Sunday, July 30, 2006

Tips For Marathon Runners

I got these links from a wellness forum and found it useful.. I hope you do to..

Tips for Marathon Runners

Your first marathon (Part I)

Your first marathon (Part II)

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Travelog # 1 - Lombard Street

I am starting a new travelog series with Lombard Street. In this series, I am planning to share travel experiences from places visited over the years. My intent is to post one per post per week on this subject...

Lombard Street
Lombard Street is considered the crookedest street in San Francisco, USA and is a tourist attraction in itself. People from all over throng this area and drive through the street for the experience of it. One has to climb through 3 blocks of steep hill before driving down a steep descent.

I utterly failed in my initial attempts to driver through Lombard Street with a stick shift car. I lacked the confidence and skill to juggle clutch, gas and break while driving uphill. This resulted in my vehicle going backward instead of forward.

Even after switching to an automatic car, I wasn't successful in my first attempt. I was driving with a boat load of people in the van and had to quit after the 2 blocks of steep hill. Then one my colleague taught me the trick of using both legs to drive uphill in an automatic car and that did the trick. Once I knew how to maneuver gas & break with both legs simultaneously, I in fact became an expert in traversing through Lombard Street and drove several of my friends and family through.

Here are some pictures I took in April 2003

Lamboard Street
The crookedest street in San Francisco

Lombard Street
Steep descent

Crawl Down the Street at 5 MPM
Crawl down Lombard at 5 mph

Bay Bridge from Lombard Street
partial view of the Bay Bridge from Lombard

Cable Car
Cable Car near Lombard

More photos in flickr

Friday, July 28, 2006

Sujatha Talks About Blogswara

In his latest installment of Katradhum Petradhum in Vikatan

Blogswara

Thennavan & I met Sujatha last month to give him the first album produced by the Blogswara team with absolutely no ask. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see him talk about Blogswara in his Kadrathum Petradhum today.

Congratulations Blogswara team....
Article on Blogswara
Courtesy: Vikatan.Com

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Cable Tangle

Need Freedom from mushrooming cables and connectors.

As mobile devices proliferate, so is the need to carry plethora of cables and connectors

Recently, I encountered a problem that many you might relate to. After a long day, I reached my car in the Chennai Airport parking lot and dipped my hand in to the backpack to retrieve my car key. You guessed it right, I couldn't find the key.. It had 'hidden' under the maze of cables and chargers. I had to literally empty my backpack on to the sidewalk to find the lonely key.

Cable Tangle
Stuff dumped on the road to find the key

That's when it stuck me, why am I carrying all that stuff.. A quick inventory made me realize that I need all of that stuff for my laptop, mobile phone, digital camera and MP3 player. Then I started wondering, if there can be standardization across the globe on telephone and electrical outlets , why not some standardization between various mobile devices?

Basically, the problem areas relates to three things: 1)Battery, 2)Charger & 3)connector. The are fundamentally different for each mobile device / manufacturer.

Battery: There is almost no commonality on this between the manufacturers on this front. I do realize that many companies use this as a differentiator in the market space, but wonder if the over all size and some parameters can be standardized. With in the broad guidelines, manufactures can do their stuff to differentiate. After all, we already have some commonality with AA, AAA, C & D batteries.

Chargers: While some devices allow you to charge via laptop, I find myself carrying separate chargers for each device just in case. It would be nice if I can carry just one charger and be able to 'plug N play' with all the gadgets in my backpack.

Added to this, backward compatibility is a problem as well. I recently bought a Nokia phone just so that I could use it with the chargers that are already in place at several vantage places at home, work etc., Alas, my new Nokia phone wouldn't work with the 'old' Nokia charger.

Connectors: While there is some standardization on connectors for with the advent of USB, some highly popular devices like iPod still uses a proprietary connector.

From a business perspective, accessories may be high margin business for companies but what consumers want is fewer of them.

What do you think?

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

India and Israel

India and Israel
Both countries have lot in common but tread very different paths when it comes to tackling terrorism.

While Israel abides by no negotiation principle, India has succumbed to terrorists demands at various times. Israel refused to negotiate in 1972 leading Munich massacre and in 1976 it launched a daring rescue operation called Operation Entebbe to rescue Israelis held in Uganda. On the other hand, India surrendered to terrorists in Kandahar(1999) and Srinagar (1989 - Rubia Sayeed kidnap case).

Fast Forward to 2006
Both Israel and India have been victims of terrorism for a long time and have responded differently. Currently, both countries are under attack.

Israel is currently fighting in two fronts because its soldiers were kidnapped. They have moved back in to Gaza after Hamas dug a tunnel in to Israel and kidnapped a soldier. Israel moved in to Southern Lebanon after Hezbollah abducted two Israeli soldiers. There have been cries from several quarters (including India) that Israel is retaliating with excessive force.

India witnessed simultaneous bombings in Srinagar and Mumbai with fatalities running in to several hundreds. Initially, India pointed finger across the border as the instigator but hasn't done much else.

While I understand, India is no Israel and Pakistan is no Lebanon, what I fail to understand is the lack of comprehensive review and action by India. These Mumbai and Srinagar blasts are not the first ones and will not be the last ones either. India Today states that over 26,000 civilians have lost their life to terrorism since 1993 in India. What is the straw that is going to break the camel's back?

I do not agree with several policies of Israelis but I do admire their steely resolve to survive and hit back.

In 1999, India lost several hundred soldiers in Kargil, after it decided not cross the line of control to reclaim the land occupied by Pakistan. Again in Dec 2001, after the parliament attack India mobilized for a war with Pakistan but eventually backed out. In that process, India lost several hundred soldiers just preparing for a war that never happened.

I do understand the ground realities in Middle East and South Asia are totally different. But guess what, no two situations will ever be alike and there will always be differences one can hide behind. One thing is similar though.. Both India and Israel were provoked in the last 30 days and this where the similarity ends. While Israel acted, India talked..

My question to Indian political leadership is simply.. When is it enough? At some point, India should stand up and say ENOUGH.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Maximum Coverage

For Blogs in The Hindu today. Three stories about Blogs (1, 2, 3) in a single day. What's with that?

Helmet Please

It is common sense but not common practice....

With the State Government dithering on the helmet issue, 95%* of the chennai two wheeler riders don't wear the most crucial safety gear. And, it is costing them dearly. Several studies have repeatedly shown that two wheeler riders are most prone to fatal injuries in an accident., which happens at alarming frequency in Chennai roads.

Yesterday, My son came home from school dazed and upset. One of his classmate's father had just passed away due to a road accident. His two wheeler was hit from the back by a heavy vehicle. He suffered severe head injuries and succumbed to it in the hospital. We now understand that his life may have been saved had he been wearing helmet.

I realize that these kinds of things happen on a daily basis.... But, when they happen close to home, it strikes you..

So, my dear friends.. If you are riding a two wheeler, for the sake your family, friends and most importantly you.. Don't leave home without your helmet..

*My own observation and unscientific calculation

Monday, July 24, 2006

Have A Question of Crazy Mohan?

I delighted to announce that Crazy Mohan will be the guest for my next podcast interview. Mr. Mohan has penned and acted in numerous stage plays. He has also been writing screen plays and dialogues for several movies with my favorite being Michael Madana Kamarajan. I plan to interview him this weekend, so if you have questions, please do drop a line..

Related Links
IMDB

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Who Blogs?

In this, perhaps FOAK research, Pew Internet finds that
Bloggers are a mostly young, racially diverse group of people who have never been published anywhere else and who most often use cyberspace to talk about their personal lives,
I tried to apply it on me..

Mostly young - No (But, most of the Indian bloggers I know would fit this criteria)
Racially diverse - Yes (But Not Applicable)
Never Published - Yes
Talk Personal Stuff - Partly ?

3 out of 4.. Not bad.. It is even more impressive, if you account for that fact that the focus of the research was US and not India.

It found that 8% or 12 million Americans blog and 57 million Americans read them.

Now, I wonder 'who blogs' in India? How many read them?
Is it 1) Young 2)Urban 3)IT professional 4) With at least one college degree ?

Friday, July 21, 2006

Hooray...

The blog block seems to be have been lifted..
I am now able to access my blog and few others directly now.. Finally the unnecessary drama has come to pass.. with no official word or apology from the concerned parties..

Podcast: Chat with SVe Shekhar

Chat with SVe Shekhar


MP3 File


MP3 File
Please listen in on this interesting conversation with SVe Shekhar. In this, he talks about his political entry and also about his dramas and his plans to visit US later this year.

This interview is little long (27 minutes), but I sure hope you find worth the listen.
As always, please let me know your feedback..

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Defining Creamy Layer?

According to The Hindu, Government of India has begun to define the creamy layer amongst OBCs. The purpose of this exercise is unclear, but it is a very small step in the right direction.

This exercise should not be limited to just OBCs but should cover all reserved categories and they should be excluded from quota benefits at all levels. This will prove to be a herclulean task as the likes of Dr. Ramadoss are opposed to this very concept.

Good News?

May be..

Bloggers are not out of the woods yet but there are enough indications in the media that the bloggers may be back in business in a couple of days.

This whole strange episode seems to be a case of ISPs jumping 5000ft when they were asked to jump only 5 inches. According to The Hindu, Government of India asked the ISPs to block 2 blogspot blog without giving any explanation and the ISPs applied it to the entire domain.
"I have seen the Government order. Only two webblogs — pyjamaeditors.blogspot.com and exposingtheleft.blogspot.com — have been blocked," Gulshan Rai, head of cyber security agency Computer Emergency Response Team, told AFP.
Also, IBNLive reports that the block will be lifted soon..

But there's some good news too. Blogs may be accessible again in a few days.

"Instructions will be given out soon and things will start looking up," Singhal said.

I hear check is in the mail.. I will wait for it before I rejoice. I hope it comes soon.. very soon

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Bangalore Marathon Date Announced

Finally, we have some definitive news on the Bangalore Marathon. Several of us got a mail from M Darshan of Crossover Sports announcing the date for 2006 Bangalore Marathon. It will now be held on September 17, 2006 with registrations set to commence in August.

I prefer September to May in Bangalore as the weather would be more conducive for the long run.

Here is the mail I got from Mr. Darshan
Dear Marathoners,

Best Compliments of the Season!

Further to our earlier mail dated 8th April 2006 on the postponement
of the Race to September. The Race now is confirmed to be held
on the 17th of September 2006.
We will open registration by the 1st week of August.
We will keep you updated on the same.

Regards,
Darshan M

Blogger Files RTI

With no credible information coming from the Government of India on the blog block even after 5 day, a Sonepet blogger has filed a Right To Information (RTI) application wanting to know why some sites are blocked. The main questions in the application are:
  • Has there been a directive issued by the government to blocks certain domains?
  • Why has this blanket block come into force?
  • When will the block cease to exist?
  • What form of redress does an Indian citizen have to ensure that these websites are no longer blocked?
I hope the RTI stuff really works. It should shed some light on this half-baked initiative by the Government.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Marathon Tips

If you are in to long distance running in hot, humid weather conditions like in Chennai, Singapore, Tokyo or Beijing then this is a must read article.

NYTimes has published a well researched article about how to prepare for a Marathon that will happen in hot, humid weather conditions. The article says the 54F is the ideal temperature for running a Marathon and each extra degree slows down the runner and takes additional toll on the body. (Now think of the Chennai, Bangalore or Singapore running conditions.. )
Dr. Martin, analyzing performance records for men, calculated that the optimum temperature for a fast marathon was about 54 degrees. Running times, he said, slow by one minute or more with every seven degrees above that, because it becomes more difficult for the body to cool itself.

When it is humid, sweat does not easily evaporate, so the body sweats even more. Blood volume drops, and the body has to make a choice: divert blood to the skin for cooling or divert it to the muscles for performance. It sends blood to the skin.
The article continues to talk about a concept called glycerin loading to keep the runners hydrated.

He added that the legal, safe way to do it is through glycerin loading. The technique exploits the unusual properties of glycerin, a thick, gooey sugar alcohol that is sold in drugstores as a lubricant. Each molecule of glycerin absorbs three molecules of water. During a race, the body uses the glycerin for energy. And every time the body metabolizes a molecule of glycerin, “it unleashes three molecules of water,” Dr. Martin said.

The result, he said, is that “you have a water bank account.”

Glycerin loading, he added, should be reserved for races of a half marathon or longer, when runners are competing in intense heat for at least an hour and a half

Posting Without visibility

Its kind of funny, India seems to have blocked access blogspot (and few other sites) but have not turned off the ability to post. So, here I am posting.. but can't read my own posting..

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am not able to see the rationale behind this wholesale blocking of blogs. This move is akin to banning telecommunications because the bad guys use it as well. I don't see how this blanket ban will help India crack down on terrorism.

India Blocks Blogs

May be the Mumbai blasts triggered it.. But, India has now joined the select (!!!!) club of countries blocking blogs. I have not been able to access my blog for the past 24 hours.

Initially I was thought it was my machine problem.. My ISP problem and stuff, But when the problem persisted.. I started doubting and then I read this, which confirmed my nagging fears.

India has ordered ISPs to block several blog sites including blogspot, Typepad and Geocities. When I last checked wordpress and MSN Spaces were still working and it is probably just a matter of time before they get blocked too.

I am not sure what Indian Government is trying to achieve by this, but I sure do hope saner elements prevail and lift this ban.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of main stream media.. Will they rejoice or protest?

Meanwhile, this link might help you by passing the ban..

Update #1
Karthik S: I saw your comment because it came to my mail, otherwise, I have no way of viewing my blog or the comments.

Karthik, the fact of the matter is our blogs have been blocked with no responsible statement coming from anyone. If India wanted to block certain blogs then certainly this is not the way to do it.

Karthik, I don't know where you live but, you sure seem to have access to blogspot.. but I can't read your post and hence comment as I don't have access to your blog.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Have A Question for SVe Shekhar?

I am still working with Chinmayi on podcast interview. It's just that our schedules aren't working out.. I still hope to do it in about a week.

In the meanwhile, I connected with SVe Shekhar and he readily agreed to do an interview. Mr. Shekhar wears multiple hats and has been a public figure for a while now. He started his career in Tamil Dramas and moved to Tamil Films and then on to the political scene. He successfully stood in the recently held Tamil Nadu assembly elections and defeated another film personality Mr. Napolean to become the MLA of Mylapore.

SVe Shekhar continues to be active in the drama circuit and makes countless laugh with well timed jokes. I am looking forward to my interaction with him.. If you have a question for him, do drop a line..

I planned to talk to him in the next couple of weeks. So, if you have a question for him, do drop a line.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Kumbakonam Kids

Exactly two years ago, over 90 kids perished in a ghastly fire due to the callous attitude of the School, City and State Government officials. That particular school has been closed, but many such schools still run with impunity in many parts of Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in India. This is despite of all the noise that was made immediately after the fire.

Since this tragedy, many other tragedies have stuck India and people seem to have forgotten the Kumbakonam Kids. In fact, there is not even a mention of the Kumbakonam anniversary in the papers today.

We can not bring back the kids but the least we could do is to keep their memory alive and prevent such incidents in the future.

My thoughts and prayers with the all the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the fire.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Time to Act

If this story is indeed true and that Pakistan was involved in the recent Mumbai blasts then it is time for India to act. Another bout of spineless rhetoric without matching action will not cut it.

India should hit the enemy where it hurts in a calculated and methodical way. India's enemy must learn that, it cannot bleed India continuously in this kind of low intensity war. I am not advocating a full blown war even for a minute, as it will be too expensive and will only multiply the problem. But I am suggesting actions that will show the enemy that India is not impotent and is not a soft state.

If India doesn't act now then all its military might howsoever potent & powerful they may be will be of no use. I am no expert in this area, but even I can come up with tones of things India can do now. There are lot of options for India between total inaction and a full blown war:
  1. Stop talking to the enemy and declare them as such.
  2. Share the details of the cross border connection with the world and isolate the enemy.
  3. Put a maniacal focus to go after the perpetrators these ghastly acts and bring them to justice. (Unfortunately, India does not have a good record in this from except for Akshardam incident)
  4. If there are terrorist camps across the border as India keeps harping, then eliminate them.
  5. Inflict focused economic damage to the enemy. The message should be if you hurt then I will too.
  6. Be prepared for a protracted altercation with the enemy
  7. Most importantly, stand up for what is best for India and not be cowed down by any kind of outside pressure.
So, what will India do? Or what do you think India can do?

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Are You Ready ?

Chennai Runners, Singapore Marathon 2006 website is up and running now. Registration will be open on July 21, 06. Register early to avail early bird discount.

I understand Bangalore Marathon is happening in September but haven't seen conclusive information yet.. Do you know?

I am looking forward to participating in both these marathons and would like to complete them under 4 hours. But, that objective looks like a distant dream as of now..

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

When Is IT Enough?

Yesterday a series of bombs went off in Mumbai and Srinagar causing extensive damage to human lives and property shattering many dreams and families.

Yet, the media and the leaders are raving about the resliency of the people of Mumbai as though couple of hundred lives lost yesterday don't matter. Life will never be the same again for all those families who have lost their near and dear ones. And for countless others who are scared by this incident, how will the life be normal ever again?

So, How does the state of Maharashtra & Indian Government respond? They condemn the incident and announce solatium to the families affected and in the same breadth talk about how the life is getting back to normal.

The collective Indian political leadership has failed the Indians time and time again to find lasting solution to this problem. I understand and grudgingly agree that terrorism may never be totally eradicated and we all have to live with some amount risk. But, the Indians are being asked to pay a heavy price for the inefficient governance of its leaders.

The knee jerk reaction of Indian political leadership is appalling. When a federal minister's daughter is abducted, they will spinelessly swap terrorists for the VIP's daughter. When a plane is hijacked, they will let it slip out of their hands and send foreign minister to hand deliver terrorists in a foreign soil. (How many of us remember Rupin Katyal and whatever happened to the Mrs. Katyal.) Even now, leaders will make grandiose noise, but will go back to BAU (business as usual) very soon and that is until next tragedy.

It is amazing that Indians bear with such a leadership, numb down and accept these continuous mindless violence as part of life yet don't raise up and take the political leadership to task.

Just yesterday over 200 families lost their bread winners and their lives would have changed forever.
Just yesterday, over 500 people were injured and the life has changed for them and for their families forever.
Just yesterday, many children would have lost their mother or father would live with out their parental love forever.
Just yesterday, countless dreams were shattered and ended forever.
Yet, the media and the leaders have the gall to boast of the resilency of the Indians.

I wish
  1. Indians don't take this kind of violence tamely any more and put the leadership on notice.
  2. Indians demand better accountability from its leadership.
  3. Indian media keeps the memory of these kind of incidents alive and put pressure on the government.
  4. Indian Government methodically goes after the terrorist network and eliminate them in a calculated manner.
  5. Indian Government stops the rhetoric about foreign inspired terrorism and acts to eliminate them.
Yes, there are billion plus Indians around but they can be put to better use and not have to become fodder for the continuous cycle of violence.

Simply Put, Indians deserve better leadership.

My heart felt condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones. May God be with you in this time of crisis. You will be in my prayers for quite sometime to come.

Related Links
A touching post by PK

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Katrathum Petrathum is back

Yes.. Sujatha's Katrathum Petrathum is back on Vikatan from next week.

courtesy: vikatan.com
Sujatha did tell us about re-starting this popular column when we met him couple of weeks back, but didn't think it would start so soon.

But kind of makes sense.. Now that Ganesh and Vasanth have solved Sylvia's death puzzle rather quickly, it must have given space for the commencement of Katrathum Petrathum.

Mr. Suajtha.. Looking forward to your Blog (Katrathum Petrathum) .....

Tokyo Travel Notes # 4

Places to see..

I was able to squeeze a little bit of sight seeing before I headed back, I went to Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace both of which were closer to my hotel.

Tokyo Tower
Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is a replica of the famous Eiffel Tower of Paris. At 333 meters, it is 13 meters taller than Eiffel and also serves as TV broadcasting station. Even though, this tower is taller, it did not have the huge greenery like the Paris Tower which gives it a majestic look.

Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, very close

Tight shot of Tokyo Tower and couple of us..
Tried to put myself in the frame

Neon World - A view from the Tokyo Tower
Tokyo skyline by night from Tokyo Tower - 250 meter deck

View of Tokyo Tower from the Palace Lawns
From a distance.. Tokyo Tower from Imperial Palace Grounds

Tokyo Palace
Imperial Palace is right in the heart of Tokyo city, surrounded by lush green park. Original palace built in 1888 was destroyed during second world war and was rebuilt to original specification later. Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public most of the year and that's where we went.

A Bridge too far..
Imperial Palace in the background... Visitors not allowed

In front of the bridge
Entrance to the Imperial Palace.. Protected by guards and a canal

Statue of Kusunoki Masashige
Kusunoki Masashige - 14th Century Samurai. Statue found outside the palace

A short clip of the Tokyo Tower & Imperial Palace

Monday, July 10, 2006

Unnai Kelaai..

Third and final installment

This from the Desam, tamil version of the Hindi movie Swades. (Hariharan & Maharajan (and not Mahalingam) with AR Rahman)

These were from function organized by the Tamil film fraternity to felicitate Ms. Jayalalithaa in 2004.



Previous clips can be found here and here

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Tokyo Travel Notes # 3

The Singapore Pit Stop

I had long layover on my trip back to Chennai, So decided to venture out in to city to shop and also to meet Kaps.

We decided to meet up, where else ? At Serangoon Road aka Little India. We had our lunch at Anjappar, just off of the Serangoon Road and had a good chat about lot of things from blogs to West Mambalam to Savy Shopping in Singapore.

Kaps introduced me to Naranjan Traders, which is very to close to Mustafa yet cheaper. Here how it works, check out the item you want to buy at Mustafa (mobile phone only ?) and walk over to Naranjan to buy it. But Please note, its all cash only transaction with no possibility of GST refund.
Ferrar Park MRT
Farrer Park MRT, this where you want to get down to reach Mustafa. Singapore MRT is very convenient and simple. Took me about 45 minutes to get to Little India from Changi Airport.
Mustafa Center
The famous Mustafa Center. It is now open 24 hours and Kaps tells me that Mustafa is the largest retail store in Singapore (in terms of revenue ?)

Komalas introducing Chindian..!!!
Komalas with an array of new dishes called Chindian.. Do they offer these in Chennai ?


Here is small clip I took in the Little India vicinity..

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Its Official - Google is a Verb

We have long used it as such... But it is now official. Merriam-Webster has decided to include Google and 100 other words in their new dictionary.

Some other terms included are: mouse potato, spyware... (Wonder what is mouse potato? Check it out, it would be apt for some of us..)

Dr. Ramadoss Will you ensure..

That NLC staff also doesn't get paid for their strike period ?

Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has been categorical in refusing to pay AIIMS doctors when they struck work during the recent anti-reservation agitation. He consistently took the stand that the policy of 'no work no pay' will be strictly enforced. (I think there is even a case in the Supreme Court on this..)
On the strike by the AIIMS doctors, Dr. Ramadoss said they would not be given any salary for the time they struck work but there would be no other action
Now, Dr. Ramadoss, will you ensure that the same yardstick is applied to NLC staff who stuck work protesting the 10% dis-investment proposal of Government of India?

Friday, July 07, 2006

Tokyo Travel Notes #2

Commuting in Tokyo
A hallmark of any city is sometimes known by how easy and safe it is for foreigners and tourists to get around the city. Tokyo would easily score very high on this front.

Tokyo perhaps has the best public transportation system in the world. Tokyo is one of the most populated cities yet their Subways, Buses & Taxis are simply the best each complementing the other.

It might take a little while to understand the system particularly with the language challenge but the entire is system is kind of 'idiot proof', so we can put our arms around it relatively easy. Once you do, you will start to love the system, it is cheaper, comfortable and convenient.

Commuting To /From the Airport
Tokyo Airport (NRT) is pretty far from the city (like Chengalpattu to Chennai) and the best way to get in and out of the NRT is by Airport Limousine Bus. They are frequent and ply through out the day. It took me 75 minutes and JPY 3000 to reach my hotel in the heart of the city. Taxis and Trains are also available but they are not as convenient and cheaper like the Bus.

So, use the Airport Limousine Bus from / to NRT. They are punctual, convenient and comfortable and ply to most of the places in the City.

Airport Limousine Bus stop @ NRT
Clearly marked stops @ NRT for Airport Limousine Buses

Tokyo Taxis
Within the city, Taxis are ubiquitous and easy to engage. They are clean, comfortable and most importantly ply by meter (A huge relief for anyone from Chennai.)

Sometimes, you might have a problem if you just know the English name of the place you are going. It is advisable to also have the Japanese name handy while engaging Taxis particularly if you are venturing without any of your local hosts.

Most of the Taxi's have GPS and are high tech.
All of the Taxis I engaged were hi-tech. They had GPS, credit card swiping system, printer, device radio contact and more....

Taxi Line near my hotel
Taxis form a line at their designated places and wait for their turn. Taxi Drivers stay INSIDE the car.

Tokyo Subways & Trains

Tokyo simply has one of the most comprehensive metro system anywhere in the world. Tokyo had a decent train system before the second world war but has grown leaps and bounds after the war in the last 40+ years.

Waiting for the train near Amagi
a Train station near Amagi, about 2 1/2 hours from Tokyo Central.

Tokyo Subway has many lines (I counted at least 7) and they cris-cross each other all several level under the ground. The underground maze is a world in itself and it is important to know the exit # to the real world. Otherwise, you would end up on the wrong side of the road and might have to trek again.

I got off the subway at Ginza station and wanted to head to SONY Building where I was supposed to meet my friend. I was told to take exit B9 and it took me a while to find it.



Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)
A must experience in Japan. Shinkansens have been around for a while and they run to many parts of Japan. Also, over the years they consistently upgraded the trains and have introduced several generations. All these have consistently improved the rider comfort and safety.

Their current focus is to reduce the 'noise pollution' levels. They should.. I could clearly hear these bullet trains constantly whizzing past even from my 26th floor Hotel room. Imagine , how disturbing it would be for the folks much closer to the tracks.

Tokyo rail lines from my hotel
Shinkansen on duty.... A view from my Hotel room.

Here is compilation of clips my colleague Steve took.. (Our train was 20 years old and were told the newer ones are even better.)

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Tokyo Travel Notes # 1

New Toy

I wanted to get a new digital camera on my way back in Singapore, but went to Akihabara , which is the place for electronic stuff in Tokyo. I was like a kid in the candy store, couldn't resist the itch and yielded to it. My colleague and I bought the Canon IXY 800 IS (sold as SD700 outside Japan) were able to get volume discount.

IXY Digital 800S

IXY Digitial 800 IS

Few more snaps in flickr

I can now take short video clips and post them. Here comes my first clip

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Vandemataram

Narayanan.. per your request...

Here is a clip I had with me for a while. Couple of years back, Tamil movie industry did a big show to felicitate Ms. Jayalalitha for enacting laws to curb piracy. Most of the Tamil film fraternity were there, but the highlight of the session was the 15 minutes by AR Rahman. I posted the first clip of Chinmayi yesterday and this is the second installment of kids singing the famous Vandemataram to AR Rahman's keyboard.

If you look closely, you can spot Saindhavi, Sowmya (Airtel SuperSinger contestant who is in the final 8) and Puja & Vignesh (little girl and boy who sang in Swades - Yeah Tara Woh Tara..)




3rd and final installment: Hariharan & AR Rahman: "Unnai Kelai Nee Unnai Kelai.. (Tamil version of Yuhi Chala.. of Swades)

I Wish

I wish most of the Chennai roads and sidewalks (platforms) are like this with this warning. Before you start wondering, This is also in Chennai, home to some of the senior state Government officials
Open Sidewalks in Greenways Road, Chennai
A stretch of Greenways Road near Adyar, Chennai
Pointed warning.. VIP's residence stay away
Stern notice to stay away

But, most of the Chennai roads where commoners live are like this.. over crowded, heavily encroached and perilous for pedestrians.
Crowded St. Marys Road, Chennai
Crowded St. Mary's Road, Mylapore Chennai
Mylapore near RK Mutt Road
Can you spot the sidewalk in this picture ? (Near RK Mutt Road, Chennai)
Pedestrians - Risk your life
Walk at your own risk..

I wish all of Chennai roads become clean and pedestrian friendly like the stretch of Greenways Road or alternately Greenways Road also gets consumed by encroachment. If I were to hazard a guess, neither would happen, the roads of the commoner would continue to be crowded and encroached while the VIP enclaves would continue to be.. well maintained, well protected and encroachment free.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Have a Question for Chinmayi ?

Chinmayi is the next guest in my Podcast interview series.

Chinmayi needs no introduction to folks who have following Tamil Films. She came on to the scene with a bang and was introduced by some big guns of the Indian movie industry. She sang "Oru Theivam Thantha Poove" for AR Rahman in Manirathnam's Kannathil Muthamittal which was a runaway success. Since then she has sung in numerous films in Tamil and in other languages.

Currently, Chinmayi is also hosting the Airtel's Super Singer show in Vijay TV. This popular talent hunt show has been on the air for several weeks now and might run for few more weeks. We are now left with 8 contestants and one of them will get an opportunity to sing for Harris Jayaraj.

Besides singing and hosting, Chinmayi also runs a translation company called Blue Elephant.

I planned to talk to her about her singing, hosting and her translation company. Do you have question for her ?

Here is clip I had on Chinmayi. Incidentally my kids also sang in the same show and had recorded it a while back. (I loaded it yesterday but hasn't come online yet. In fact, I was holding this post for the clip to become active. Since it is more than the few minutes youtube tells me (actually 27 hours) and I want to get this one out.. I am going to publish this post now. I sure hope that the clip becomes active soon.)

Qatar Travel Notes

I am actually in Tokyo now, but wanted post this one as I have been playing with youtube for a couple of days now and posted a clip from my Qatar trip.

I was in Qatar couple of years back for a very short visit and the highlight of the visit was the desert safari. We engaged gulf-adventures, who took on this half-a-day desert safari close to the Saudi border. These guys were expert drivers and knew the terrain well.

Here are a few photos and a small clip from that trip.

Deep Dive
Down hill on a sand dune

ploughing through the desert sand
plowing through the desert wilderness

Sunset
Sunset

Lamborghini
Spotted this Lamborghini in the hotel lobby

More photos in flickr

Here some clips we took..


Sunday, July 02, 2006

Fishy Problem

For Mylai Kaplesshwar temple.

P1130015
Generally this temple tank is bone dry. But, last year precious water was pumped in for a temple festival which led to the growth of fish population. When I visited the tank in January, it was brimming with water....

Over hungry fish crowd
But now the tank over populated with fish creating fishy problem for the temple

People feeding fish @ the mylai temple tank
This attracts kids and the elderly alike and has become a tourist spot

Feeding Fish
With the visitors feeding the fish there is always a crowd waiting to be fed with 'pori'

A over hungry fish risking to get some food..
An over eager or over hungry fish dashing to get some food


With the receding water level and tones of starving fish, temple authorities have fishy dilemma to deal with. They first tried to auction the fish away but after public hue and cry they stopped it.

The temple authorities have a challenge which they might have never faced. Unless the water level is replenished (by rain or other ways), the fish population will continue to get squeezed and might eventually die. On the other hand, if they auction it, then they might end up dying as well.

A costly option is to catch them, transport them to the ocean near by. This could be a very expensive option for the temple and they might never do it.

So what should the temple be doing? What do you think?

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Keep Running

Keep Running
My Chennai Runners friend KK sent me this great card.. Thanks KK (Sounds similar to Johnny Walker's Keep Walking)