Linea - I have not drooled over anything ever in my life (lie) but this one got me my first. Its' a marvellous piece of machine an absolute beauty to look at. BUT, is the car as good from the inside? I decided to evaluate it myself.
I went for a walk-in test-drive as my call to Wasan Motors, Borivali-E, requesting for a petrol Linea TD went un-returned. I was at Spectra once more to get the evaluation done for my current car, my true love, till date. With a bit of anxiety I walk into the Tata Motors showroom - same as above - to evaluate the only other option I was considering. The Fiat Linea 1.4 Emotion Pack.
First thing I noticed was the "same-old-feeling" of being at something "Tata". Its' neither impressive nor exciting to say the least. I felt the Bajaj showroom next door had more pulse and vigor than this one. I ask for a TD and the lady asks me to fill a form and voila I'm next to the Fiat-Tata salesman. This is where the experience changed, this guy came across as an ace salesman and more importantly very professional. At the outset, I made clear "No technical data please", I know all there is to know about the car, before buying. (Courtesy: Team-BHP)
The disappointment began early, no petrol test-drive vehicle. I was itching for a test-drive anyway so I decided to go with the MJD instead. The idea was to judge the "feel" of the car, and evaluate the petrol later. I was further told that petrol wont be available till January 2010.
Now for the real cool bit, the test drive itself. The Linea was parked in such an awkward place, that I requested them to pull it out of the parking area, lest I scratch the very car I'm evaluating for a purchase. Once inside the disappointment started swelling. I was expecting loads of interior space given the monstrous length, but sadly my Indica can give it a bit of a run for its money. But space apart, I was staring at 6-years of automobile progress, rather 26 years of it, as I don't think my Indica was anywhere near the latest piece of machinery when I bought it 6 yrs back. The only disappointment was that all in-dash information was frozen - this was someones' paid vehicle. Poor soul, I am really sorry.
The gadgetry inside was astounding, the feel was OK, nothing to drool or go berserk about. Apt I'd say. Once I started the car, the car sound was no louder than a whisper, there's a space-age diesel underneath. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd were peppy and the car can pin you to your seat if need be, but the FE would be heading south for sure.
The decisive part of the TD happened when I was at about 40, and engaged the fourth, and started climbing a Flyover. I could feel the drop in AC and the temperature perceptibly got higher, and the car itself was ambling up the slope at its own pace, I'd floored the accelerator but it made no difference. I used the "diesel" trick of pumping and even that did not give me the desired response. Then at another time, I distinctly remember having to down-shift for power - that was natural thanks to my Indica. The short TD ended and I decided to check out the rear seat. Lo-behold I felt very familiar, its no more comfy than my existing car. Wifey already had a irritated look for having made her go through all this after the exhilarating SX4 TD the other day. I did not exactly differ by a whole lot.
With such a not-so-positive feel from the supposedly "powerful" sibling I had very little hope for the petrol. Please dont get me wrong, a 1000 Lineas are selling monthly in India, but I seriously wonder how many of them were ex-Indica owners. The SX4 offered me a thorough upgrade from my Indica, I mean every element of it. This one unfortunately doesn't. In fact the sight of a world-champion auto-manufacturer sharing space with a humble Indian car company is pitiful. Its' just plain wrong. The step-brotherly treatment starts right from the placement of Linea pricelist, the ones for Manza are right next to the visitor louge and for the Linea - you need to request the receptionist. The Fiat salesman looked too good to be there, and was clearly on his own in a sea of Vistas and Manzas. No Linea on display, only parked next to a humongous waste area.
Overall, I guess a great car to admire from outside as long as it belongs to someone else. Sadly, I was quite prepared for everything except being downgraded in terms of A.S.S. I mean I've seen how bad it can be for a Tata Vehicle, now the same folks are gonna look down upon you...not in this life again.
Last word: If Fiat goes single, it's gonna be a different story al-together.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Magnitect: Longest Bridge - Fornax Link
This is my latest creation an awesome 37-inch bridge made up of magnet bricks and steel balls. This is the longest I've gone with the set that I have, and is by 
far the most stable one I've built. It started off with a single tier at one end and after about 10-inches or so, I elevated it with a single brick support. However soon the magnetic element started creeping in, and the bridge started experiencing a twisting force due to opposite poles being close to each other.
This
effect, I'll call the "Game-Spoiler Twist Effect" or GSTE is one setback of the game design. If you start building a tall structure, it quickly takes effect and results in a disappointing breakdown at some point. To counter it, you need to follow all the rules of basic construction, and more. However by far the most stable structure I've built is an egyptian pyramid. Its' so solid, I could even toss it in the air, and it didnt budge. Guess that shape is built for stability, so much so that it is aped in many walks of life.
Ok, coming back to the bridge, once I decided to elevate it at 10-inches, things started becoming tough. I decided to provide a stronger stable support and decided upon a 3 joins gap between piers, this lent an amazing stability to the further structure, hence decided to increase the gap to 5 joins, which is where it failed miserably, thus decided to settle at 4-joins. Here onwards the design was settled and the further construction involved mostly labor. When the last piece was added, it measured ~37 inches which was a new record for me. Hence I decided to call this the Fornax Link, a tribute to my presence on Team BHP.
(The reason for this long post is to ensure the images dont appear by themselves)
far the most stable one I've built. It started off with a single tier at one end and after about 10-inches or so, I elevated it with a single brick support. However soon the magnetic element started creeping in, and the bridge started experiencing a twisting force due to opposite poles being close to each other.This
effect, I'll call the "Game-Spoiler Twist Effect" or GSTE is one setback of the game design. If you start building a tall structure, it quickly takes effect and results in a disappointing breakdown at some point. To counter it, you need to follow all the rules of basic construction, and more. However by far the most stable structure I've built is an egyptian pyramid. Its' so solid, I could even toss it in the air, and it didnt budge. Guess that shape is built for stability, so much so that it is aped in many walks of life.Ok, coming back to the bridge, once I decided to elevate it at 10-inches, things started becoming tough. I decided to provide a stronger stable support and decided upon a 3 joins gap between piers, this lent an amazing stability to the further structure, hence decided to increase the gap to 5 joins, which is where it failed miserably, thus decided to settle at 4-joins. Here onwards the design was settled and the further construction involved mostly labor. When the last piece was added, it measured ~37 inches which was a new record for me. Hence I decided to call this the Fornax Link, a tribute to my presence on Team BHP.
(The reason for this long post is to ensure the images dont appear by themselves)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Test Drive Report: SX4
Here we go...its' an awesome car, backed by an giant of an automobile company - Maruti Suzuki. The test drive was a pleasant experience, one phone call, and the dealer - Spectra Motors, Borivali - welcomed me for a test drive "anytime" I want. There was hardly any delay, the salesman - Mr. Rahul, walked right next to me and asked me to check out the displayed SX4 AT, beige gold.
The tall stance of SX is already folklore, but only when you get behind the wheel is when you realize what it means, and why. It almost makes you feel like being in a SUV - my 5'11' frame was most comfy at the highest end of the seat and it gave a view par-excellence from there.
Finally after a few minutes of drooling over the beauty, we went for the test drive a top-end manual version with full body kit. It was a sheer beauty, and the fun only begins when you stand right next to it. Its' a no-nonsence stance, I tell you. Sitting in my Indica, I've always felt threatened by the "tall-bullies" (read rowdy Qualis drivers). Not anymore, this guy - yes its' masculine to the core - gives you a confidence that makes you feel adequate to take on one and all except CVs.
I started the ignition, and instead of the usual roar I am used to, got a sweet nothing instead. The engine is noise-less to say the least. Once on the road, started evaluating a few points I had in mind:
A-Pillar blind-spots
My verdict: Yes, its an issue, but only if you are blind! Any humanoid with two working set of optical organs should be able to work with the design efficiently. Clearly the car is designed for those who would look at where their car is headed rather than the ones who like to be surprised at every corner.
Braking
My verdict: The car is equipped with ABS and EBD, that effectively means a space-age jump for me from my Indica days. This is by far the most advancement in terms of technology over my current car.
Ride Quality & Handling
My verdict: The 16" tubeless mounted on alloys make a world of difference. The car did hit some bumps and manage to cushion them well, however, I was on the WE Highway and the road was mostly smooth - as smooth as the City permits them to be - with great pickup and nice cornering. I even intimated an auto - and this in a test drive. Wifey was very pleased with the ride, she got to be the passenger and wanted me to book it right way only for the comfort this beast is capable of.
Space & Interiors
My verdict: Well, its' an aptly designed car. No more no less. Its not exactly designed to fool you into thinking you are driving anything more than what you are paying. No sir, you get the very best of the mid-segment. Slap on a Stanley cover and this baby will look ravishing for sure. I loved all the gizmos' on offer, the best of all were steering wheel controls. The music system was strictly OK, but given that my little girl loves to doze off when we start our journeys, I think its' perfectly fine.
Overall
My verdict: A 90% chance of booking the ZXi Manual within the next 30 days, however that depends on a certain document being received by me from office. If all augurs well, our Silver SX4 would be entering our apartment on Mia's birthday.
The tall stance of SX is already folklore, but only when you get behind the wheel is when you realize what it means, and why. It almost makes you feel like being in a SUV - my 5'11' frame was most comfy at the highest end of the seat and it gave a view par-excellence from there.
Finally after a few minutes of drooling over the beauty, we went for the test drive a top-end manual version with full body kit. It was a sheer beauty, and the fun only begins when you stand right next to it. Its' a no-nonsence stance, I tell you. Sitting in my Indica, I've always felt threatened by the "tall-bullies" (read rowdy Qualis drivers). Not anymore, this guy - yes its' masculine to the core - gives you a confidence that makes you feel adequate to take on one and all except CVs.
I started the ignition, and instead of the usual roar I am used to, got a sweet nothing instead. The engine is noise-less to say the least. Once on the road, started evaluating a few points I had in mind:
A-Pillar blind-spots
My verdict: Yes, its an issue, but only if you are blind! Any humanoid with two working set of optical organs should be able to work with the design efficiently. Clearly the car is designed for those who would look at where their car is headed rather than the ones who like to be surprised at every corner.
Braking
My verdict: The car is equipped with ABS and EBD, that effectively means a space-age jump for me from my Indica days. This is by far the most advancement in terms of technology over my current car.
Ride Quality & Handling
My verdict: The 16" tubeless mounted on alloys make a world of difference. The car did hit some bumps and manage to cushion them well, however, I was on the WE Highway and the road was mostly smooth - as smooth as the City permits them to be - with great pickup and nice cornering. I even intimated an auto - and this in a test drive. Wifey was very pleased with the ride, she got to be the passenger and wanted me to book it right way only for the comfort this beast is capable of.
Space & Interiors
My verdict: Well, its' an aptly designed car. No more no less. Its not exactly designed to fool you into thinking you are driving anything more than what you are paying. No sir, you get the very best of the mid-segment. Slap on a Stanley cover and this baby will look ravishing for sure. I loved all the gizmos' on offer, the best of all were steering wheel controls. The music system was strictly OK, but given that my little girl loves to doze off when we start our journeys, I think its' perfectly fine.
Overall
My verdict: A 90% chance of booking the ZXi Manual within the next 30 days, however that depends on a certain document being received by me from office. If all augurs well, our Silver SX4 would be entering our apartment on Mia's birthday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Biggest day of my career!
Sometimes you feel like pausing and looking back, and sometimes you just feel like hitting the pedal and going full speed ahead. Today, I guess I feel a little bit of both.
If my career were a three stage rocket laugh that's eventually placed in orbit, I think I've just completed Phase-I. The toughest phase - Phase II - to escape gravity is up ahead, and I've got my rocket aligned very well for meeting the challenges ahead. Phase III - my final phase would involve achieving the perfect velocity and angle for a perpetual orbit.
Irony has it that on this day when I've lived the happiest moment of my career till date, I miss Sony & Mia very bad. Its' a wonderful time to be alive and a wonderful time indeed to be doing what I do best. Write kick-ass software systems.
If my career were a three stage rocket laugh that's eventually placed in orbit, I think I've just completed Phase-I. The toughest phase - Phase II - to escape gravity is up ahead, and I've got my rocket aligned very well for meeting the challenges ahead. Phase III - my final phase would involve achieving the perfect velocity and angle for a perpetual orbit.
Irony has it that on this day when I've lived the happiest moment of my career till date, I miss Sony & Mia very bad. Its' a wonderful time to be alive and a wonderful time indeed to be doing what I do best. Write kick-ass software systems.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bandra Worli Sealink
Hit the BWSL on the last day of its' *toll-free* state, and was surely not alone. Had probably almost all of Mumbai for company, and best of all Mia had her first real drive. She enjoyed (I guess) the sight, but was a tad tired due to the slow traffic that we hit before getting on the Sealink.
Honestly, its' a marvel of enggineering. An awesome gift to an awesome city I call home. It would indeed be quite a drive on a windy rain day, would surely be going there often.
I have found myself thinking about what would really be the "image" of Mumbai that people would identify with, and since the Metro is still under construction, the BWSL surely takes this honor. Move away Gateway of India, we sincerely dont need colonial hangovers. When it eventually completes, the whole of Mumbai would be within reach of 40-50 minutes from my home. It is progress like this that makes you proud about your nation, its' governance and its' place under the sun. Jai Ho!
Honestly, its' a marvel of enggineering. An awesome gift to an awesome city I call home. It would indeed be quite a drive on a windy rain day, would surely be going there often.
I have found myself thinking about what would really be the "image" of Mumbai that people would identify with, and since the Metro is still under construction, the BWSL surely takes this honor. Move away Gateway of India, we sincerely dont need colonial hangovers. When it eventually completes, the whole of Mumbai would be within reach of 40-50 minutes from my home. It is progress like this that makes you proud about your nation, its' governance and its' place under the sun. Jai Ho!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Origin of Species? Doesnt quite add up!
Came across a page while googling for "Evolution Man" and was dumb-founded by the simple arguments put forth in series of logical and very very reasonable explanations debunking the DNA of my personality - Origin of Species.
The link: http://ldolphin.org/wmwilliams.html
Of all the reasonable explanations, the population argument is by far the most logical ones. Even wikipedia.org agrees that uptil around 70K BC there were less than thousand humans. Given that, how on earth did man originate many million years ago is not clear to me. I've been a believer of Occams Razor...and shame on me to discount the same when it comes to OoS!
Is Human a thoughful creation of a higher something many call "God"...well its' a bitter-pill to swallow, but compelling logic does not seem to point at anything else.
My own calculation assuming a 1% growth rate for 50 years also ends with Man being created around 80K BC...which means, that Humans are no more than a 100K years old. Wow! Wonderful thought to end my day, and perhaps to change the way I look at the world.
The link: http://ldolphin.org/wmwilliams.html
Of all the reasonable explanations, the population argument is by far the most logical ones. Even wikipedia.org agrees that uptil around 70K BC there were less than thousand humans. Given that, how on earth did man originate many million years ago is not clear to me. I've been a believer of Occams Razor...and shame on me to discount the same when it comes to OoS!
Is Human a thoughful creation of a higher something many call "God"...well its' a bitter-pill to swallow, but compelling logic does not seem to point at anything else.
My own calculation assuming a 1% growth rate for 50 years also ends with Man being created around 80K BC...which means, that Humans are no more than a 100K years old. Wow! Wonderful thought to end my day, and perhaps to change the way I look at the world.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Manaswee "Mia" Kolekar
Mia, my little girl arrived into this world on 09-Feb-09 at 23:00 Hrs. The greatest gift to a man, the ultimate addition to our family, and the icing on our marriage. Her personality isn't yet quite apparent, but there are early signs of a mischievous brat, a packet of energy thats' gonna prove a handful. Ojas who preceeded her is quite a handful, and now with this addition, I can imagine some really testing times ahead.
Their bond is already quite strong, with Ojas and its' fun to watch when he goes around calling her "Mazhi Chakuli" in a meek voice he never uses for anything else. That's the best gift for my little princess, a brother with whom she will attach a bond that will be at -par with mine or with Sony.
There are some fascinating days ahead, and above all some sleepless nights, but whatever be the case, life will never ever be the same again. Am a family man now.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
4.5 out of 5
Brilliant !
Humbling !
This is a movie about Mumbai, its' "underbelly", it fabric and above all the inhabitants of its' slums. Slumdog Millionaire is a fast-paced drama of human values preserved through despecible acts of hardships, communal tension, exploitation, child-labor, torture and abuse. That the film depicts, almost laments the deplorable side of Mumbai's slum is hardly a central theme, more of a backdrop to the drama, than anything else. The same story could have been written in a village, or a middle-class family, albeit with far lesser impact, the backdrop chosen, fits its' purpose in a very apt manner.
Performances are truly outstanding, espcially the child-actors, they are the clear winners in this saga of human hardships faced in the face of harsh realities. Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto are passable, Anil Kapoor has done most of what he gets these days and Irrfan and Saurabh Shukla are outright misplaced in the movie. But the movie is by far dominated by "actors" that do not appear on-screen, the off-screen ones. Danny Boyle, the director, the cinematographer and the scores by A.R.Rahman, the stuff that legends are made up of.
The movie is nominated for 10 oscars and 12-odd BAFTA's, its' not everyday that such records are achieved, nor will it possibly happen in the next few years. After-all it takes a depression to lend a perfect backdrop to a human story such as Slumdog Millionaire.
A must watch if you love the word "Cinema"
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Citizens Forum for Democratic India (CFDI)
Agenda of an Ideal Peoples’ Representative Political Entity in India
Charter
- To uproot corruption of all forms within the Indian State (Internal Governance Ministry – PhD in Socialogy)
- To establish India as a true secular state (Cultural Ministry - PhD in Cultural subject)
- To eliminate crime from all walks of life (Home Ministry – Ex-General from any branch)
- To establish a concrete anti-terror framework within India (Homeland Security – Ex-General from any branch)
- To expedite criminal cases to ensure a speedy justice system (Law Ministry – Ex-Chief Justice of India)
- To establish a strong army equipped with modern ballistics and training (Defense Ministry – Ex-General from any branch)
- To establish a free market (Finance Ministry – Ex-CEO of any Indian Co. employing above 1000 Indians)
- To represent the Modern voice of India in world affairs (External Affairs Ministry – Ex-Diplomat)
Rules
1. Only candidates with genuine Educational Certificates of a Masters degree or above from a reputed University can contest for elections
2. Only candidates with local residence of over 25 years and more need apply.
3. Only tax payers with minimum 5 years of Tax Declarations
4. Any crime record of violence, anger, hate-crime, homicide and corruption in-eligible.
5. No prior experience will not be a constraint for the right candidate
6. Religious, Linguistic, Caste-based references in any political speech, will make the person in-eligible
7. Selection of candidates per seat to be debated on local media, and via polls themselves.
8. Oath of voluntary imprisonment of 25 years for not following the charter.
Charter
- To uproot corruption of all forms within the Indian State (Internal Governance Ministry – PhD in Socialogy)
- To establish India as a true secular state (Cultural Ministry - PhD in Cultural subject)
- To eliminate crime from all walks of life (Home Ministry – Ex-General from any branch)
- To establish a concrete anti-terror framework within India (Homeland Security – Ex-General from any branch)
- To expedite criminal cases to ensure a speedy justice system (Law Ministry – Ex-Chief Justice of India)
- To establish a strong army equipped with modern ballistics and training (Defense Ministry – Ex-General from any branch)
- To establish a free market (Finance Ministry – Ex-CEO of any Indian Co. employing above 1000 Indians)
- To represent the Modern voice of India in world affairs (External Affairs Ministry – Ex-Diplomat)
Rules
1. Only candidates with genuine Educational Certificates of a Masters degree or above from a reputed University can contest for elections
2. Only candidates with local residence of over 25 years and more need apply.
3. Only tax payers with minimum 5 years of Tax Declarations
4. Any crime record of violence, anger, hate-crime, homicide and corruption in-eligible.
5. No prior experience will not be a constraint for the right candidate
6. Religious, Linguistic, Caste-based references in any political speech, will make the person in-eligible
7. Selection of candidates per seat to be debated on local media, and via polls themselves.
8. Oath of voluntary imprisonment of 25 years for not following the charter.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Mr. PM, what a move!
This is by far the lowest point in Moral-Politics in India. A minister as incompetent as our current FM (whose head was demanded by UPA allies themselves) is sought to become India's Home Minister in its' hour of crisis.
How on earth can we forgive the largesses meted out to farmers when an impending financial crisis was looming. The writing was on the wall, and our FM went about doling freebies when savings were the need of the hour. Rs. 8,00,00,00,00,000/- were sqandered away by our Home Minister in playing appeasement politics. My only question here is "Why he not do so in the first year of power and present a roadmap to earning it back without too much taxation? Why the last year of its' regime?"
The same FM, was extremely docile when India was stuck with Financial Crisis, and immediately ducked under the table and has now been moved to Home Ministry. Where is the accountability?
How on earth can we forgive the largesses meted out to farmers when an impending financial crisis was looming. The writing was on the wall, and our FM went about doling freebies when savings were the need of the hour. Rs. 8,00,00,00,00,000/- were sqandered away by our Home Minister in playing appeasement politics. My only question here is "Why he not do so in the first year of power and present a roadmap to earning it back without too much taxation? Why the last year of its' regime?"
The same FM, was extremely docile when India was stuck with Financial Crisis, and immediately ducked under the table and has now been moved to Home Ministry. Where is the accountability?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rampant Terrorism: Courtesy UPA
Is this something that many are failing to notice, or are the UPA members so adept at diverting the blame on others when it comes to terrorism?The chart clearly shows a MASSIVE spurt in terrorism under the aegis of UPA, which incidently overlap a golden phase in global economic environment.
That the UPA has been a collosal failure was evident when Amar Singh & Mulayam Singh were roped in to save the nuclear deal. This coupled with many other reasons centered around UPA have been the reason of trauma & death faced by the common man in India. The UPA govt has gone about doing its' job in the most disastrous manner.
India never looked so vulnerable in the last 15 years.
Bombay: A Terrible Curse!
What a city, Bombay!
A city so immersed in itself, that it doesn’t flinch when politicians change its’ name, it doesn’t bow down when it goes under water, it doesn’t sob when terrorists rip apart its’ heart. Why, because it suffers under a curse that has been “61 years” of making.
Bombay provides India 40% of its’ taxes, it provides the state of Maharashtra practically everything it needs to fund every MH village, every MH town, every MH district, while watching itself degrade down to lawlessness, corruption and imperialism.
A city - where politicians from small town seek to exploit it to such a degree of degradation that it matches their own birth-place. Where politicians believe its’ OK for large cities to face terrorism, where police are given lathis to stop a AK-56 wielding terrorist, where hawkers – for pittance – deprive its’ citizens of side-walks, where labour is given the birth-right to occupy public land, where politicians divide on language, religion, caste & creed.
Bombay, a city that’s looked upon as a treasure trove, from which riches are always taken away, but never returned or added. A chest that every politician dreams of governing, and promises the heavens to the common man to achieve it, but once in power feasts on its’ loins like a hyena.
A city, where journos, try to herd the public by repeatedly providing a medium for political class to calm down the treasure-trove slaves to prevent a revolt.
A city that smiles inspite of this.
A city so immersed in itself, that it doesn’t flinch when politicians change its’ name, it doesn’t bow down when it goes under water, it doesn’t sob when terrorists rip apart its’ heart. Why, because it suffers under a curse that has been “61 years” of making.
Bombay provides India 40% of its’ taxes, it provides the state of Maharashtra practically everything it needs to fund every MH village, every MH town, every MH district, while watching itself degrade down to lawlessness, corruption and imperialism.
A city - where politicians from small town seek to exploit it to such a degree of degradation that it matches their own birth-place. Where politicians believe its’ OK for large cities to face terrorism, where police are given lathis to stop a AK-56 wielding terrorist, where hawkers – for pittance – deprive its’ citizens of side-walks, where labour is given the birth-right to occupy public land, where politicians divide on language, religion, caste & creed.
Bombay, a city that’s looked upon as a treasure trove, from which riches are always taken away, but never returned or added. A chest that every politician dreams of governing, and promises the heavens to the common man to achieve it, but once in power feasts on its’ loins like a hyena.
A city, where journos, try to herd the public by repeatedly providing a medium for political class to calm down the treasure-trove slaves to prevent a revolt.
A city that smiles inspite of this.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Kabhi Alvida Na Keha : Ripped from Little Children
I hated KANK, the characters of SRK & Rani were outright disgusting, hardly a matter of viewing and thoughts. That the movie might have made millions is another matter, as a work of art, its' hollow and fails miserably like most Hindi movies.
Today I watched Little Children and soon realised what Karan Johar had watched before he "wrote" this movie. The unmarried Mardian delivers a story-line that's lacking imagination and depth, at the same time being out-right disgusting and unreal.
Watch the movie Little Children to understand what I'm talking about.
Today I watched Little Children and soon realised what Karan Johar had watched before he "wrote" this movie. The unmarried Mardian delivers a story-line that's lacking imagination and depth, at the same time being out-right disgusting and unreal.
Watch the movie Little Children to understand what I'm talking about.
Prime Ministers Office & Home Ministry: Need for dignity & credibility
Prime Minister is a seat occupied by the leader of the party that forms a governement.
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh the leader? NO!
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh an emminent representation of Indian Populace? NO!
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh a hero to be looked upon? Just Maybe!
- Does India deserve Dr. Manmohan Singh as PM? A resounding NO!
Home Minister is a seat occupied by the second-best and regarded as a parallel to the Prime Minister
- Does India deserve a Shivraj Patil? NO WAY!
- Can Shivraj Patil do anything right, ever? NO WAY!
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh the leader? NO!
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh an emminent representation of Indian Populace? NO!
- Is Dr. Manmohan Singh a hero to be looked upon? Just Maybe!
- Does India deserve Dr. Manmohan Singh as PM? A resounding NO!
Home Minister is a seat occupied by the second-best and regarded as a parallel to the Prime Minister
- Does India deserve a Shivraj Patil? NO WAY!
- Can Shivraj Patil do anything right, ever? NO WAY!
What do Indian Politicians represent?
Narayan Rane, R.R.Patil, Vilas Deshmukh & Sharad Pawar
- Mumbai's primary reasons for mis-development.
- Villagers with basic education and humongous money.
- Highly feudal and rustic.
- Village Leaders.
Manmohan Singh:
- NOT the leader of the government.
- Old man a shadow of his own self from 1991
- Cannot make his own decisions as final,
- Depends on Congress leadership for "passing" his decisions before execution
Narendra Modi
- Hardliner,
- Known human right abuser & has history of acts againsts civil liberties
- Didnt waste 24-hours sensing an opportunity in the national hour of crisis.
- Provided Rs.9000 crore worth of "free money" to a Tatas
- Critized the ATS against their action against the Malegaon Blasts Perpetrators.
- Likely hand in Hawala.
The remainder are not worth even wasting time in criticizing...May God Save India from people like this!
- Mumbai's primary reasons for mis-development.
- Villagers with basic education and humongous money.
- Highly feudal and rustic.
- Village Leaders.
Manmohan Singh:
- NOT the leader of the government.
- Old man a shadow of his own self from 1991
- Cannot make his own decisions as final,
- Depends on Congress leadership for "passing" his decisions before execution
Narendra Modi
- Hardliner,
- Known human right abuser & has history of acts againsts civil liberties
- Didnt waste 24-hours sensing an opportunity in the national hour of crisis.
- Provided Rs.9000 crore worth of "free money" to a Tatas
- Critized the ATS against their action against the Malegaon Blasts Perpetrators.
- Likely hand in Hawala.
The remainder are not worth even wasting time in criticizing...May God Save India from people like this!
Heros Forever!
Hemant Karkare
Vijay Salaskar
Ashok Kamte
Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Gajendra Singh
We will never forget you.
True Heros, Now & Forever
Vijay Salaskar
Ashok Kamte
Sandeep Unnikrishnan
Gajendra Singh
We will never forget you.
True Heros, Now & Forever
Curbing Terrorism: 3-point agenda
A: Bombay Metropolitan Region: 29th state of the Indian Union
Primary Agenda & Motives
a. This would be the resurrection of a catastrophic blunder that occurred when Bombay was split into two, with the island city being handed over to Maharashtra.
b. Civic administration shall be taken over by the BMR. One state, one administration. BMR state-elections shall be for both state & civic functions combined.
c. Political representation based on economic status & population of BMR. (min 9 max 20 – reduce seats in Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra & UP accordingly)
d. Debar anyone who is NOT domiciled in Bombay for more than 25 years from contesting elections.
e. State principles independent of language, religion, caste or creed.
f. Defence of BMR a responsibility of the state of BMR.
g. Status Quo on Financial aspects.
B: Maharashtra State Re-constitution
a. With the separation of BMR, the remainder of Maharashtra will be re-constituted as a state for Maharashtrians with reservations & cultural rights for Marathis.
b. All demands for Marathi Asmita applicable to Maharashtra.
C: Autonomous region of Kashmir
a. India declares war on Azad Kashmir.
b. Azad Kashmir shall be defeated and will become “Special Administrative Region” of India (or Pakistan, if they want).
c. Work along-with a “democratic” Pakistan in nurturing its’ economy back to health.
Primary Agenda & Motives
a. This would be the resurrection of a catastrophic blunder that occurred when Bombay was split into two, with the island city being handed over to Maharashtra.
b. Civic administration shall be taken over by the BMR. One state, one administration. BMR state-elections shall be for both state & civic functions combined.
c. Political representation based on economic status & population of BMR. (min 9 max 20 – reduce seats in Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra & UP accordingly)
d. Debar anyone who is NOT domiciled in Bombay for more than 25 years from contesting elections.
e. State principles independent of language, religion, caste or creed.
f. Defence of BMR a responsibility of the state of BMR.
g. Status Quo on Financial aspects.
B: Maharashtra State Re-constitution
a. With the separation of BMR, the remainder of Maharashtra will be re-constituted as a state for Maharashtrians with reservations & cultural rights for Marathis.
b. All demands for Marathi Asmita applicable to Maharashtra.
C: Autonomous region of Kashmir
a. India declares war on Azad Kashmir.
b. Azad Kashmir shall be defeated and will become “Special Administrative Region” of India (or Pakistan, if they want).
c. Work along-with a “democratic” Pakistan in nurturing its’ economy back to health.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Raj Thackeray : 1. Why Hindi?
Note: Since the national "Hindian" media is far too biased, Raj Thackerays' message has been wrongly communicated to meaning "Spreading Hatred" and "Anti-North Indian". That's not true. This series of blogs is meant to counter the mindless attack that's been unleashed by criminal politicians, rogue television channels (Sahara, India Today group and the countless Hindi channels). More importantly this is meant to clarify the underlying simmer thats' meeting with disgust from the online community.
Raj Thackeray started his campaign against "Cultural Violence" that has been unleashed by North Indians, by questioning the stature of "Hindi" and its' imposition upon Maharashtrians.
To start off, here are some parallel voices from India & Beyond (In reverse order to ensure continuity):
8. Hindi Imperialism: Article in Time Magazine
7. UNESCO: UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON LINGUISTIC RIGHTS: A must read for all the experts appearing on CNN-IBN, Times Now etc, heres' what the UN has to say about preservation of a regions linguistic rights.
6. Did you know, the constitution of India is committed towards eradicating the use of English, and replacing the same with Hindi? [Indian Constitution Articles 343 - 351] Whether you speak Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil or Marathi, you would never sound better than anything that speaks Hindi as his/her mother-toungue, and therein lies a natural disadvantage to get jobs, especially government ones!
5. "Making a language (Hindi) that is the mother tongue of a region of India the official language for all the people of India is tyranny. We believe that it will give benefits and superiority to one region (the Hindi-speaking region).... Danger to the people of Tamil Nadu because of Hindi becoming the official language of India is great" - C. N. Annadurai, Chief Minister of TN. [Complete Story & Mouthpiece for Tamil Sentiments about Hindi] [Recent Headlines from TN]
4. The 1940s, 1950s and the first half of the 1960s witnessed many anti-Hindi pro-tests in the form of public meetings, marches, hunger strikes and demonstrations before schools and Central government offices; black flag demonstrations greeted Central government ministers. Most of these were organized either by the DK or the DMK and the general public supported them fully. There were hundreds of such protests from Tamil Nadu and thousands were jailed. Several hundreds were injured when police used lathi-charge to disperse the peaceful protesters. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then PM, even though supportive of the pro-Hindi group, came up with a set of compromises that denied Hindi the "sole national language" status, realising the seriousness of the issue. [Complete Blog]
3. The Hindi language has been projected as the language of Hindus and the language of the nation by both secular and Hindu nationalists. This paper examines challenges mounted against Hindi by the Dalit resistance movement during the past few decades. We argue that this challenge is part of the construction of Dalit identity which is defined in resistance and opposition to Brahmanism. In Dalit discourse, Hindi is viewed as a symbol of Brahmanism and thus a reminder of Brahmanic oppression. The Dalitist challenges to the dominance of Hindi appear in various forms; one such challenge is calling into question the numerical legitimacy on which the claim of Hindi as the official language of India is based. Rao (2001), commenting on a news report on the demand for creating a separate state of Mithilinachal for the speakers of Maithili, argues, ‘"Hindi" is not one language…. Rajasthani, Bhojpuri, Braj Bhasa, Avadhi and Mithili [sic] are deliberately misrepresented as `dialects of Hindi" when these are in fact independant [sic] languages with different scripts and grammars, and many pre-dating the Brahmins" Hindi’. - [Complete Paper @ NYU Linguistics Dept]
2. "The Hindi movement of nineteenth century intertwined with the cow-protection movement culminated in the naked manipulations of the constituent assembly debates and won the state-language status. But it was the tragic end of 'Godan', forecasted very early by Premchand!" [Complete Post]
Hindi, mis-represented as above is as mythical as many beliefs held by Hindus, and as the reality sinks in with the advent of knowledge and atheism, do we still deserve to be herded in this fashion?
1. Similiar Voice from Karnataka. "What's astonishing about the migrants is that instead of respecting the culture and language of the state which saves them from hunger, they misbehave and impose their language and culture on the local population - a behavior entirely unacceptable anywhere in the world. In advancing the "they are Indians too" argument in support of Hindi speakers when they are clearly culprits of linguistic and cultural crime, the media and the central government give the impression that Hindi speakers "are more Indian" than Marathis, Kannadigas and every other linguistic people in India". [Read blog]
"In 2005-06, seven of the nine states with PCNSDP higher than the national average, viz, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, are non-Hindi states (Table, col 3). Similarly, of the nine states whose economies grew at a rate higher than the national average over the period 1980-81 to 2006-07, five states – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu – are non-Hindi states. Two of the remaining four states, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, were created only in the year 2000 and in terms of economic performance their parent states – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – are placed near the bottom, with ranks of 16 and 18 respectively"
Raj Thackeray started his campaign against "Cultural Violence" that has been unleashed by North Indians, by questioning the stature of "Hindi" and its' imposition upon Maharashtrians.
To start off, here are some parallel voices from India & Beyond (In reverse order to ensure continuity):
8. Hindi Imperialism: Article in Time Magazine
7. UNESCO: UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON LINGUISTIC RIGHTS: A must read for all the experts appearing on CNN-IBN, Times Now etc, heres' what the UN has to say about preservation of a regions linguistic rights.
6. Did you know, the constitution of India is committed towards eradicating the use of English, and replacing the same with Hindi? [Indian Constitution Articles 343 - 351] Whether you speak Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil or Marathi, you would never sound better than anything that speaks Hindi as his/her mother-toungue, and therein lies a natural disadvantage to get jobs, especially government ones!
5. "Making a language (Hindi) that is the mother tongue of a region of India the official language for all the people of India is tyranny. We believe that it will give benefits and superiority to one region (the Hindi-speaking region).... Danger to the people of Tamil Nadu because of Hindi becoming the official language of India is great" - C. N. Annadurai, Chief Minister of TN. [Complete Story & Mouthpiece for Tamil Sentiments about Hindi] [Recent Headlines from TN]
4. The 1940s, 1950s and the first half of the 1960s witnessed many anti-Hindi pro-tests in the form of public meetings, marches, hunger strikes and demonstrations before schools and Central government offices; black flag demonstrations greeted Central government ministers. Most of these were organized either by the DK or the DMK and the general public supported them fully. There were hundreds of such protests from Tamil Nadu and thousands were jailed. Several hundreds were injured when police used lathi-charge to disperse the peaceful protesters. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then PM, even though supportive of the pro-Hindi group, came up with a set of compromises that denied Hindi the "sole national language" status, realising the seriousness of the issue. [Complete Blog]
3. The Hindi language has been projected as the language of Hindus and the language of the nation by both secular and Hindu nationalists. This paper examines challenges mounted against Hindi by the Dalit resistance movement during the past few decades. We argue that this challenge is part of the construction of Dalit identity which is defined in resistance and opposition to Brahmanism. In Dalit discourse, Hindi is viewed as a symbol of Brahmanism and thus a reminder of Brahmanic oppression. The Dalitist challenges to the dominance of Hindi appear in various forms; one such challenge is calling into question the numerical legitimacy on which the claim of Hindi as the official language of India is based. Rao (2001), commenting on a news report on the demand for creating a separate state of Mithilinachal for the speakers of Maithili, argues, ‘"Hindi" is not one language…. Rajasthani, Bhojpuri, Braj Bhasa, Avadhi and Mithili [sic] are deliberately misrepresented as `dialects of Hindi" when these are in fact independant [sic] languages with different scripts and grammars, and many pre-dating the Brahmins" Hindi’. - [Complete Paper @ NYU Linguistics Dept]
2. "The Hindi movement of nineteenth century intertwined with the cow-protection movement culminated in the naked manipulations of the constituent assembly debates and won the state-language status. But it was the tragic end of 'Godan', forecasted very early by Premchand!" [Complete Post]
Hindi, mis-represented as above is as mythical as many beliefs held by Hindus, and as the reality sinks in with the advent of knowledge and atheism, do we still deserve to be herded in this fashion?
1. Similiar Voice from Karnataka. "What's astonishing about the migrants is that instead of respecting the culture and language of the state which saves them from hunger, they misbehave and impose their language and culture on the local population - a behavior entirely unacceptable anywhere in the world. In advancing the "they are Indians too" argument in support of Hindi speakers when they are clearly culprits of linguistic and cultural crime, the media and the central government give the impression that Hindi speakers "are more Indian" than Marathis, Kannadigas and every other linguistic people in India". [Read blog]
"In 2005-06, seven of the nine states with PCNSDP higher than the national average, viz, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, are non-Hindi states (Table, col 3). Similarly, of the nine states whose economies grew at a rate higher than the national average over the period 1980-81 to 2006-07, five states – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu – are non-Hindi states. Two of the remaining four states, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, were created only in the year 2000 and in terms of economic performance their parent states – Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – are placed near the bottom, with ranks of 16 and 18 respectively"
Sensex at 8K
Ha!
There goes your de-coupling out the window Mr. FM. Make Shankar Sharma the FM instead, atleast when he reads "Danger" he doesnt translate it to "Go Ahead". What a mischief, what a fool we've (ordinary investors) been made. The dream team played real good poker, they convinced us to put everything on the table and didnt have the courtesy to say "Sorry" when we had our a$$es bared. That's Indian leadership!
Well, the faith in Indian Corporates and the foundations of this economy have been completely shaken, what looked like a country full of Buffets and Gates, is not increasingly looking like characters from the movie "Traffic". Every second day, an industry representative is making statements about alms (read bailout) being given to his/her industry. Real-estate, MF, NBFC, Airlines, Oil Cos, Metals, Non-metals and Exporters (well the list would have been shorter the other way round) are all out with a bowl in their hand. Why, Udayan even tried to distance himself with the hollow "bullish" sentiments that hes' been trying to steer, and should take a large part of the "moral" blame if small investors are running for cover. Most experts barring Shankar Sharma, are almost ready to form the "Yes I fucked up, but dont blame me.org" NGO.
In a world of serious coupling, and global reach, it would have been foolhardy to think that storms are only regional. No! This is a global economy in crisis, and we have to take part in the healing process, and if ever India needs to show its' leadership in the world economy.
There goes your de-coupling out the window Mr. FM. Make Shankar Sharma the FM instead, atleast when he reads "Danger" he doesnt translate it to "Go Ahead". What a mischief, what a fool we've (ordinary investors) been made. The dream team played real good poker, they convinced us to put everything on the table and didnt have the courtesy to say "Sorry" when we had our a$$es bared. That's Indian leadership!
Well, the faith in Indian Corporates and the foundations of this economy have been completely shaken, what looked like a country full of Buffets and Gates, is not increasingly looking like characters from the movie "Traffic". Every second day, an industry representative is making statements about alms (read bailout) being given to his/her industry. Real-estate, MF, NBFC, Airlines, Oil Cos, Metals, Non-metals and Exporters (well the list would have been shorter the other way round) are all out with a bowl in their hand. Why, Udayan even tried to distance himself with the hollow "bullish" sentiments that hes' been trying to steer, and should take a large part of the "moral" blame if small investors are running for cover. Most experts barring Shankar Sharma, are almost ready to form the "Yes I fucked up, but dont blame me.org" NGO.
In a world of serious coupling, and global reach, it would have been foolhardy to think that storms are only regional. No! This is a global economy in crisis, and we have to take part in the healing process, and if ever India needs to show its' leadership in the world economy.
Kumble Retires!
Old NPAs are being weeded by the BCCI and we are supposed to believe that "Cricketing greats are bidding adieu"
Kumble, if anything, was a prime beneficiary of a twisted "region-based" selection committee that is hell-bent on pushing players that represent their sporting zone or unit. That Kumble played for 18 years is quite amazing, since he bats like a moron, screams at other players when hes' bowling like a frustrated house-wife, and himself fields like a 50-year old. Yes, hes' a thorough gentleman, but that's his education, what qualities does he possess / did he possess to make him into a great sportsperson - none.
What is really disgusting is that while Vishy Anand was achieving the greatest Indian Sports feat, there was NO live telecast, nor any site streaming "live action" especially given that Chess is the simplest sport that can be brodcast using text. Those moves that Anand made were worth hours of debate and understanding, and we missed it completely, instead we cheer for "Jumbo".
Lets' just put up another statistic of "Kumble's run saved off his own bowling v/s the decibels he blurted out when his (disgustingly) straight deliveries were whacked and went past the nearest fielder at the speed of light". Just compare this to the great Vishy Anand and you'd know what I meant in the opening.
Thanks Kumble for being part of Indias' Cricket Team for 18 long years, but No Thanks.
Kumble, if anything, was a prime beneficiary of a twisted "region-based" selection committee that is hell-bent on pushing players that represent their sporting zone or unit. That Kumble played for 18 years is quite amazing, since he bats like a moron, screams at other players when hes' bowling like a frustrated house-wife, and himself fields like a 50-year old. Yes, hes' a thorough gentleman, but that's his education, what qualities does he possess / did he possess to make him into a great sportsperson - none.
What is really disgusting is that while Vishy Anand was achieving the greatest Indian Sports feat, there was NO live telecast, nor any site streaming "live action" especially given that Chess is the simplest sport that can be brodcast using text. Those moves that Anand made were worth hours of debate and understanding, and we missed it completely, instead we cheer for "Jumbo".
Lets' just put up another statistic of "Kumble's run saved off his own bowling v/s the decibels he blurted out when his (disgustingly) straight deliveries were whacked and went past the nearest fielder at the speed of light". Just compare this to the great Vishy Anand and you'd know what I meant in the opening.
Thanks Kumble for being part of Indias' Cricket Team for 18 long years, but No Thanks.
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