Arzan, city captain of Mumbai metblogs has been keeping Metblogs readers updated on the state of affairs in the metropolis.

Our wishes and prayers go out to everyone in Mumbai.  Like the rest of the nation, we hope the madness ends soon.

“ALARMS & EXCURSIONS” – More Plays than One

At

Rangashankara , J.P.Nagar

October 8th & 9th (Both days at 7:30 PM)

Telebooking : 9845017975 (Rs 150/Ticket)

Online Booking : www.indianstage.in

Ticket Outlets : Rangashankara, K.C Das, St. Mark’s Rd,

Blossom Book House, Church Street

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Hmmm, this is one freaking subject, that people would love to hate. Lots has been told and discussed across every newspaper and TV news. But there is no end to it. Nevertheless, I just thought , let me add my 2 cents.
Couple of days back, I saw an article in the newspaper that some folks from the United States Of America are coming to Bangalore, as consultants, to solve the Bangalore Traffic issues. Ok, whatever, to solve or suggest. It is definitely a good thought. But what really bothered me was that, it was never the issue, that we didnt know what the problem was, and how to solve it. There are more than enough suggestions thrown by across all kinds of Media on this. Its just a matter of implementation. That’s where we really lack. When are the concerned authorities really understand this simple fact. Today when I look into the paper again, I see exactly what I had in my mind from the same folks from US. They said, its the simple issues that need to be taken care, and if done ,most of the issues would be solved. I guess if a firangi says something which we have been saying all the time, it might be taken in a better sense. Probably the accent makes the difference. But if these firangis are acting as a catalyst for the betterment of Bangalore, I dont think its a big price we are paying these consultants. The only part pending is the implementation.

Now to add on to the implementation part, here is something which really puts me off. Everyday I travel via the Marutinagar route towards BTM Layout from Koromangala. Those who have traveled on that small road, would clearly know how slow the traffic can actually move on that road. Now the authorities seem to have got a brilliant idea as to how to further slow down the traffic. They have now built 2 speed breakers within a distance of 100meters. I really cant understand the very need of a speed breaker on such a cramped road . Here’s something for the authorities, A speed breaker is supposed to cut down the speed , not to get the vehicle to a standstill. There is no way that the vehicle can go above 20kmph on that road. Please use some common sense.

This is what I saw right behind my motorbike in the parking area at Palace grounds, soon after attending the Independence Rock Festival last Sunday. And needless to say, I stood there, partially frozen and wonder struck, pinching myself to see if I was hallucinating. The driver was kind enough to allow me to take a few pictures of this masterpiece.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolls Royce Phantom ! Take a bow !

In 2007, Rolls Royce sold 11 Phantoms in India .The car is priced between Rs. 3.5 and 4 crore.

“The First Leaf”, a special play for children in English, will be staged at Ranga Shankara from 26-28 August 2008 at 7.30 pm.

“The First Leaf” is a production of AHA! Ranga Shankara’s Theatre for Children initiative. Padmavati Rao, who has previously served as Assistant Director on Shankar Nag’s popular TV serial, Malgudi Days, directs the play. The translation into English from the original by Shrirang Godbole is by the director. Padmavati has also co-directed AHA!’s other production “Gumma Banda Gumma” in Kannada.

Music for “The First Leaf” is by Bhavataarini, daughter of the famous composer, Ilayaraja.

This play opened in December last year to an appreciative audience of children and adults. Till date, over 6200 children have enjoyed the play through the Deccan Herald’s Newspaper in Education programme.

“The First Leaf” tells the inspiring story of Putti, her brother Dodu and friend Chinna who live in a time of imminent environmental catastrophe, which is as real as today and looms as close as tomorrow. The three young students explore their surroundings through fantasy and fun with the new tenant in their residential complex, who breathes new meaning into all he touches and encounters. The lesson ultimately learnt is one of protecting Plant Earth.

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I attended the Independence Rock festival at Palace grounds last night and watched some amazing performances by some of the best bands from Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin and Trivandrum. While I was being frisked at the security counter at the entrance I spotted two advertisements that brought a big smile on my face. If you’re a fan of Def Leppard or Jethro Tull, you’ll know why. Its Rock ‘n’ Roll Season again in Bengaluru !

The family dropped by at Coffee Day the other day for a steaming night cap, after dinner. When the coffees came, my son pointed out to the smiley poster on the wall. The message there was interesting : If you don’t see a smiley in your cup, the coffee is on the house.

As you can see, my cup had something that looked like a coffee bean – not even remotely close to a smile. I alerted our friendly waiter about the smiley and sure enough, they didn’t charge me for my coffee.

Net takeaway : If there’s no smiley in your coffee cup, there’s bound to be one on your face … when you see the bill. Nice gesture.

(Not sure how long this offer is open, so do check this out the next time you’re at Coffee Day.)

There’s a link to “latte art” here, if you’re interested.

Deccan Herald’s news report on the closing of the row of tiny shops selling temple materials alerted me to this sad visual today – see images

Commercial cab drivers are said to be protesting in and around few parts of the city and preventing the employee cabs of different companies from commuting to various places as per schedule.

It is said that as a part of the benefits, the cab drivers are not eligible for accident benefits which they think is an important aspect considering the amount of accidents that transpires.
There ware some disturbance reported earlier in the morning though the situation seems to be under control.

Undoubtedly, this is the right time for the auto drivers to make some extra money. Isn’t it? However, car pooling should be a good thought.

Not sure if this strike is going to continue for some more days. Any idea?
Is there some other reason for the strike?

So I’ve been going for Bharat Thakur’s yoga classes for a few months now and it’s made quite a difference to my health. I’ve increased my flexibility and stamina over this time. A lot of people also lose weight through the exercises. Mine though has been less significant (mainly because I like my meals too much!).

Anyway, though Bharat Thakur doesn’t personally come and teach you (sadly :-) the instructors are pretty good. Right now, JP Nagar, Koramangala and Indiranagar are some of the areas where the classes are being held.

If you want to come for a trial class, the timings are:
Morning: 6.00-7.00, 7.00 to 8.00
Evening: 6.00-7.00, 7.00 to 8.00

These are the batches at Koramangala. The other venues might have different timings.

You can also get one trial class, but do be prepared to sweat it out because the exercises are slightly improvised and are faster paced than the other yoga schools. So you might find the class slightly more strenous, but in the long run it’s a good way to burn your calories and get fit!

To come in for a trial class and for the current fee structure, call Ramshad: 9480336648.