If each and every soul (who is physically fit or wants to be physically fit) staying in the radius of 5-?? KM from their work place decide to shift to cycles from the ever-polluting-fuel-hogging-monsters then the world might suffer a bit less. Over the past couple of decades the climatic conditions seem to have changed a lot. In fact, don't blame me if you get sick by breathing in the 21st century air when cycling. May be our bodies are getting used to the air or may be the cars are equipped with better quality ACs.
When i shifted to bangalore in June 2005, it was a very cold place where people didn't know what summer was. Of course, it was polluted even then. Many more people claim that it was much better a decade back. The software industry started growing in the garden city and along with it the real estate business. It was like a chain reaction. One industry leading to the development of the other and over a period of time anything and everything was overvalued. Bangalore became the center of India. Anything above it was North India and below South India. IT industry was blamed for the ever-rising-living-costs. Nobody wanted to mention the house owners who were never satisfied with the earthly rentals @#$@#$!!! How did i forget the govt which never wants to improve the infrastructure? Okay, let me not get into politics now. Where was i :-? ...
Hmmm ... pollution. Why are the roads so dirty and air so polluted? Ever polluting overloaded trucks, shady autos, buses, old vehicles or any other thing that coughs out smoke. I guess the problem is more severe and basic than what it seems like. Every vehicle that runs on the road leave its mark, some in the form of sand and some in garbage. These spills are the ones that mostly spoil the roads and add to it the digging woes, we get apna very own sexy roads - too curvy :P. Somebody dig a grave for these diggers i say. The most senseless activities are undertaken by the authorities in ALL parts of our country. How do you expect to have a clean and green city/country if basics are violated. Only a handful of cities are clean in India. I can preach lots more, but i am tired of typing now.
Why have i moved on to a cycle? For being green, saving fuel and feel happy? Just felt like, no particular love for environment ;). I never harmed it anyways :D
I amaze myself. I start with some title and end up writing about something else. Time to write a story for apna bollywood.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Shakes & Creams
August, 1992. Family of four shifted to the City of Sun and beaches (Sweat goes unsaid). The 2 kids, the naughtiest ever, were excited to be in the city. This became their land of dreams. All that the 9-10 year olds can think about is Chocolates and Ice Cream. Nothing less, nothing more. Father, being the sweetest and not realizing what more the kids can demand, took the family to a place where only Ice Creams & Milk Shakes were served. After living in a town for most part of their chotu lives, the kids were amazed that the whole joint was specifically meant only for ICE CREAMS!!! The kids were over the moon (dreaming about 2 cones with double scoops in both the hands and four flavors). They were confused and were not able to decide on what to order. After a stringent round of elimination process from the menu ("inky, pinky, ponky..." ), 2 items were selected. Mouth was watering, eyes were glowing. The wait for the biggest sundae of their lives was over. After a long wait, the waiter had placed the sundaes on the table. The kids sneaked over the table and looked into the eyes of their parents to check if they would scold them if they grabbed the sundae. After seeing the re-assuring smile, the kids jumped on their seats and started gobbling the goodies. The older one was able to finish his sundae, the younger one was hardly able to finish half of it. Father knew that the small one is going to gift away most part of his sundae to him (as usual). The small boy had actually consumed more than expected. Everyone was surprised. That was the best ice cream the boy ever had in his life. This became a weekly routine for the kids for long time to come.
As the years passed by, kids became boys, boys became teens, teens became adolescents, then adults, but nothing much changed in the Ice Cream front. Weekly affair to partying to treats to get together to dates to hang outs, anything and everything, this was the place for the boys and girls of the locality (and also many more souls wandering around the world). This place, my dear readers, is/was the "Shakes & Creams" on top of the Adyar bakery in Chennai. The Waiters ensured that the appetite of the customers hit alarming levels before they decide to serve the ice creams.
Shakes & Creams started as an ice cream only joint and later added lots of unnecessary items to its menu. The quality of ice creams and other new dishes was on a steep decline around 2004-05. The place which was over crowded and the most happening place in the locality slowly became the most horrible place around. With the rise of CCD's and Pizza culture, S&C was running out of time and business steadily. Alas, the once loyal kids never turned up to this place. Not even to remember the good old times. The memories were there in their hearts but the place just didn't remind them of the good times. The kids had no idea what might happen to this place. They moved on with their lives and shifted out of the city one fine day.
Time just flies, many years passed (not too many), the younger one came to the city to visit his family. He noticed that the S&C was renovated and it was appealing for one last chance before totally dumping it from the must-go places in town. Given that the relationship with the place is long standing than most of the friendships, he decided to give it a try, the last chance to prove itself.
Funny isn't it, the same kid for whom the place was a heaven during childhood was pleading him to return for one last time before ignoring it for eternity. In life, we start ignoring the once important-caring-loving people and fail to give them one last chance. Wonder how many such important-caring-loving people are still waiting for their loved little ones to give just one missed call. Move-on-man attitude has not done good to the youngsters, they are just moving away but not moving on anyways :). The generation gap between the parents and kids seems to be miles apart. May be the G-gap between our parents and grand parents was not too much. The rise of technology and uncertainty in life has surely led to this revolution (being optimistic to call that a revolution!! Shame on me).
The last chance was given to S&C. It turned out to be one helluva treat. He was shocked to see that the quality of ice cream served was same as the one he ate for the first time. The pricing, quality and quantity were amazing and nobody in this universe will be able to match this. Down with the CCDs and other Cafe joints where one has to pay a fortune for a sip of coffee and a feel of ice cream.
Sorry for the lover boys/girls, this is no longer a place suited for dating. You will be sitting right across a super mart entrance =). Good times guaranteed for the family and friends who just want to chill out and bite the dust.. oops .. ice creams.
Need i mention that i was the younger kid (of course, my brother being the older one). Am loving it! One more time ! (Wait till McD sues me)
As the years passed by, kids became boys, boys became teens, teens became adolescents, then adults, but nothing much changed in the Ice Cream front. Weekly affair to partying to treats to get together to dates to hang outs, anything and everything, this was the place for the boys and girls of the locality (and also many more souls wandering around the world). This place, my dear readers, is/was the "Shakes & Creams" on top of the Adyar bakery in Chennai. The Waiters ensured that the appetite of the customers hit alarming levels before they decide to serve the ice creams.
Shakes & Creams started as an ice cream only joint and later added lots of unnecessary items to its menu. The quality of ice creams and other new dishes was on a steep decline around 2004-05. The place which was over crowded and the most happening place in the locality slowly became the most horrible place around. With the rise of CCD's and Pizza culture, S&C was running out of time and business steadily. Alas, the once loyal kids never turned up to this place. Not even to remember the good old times. The memories were there in their hearts but the place just didn't remind them of the good times. The kids had no idea what might happen to this place. They moved on with their lives and shifted out of the city one fine day.
Time just flies, many years passed (not too many), the younger one came to the city to visit his family. He noticed that the S&C was renovated and it was appealing for one last chance before totally dumping it from the must-go places in town. Given that the relationship with the place is long standing than most of the friendships, he decided to give it a try, the last chance to prove itself.
Funny isn't it, the same kid for whom the place was a heaven during childhood was pleading him to return for one last time before ignoring it for eternity. In life, we start ignoring the once important-caring-loving people and fail to give them one last chance. Wonder how many such important-caring-loving people are still waiting for their loved little ones to give just one missed call. Move-on-man attitude has not done good to the youngsters, they are just moving away but not moving on anyways :). The generation gap between the parents and kids seems to be miles apart. May be the G-gap between our parents and grand parents was not too much. The rise of technology and uncertainty in life has surely led to this revolution (being optimistic to call that a revolution!! Shame on me).
The last chance was given to S&C. It turned out to be one helluva treat. He was shocked to see that the quality of ice cream served was same as the one he ate for the first time. The pricing, quality and quantity were amazing and nobody in this universe will be able to match this. Down with the CCDs and other Cafe joints where one has to pay a fortune for a sip of coffee and a feel of ice cream.
Sorry for the lover boys/girls, this is no longer a place suited for dating. You will be sitting right across a super mart entrance =). Good times guaranteed for the family and friends who just want to chill out and bite the dust.. oops .. ice creams.
Need i mention that i was the younger kid (of course, my brother being the older one). Am loving it! One more time ! (Wait till McD sues me)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Evolution
Evolution of human species is a very interesting topic. It is said that as the years pass by Human brain evolves and becomes more intelligent and humane. However, there is one example right below which shows how an angel slowly transitions to evil :D.
 1985-86 |  1985-86 |  1989 |
 |  |  |
 |  2003 |  2008 |
Friday, January 16, 2009
Duplicate RC book
Jan 1st 2007, i made a resolution that i will get my duplicate RC made and today, Jan 16th 2009, i have applied for it :). I want to list out the TODOs to get a duplicate RC book so that people will be able to get it done easily without too much of a hassle (i can't help you if you are good for nothing).
Simple Advise:
1. Do not get in contact with the Middle Men. RTO guys are straight forward and no one takes a bribe to get stuff done (atleast they won't ask for one). Kudos to Bangalore Central RTO employees.
2. Working hours for the Assistant RTO is 10:00 to 13:30 hrs. Ensure that you are not caught off guard.
3. The RTO officials believe in a step by step procedure and they don't like over smart people asking too many questions at the same time. You will be given info about the current step and not the future steps.
Necessary Documents:
1. Police Complaint Challan
2. Affidavit requesting for Duplicate RC book
3. Photo ID proof
4. Address proof (In case address change is required)
5. Form 26 (Duplicate RC book)
6. Form 33 (Change of Address)
7. Copy of Motor Insurance (which is not expired, of course)
8. Copy of old RC book/ Road Tax paper (not necessary but handy doc)
(In case your vehicle is taken on loan then you might need to get approval from the corresponding banks on the form 26).
Stepwise actions:
1. Go to the nearest police station (preferably the station in your locality or RTO's locality). You have to handover a letter addressed to the Sub Inspector of police requesting application for duplicate RC book due to the loss of original one. The sub inspector of police will issue a challan with your name and a statement which says "RC Book Missing". This challan has to be attached with the form 26.
[ The police guy was quick and gave it to me in no time. The only bad part was that he requested for INR 100. As far as i know, we need not pay the police. Since i believe that the police officers in India are underpaid, i didn't make too much of a noise and shelled out the bucks. I hope the govt realizes the importance of paying the security guys nicely. This will eliminate corruption to a great extent.]
2. Get the Affidavit made on a INR 20 Stamp paper. There will atleast be a single shop near the RTO office which will be supplying such affidavits. You need to get your details printed on that in the same shop. [The shop guy charged me INR 120 to get it done. He gave me a useless bill when i demanded for one]
3. Collect form 26 and form 33 from the RTO reception (or ask some police guy/RTO official). Fill the forms appropriately and strike off the sections which are not applicable. The owner of the vehicle should be signing the forms.
4. Buy a simple file which will hold your papers(called as the RTO file in the nearby stationery shops). The papers can either be stapled or tied using a tag and should be attached to the file. It will be good to have the details like Name, Registration Number and the reason written on top of the file. (Give your mobile and phone numbers generously)
5. Goto the Superintendent of RTO and submit your file to him/her. He/She will verify the documents and forms. In case everything is fine, he will sign on the forms with the date. You will be sent to the ARTO.
6. ARTO will verify your ID proof (original ID card) and attest on the form.
7. Pay the fees at the cashier (INR 35 for form 26 and INR 20 for form 33).
8. Take back the file with the cash receipts attached to the Superintendent. He/She will sign the receipts too.
9. Submit the file to the reception or the person who collects the files (please find out from the RTO)
10. The person will hand out a chit with a date for receiving the updated document(s). Retain the slip carefully and make sure you remember the request number written on the chit (Just in case).
Thus, you have completed the procedure for applying for a duplicate copy of your RC book and also have the address on your RC book changed. I will update on how we receive the duplicate copy. I got a date of 27th Jan, 2009.
I have written the steps which i had to go through. Optimization may vary depending on how badly you fill the forms and act on your D day ;).
Adios.
Collected my duplicate RC book on 30th Jan. No trouble in getting it done. The superintendent had to sign in few places, the other guy had to put the seal all over the RC book. You need to be patient as well as active to get your work done.
Simple Advise:
1. Do not get in contact with the Middle Men. RTO guys are straight forward and no one takes a bribe to get stuff done (atleast they won't ask for one). Kudos to Bangalore Central RTO employees.
2. Working hours for the Assistant RTO is 10:00 to 13:30 hrs. Ensure that you are not caught off guard.
3. The RTO officials believe in a step by step procedure and they don't like over smart people asking too many questions at the same time. You will be given info about the current step and not the future steps.
Necessary Documents:
1. Police Complaint Challan
2. Affidavit requesting for Duplicate RC book
3. Photo ID proof
4. Address proof (In case address change is required)
5. Form 26 (Duplicate RC book)
6. Form 33 (Change of Address)
7. Copy of Motor Insurance (which is not expired, of course)
8. Copy of old RC book/ Road Tax paper (not necessary but handy doc)
(In case your vehicle is taken on loan then you might need to get approval from the corresponding banks on the form 26).
Stepwise actions:
1. Go to the nearest police station (preferably the station in your locality or RTO's locality). You have to handover a letter addressed to the Sub Inspector of police requesting application for duplicate RC book due to the loss of original one. The sub inspector of police will issue a challan with your name and a statement which says "RC Book Missing". This challan has to be attached with the form 26.
[ The police guy was quick and gave it to me in no time. The only bad part was that he requested for INR 100. As far as i know, we need not pay the police. Since i believe that the police officers in India are underpaid, i didn't make too much of a noise and shelled out the bucks. I hope the govt realizes the importance of paying the security guys nicely. This will eliminate corruption to a great extent.]
2. Get the Affidavit made on a INR 20 Stamp paper. There will atleast be a single shop near the RTO office which will be supplying such affidavits. You need to get your details printed on that in the same shop. [The shop guy charged me INR 120 to get it done. He gave me a useless bill when i demanded for one]
3. Collect form 26 and form 33 from the RTO reception (or ask some police guy/RTO official). Fill the forms appropriately and strike off the sections which are not applicable. The owner of the vehicle should be signing the forms.
4. Buy a simple file which will hold your papers(called as the RTO file in the nearby stationery shops). The papers can either be stapled or tied using a tag and should be attached to the file. It will be good to have the details like Name, Registration Number and the reason written on top of the file. (Give your mobile and phone numbers generously)
5. Goto the Superintendent of RTO and submit your file to him/her. He/She will verify the documents and forms. In case everything is fine, he will sign on the forms with the date. You will be sent to the ARTO.
6. ARTO will verify your ID proof (original ID card) and attest on the form.
7. Pay the fees at the cashier (INR 35 for form 26 and INR 20 for form 33).
8. Take back the file with the cash receipts attached to the Superintendent. He/She will sign the receipts too.
9. Submit the file to the reception or the person who collects the files (please find out from the RTO)
10. The person will hand out a chit with a date for receiving the updated document(s). Retain the slip carefully and make sure you remember the request number written on the chit (Just in case).
Thus, you have completed the procedure for applying for a duplicate copy of your RC book and also have the address on your RC book changed. I will update on how we receive the duplicate copy. I got a date of 27th Jan, 2009.
I have written the steps which i had to go through. Optimization may vary depending on how badly you fill the forms and act on your D day ;).
Adios.
Collected my duplicate RC book on 30th Jan. No trouble in getting it done. The superintendent had to sign in few places, the other guy had to put the seal all over the RC book. You need to be patient as well as active to get your work done.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Coveted 24
New year, new day, new resolutions. It is the time of the year when one tries to fool oneself and world with the useless resolutions. I didnt make a resolution at the strike of the 0th hour of this year. But, as the hours passed by, i thought i should blog. I don't know what i want to achieve by blogging. May be, i don't want to achieve anything by blogging. This is just an outlet, to let my happiness, sadness, frustration, anger, and may be knowledge take shape of words.
I have given myself the target of 24 blogposts (excluding this blog) for this year. I want to see if i can learn things about atleast 10 varied topics and write some blog entries on those. I am not going to set limitations on the number of entries nor the kind of entries. If by the end of this year, i do not have 24 blog entries then doomsday has come ;). Come on. I am just another jerk with just another resolution.
I have given myself the target of 24 blogposts (excluding this blog) for this year. I want to see if i can learn things about atleast 10 varied topics and write some blog entries on those. I am not going to set limitations on the number of entries nor the kind of entries. If by the end of this year, i do not have 24 blog entries then doomsday has come ;). Come on. I am just another jerk with just another resolution.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Shut up and Dance
Dance(from French danser, perhaps from Frankish) is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. That's how wiki has defined it.
Being a person who has no music sense, dancing is something which i cannot master in. Its all about rhythm and synchronization. Whenever i attempt to dance, i feel i have two left feet, a stiff back and a zombie head. With such a wonderful combination, dancing is something which is/was totally out of my capacity. I do dance (if i could call it that way) in parties where there are losers who are worse than me (:-O, worse than me, then its not a party). I always wanted to dance like Hrithik.. sob sob. Sapne hazaar, lekin bekaar.
Guys are generally impressed by girls who dance well (Remember listening to stories and watching movies where the Maharaja would be sitting with a rose in his hand and watching pretty dames dancing to nice tunes). This is a well established fact. Dancing and curves are intertwined and it does give a personality to the dancer based on the kind of moves he/she does. The cheaper the dance gets, the respect reduces proportionally. If someone is watching you dance, its either you are amazing or you are being vulgar. If you are dancing horribly, no one will even look at you. You can continue with the crap without shame.
Even though i have no experience with girls and dancing, i can say that girls would definitely enjoy to dance with their special someone. Dance partner becoming a real life partner or vice versa is not my concern and problem. Both are different and lucky people get to be both. Hand in Hand, Eye-to-eye, rhythmic movements, the fragrance and the music; i guess it doesn't get romantic than that.
Other forms of dancing include street dancing - where you stick your tongue out and dance, party dancing - where you keep bouncing like a spring, stage dancing - where you are clueless about your partner(s)'s moves, marriage dancing - where you shake your a$$ and pick up the cash on the ground, mirror dancing - you are shy and dance only in front of the mirror, masala dancing - ahem ahem. Hey there is also funny dance .
Okay, a sample from moi.(Black tshirt - alistair, Red tshirt - Amrit)
Okay folks, that's all i have to say about Dancing. Remember to shut your mouth when dancing. It will make it look more elegant ;).
Being a person who has no music sense, dancing is something which i cannot master in. Its all about rhythm and synchronization. Whenever i attempt to dance, i feel i have two left feet, a stiff back and a zombie head. With such a wonderful combination, dancing is something which is/was totally out of my capacity. I do dance (if i could call it that way) in parties where there are losers who are worse than me (:-O, worse than me, then its not a party). I always wanted to dance like Hrithik.. sob sob. Sapne hazaar, lekin bekaar.
Guys are generally impressed by girls who dance well (Remember listening to stories and watching movies where the Maharaja would be sitting with a rose in his hand and watching pretty dames dancing to nice tunes). This is a well established fact. Dancing and curves are intertwined and it does give a personality to the dancer based on the kind of moves he/she does. The cheaper the dance gets, the respect reduces proportionally. If someone is watching you dance, its either you are amazing or you are being vulgar. If you are dancing horribly, no one will even look at you. You can continue with the crap without shame.
Even though i have no experience with girls and dancing, i can say that girls would definitely enjoy to dance with their special someone. Dance partner becoming a real life partner or vice versa is not my concern and problem. Both are different and lucky people get to be both. Hand in Hand, Eye-to-eye, rhythmic movements, the fragrance and the music; i guess it doesn't get romantic than that.
Other forms of dancing include street dancing - where you stick your tongue out and dance, party dancing - where you keep bouncing like a spring, stage dancing - where you are clueless about your partner(s)'s moves, marriage dancing - where you shake your a$$ and pick up the cash on the ground, mirror dancing - you are shy and dance only in front of the mirror, masala dancing - ahem ahem. Hey there is also funny dance .
Okay, a sample from moi.(Black tshirt - alistair, Red tshirt - Amrit)
Okay folks, that's all i have to say about Dancing. Remember to shut your mouth when dancing. It will make it look more elegant ;).
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Officially a Trekker
Trekkers: Alistair, Amrit Singh, Bindu, Dhruv, Nilu (7yr old), Prathap, Roby, Rohit, Sagar, Sudhindra, and MoiDate: 1st and 2nd December, 2007
Location: Chembra Peak, Wayanad, Kerala
An awesome trek to the chembra peak ,which is my first overnight trek. I am eligible to be called a Trekker officially. The Peak was about 7000 feet above mean sea level. We didn't trek 7000 feet though :D. We scaled almost 2000 feet in 4.5 hours with a lunch break and a couple of water breaks. We took less than 2 hours to climb down but it was more injury prone. I can still feel the pain in my knees and hamstring. By the way for those of you who are thinking that we were empty handed, all i can say is jump in the nearest well. We were carrying around 15-20 kilos which included our sleeping bags, mats, dress, food, water etc. Hmmm, I seem to have lost my artistic touch to the english language. I am blogging a report ??? !!! sheesh, i am disappointed. Hopefully, some day i will capture this heavenly trek in much more exotic and flowery words.
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