Black Cats to counter Black Magic

Can anything beat this? Gowda's Black Magic Gets Yeddy Z- Plus screams the Bangalore Mirror today. The report says that the "Saat din ka Sultaan" may feel better with gun-toting security personnel, automatic weapons, a motorcade or bomb detection squad guarding him agianst the black magic et al, but the state treasury is feeling the pinch. Its wallet is lighter by Rs. 18 lakhs per week.
This is in response to Mr. Yeddyurappa accusing Deve Gowda and his family indulging in black magic against him and that it is a threat to his life. Nasty politcs this

The only other person in the State given Z-Plus security is the Governor Rameshwar Thakur.

Z- Plus security is the top most security arrangement that can be given to any political leader or VVIP. This is given to those enjoying the VVIP status when there is a threat to their lives. One pilot vehicle and two escort vehicles, each with ten men will be provided. Moreover, security personnel will be deployed round the clock to their residences.

All visitors will be screened with a metal detector. In addition, the traffic police should be prompt in clearing traffic in case the VVIP is travelling by that particular road. Z-Plus includes bomb experts, automatic weapons, light bullet proof jackets, metal detectors, armed guards, ambulance, a motorcade etc. The police along with a dog squad have to check the VVIP's house everyday. His security will be supervised by an officer of the rank of ACP, with the assistance of an inspector and six police personnel.

The Bangalore Mirror says.."But thank god, the Z-Plus security system does not include the use of jammers in Yeddyurappa's case. If jammers are used, then all mobile network coverage within a certain radius depending on the range of the jammers will be shut down. Even a remote will not function. It is a device fitted to escort vehicles, which cuts down the transmission of high frequency signals to avoid bomb blasts etc."

Hmm....so much for an ex-Chief Minister. Now I wonder what Deve Gowda's response would be for this. Will he seek a higher security cover?

Only time will tell what is in store for us!!

Courtesy- Bangalore Mirror

The Sound of Music

Have they stopped making such movies?

The movie, a musical is one loved for the songs, the actors and well, the Sound of Music ofcourse. It is all about a captain who has 7 children and our heroine, Maria goes in to take care of them. The brats that they are, they try to chase her away but she manages to woo them. Set in the nazi period, it is a wonderful movie.



Do re me is a favourite with children. But my all time favourite is the Confidence song and love the portion
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!

Then there is this "These are a few of my favourite things" So fresh and peppy even today. I cant have enough of watching and listening to all these songs

Nann(mm)a Bengaluru

I am suddenly in a nostalgic mood...remembering the city as it used to be and the state it is in now..



I love Nanna Bengaluru very much. Bangalore has always been home though I have stayed in Bombay too for sometime and visited quite a few cities. Nothing to beat the charm of Bangalore. Much as I might crib about my city, it is more out of love for the city.

Those were the days I remember as a toddler we used to walk through M G Road to Cubbon Park. It was another story that my mother or father carried me most of the walk. I still vividly remember collecting the May Flowers strewn on the roadside pavements. The traffic, compared to today used to be next to nil then. Going to Bal Bhavan and going on the toy train, eating popcorn. I have relived all that again with my daughters though we have not walked on MG Road to Cubbon Park.

We used to go upto the top step of the Vidhana Soudha and peer inside through the sliding shutters and look in wonder at the painted roof and the chandeliers. Now all one can do is look at the marvel from the pavement. Well, security.. I can go on and on about Bangalore. Here is something about Bangalore.
When I read this, Oh yeah, Bangalore is definitely the best city. The phenomenal growth of the city has attracted many. However, political uncertainty seems to be putting people off too, per industry reports.

Climatically too, the "pensioners paradise" was very pleasant with nobody complaining about the heat, and most middle class houses did not need a fan. Now it is hard to see houses without air conditioners.

There are a lot of issues that I would like to mention here which I am saving for subsequent separate posts.

Whatever one may say, no other city (Call it frog in the well syndrome and I dont care) can beat the beauty of Bangalore. Well, it still IS the Garden City and can remain one if we strive to atleast keep it this way.

Pic - Me

Save Kannada and the Microsoft Connection

What is the connection between Kannada language, literature and Microsoft? The reports are that Microsoft has submitted a letter of intent to the Government of Karnataka (well, do we have one) to establish paperless offices. The opposers say that it is riddled with errors. They have started a Save Kannada Campaign. Is it save Kannada? Does Kannada need saving or is there an ulterior motive in just ensuring Microsoft doesnt do this project? The site itself seems riddled with contradictions

My question is, we have so many companies and agencies in India offering software solutions worldwide, cant we do what Microsoft has proposed to do?

ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಹಾರ್ಧಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು‌

BJP Rally

These were some sights witnessed in Bangalore on 31st October 2007 during the BJP Rally to pressurize the Governor to invite BJP-JD(S) combine to form the Government which put the traffic in total chaos. I was driving from MG Road towards Raj Bhavan where I asked a Policeman if I could drive past, he said sure madam, 'Democracy". If you can make space, you can drive by:)



This was near Minsk Square




On MG Road



Brisk business for some balloon vendors infront of Chinnaswamy Stadium


Infront of the Queens Statue, Cubbon Park, M G Road


Gathering for the Rally


Buses bringing supporters in hordes