trendy and when spotted on roads could be eye turner for sure. To me, Wave 110i is more fit to be called as motoscooter than a scooter. The new commuter scooter, Wave 110i is designed by incorporating cutting-edge technology of Honda; the PFM-FI technology (Programmed Fuel Injection) which is an electronic supported fuel injection system, delivering appropriate amounts of fuel for each cylinder. The new suits smaller motorcycles and smaller displacement scooters. This PGM-FI technology is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd and this ensures better control of fuel combustion through accurate amounts of fuel. It also means you can start the engine super fast and the scooter delivers more power (25% more than its forerunner Wave 100). The emission loads is also reduced, thereby giving greater fuel economy (18% greater fuel economy as compared to its predecessor Wave 100). The scooter runs on a 4-stroke engine and comes with either drum brakes or the disc brakes depending on the variant you choose (about 3 variants to choose from). Wave 110i is available in 8 colors and priced at 34,000 Thai Bhats. Honda aims to sell about 4 lakh units of Wave 110i every year and seeing success of Wave 125cc it doesn’t look impossible. Thanks to also the PGM-Fi technology which should boost the sales of new Wave 110i.
Probably, if Wave 110i scooter is a success there in Thailand, we can hope to see it foray into the Indian scooter market as well. For now, its all waiting.
Bajaj XCD 135 cc DTS-Si is launched: A preview of the bike
If you are bitten by the Bajaj, here’s something exciting for you. Year 2009 began just and Bajaj has already come with the launch of its new model, Bajaj XCD DTS-Si 135cc bike. Bajaj Auto Ltd The launch of the Bajaj 135cc DTSi happened yesterday the 21st day of January.
Bajaj Auto Ltd Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj remarks at the launch of the bike that the new XCD DTS-Si will have so many added attractive features besides power. The styling of the new Bajaj XCD DTS-Si with its international features is going to appeal strongly to the bikers. The MD says that XCD DTS-Si bike comes in 2 versions; the 135cc and the 125cc.
Bajaj Auto Ltd, India’s number 2 and the country’s very popular bike maker made the new XCD 135cc DTS-Si redefining the style with of course the successful DTSi engine which otherwise is a rightful technology belonging to only Bajaj Pulsar models. The Digital Twin Spark Ignition (DTSi) enables very efficient combustion of fuel and gives enhanced performance under extreme conditions. The engine produces a power of 10.5 bhp with 11PS and displaces
The mid-segment which is 125cc segment will see new launches and now the Bajaj XCD Sprint 135cc DTS-Si comes with a full digital instrumentation tweaked digital console and sports a digital speedometer, odometer, the tail lamps fitted with LEDs, electric start, and stylish fuel tank cap. The rear suspension is with gas-filled NITROX shock absorbers and the front suspension is a DU bush. Bajaj XCD DTS-Si also comes with 5-speed gear transmission and disc brakes (and yes optional disc brakes both front and rear). The fuel tank is aerodynamic in design. All of these features fixed within Rs. 46,000 and Rs. 51,000 range is something that is only possible on the part of Bajaj Auto.
Bajaj Auto Ltd Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj remarks at the launch of the bike that the new XCD DTS-Si will have so many added attractive features besides power. The styling of the new Bajaj XCD DTS-Si with its international features is going to appeal strongly to the bikers. The MD says that XCD DTS-Si bike comes in 2 versions; the 135cc and the 125cc.
Bajaj Auto Ltd, India’s number 2 and the country’s very popular bike maker made the new XCD 135cc DTS-Si redefining the style with of course the successful DTSi engine which otherwise is a rightful technology belonging to only Bajaj Pulsar models. The Digital Twin Spark Ignition (DTSi) enables very efficient combustion of fuel and gives enhanced performance under extreme conditions. The engine produces a power of 10.5 bhp with 11PS and displaces
The mid-segment which is 125cc segment will see new launches and now the Bajaj XCD Sprint 135cc DTS-Si comes with a full digital instrumentation tweaked digital console and sports a digital speedometer, odometer, the tail lamps fitted with LEDs, electric start, and stylish fuel tank cap. The rear suspension is with gas-filled NITROX shock absorbers and the front suspension is a DU bush. Bajaj XCD DTS-Si also comes with 5-speed gear transmission and disc brakes (and yes optional disc brakes both front and rear). The fuel tank is aerodynamic in design. All of these features fixed within Rs. 46,000 and Rs. 51,000 range is something that is only possible on the part of Bajaj Auto.
That apart the bike makers claim that XCD 135cc DTS-Si will have fuel economy within the 65-70 km per liter range making it a big animal wanting less. These features will help XCD Sprint 135cc bike to attract the low-segment 100c bikers.
Bajaj Auto Ltd seem to be turbo charged, and who said recession the Pune bike biggie already launched one among the 6 new models it promised to launch in 2009 and this XCD Sprint 135cc DTS-Si is a mid range bike including 2 more (yet to be launched) and the other 3 would be premium segment bikes. In my opinion the slip in the 2008 last quarter Bajaj Auto sales as a whole will be compensated by the XCD 135cc DTS-Si in this quarter. And, wait! Bajaj Auto Ltd has more to give bike lovers! Keep waiting. I will update about the upside and flip side of XCD 135cc DTS-Si soon!
When the world suddenly becomes gray and bleak for you….
These are the do’s when you feel low and trust me they really work!
Realize what’s happening to you and talk to either of the parents or even a counselor.
Try and maintain healthy and regular sleeping habits ensuring that you get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Eat three balanced meals and drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water. Never over snack (which happens with most people and you know the outcome of it).
Cut down your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee a day.
If you are a singer or one who love music listen to some soothing numbers and singing your favorite numbers also helps you from the ‘low down’ feeling. If you are a writer do some writing, and I often indulge in this and it does work great to me.
Join any fitness program at a neighborhood gym or take aerobics class. In fact, do anything that can get you moving and it will be quite helpful.
These are the dont’s:
Don’t give to excess smoking of cigarettes and alcohol intake as well.
Don’t discuss about you and the reasons that led you let down with someone who’s not interesting in giving you the time you want from him/her.
Don’t give to random relationships or one-date stands to ward off the feelings of loneliness.
Realize what’s happening to you and talk to either of the parents or even a counselor.
Try and maintain healthy and regular sleeping habits ensuring that you get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Eat three balanced meals and drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water. Never over snack (which happens with most people and you know the outcome of it).
Cut down your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee a day.
If you are a singer or one who love music listen to some soothing numbers and singing your favorite numbers also helps you from the ‘low down’ feeling. If you are a writer do some writing, and I often indulge in this and it does work great to me.
Join any fitness program at a neighborhood gym or take aerobics class. In fact, do anything that can get you moving and it will be quite helpful.
These are the dont’s:
Don’t give to excess smoking of cigarettes and alcohol intake as well.
Don’t discuss about you and the reasons that led you let down with someone who’s not interesting in giving you the time you want from him/her.
Don’t give to random relationships or one-date stands to ward off the feelings of loneliness.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Kinetic Nova 135cc Review - A Novaholic’s confessions!!
Kinetic Nova 135cc is an innovation from the Kinetic Automation India and the tagline of Nova 135cc is 'Enjoy the ride' and you will enjoy if you happen to buy one!
Kinetic Nova 135cc is also the first gearless 135cc scooter in India and is an improvised model of the Nova DLX version. Unfortunately, the Nova DLX was a disastrous model from Kinetic people after the very successful Kinetic itself. People expected so much from the looks and the 110cc Nova DLX failed to live up to people’s expectations.
The shock was enough and Kinetic engineers must have poured their heart and soul while engineering the Nova 135cc and you will believe that I am not exaggerating only if you take a test drive of Nova 135cc or if you are an old owner of it just like me.
The metro sexual scooter looks great with Eurostyling and Nova 135cc suits to either sexes. Body is available is double colors. There are 2 rear view mirrors. The build of the body is plastic (believe me its quite sturdy) made. If other scooter brands are giving the mobile charger facility inside the glove box maybe after 2007, I would say that it’s an innovation of Kinetic, Nova 135cc is the first scooter to have that. Lift the seat and you will actually be surprised to see such huge under-seat storage. It actually allows you to buy one month’s worth of a grocery or put two helmets together (in some states where pillions also need to wear a helmet can use this space itself). The storage space also houses 2 small LED lights on either side and they lit up once the seat is lifted, and I still remember how many people peeped in to see that feature at petrol pumps.
Engine of Kinetic Nova 135cc is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled one with actual 134.9 cc displacement delivering maximum power of 8.65 bhp @6500 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 10nm at 4500 rpm and has non-geared variomatic type of a transmission. The low torque implies that its acceleration is too good and it outscores other competitors in fuel economy. And the power is good enough for us to take 3 people along. Never I felt that my Nova was gasping to carry even heavier persons. It has a self-start as well as kick start options. I was initially struggling to rest the vehicle on the main stand but now I can do it with ease.
The horn is quite loud and clear (in fact many times people thought it were a car when I honked. J). The fuel tank can accommodate 6.5 liters petrol. Wheels are aluminum alloy type and broad enough to give that balance and stability. The front tyre is a puncture-resistant puff-up tube one, when even when the tyre punctures it can take you safely to a puncture man. Then, Nova 135cc has AAHO technology, meaning Advanced Acceleration and Handling Optimizer.
Kinetic Nova 135cc is also the first gearless 135cc scooter in India and is an improvised model of the Nova DLX version. Unfortunately, the Nova DLX was a disastrous model from Kinetic people after the very successful Kinetic itself. People expected so much from the looks and the 110cc Nova DLX failed to live up to people’s expectations.
The shock was enough and Kinetic engineers must have poured their heart and soul while engineering the Nova 135cc and you will believe that I am not exaggerating only if you take a test drive of Nova 135cc or if you are an old owner of it just like me.
The metro sexual scooter looks great with Eurostyling and Nova 135cc suits to either sexes. Body is available is double colors. There are 2 rear view mirrors. The build of the body is plastic (believe me its quite sturdy) made. If other scooter brands are giving the mobile charger facility inside the glove box maybe after 2007, I would say that it’s an innovation of Kinetic, Nova 135cc is the first scooter to have that. Lift the seat and you will actually be surprised to see such huge under-seat storage. It actually allows you to buy one month’s worth of a grocery or put two helmets together (in some states where pillions also need to wear a helmet can use this space itself). The storage space also houses 2 small LED lights on either side and they lit up once the seat is lifted, and I still remember how many people peeped in to see that feature at petrol pumps.
Engine of Kinetic Nova 135cc is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled one with actual 134.9 cc displacement delivering maximum power of 8.65 bhp @6500 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 10nm at 4500 rpm and has non-geared variomatic type of a transmission. The low torque implies that its acceleration is too good and it outscores other competitors in fuel economy. And the power is good enough for us to take 3 people along. Never I felt that my Nova was gasping to carry even heavier persons. It has a self-start as well as kick start options. I was initially struggling to rest the vehicle on the main stand but now I can do it with ease.
The horn is quite loud and clear (in fact many times people thought it were a car when I honked. J). The fuel tank can accommodate 6.5 liters petrol. Wheels are aluminum alloy type and broad enough to give that balance and stability. The front tyre is a puncture-resistant puff-up tube one, when even when the tyre punctures it can take you safely to a puncture man. Then, Nova 135cc has AAHO technology, meaning Advanced Acceleration and Handling Optimizer.
Nova 135cc comes with a throttle sensor for mileage that indicates with a beep alarm if you are going in a range of low mileage (going too slowly or too swiftly). You are going to say 'AAHO' for this smart fellow that cautions you on optimizing the fuel. I recall literally saying ‘OK’ to it when it beeped. It comes with 130mm drum brakes and they are big enough to counter the 135cc power. The acceleration is again envious and I prove it every time I get one chance zooming past all bikers at traffic signals. It goes up to 45 km in about 4 seconds.
The ground clearance is great, and I would say that its only on very few instances that the scooter received hits from a high speed breaker or high hump. I also drove Activa, but I feel Kinetic Nova 135cc to be gliding much smoother, and mind you it glides without noise.
I am one shortie, and I’d had that glitch of reaching the ground, but it was only for the initial months. As of now very comfortable with the height factor as well, and would proudly say that my Nova 135cc is my very reliable friend that I am madly in love with. Ah! And, you wanted to know the mileage? It runs 45 km per liter on the city roads and as I didn’t go beyond Kengeri (Bangalore) can't tell you about the highway mileage, but believe me it should be over 50 km per liter easily and not less than 50kmpl.
I have been driving a black-colored Kinetic Nova 135cc for the past 2 years and 10 months, almost everyday, and my honeymoon with it is not yet over and I believe its going to be an everlasting one because I eventually had become 'Nova'holic by now!
PS: In all honesty, I admit that these are my own opinions and not fabricated!
Left over rotis? Check what I made out of them!
I was informed of some guests for evening supper yesterday and I always take pride that I'm almost perfect in my caluculations when it comes to preparations. Alas one time I did fail. Somehow I was feeling they will not be enough and the guests will love to have a couple of them more and ..? So I am there again with more rotis than asked for. I felt I dont have to clutter my drain throwing the left over rotis instead will make a nice treat out of them.
In fact we can do few things with these left over rotis, but the important thing here is to remember that rotis are made crisper before processed further. Here is what you can do:
Divide the roti into whatever shape or size and oven at 150 degrees Celsius, until they become crisp.
Make salsa of chopped coriander leaves, tomato, red pepper (even a green capsicum would do), garlic paste and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste to the salsa prepared. Use this salsa as topping to the roasted roti pieces and tell me if it doesn't make a good snack. Because we in our family loved the snack.
Optional: People who love curd can take generous curd and add salsa to it and can eat roti pieces with this.
In fact we can do few things with these left over rotis, but the important thing here is to remember that rotis are made crisper before processed further. Here is what you can do:
Divide the roti into whatever shape or size and oven at 150 degrees Celsius, until they become crisp.
Make salsa of chopped coriander leaves, tomato, red pepper (even a green capsicum would do), garlic paste and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste to the salsa prepared. Use this salsa as topping to the roasted roti pieces and tell me if it doesn't make a good snack. Because we in our family loved the snack.
Optional: People who love curd can take generous curd and add salsa to it and can eat roti pieces with this.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
February? And this month has so much in store for all!
Ice Maze at Satoland
Dancers all ready for a whole-night dance theme behind beach back-drop: A thing to seeCarnival is one word I can describe about the month of February. Be it any part of the world February has something for everyone. The first week of February will see this western India's small enchanting beach state, indulge in what is called as Goa carnival 2009. An integral part of the heritage of the portuguese Goa Carnival 2009 marks a total non-stop festival for 3 days which fill the air with abundant colors, song and music. If you have plans to come down and be part of the Goa Carnival 2009, make sure you have itinerary of joining the entourage of King Momo as it marches down the Panjim streets. Goa Carnival 2009 is again a great time to feast on fingerlicking seafood menus. If you freak on seafood, this is going to be the best one you would've ever had, so make sure you are pampering the gastronomer in you the Carnival 2009.
And, Goa Carnival 2009 is a customary orgy that is only meant for people to feast, drink and make merry and comes just before the austere 40 days of Lent fasting and penitence. The Carnival usually will conclude with the very popular red and black dance that is done at the Clube Nacional. So are you there for the feasting-drinking-dancing-merrymaking ecstasy promised by Goa Carnival 2009? Given a chance you are not missing it!
Then, there is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2009 in Japan where the entire place is converted in to a snow museum and is witnessed by millions of globetrotters. It was first started in 1950 when few highschool students erected less than 10 snow stautues. Now, there will be hundreds of beautifully carved snow statues and ice monuments and sculptures to greet one and all at the Odori Koen Park, grounds at Satoland as well as Susukino streets. Susukino is more or less an entertainment district and the nightlife during this part of the year is so vibrant. The Sapporo Snow Festival is an ice festival make the entire place as winter dreamland.
The Sapporo Snow Festival 2009 will happen for week days between February 5th and 11th and the entire places is thronged by global tourists and the skii resorts are almost overbooked for the wonderful skii avenues Sapporo has. The snow mazes and the snow slides there during this time transcend life into fairytale world where kids become ecstatic and adults become almost kids. If you are there during this time you will come home with a tip or two in ice carving and cross-country skiing. If you are a second time or a third time visitor of Sapporo Snow Festival, you will never want to miss one.
And there is anyway cupid heading its way to strike us all with the valentine. So I wish you all a romantic and a memorable February 2009.
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